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In this episode of Singing Through Fire, host Lara Silverman interviews Ara and Esther Assilian about raising their son Hirad, who suffered severe brain damage at birth. After spending three days on a respirator, Hirad unexpectedly began breathing on his own and lived for 13 years, requiring around-the-clock care. Ara shares his struggle with anger and unanswered prayers for healing, while Esther reflects on her steadfast faith and the comfort she found in church music. Together, they explore God’s presence in suffering, the dignity of people with disabilities, and how their journey deepened their empathy, strengthened their family, and inspired Ara’s book Pearls of Life. Chapters 00:00 Don’t Quit Hope  00:24 Meet Ara and Esther  02:53 Labor Crisis Begins  04:13 Brain Injury and ICU  06:12 Thirteen Years of Care  07:16 Wrestling and Wonder  09:40 Esther’s Steadfast Faith  12:07 Final Days and Farewell  16:12 God’s Presence in Pain  19:03 Seizures and Public Stigma  21:40 Unanswered Questions  22:27 Book Break and Redemption  23:55 Strength and Empathy Afterward  25:33 Next Testimony Teaser  25:40 Vision After Loss  26:55 Anger to Assurance  29:22 Healing Hopes Challenged  29:50 Faith and False Doctrine  31:42 God’s Heart for Disability  36:30 Writing *Pearls of Life*  38:23 One Day at a Time  38:53 Encouragement to Sufferers  41:10 Music as Comfort  42:11 Eternal Rewards and Farewell  44:19 Pearls of Life Song Resources and Links: Pearls of Life: Reflections of Faith, Hope, and Love While Facing Life’s Challenges by Ara Assilian: https://a.co/d/08U3HErU Watch the Singing Through Fire podcast on YouTube Listen on your favorite podcast streaming platform Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple podcasts Connect on Facebook Connect on Instagram PODCAST DESCRIPTION: Welcome to the Singing Through Fire podcast! I’m your host Lara Silverman, and this is where we: Worship when it hurtsDiscuss hot takes from the furnace of afflictionExplore a biblical theology of suffering with a side of sass and sarcasm From lamentations to laughter, this podcast is for anyone desperate for hope who has ever asked, "Why, Lord, why?” Don’t forget to follow/subscribe because I upload content every Tuesday and Friday!  "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." 2nd Corinthians 4:17.

In this special birthday episode of Singing Through Fire, host Lara Silverman welcomes singer-songwriter and longtime friend Tim Katendjian to remember her late husband, Matt Silverman's legacy in the days leading up to what would have been his 43rd birthday on October 16th. Tim knew Matt long before Lara and Matt fell in love, and he was there for their remarkable love story. Together, Lara and Tim reminisce about Matt's humility, humor, hospitality, deep knowledge of Scripture, and unwavering faith in the face of cancer. They revisit the joy of Lara and Matt's wedding, where Tim led worship, and reflect on the legacy of faith Matt continues to leave behind. Their conversation also explores the relationship between worship and suffering, finding our worth in Christ rather than achievement, and how Tim's song “Valuable” encouraged Lara during her years of severe chronic illness. Tim shares the story of losing his aunt Ruth to cancer, and both friends speak honestly about the pain of grief, the hope of heaven, and trusting God's sovereignty when His plans differ from our own. At the heart of this conversation is a question that touches every believer who has walked through disappointment or suffering: Is Christ still enough when our dreams don't come true? Join Lara and Tim for an honest, hope-filled conversation about grief, eternal perspective, and the God who remains faithful through every season of life. Chapters 00:00 God Never Changes 00:19 Welcome to Singing Through Fire 00:45 Meet Tim Katendjian 02:22 How Tim Met Matt 04:04 Reconnecting in Northern California 05:38 Tim's Music Ministry 06:55 The Story Behind “Valuable” 08:55 Finding Our Worth Beyond Achievement 12:24 How Tim Met Lara 14:04 Remembering Matt's Humility and Legacy 16:09 Lara and Matt's Remarkable Love Story 18:50 Wedding Memories and Worship 20:58 Living with Eternity in View 21:49 Tim's Experience of Grief 21:54 Trusting God's Sovereignty Over Time 23:28 Aunt Ruth's Journey with Cancer 25:42 Grieving Honestly While Holding On to Faith 26:52 “Mighty God”: A Song of Hope 28:23 The Story Behind Lara's Memoir 29:36 An Eternal Perspective on Suffering 32:40 Remembering Matt's Faith in Hospice 35:06 Celebrating Matt's Life and Legacy 39:30 Finding Joy Through Comedy After Loss 41:42 What Tim Would Say to Matt Today 43:44 Closing Prayer and “Happy Day” 45:17 Final Encouragement and Subscribe Resources and Links: Tim's website Watch the Singing Through Fire podcast on YouTube Listen on your favorite podcast streaming platform Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple podcasts Connect on Facebook Connect on Instagram PODCAST DESCRIPTION: Welcome to the Singing Through Fire podcast! I’m your host Lara Silverman, and this is where we: Worship when it hurtsDiscuss hot takes from the furnace of afflictionExplore a biblical theology of suffering with a side of sass and sarcasm From lamentations to laughter, this podcast is for anyone desperate for hope who has ever asked, "Why, Lord, why?” Don’t forget to follow/subscribe because I upload content every Tuesday and Friday!  "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." 2nd Corinthians 4:17.

In this episode, host Lara Silverman continues the Faith in the Furnace series on Singing Through Fire with guest Lori Ann Wood, an award-winning author and speaker whose life was suddenly upended by a diagnosis of severe heart failure. After years of uncertainty, unexpected turns, and unanswered prayers, Lori Ann shares how suffering transformed the way she understood faith, prayer, and the character of God. Lori Ann describes how she stopped “bubble-wrapping” the faith she had inherited, learned to embrace lament and hard questions, and discovered that wrestling with God could actually strengthen her faith rather than destroy it. She shares how learning to surrender the outcome through “prayers of relinquishment” ultimately opened the door to peace and joy. Together, Lara and Lori Ann explore what it means to trust God when healing doesn't come as expected, recognize His presence when He feels silent, respond to the pain of invisible illness, lean on the faith of community, and hold onto the hope of eternity. Chapters 01:47 A Diagnosis Out of Nowhere 03:41 An Unexpected Turn 04:47 Learning to Live With Uncertainty 08:38 Divine Detour and Shaken Faith 10:49 Silent Treatment With God 11:40 Permission to Ask Why 13:38 Doubt Versus Indifference 14:30 Relinquishing the Ending 17:01 God’s Purposes in Suffering 18:30 Size of Loss and Mystery 21:49 Signs God Hasn’t Forgotten 24:20 When God Feels Silent 25:44 Clinging When Prayers Fail 26:24 Finding Threads of Faith 27:35 Wrestling With Scripture 29:16 Prayer Beyond Transactions 30:22 Weakness Into Witness 32:08 Sustained Through Crisis 34:49 Eternity and Letting Go 36:37 Verses to Hold Onto 38:43 Peace Before Joy 42:10 Relinquishment and Trust 43:57 Invisible Illness Misunderstood 47:03 Redemption and Final Takeaway Resources and Links: Lori Ann's Website Lori Ann's Instagram Lori Ann's Facebook Watch the Singing Through Fire podcast on YouTube Listen on your favorite podcast streaming platform Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple podcasts Connect on Facebook Connect on Instagram PODCAST DESCRIPTION: Welcome to the Singing Through Fire podcast! I’m your host Lara Silverman, and this is where we: Worship when it hurtsDiscuss hot takes from the furnace of afflictionExplore a biblical theology of suffering with a side of sass and sarcasm From lamentations to laughter, this podcast is for anyone desperate for hope who has ever asked, "Why, Lord, why?” Don’t forget to follow/subscribe because I upload content every Tuesday and Friday!  "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." 2nd Corinthians 4:17.

In this episode of Singing Through Fire, Lara Silverman sits down with Dr. Clay Jones and Jean Jones to talk about faith in the midst of suffering. Drawing from their own experiences with cancer, health challenges, miscarriage, fear, and unanswered prayers, Clay and Jean share what they’ve learned about trusting God when life hurts. They discuss surrender, renewing the mind, finding joy while grieving, and keeping our hope anchored in eternity. They also share practical ways they prepare their hearts and minds for difficult seasons—including the “seven truths” and truth journals from their book, How Does God Use Suffering for Our Good? If you’ve ever wondered how to hold onto faith when suffering doesn’t make sense, this conversation is for you. Chapters 00:00 Joy and Sorrow 00:36 Meet Clay and Jean 03:15 Why Suffering Grows 06:35 Skeptic Pushback 08:06 Miscarriage Wrestling 12:51 Fear and Truths 14:17 Cross Gift Surrender 17:10 Discipline The Mind 22:01 Forever Friend Hope 24:23 Joy Versus Happy 28:59 Eternity and Heaven 31:28 Eternity Over Earthly Pride 32:33 Weakness Made Strong 36:23 Grace Through Truth Journals 38:04 Tears Not Stoicism 41:01 Cancer Perspective Shift 42:13 Prosperity Healing Claims 46:39 Heaven Myths Debunked 48:11 Gifts Yes Signs No 51:17 Hearing God in Suffering 56:58 Preparing for Hard Times 58:59 Resources and Farewell Resources and Links: Dr. Clay Jones' website Jean Jones' website Watch the Singing Through Fire podcast on YouTube Listen on your favorite podcast streaming platform Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple podcasts Connect on Facebook Connect on Instagram PODCAST DESCRIPTION: Welcome to the Singing Through Fire podcast! I’m your host Lara Silverman, and this is where we: Worship when it hurtsDiscuss hot takes from the furnace of afflictionExplore a biblical theology of suffering with a side of sass and sarcasm From lamentations to laughter, this podcast is for anyone desperate for hope who has ever asked, "Why, Lord, why?” Don’t forget to follow/subscribe because I upload content every Tuesday and Friday!  "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." 2nd Corinthians 4:17.

In this episode of Singing Through Fire, Lara Silverman takes you “to Wall Street, heaven style” to explore a hope-filled biblical promise: God doesn’t waste suffering, and He intends to turn grief into glory. With honesty, humor, and hard-won faith, Lara shares how an eternal perspective can steady you in chronic pain, heartbreak, loss, or unanswered prayers—and why Jesus encourages us to store up treasure in heaven. You’ll hear why perseverance matters, how Scripture frames joy on the other side of the cross, and the comforting truth that your faithfulness in the fire is seen by God and is not in vain. If you’re tired, hurting, or tempted to believe your story ends in ashes, this conversation is an invitation to keep going—and keep singing through the fire. Chapters 00:00 Eternal Investment Hook 00:58 Prayer and Setup 01:18 Grief to Glory Promise 03:50 Suffering into Joy Scriptures 06:50 Eternal Perspective Comfort 09:03 Job and Double Restoration 12:02 Break and Book Plug 13:13 Doctrine of Rewards Explained 14:42 Bema Seat Not Salvation 17:21 How to Earn Rewards 18:10 Perseverance Under Trial 20:34 Crowns and Heavenly Prizes 23:50 Don't Lose Your Crown 25:53 Eternal Pleasures Ahead 28:22 Store Treasures in Heaven 29:49 Final Encouragement and Outro Resources and Links: Watch the Singing Through Fire podcast on YouTube Listen on your favorite podcast streaming platform Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple podcasts Connect on Facebook Connect on Instagram PODCAST DESCRIPTION: Welcome to the Singing Through Fire podcast! I’m your host Lara Silverman, and this is where we: Worship when it hurtsDiscuss hot takes from the furnace of afflictionExplore a biblical theology of suffering with a side of sass and sarcasm From lamentations to laughter, this podcast is for anyone desperate for hope who has ever asked, "Why, Lord, why?” Don’t forget to follow/subscribe because I upload content every Tuesday and Friday!  "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." 2nd Corinthians 4:17.

What if your suffering never completely goes away—but it doesn’t have to have the final word? In this episode of Singing Through Fire, Lara Silverman sits down with Sona Jamgotchian, author of Finding Hope in Suffering, to talk about what it looks like to hold onto hope when life hurts. After years of chronic pain, two spinal cord surgeries, and a difficult recovery, Sona had plenty of reasons to ask, “Why am I suffering like this?” But through her journey, she discovered that suffering can become a place where God grows us, strengthens us, and teaches us to hope. Sona and Lara talk about: • Finding hope when your circumstances don’t change • What it really means to thrive in the midst of suffering • How biblical counseling and the Holy Spirit work together • Healing from generational trauma and grief • Discerning spiritual warfare from mental health struggles • Why suffering doesn’t have to define your story If you're walking through a hard season right now, this conversation is a reminder that your pain does not have the final word. Chapters 00:00 Thriving in Pain 00:34 Show Intro and Guest 02:38 Spinal Surgeries Story 04:45 911 Night and Notes 06:17 Blog to Book Journey 09:28 Years of Chronic Pain 11:44 Book Themes Breakdown 16:50 Thriving Spiritually 21:00 Therapy and Scripture 22:19 Holy Spirit Healing 25:13 God Heals Hearts 26:03 Counseling With Love 27:41 Memoir Promo Break 28:51 Healing Genocide Trauma 31:49 Breaking Cultural Silence 34:10 School of Hope Vision 37:36 Crocus Hope Symbol 41:29 Remember and Bloom 43:39 Warfare vs Illness 48:54 Breakthrough and Wrap Up Resources and Links: Watch the Singing Through Fire podcast on YouTube Listen on your favorite podcast streaming platform Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple podcasts Connect on Facebook Connect on Instagram Sona's book, Finding Hope in Suffering: Growing and Thriving Through Hard Seasons RSVP to attend Sona's book signing in Glendale, CA Learn more about Sona and the School of Hope PODCAST DESCRIPTION: Welcome to the Singing Through Fire podcast! I’m your host Lara Silverman, and this is where we: Worship when it hurtsDiscuss hot takes from the furnace of afflictionExplore a biblical theology of suffering with a side of sass and sarcasm From lamentations to laughter, this podcast is for anyone desperate for hope who has ever asked, "Why, Lord, why?” Don’t forget to follow/subscribe because I upload content every Tuesday and Friday!  "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." 2nd Corinthians 4:17.

In this episode of Singing Through Fire, Lara talks with singer-songwriter Brittany Born about her son Caleb, who was born with multiple life-threatening medical conditions and spent his first months in the hospital. Brittany shares what it has looked like to trust God without knowing the outcome, wrestle with fear and lament, and see His faithfulness in the midst of a difficult season. She also talks about how the poems she wrote during Caleb’s hospital stays eventually became songs for her album Held, created to encourage parents walking through medical trials. Chapters 00:00 Song in Surgery Waiting 00:28 Meet Brittany Born 02:19 Caleb Medical Journey 05:20 Where Caleb Is Now  07:15 Early Faith and Sovereignty  12:40 Surrendering the Outcome  16:45 Motherhood Cross and Grace  22:19 When God Feels Silent  24:15 Lament and Deeper Trust  27:01 Marriage Forged in Trial  28:10 Sovereignty Over Healing  29:13 Asking God Why  32:57 Finding Purpose in Suffering  34:40 Memoir Break and Hope  36:04 Romans 8 28 Good  37:31 Poetry Into Songs  42:55 Songwriter Roots and Trials  47:04 Album Held Kickstarter  50:54 Encouragement and Closing Prayer Resources and Links: Watch the Singing Through Fire podcast on YouTube Listen on your favorite podcast streaming platform Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple podcasts Connect on Facebook Connect on Instagram Brittany's website Brittany's Kickstarter Brittany's Instagram PODCAST DESCRIPTION: Welcome to the Singing Through Fire podcast! I’m your host Lara Silverman, and this is where we: Worship when it hurtsDiscuss hot takes from the furnace of afflictionExplore a biblical theology of suffering with a side of sass and sarcasm From lamentations to laughter, this podcast is for anyone desperate for hope who has ever asked, "Why, Lord, why?” Don’t forget to follow/subscribe because I upload content every Tuesday and Friday!  "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." 2nd Corinthians 4:17.

In this episode, host Lara Silverman continues her Faith in the Furnace series on Singing Through Fire with guest Sherrie Pilkington, a speaker, blogger, podcast host, and founder of Sealed With a Hug, a monthly subscription gift box designed to help people stay connected to grievers. Sherie shares the devastating, unexpected death of her seemingly healthy 52-year-old husband from a massive heart attack after a minor car accident, and describes the shock, silence, anger, lament, and fear of not being able to trust God again. She recounts how God met her through worship, His presence, and a message she sensed in her spirit: “Some things simply belong to me,” which helped her release her “why” questions. Sherie discusses identity beyond roles, the coexistence of grief and joy through gratitude, finding purpose through her blog and podcast, and the faith-based mission of Sealed With a Hug. Chapters 00:00 Why Questions and Trust 00:19 Show Intro and Guest 02:42 Her Loss Story Begins 05:33 Accident and Hospital Rush 09:34 Silence Then Raw Prayer 13:38 Worship and God Downloads 16:00 Some Things Belong 22:42 Identity After Widowhood 26:41 Gods Faithfulness in Death 32:54 Cross and Daily Surrender 35:54 Pride and Surrender 36:57 Upside Down Kingdom 38:51 Why God Uses Suffering 39:40 Joy and Peace in Pain 40:34 Book Promo Singing Through Fire 41:44 Fighting for Joy 45:51 Discerning Gods Voice 48:41 Struggle Well Like Job 50:25 What God Knows Best 54:06 No Good Thing Withheld 56:57 Surprising Mercies and Gifts 59:24 Redemption Through Ministry 01:03:30 Eternity and New Purpose 01:06:19 Sealed With a Hug 01:09:02 Final Encouragement Resources and Links: Watch the Singing Through Fire podcast on YouTube Listen on your favorite podcast streaming platform Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple podcasts Connect on Facebook Connect on Instagram Sherrie's website PODCAST DESCRIPTION: Welcome to the Singing Through Fire podcast! I’m your host Lara Silverman, and this is where we: Worship when it hurtsDiscuss hot takes from the furnace of afflictionExplore a biblical theology of suffering with a side of sass and sarcasm From lamentations to laughter, this podcast is for anyone desperate for hope who has ever asked, "Why, Lord, why?” Don’t forget to follow/subscribe because I upload content every Tuesday and Friday!  "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." 2nd Corinthians 4:17.

In this episode of Singing Through Fire, Lara Silverman sits down with Michelle Bader Ebersole, author, speaker, founder of Widow Goals, and host of the podcast Widowed 2 Soon, for an honest conversation about faith, grief, suffering, and finding hope after devastating loss. Michelle's husband, Luke, battled cancer early in their marriage and ultimately lost his life after years of illness. Michelle shares what it was like to walk through cancer, amputation, chronic illness, hospice, and eventually widowhood while raising their three children. But Michelle's story doesn't end with loss. She shares several powerful experiences that changed the way she understood her suffering—including a vision in which Jesus told her, “I chose you.” What had felt like punishment suddenly became something entirely different: a calling and a privilege. Chapters 00:00 Chosen Not Punished 00:33 Show And Guest Intro 02:27 High School To Wedding 04:11 Cancer Diagnosis And Pregnancy 05:27 Chemo Fails Amputation Choice 07:25 Years Of Chronic Illness 09:06 Cancer Returns In Lungs 11:22 Dream Foundation And Making Memories 13:20 Hospice And Caregiving Strength 20:42 Final Days And Sudden Death 23:11 Supernatural Peace At Deathbed 28:12 Grief Retreat Visions 34:42 Widowhood And Kids Grief 36:11 Grief Dark Tunnel 36:53 Memoir Singing Through Fire 38:04 Healing Like A Job 39:47 Widow Goals Ministry Launch 41:37 Book Workbook Leaders Guide 44:08 Churches And Widow Care Gap 48:08 God Meets Us In Despair 53:58 Mourning Into Dancing 58:41 Remarriage And Dating Again 01:02:58 Loving Two Men 01:06:39 Signs And Eternity Hope 01:11:58 Feel It God Heals Resources and Links: Michelle's website Michelle's book, Widow Goals Widow Goals Workbook Widow Goals Leader's Guide Michelle's Instagram Michelle's TikTok Michelle's Facebook Watch the Singing Through Fire podcast on YouTube Listen on your favorite podcast streaming platform Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple podcasts Connect on Facebook Connect on Instagram PODCAST DESCRIPTION: Welcome to the Singing Through Fire podcast! I’m your host Lara Silverman, and this is where we: Worship when it hurtsDiscuss hot takes from the furnace of afflictionExplore a biblical theology of suffering with a side of sass and sarcasm From lamentations to laughter, this podcast is for anyone desperate for hope who has ever asked, "Why, Lord, why?” Don’t forget to follow/subscribe because I upload content every Tuesday and Friday!  "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." 2nd Corinthians 4:17.

What do you do when you’ve already walked through years of suffering—and then the suffering comes back in a new and unexpected form? In this episode of Singing Through Fire, Lara Silverman sits down with Sara Willoughby to talk honestly about chronic illness, unanswered prayer, lament, and what it means to keep trusting God when you cannot understand what He is doing. After years of debilitating illness and significant recovery, Sara is now facing a new season of suffering, including suspected TIAs, a traumatic brain injury, migraines, and brain rehabilitation. And yet, Sara continues to cling to what she knows about God: He is loving, He is all-powerful, and therefore, He is trustworthy. Together, Lara and Sara explore: - Why God allows suffering - How lament and faith can coexist - What it means to trust God without having answers - Grieving the dreams that chronic illness takes away - Finding joy in the middle of suffering - How our suffering can become a source of comfort for others - What it means to “take up your cross” Sara also shares how 2 Corinthians 12:9—“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness”—has carried her through difficult seasons. If you're walking through chronic illness, grief, unanswered prayer, or a season where God feels far away, this conversation is a reminder that you can lament, grieve, and ask why—and still choose to trust Him. Chapters 00:00 Trusting God Again 00:26 Meet Sarah Willoughby 02:42 Illness Begins at 14 04:29 Collapse and Diagnosis 06:54 Slow Road to Recovery 08:20 New Crisis TIAs and TBI 10:31 Faith Under Pressure 13:51 Feeling Gods Presence 16:41 When God Feels Silent 20:10 Glory in the Suffering 26:31 Take Up Your Cross 29:13 Choosing Trust Without Answers 31:14 Trust In The Fire 32:08 Lament As Trust 32:58 Why Suffering Helps Others 34:07 Comfort In Weakness 35:47 Hope Beyond This Life 36:00 Thorn And No Quota 37:18 Memoir And Redemption 38:30 Praying The Psalms 40:40 Dreams That Died 46:07 Joy And Grief Together 51:22 Eternity Perspective Shift 52:44 Renewed Day By Day 54:05 Grace In Weakness Verse 01:00:57 Invisible Chronic Burden 01:03:49 Sprinkles Of Joy 01:06:17 Final Blessing And Sendoff Resources and Links: Diamonds Conference He's Making Diamonds devotional freebie Sara's website Sara's Instagram Sara's Facebook Watch the Singing Through Fire podcast on YouTube Listen on your favorite podcast streaming platform Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple podcasts Connect on Facebook Connect on Instagram PODCAST DESCRIPTION: Welcome to the Singing Through Fire podcast! I’m your host Lara Silverman, and this is where we: Worship when it hurtsDiscuss hot takes from the furnace of afflictionExplore a biblical theology of suffering with a side of sass and sarcasm From lamentations to laughter, this podcast is for anyone desperate for hope who has ever asked, "Why, Lord, why?” Don’t forget to follow/subscribe because I upload content every Tuesday and Friday!  "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." 2nd Corinthians 4:17.

In this episode of Singing Through Fire, Lara Silverman explores the Bible’s picture of the Christian life as an intense race that requires training, endurance, and perseverance through suffering. She explains how trials strengthen “faith muscles,” calls listeners not to quit when bitterness or doubt hits and, encourages offering God a sacrifice of praise even in pain. Lara describes the ultimate prize as Christ Himself—eternity with Jesus—and highlights the hope of hearing God’s commendation, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” She also unpacks the idea that earthly suffering is not wasted but somehow produces an “eternal weight of glory,” potentially enlarging our capacity for joy and shaping our future roles of service and leadership in God’s kingdom. She shares personal stories of loss, promotes her memoir, and closes with encouragement that God will sustain believers to the finish line. Chapters 00:00 Life Is a Race 00:28 Welcome and Prayer 01:20 Race Metaphor in Scripture 03:45 Trials as Training 06:40 Sacrifice and Perseverance 08:16 The Prize Is Christ 09:47 Grace Not Earned 11:22 Break and Book Plug 12:36 Eternal Weight of Glory 16:23 How Suffering Becomes Glory 20:09 Training for Reigning 26:17 Encouragement and Finish Line 29:44 Final Blessing and Next Episode Resources and Links: Watch the Singing Through Fire podcast on YouTube Listen on your favorite podcast streaming platform Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple podcasts Connect on Facebook Connect on Instagram PODCAST DESCRIPTION: Welcome to the Singing Through Fire podcast! I’m your host Lara Silverman, and this is where we: Worship when it hurtsDiscuss hot takes from the furnace of afflictionExplore a biblical theology of suffering with a side of sass and sarcasm From lamentations to laughter, this podcast is for anyone desperate for hope who has ever asked, "Why, Lord, why?” Don’t forget to follow/subscribe because I upload content every Tuesday and Friday!  "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." 2nd Corinthians 4:17.

What happens when life changes overnight—and the healing you've been praying for doesn't come as quickly as you'd hoped? In this episode of Singing Through Fire, Lara Silverman sits down with Lauren Watt, whose life was turned upside down by a sudden illness at age 14 that left her mostly bedridden for eight years. But this isn't simply a story about chronic illness. It's a conversation about discovering God's faithfulness in the middle of an unfinished story. Lauren shares how suffering reshaped her identity, why she stopped praying only for healing and began praying for joy, endurance, and strength, and how Scripture became an anchor when God felt silent. Together, Lauren and Lara explore what it means to trust God's sovereignty, grieve honestly, find purpose in pain, and rebuild a life that hardship doesn't define. Whether you're facing illness, loss, disappointment, or a season where God feels distant, this conversation offers biblical encouragement and practical hope for anyone learning to sing through the fire. In this episode you'll hear about: Trusting God when healing doesn't come on your timelineFinding identity beyond sufferingLearning to pray differently in seasons of waitingWhy gratitude can coexist with deep griefHow God uses ordinary people to carry us through extraordinary painRebuilding a meaningful life after years of hardshipChapters 00:00 Clinging to the Cross 00:22 Meet Lauren Watt 02:18 Sudden Illness at 14 03:14 Misdiagnosis and Decline 05:06 Wheelchair and Chemo 06:49 Hormone Breakthrough 09:54 COVID Setback 10:10 Limbic Retraining Turnaround 12:13 New Life and Work 14:12 Identity After Trauma 16:58 Purpose in the Valley 21:53 Bitterness and Sovereignty 24:11 Faith Tested and Scripture 26:32 God's Silence and Comfort 28:36 Worship in the Dark 29:03 Unseen Footprints 29:57 Feeling God Differently 31:12 Cards and Community 33:12 Clinging to the Cross 35:25 Choosing Gratitude 38:30 Humor in the Valley 41:32 Family Caregiving Toll 45:38 Adult Life and Limits 50:07 Redemption and Flowers 52:15 Writing and Substack 55:22 Hope for Sufferers 56:39 Final Encouragement Resources and Links: Lauren's Substack Lauren's website Lauren's Instagram Watch the Singing Through Fire podcast on YouTube Listen on your favorite podcast streaming platform Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple podcasts Connect on Facebook Connect on Instagram PODCAST DESCRIPTION: Welcome to the Singing Through Fire podcast! I’m your host Lara Silverman, and this is where we: Worship when it hurtsDiscuss hot takes from the furnace of afflictionExplore a biblical theology of suffering with a side of sass and sarcasm From lamentations to laughter, this podcast is for anyone desperate for hope who has ever asked, "Why, Lord, why?” Don’t forget to follow/subscribe because I upload content every Tuesday and Friday!  "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." 2nd Corinthians 4:17.

In this episode of Singing Through Fire, Lara Silverman unpacks how God can redeem personal suffering by advancing the gospel through it—turning “tests into testimonies.” She explains Paul’s “suffering to salvation” principle from Philippians, showing how courage in affliction can become a witness to unbelievers and embolden other believers to speak without fear. Lara connects this to the early church’s view of suffering as a privilege and shares how her husband Matt’s public battle with terminal stage-four cancer became a powerful testimony that strengthened their community, echoed by God’s repeated comfort through Genesis 50:20. She also describes how her own chronic illness shaped her calling, impacted her family, and deepened her father’s faith. Lara closes by urging listeners to trust that God is working eternal purposes through suffering, even when they can’t yet see the fruit. Chapters 00:00 Why Suffering Spreads Gospel 00:34 Show Intro and Prayer 01:53 Paul in Chains Philippians 03:56 Trials Become Testimony 07:51 Apostles Rejoice in Pain 08:45 Suffering Builds the Church 11:27 Matt Cancer Testimony 13:14 Book Break and Promo 14:28 Prophetic Sermon and Joseph 19:37 Witness Through Death 22:57 My Illness and Dad Saved 27:13 Privilege of Suffering Call 28:55 Final Encouragement and Outro Resources and Links: Watch the Singing Through Fire podcast on YouTube Listen on your favorite podcast streaming platform Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple podcasts Connect on Facebook Connect on Instagram PODCAST DESCRIPTION: Welcome to the Singing Through Fire podcast! I’m your host Lara Silverman, and this is where we: Worship when it hurtsDiscuss hot takes from the furnace of afflictionExplore a biblical theology of suffering with a side of sass and sarcasm From lamentations to laughter, this podcast is for anyone desperate for hope who has ever asked, "Why, Lord, why?” Don’t forget to follow/subscribe because I upload content every Tuesday and Friday!  "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." 2nd Corinthians 4:17.

What does it look like to trust God when suffering never seems to end? In this episode of Singing Through Fire, Lara Silverman sits down with chronic illness blogger Katelyn Friesen to discuss a lifetime marked by profound hardship—and the unwavering faith that has sustained her through it all. From years of unanswered questions, abuse, and chronic illness to countless hospitalizations, Katelyn shares how God met her in the darkest places and taught her to find peace in His providence. Together, Lara and Katelyn explore lament, choosing hope, the power of Scripture and worship, God's nearness in suffering, and how Christ transforms even the deepest pain into opportunities for His glory. This conversation is a powerful reminder that while the fire is real, God's presence is even more real. If you've ever wrestled with the questions, "Why would God allow this?" or "How do I keep trusting Him when life hurts?" this episode is for you. Chapters 00:00 Trust God in Pain 00:41 Meet Katelyn Friesen 02:40 Childhood Mental Health Spiral 04:50 ECT and Lost Memories 08:04 Abusive Rehab and Conversion 10:50 Mystery Illness and Fainting 15:20 POTS Diagnosis and COVID Crisis 17:10 Feeding Tubes and TPN Life 22:55 Explaining POTS and Seizures 26:59 Advocate Finds Tick Illness 33:25 Book Promo Break 34:35 Bitterness Bullying and Identity 36:35 How She Keeps Faith 38:06 Worship in The Hospital 39:04 Choosing Hope Daily 40:55 Gospel Through Suffering 44:56 Miracles in The Mundane 48:08 Caregiver Faith and Fear 55:28 Upside Down Kingdom 01:01:48 Trust When You Cannot Eat 01:04:26 Grieving Dreams and Warfare 01:16:07 Final Encouragement and Sendoff Resources and Links: Katelyn's blog Watch the Singing Through Fire podcast on YouTube. Listen on your favorite podcast streaming platform. Listen on Spotify. Listen on Apple podcasts. Connect on Facebook. Connect on Instagram. PODCAST DESCRIPTION: Welcome to the Singing Through Fire podcast! I’m your host Lara Silverman, and this is where we: Worship when it hurtsDiscuss hot takes from the furnace of afflictionExplore a biblical theology of suffering with a side of sass and sarcasm From lamentations to laughter, this podcast is for anyone desperate for hope who has ever asked, "Why, Lord, why?” Don’t forget to follow/subscribe because I upload content every Tuesday and Friday!  "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." 2nd Corinthians 4:17.

In this episode of Singing Through Fire, Lara Silverman asks a question many hurting Christians have wrestled with: Is God really near when our hearts are breaking? Drawing from Psalm 34:18, she explores what the Bible says about God's presence in suffering and shares how He has faithfully comforted her through some of life's darkest seasons. From losing her dream career after developing a rare neurological illness to spending three years bedridden and later grieving the death of her husband, Matt, Lara offers personal stories of God's timely encouragement through Scripture, the Holy Spirit's gentle whisper, and the support of fellow believers. She closes by encouraging listeners to cling to God's Word, resist discouragement, and trust that Christ is with them in the fire—even when life doesn't unfold the way they hoped. Chapters 00:00 Heartbreak Questions 00:43 Prayer and Promise 01:12 Psalm 34 18 Explained 03:00 God With Us Scriptures 04:45 Furnace in Daniel 06:41 How God Speaks 09:21 Receipts and Diary 10:15 Dream Job Lost 12:45 Bedridden Comforts 18:07 Book and Hope Plug 19:17 Grief After Loss 24:00 When God Feels Silent 27:16 Practical Next Steps 30:58 Intimacy Through Suffering 32:36 Final Timely Encouragement 34:31 Closing and Sendoff Resources and Links: Watch the Singing Through Fire podcast on YouTube Listen on your favorite podcast streaming platform Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple podcasts Connect on Facebook Connect on Instagram PODCAST DESCRIPTION: Welcome to the Singing Through Fire podcast! I’m your host Lara Silverman, and this is where we: Worship when it hurtsDiscuss hot takes from the furnace of afflictionExplore a biblical theology of suffering with a side of sass and sarcasm From lamentations to laughter, this podcast is for anyone desperate for hope who has ever asked, "Why, Lord, why?” Don’t forget to follow/subscribe because I upload content every Tuesday and Friday!  "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." 2nd Corinthians 4:17.