How Does God Meet Us in Our Brokenness and Suffering?
The problem of pain has plagued humanity since the beginning of time. Many great apologists have grappled with the reality of suffering, endeavoring to form a theologically sound answer to life’s hardest question.
In Episode 102 of CHRISTIAN PARENT/CRAZY WORLD, a couple of moms wrestle with pain and suffering from a distinctly maternal point of view. My guest from across the great pond, Ruth Jackson, is host of Unapologetic, a podcast that equips listeners to understand, defend, and share the Christian faith with confidence. Together, Ruth and I have a conversation that is real, raw, and refreshingly honest.
Miscarriage. Postpartum depression. Premature death.
When suffering these heartbreaking realities, the temptation is to ask WHY… and yet answering the WHY doesn’t meet our deepest need.
The Christian faith does offer an apologetic for suffering, but more importantly our faith tradition presents a God who came to earth and was broken on our behalf. He is intimately acquainted with suffering. He meets us in our grief. And when we weep, He weeps with us.
As believers in Christ, we know who suffered for us. We know who suffers with us. And we know who will wipe away every tear and make all things new.
To hear this powerful episode on Life Audio, click on the image below:
Or you can listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Google Podcasts, Pocket Casts or wherever you get your podcasts. And please consider giving CPCW a 5 star rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. That would make my day!
RUTH JACKSON’S BIO: Ruth is a producer and youth specialist for Premier Christian Radio’s Unbelievable radio programme and podcast, which brings Christians and non-Christians together for dialogue. ue. Ruth studied theology at Oxford University before working at the BBC’s flagship children’s television show Blue Peter. She then moved to the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics, where she helped set up the youth apologetics strand Reboot. Ruth contributed to Hope Rising 365, a book for young women. She also plays bass guitar in award-winning all-girl rock ‘n roll band The Daisy Chains.
Premier Christian Radio’s Unbelievable
EPISODE RESOURCES:
Episode 66: How Does a Good God Allow So Much Evil and Suffering in the World? w/ Dr. Douglas Groothuis
Article: “Joy To The World” by Ruth Jackson
Article: “God Is Good but This Isn’t” by Catherine Segars
SCRIPTURES REFERENCED:
John 11:35
Isaiah 61
Isaiah 49
John 1
Habakkuk 3
Lamentations 3
Psalm 56:8
Psalm 84:4-7
