Making Sense of Faith in Suffering

WAY-FM’s World’s Biggest Small Group recently did a study on where God is in suffering. They used the Beyond Suffering Bible to explore how to connect the goodness of God with the pain and suffering we see in this world.

Having been a quadriplegic for fifty years after a tragic diving accident, suffering from chronic pain, and battling breast cancer, Joni understands the why question. But it wasn’t until she stopped asking why with a clenched fist and started asking why with a searching heart that she found hope.

In this study she shares the 10 words that changed her life and motivated her to bring God’s infinite hope to a hurting world. Hear her share her heart.

Learn more about the Beyond Suffering Bible study on WAY Nation

Look inside the Beyond Suffering Bible

11 thoughts on “Making Sense of Faith in Suffering

  1. I have stage 4 Bile Duct Cancer- Dr. Vincent Chung is my Doctor at City of Hope in Duarte, California. Bile Ducts clear but 10 tumors 2 size of oranges and (6) cloudy and (1) out side pancreas. Lots of what I thought was Hot flashed. Chemo cleared most.

    I have been doing 9 months of Chemo….. I thought I was in 10 yrs. of Menopause. I went my GI Doctor Dr. Tornay to help me stop diagnosing myself….. no ulcer, paracite but this Cancer.

    My Chemo doesn’t make me lose my hair so most people don’t know I have Cancer but I let them see my Power Port to show them my sickness and that I need their prayers. Just before radiation treatment Chemo stop shrinking my Tumors…… the orange sizes.

    In 2018, November an Interventional Radiologist at City of Hope, Dr. Kessler mapped me that radiated a week later. I went in (2) months after but too cloudy so (1) more chemo, than March 25 another C/T scan than I see the Doctors to see how the procedures went.

    I was brave enough by the Grace of God, our Lord Jesus and His Holy Spirit to pray with Dr. over each procedure and staff. They were willing and my life was blessed.

    Thank you for how the slots used your ministry…. I listened also to Dr. Dobson ‘s interview with Joni and another interview for (2) days with the man who had a child severely disabled that has been with Joni and her husband for (20) yrs. it was very encouraging. The Lord new I needed it. 9 months and it’s been a struggle seeing myself to do things I’ve always done. This summer I turn 60 yrs. old, my husband just turned 65 and we will celebrate 40 yrs. of marriage in August. My 1st grandchild was born 2018, November 4…… my mother passed into heaven June 20 of 2018……. and I’m youngest of (4) daughters was diagnosed June 19, 2018.

    So many stories but too many words already.

    All this to say Thank you to you and our Lord Jesus Christ. In our weakness He is strong….. thank goodness for his word and Joni being Vulnerable.

    1. God bless you Kellii, put on your armor of the Lord and fight, you got this mighty warrior of God. You have ALOT to live for🙏

      1. I do. Living His will. I have always prayed for my family but I didn’t truly understand.

        I have a better idea now.

        God bless you!

        1. I always for His will for them but didn’t realize he would answer it through with this Cancer.

  2. Hello Joni
    Your accident happened just before I got saved and I have watched and followered some of your life fromtimeto time. His e perienced much suffering of many kinds. You have helped me make sense of of it. I just love The God Joy you exude as you sincerely and honestly sharing.you are a great Ammbassadore for Jesus. May I be also. This was my intro into the worlds Biggest small group. we serve an amazing God. Many thanks to you and your family. May Our Father continuely blessyou and. Your chronic pain be a memory.
    Kindest and warmest loveto you.

    Karen from Brisbane Australia

    1. Misspelt words. .’Have experienced much suffering and pain’. (not His experienced) my apology.
      Karencongratulationss on you first grandchild. May your quiver be full.

  3. I suffer with chronic back pain.. I am thankful for those words! Your testimony provides hope in what seemed hopeless. Thank you for sharing.

  4. I am a Christian and have lived a life of chronic suffering in different forms. I’ve been abused, abandoned and hurt. I have chronic depression and back pain. I’ve lost my home, several very close friends have died as well as my father and recently my closest brother who was murdered. I’ve had 2 types of cancer and nearly died from kidney failure and septic shock after an infection. I’ve yelled, cried and questioned. Through it all, God has been there. I don’t have the answers, but I am blessed and grateful. What I do have is a wonderful husband who loves me, 2 beautiful children, and many wonderful friends. And, most importantly a faithful loving God who has gently led me from a path of deep depression to one of hope. Thank you Joni for all you do. Jesus truly shines in you and you have helped so many in your life. Had your accident not happened, God may not have been able to use you the same way. I have worked for the church for more than 15 years and I know I wouldn’t have been able to help people without my suffering. I have the why answer from God: “For my glory” He has given me many amazing gifts along the way. I’ve chosen to look at those, so Thank you!!

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