Suffering, Unanswered Prayer, and Hope in Christ with Vaneetha Risner

Rebecca welcomes Vaneetha Risner for a candid conversation about suffering, unanswered prayer, and the presence of Christ in our deepest pain. Vaneetha recounts her story (childhood polio, the death of her infant son, an unwanted divorce), how John 9 reframed her “why,” and why Christian hope rests in the character of God—not in guaranteed outcomes. They also explore lament, community, and practical ways to walk with those who hurt.

Resources mentioned:

• Watching for the Morning (90-day devotional): vaneetha.com/watching-for-the-morning
• Desperate for Hope (7-session Bible study): vaneetha.com/desperate-for-hope
• Vaneetha’s website: vaneetha.com
• Joni Eareckson Tada & Steven Estes, When God Weeps: Amazon
• John 9 (Jesus and the man born blind): Read
• John 11 (Jesus with Mary & Martha): Read

0:00 Exploring Faith and Suffering Through Personal Trials
3:12 Finding Faith Amidst Life's Trials and Unanswered Prayers
14:05 Finding Faith and Comfort Amidst Suffering and Loss
19:53 Unexpected Suffering and the Journey of Writing Through Pain
23:11 Finding Hope and Purpose in Suffering Through Faith
32:19 Exploring Faith, Suffering, and Devotionals with Vaneetha Risner

Use code WHOAMI for 30% off your copy of "Who Am I and What Am I Doing with My Life?" at thegoodbook.com.

Find the ESV Devotional Journal: Fruit of the Spirit wherever books are sold, or visit crossway.org/fruit to get 30% off with a free Crossway+ account.


Watch Us on YouTube

Sign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/Subscribe
Follow Us on Instagram and X

Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠