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Summary:

Chronic pain can leave believers asking not, “Why is this happening?” but, “How do I keep going?” In this heartfelt conversation, Michael Easley welcomes author and pastor’s wife Glenna Marshall to discuss her journey with chronic illness and the biblical hope that has sustained her through years of suffering.

After years of unexplained symptoms, Glenna was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that causes constant inflammation and debilitating pain. Rather than offering easy answers or quick fixes, she shares how Scripture, prayer, and God’s daily faithfulness have transformed her perspective. She explains that biblical lament isn’t complaining about God but bringing honest pain to Him, remembering His past faithfulness, and choosing to trust Him again.

Together, Michael and Glenna explore the difference between happiness and joy, the danger of bitterness, and why gratitude becomes a pathway to enduring suffering. They remind listeners that God’s grace is always present for today’s burdens—not tomorrow’s—and that Jesus and the Holy Spirit intercede for believers even when words fail.

This conversation offers compassionate encouragement for anyone facing chronic pain, illness, grief, or unanswered prayers, pointing listeners to the lasting hope of Christ and the promise that suffering has an expiration date in eternity.

Takeaways:

• Joy is not the absence of pain but the presence of God’s faithful grace.
• Biblical lament teaches us to bring our pain honestly to God instead of hiding it.
• Gratitude guards the heart against bitterness during prolonged suffering.
• God’s grace is given one day at a time, exactly when we need it.
• Jesus and the Holy Spirit intercede for us when we don’t know how to pray.
• Every believer’s suffering has an expiration date because Christ promises resurrection and eternal hope.

ABOUT GLENNA MARSHALL

Glenna Marshall is married to her pastor, William, and is the mother of two sons. Glenna is the author of several books including, The Promise is His Presence, Everyday Faithfulness, Memorizing Scripture, Known & Loved, and Praying in Pain. 

Links Mentioned:

Praying in Pain by Glenna Marshall

Memorizing Scripture by Glenna Marshall 

Glenna’s website

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