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Today's conversation on Back Porch Theology is with my friend Katherine Wolf about God's compassionate purpose with regards to our pain. Many of you have probably heard or read some of Katherine's story - she suffered a massive stroke when she was 26 years old, not long after giving birth to her and her husband Jay's first son, James. Her story is riddled with debilitating physical and emotional suffering - which she endures to this day - and yet she honestly oozes hope. Because she learned to find treasures in the dark by asking the hard and awkward questions pain prompts: Where is God in this? Am I alone? What is the point of all this suffering? Is hope just a cruel, false promise? Katherine dared to wrestle for answers without letting go of God. This is a rich and layered conversation so it's best to listen slowly and give the tenderest places in your heart time to soak it all in. Thank you for carving out the time to be with us today...we're really glad you're here.
Hello, friend. Thanks for joining me.
Let me ask you a question - is God good when life isn't? I understand if that's hard to answer. But I think today's episode could help; I pray it does.
Has life taken unexpected turns that have left you feeling hopeless, forgotten, or overwhelmed? In those moments, it's easy to feel abandoned and believe that God has overlooked your struggles. But rest assured, He hasn't - and He never will.
In this empowering episode of the Resilient Hope Summer Series, Christine Caine explores how God remains aware of our circumstances and is ready to guide us through even the most challenging seasons. Discover how to find strength amid difficulties and learn practical strategies to face obstacles without being weighed down by them.
You'll gain:
- Insights on maintaining hope when life feels overwhelming.
- Practical approaches to navigate hardship with confidence.
- Encouragement to trust in God's presence and promises.
Join us for encouragement and inspiration as we navigate this journey together, and let's ignite resilient hope in our hearts!
Don't forget to grab your free Episode Reflection Guide here!
P.S. We made a bonus resource for you this summer. Download your free 'Hope Kit' now!
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Christine Caine is a speaker, activist, and best-selling author. She and her husband, Nick, founded the anti-human trafficking organization The A21 Campaign. They also founded Propel Women, an initiative that is dedicated to coming alongside women all over the globe to activate their God-given purpose. Each week she brings you a Gospel-centered message filled with Biblical truths that will equip and empower you to step into the life God has for you.
Today is a red-letter kind of day here on Back Porch Theology because Alli and I have the undeserved privilege and absolute delight of having a conversation with one of the world's foremost experts on the New Testament canon, specifically the Gospels, Dr. Craig Blomberg. It's not every day you get to sit down with a brilliant saint with a PhD from the University Aberdeen, read an excerpt from his classic book called: "The Historical Reliability of the New Testament" - which, by the way, is just one of almost twenty academic books and commentaries that Dr. Blomberg's written - and then ask him this question: Will you please explain the term "hermeneutical spiral" as well as how it can be useful as we seek to not simply read and interpret the Bible but actually be read and interpreted by the Bible? Welcome to Back Porch Theology's scholar edition...we're really glad you've chosen to hang out with us today.
The fruit of the Spirit is... JOY. Join Ruth for this episode, meditating on Scripture about joy and its true source.
All summer long, join us in meditating on what it means to abide and consider the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. These short episodes, full of Scripture, are designed to be an opportunity to pause and realign your heart with truth.
Scripture referenced:
Galatians 5:22-23
Psalm 37:4
Proverbs 15:13-15
Philippians 4:4
James 1:2-3
John 15:10-11
Resources:
GraceLaced Fruit of the Spirit Collection
(gracelaced.com/FOTS)- use code POD15 to take 15% off items in the collection
Are you feeling stuck, exhausted, or ready to give up? In this episode of Equip and Empower, Christine Caine shares how to keep moving forward in faith-even when it feels like you've hit a wall. Whether you're waiting on God's promises, battling self-doubt, or just out of strength, this message is for you.
You'll learn:
- How to silence doubt and discouragement.
- What to do when your journey feels delayed.
- How to hold on to hope when you feel like quitting.
This is part of our Resilient Hope Summer series - real talk and encouragement to keep your faith strong, no matter your season.
Don't forget to grab your free Episode Reflection Guide here!
P.S. We made a bonus resource for you this summer to pair with Resilient Hope. Download your 'Hope Kit' now!
+ + + + +
Christine Caine is a speaker, activist, and best-selling author. She and her husband, Nick, founded the anti-human trafficking organization The A21 Campaign. They also founded Propel Women, an initiative that is dedicated to coming alongside women all over the globe to activate their God-given purpose. Each week she brings you a Gospel-centered message filled with Biblical truths that will equip and empower you to step into the life God has for you.
She's a Disney princess and a spiritual ninja-DawnCheré Wilkerson is back! In this heartfelt convo, we talk about her new book Slow Burn, walking through infertility, how God meets us in the wait, and why journaling might just change your life. You'll laugh, cry, and probably underline half the quotes in this one.
Connect with us on social!
DawnChere: @dawnchere
Levi: @levilusko
Jennie: @jennielusko
Fresh Life Church: @freshlife
[Links]
Slow Burn: https://bit.ly/3HpGvPX
Get the 5 Gallon Bucket: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY
Get the Lusketeer Sticker: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY
Subscribe for more exclusive content:
https://levilusko.com/hitl-subscribe
08:14 - The Prayer Behind Slow Burn
15:08 - Next Level Nerdy Details
17:09 - Eight Years of Infertility
23:28 - Journaling: Sifting Dawn's Seasons
25:01 - Discovering Infertility
36:28 - Tears and Talking to God
In this episode, host Christine Caine brings you a dynamic compilation of our best conversations on calling featuring Dr. Arianna Molloy, April Stallworth, and Christine herself. From classrooms to corporations to everyday moments of obedience, each guest unpacks what it means to live on mission-right where you are. Whether you're in a season of transition, waiting, or wondering what's next, this episode will equip and encourage you to embrace your God-given calling with clarity and confidence.
Calling Is a Relationship, Not Just a Role
Dr. Arianna Molloy shares how true calling is anchored in relationship with the Caller, not just what we do-and how this keeps us grounded and joyful over time.
The Hidden Cost of Calling
Dr. Molloy explains why people who feel called are also most prone to burnout-and how to pursue a healthy, sustainable version of calling that doesn't sacrifice your soul.
Mission in the Marketplace
April Stallworth speaks powerfully about recognizing your workplace as a mission field and bringing Christ's presence with you, even when you can't speak His name out loud.
Obedience Opens Doors
Christine Caine reflects on her earliest years in ministry and how simply showing up with a willing heart set the trajectory for everything that followed.
It's Not About Being the Best-It's About Being Available
Christine challenges the myth that you must be the most qualified to be used by God. What matters most is your availability, not your résumé.
Follow Dr. Arianna Molloy @arianna_yeh,
Follow April Stallworth @aprilmichellestallworth
Check out the Resilient Hope Summer Series on the Equip & Empower Podcast
Follow Christine, @ChristineCaine
Subscribe now so you don't miss an episode, and don't forget to leave a review! See you next week on the Propel Women Life & Leadership Podcast.
You can connect with us further at PropelWomen.org or on Instagram, Facebook, X, and Threads @PropelWomen. We can't wait to hang out with you in your car, during your workout, or wherever you listen to podcasts!
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Propel Women is an initiative of Equip & Empower Ministries founded by Christine Caine.
We EMPOWER women with biblical wisdom and encouragement, EQUIP women with practical training and education, and MOBILIZE women by providing hands-on leadership opportunities.
No matter where a woman has influence - in an office, in her community, at home with her family, or in ministry - Propel is driven by a calling to equip and mobilize women to become effective co-laborers with Christ and make a difference within their unique spheres of influence.
Hello, my friend. I sure hope you're having a good day. If you're the type of person who listens to podcasts while you sit in traffic or stand in lines, today's topic has a touch of irony-waiting. No one's favorite activity. Especially when we're waiting for deliverance from a painful circumstance. But may I remind you of the promise found in Isaiah 40:31 - "But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint."
