018: The Relentless Presence of God with Michele Cushatt|The Living Room - a podcast by Joanna Weaver

"The presence of pain does not equate to the absence of God!"Have you ever been so hurt that you've questioned God's reality, His goodness or whether or not you can trust Him? You are not alone.

In this episode, Michele Cushatt shares her personal struggle with faith after enduring almost two decades of unrelenting struggle with cancer, divorce, single parenting and step-parenting. It was out of this dark season that Michele wrote her newest book, Relentless: The Unshakable Presence of a God who Never Leaves.No matter how hard we try to avoid pain, we will all experience suffering beyond our control. Whether you are facing health issues, broken dreams or relationships, betrayal or abandonment God wants to reveal Himself to you as the One who never leaves your side and never wastes your pain.{ USE PLAYER BAR @ TOP OF PAGE to listen to show, subscribe and share }

Important Takeaways from ShowIn the American culture, we have developed a theology of comfort rather than accepting the Biblical theology of pain and suffering.
Jesus warns us in John 16:33:"In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."Be honest with God about your doubts and questions and then eagerly seek out the truth.
God's goodness and glory is big enough to tolerate your questions, pain and suffering.
Jesus'choice to willingly endure horrific pain on the cross on our behalf reminds us that He is good in the midst of our pain and suffering.
There is a sacredness in sharing in Christ's suffering.
God doesn't always interrupt or intervene, but He always redeems our pain!
Don't wait until tragedy strikes to build your foundation on God's truth and presence.
The Israelites never would have been able to access the 12 stones if they hadn't gone through the flood experience.
Trauma is a natural part of the human condition, but Jesus came to bring His presence and healing.God had to redeem us in order to be with us. His desire was always relationship.
We've got to make space for God to experience His presence.
Prayer is not about performance, it's about presence.
Record evidences of God's presence and goodness in your life so you can remain confident in the moments you don't feel Him.

But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 1 Peter 4:13Links from Show
Previous Episode: 005: Finding Our Identity with Michele Cushatt | The Living RoomMichele's New Book: Relentless: The Unshakable Presence of a God who Never Leaves
Michele's Book: Undone: A Story of Making Peace with an Unexpected Life
The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism by Timothy KellerWalking with God through Pain and Suffering by Timothy Keller
[Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.] 
Connect with Michele CushattWebsite | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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Looking for a community of Jesus-hearted women to learn and grow with? Each week over at my private Facebook group, we discuss the podcast episode and share tips for living, loving and leading like Jesus.1. Go to PAGE and click"Join Group"2. Answer ALL three questions - (mandatory!)
3. Once you're added, take a moment to introduce yourself on the"WELCOME"thread
[Note: Because we want to protect against trolls and spammers, we will only add those who have answered ALL the questions, have a profile picture and have been on Facebook for more than three months.]I'd love to hear from you... What spoke most to you from Michele's interview?

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