Episode Details

What do you do when the pain doesn't go away?

In this episode of inContext, Michael Easley sits down with author Glenna Marshall to discuss living faithfully through chronic illness, unanswered prayers, and years of physical suffering.

Rather than asking, "Why me?" Glenna explains why Scripture invites us to ask, "How do I trust God today?" Together they explore biblical lament, the role of gratitude, present-tense grace, and the hope believers have because of Christ.

Whether you're battling chronic pain, caring for someone who is, or simply walking through a difficult season, this conversation offers biblical encouragement without offering shallow answers.

Chapters

00:00 Why "How?" matters more than "Why?"

02:12 Glenna Marshall's diagnosis and journey with chronic illness

09:10 Living with chronic pain every day

13:00 What James teaches about trials and perseverance

16:20 Learning to pray through suffering

20:18 When you don't have words to pray

23:10 Present-tense grace for today's struggles

25:30 Is suffering caused by personal sin?

31:05 Gratitude as the pathway to joy

35:50 Joy vs. happiness

40:18 Choosing joy in suffering

43:30 Hope for those who are losing hope

46:10 Why suffering has an expiration date

Key Topics Covered

• Chronic pain and the Christian life
• Praying through suffering
• Biblical lament
• Joy versus happiness
• Gratitude and contentment
• Present-tense grace
• James 1 and perseverance
• Romans 8 and freedom from condemnation
• The hope of resurrection
• Encouragement for caregivers and those who suffer

Links Mentioned:

Praying in Pain by Glenna Marshall

Memorizing Scripture by Glenna Marshall 

Glenna’s website

Watch the highlights and full version of this interview on our Youtube channel.

For more inContext interviews, click here.