DeepSummary
In this episode of the Therapy and Theology podcast, Shay Hill interviews Kiwi, a former sponsored child through Compassion International. Kiwi shares her powerful testimony of growing up in extreme poverty in the Philippines, facing hunger, lack of medical care, and her father's alcoholism. Despite the hardships, Kiwi's life was transformed when her father became a Christian and she was sponsored through Compassion, gaining access to education, medical care, and learning about Jesus.
Kiwi emphasizes God's faithfulness throughout her journey, providing for her needs and giving her a vision for her future. She became a physical therapist and now sponsors children herself through Compassion. Kiwi's story serves as an inspiration and testament to God's love and provision even in the midst of suffering.
After Kiwi's testimony, Shay Hill and Dr. Joel Muddamalle discuss questions surrounding suffering, such as why God allows it for some and not others, why he doesn't intervene more quickly, and what the church's role is in alleviating suffering. They offer theological perspectives and practical suggestions for supporting those who are suffering.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Kiwi's inspiring story demonstrates God's faithfulness and provision even in the midst of extreme poverty and hardship.
- Suffering is ultimately rooted in sin, but God can use it to equip and prepare individuals for future assignments and to be a comfort to others.
- While God's reasons for allowing or delaying intervention in suffering may not be immediately apparent, there is often a purpose of preservation and protection.
- The church, as a community of believers, has a role in supporting those who are suffering through presence, shared grief, prayer, and seeking wisdom from God.
- Individuals can support those suffering by offering what is within their capacity, while recognizing their limitations and encouraging the person to seek strength from their relationship with God.
- Sponsoring a child through organizations like Compassion International is a practical way to alleviate suffering and provide both physical and spiritual support.
- Perseverance, faith, and obedience to God are key in overcoming suffering and experiencing His promises.
- Suffering does not diminish God's goodness or love, and can ultimately be used for His glory and the good of others.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “So I would say what is the biggest reason that God might choose to delay? And it actually has to do with some type of preservation and protection that is for you, that you might not even be able to experience in the moment. But when you look back at it in 1015 or 20 years, you go, oh, my gosh. That's exactly what I needed. I actually needed that exact time. I needed that space. And actually walking through it in this way protected me from a, B, C and D.“ by Joel Munamale
- “So when I think of Kiwi's story and I think of the opportunities that are present in front of us, I think there's a very tangible question that we need to be thinking of, which is, what is a possible and plausible role that you and I can have in order to serve our communities, in order to serve our neighbors, in order to serve those that are suffering?“ by Joel Munamale
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Episode Information
Therapy and Theology
Lysa TerKeurst
11/16/23
Have you ever secretly wondered why it feels like some people suffer more than others? Where is God when we're going through a difficult season? And why doesn't He stop the pain we're experiencing?
We're answering all of these questions and more in this episode of Therapy & Theology. You'll hear from our resident theologian, Dr. Joel Muddamalle, as well as our special guest and friend from Compassion International, Kiwi.
No matter what you're going through, we hope this conversation blesses you as you process your own questions about God and the hardships we face on this side of eternity.
Related Resources:
- We'd like to thank Compassion International for sponsoring this season of Therapy & Theology. Compassion brings real solutions to the poverty that so many children in today’s world are facing … all in Jesus' name and through the generosity of sponsors. Take your next step, and sponsor a child today here!
- If you want to dig deeper into the context of the questions Dr. Joel Muddamalle covered today, check out a free resource from Proverbs 31 Ministries titled Consider This: Why Do Bad Things Happen to God’s People? Download here!
- Ready to take a personal next step in finding a Christian counselor? The American Association of Christian Counselors is a great place to find the right fit for you and your circumstances. Start your journey here.
- Click here to download a transcript of this episode.
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