Life has a way of hitting hard — layoffs, breakups, health scares, or just the daily grind that wears you down. The real question isn’t whether you’ll get knocked down; it’s whether you’ll get back up. In this episode, Gene shares how the Apostle Paul developed unstoppable resilience through setbacks that would break most of us. You’ll hear stories of grit, humor, and perspective — from Michael Jordan’s high school failure to how a drought in California led to the invention of raisins. If you’ve been hit lately, this one’s a reminder that being down isn’t the same as being out.

Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.