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God doesn’t ask us to hide our tears. Jesus Himself wept at the tomb of His friend Lazarus. But He also spoke resurrection into that same tomb. That’s the hope we cling to—not that we’ll never hurt, but that we never hurt alone.

Healing doesn’t mean forgetting. It means allowing God to fill the empty spaces with His peace. In time, your grief can become a testimony and with that comes empathy to bring hope to others.

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Grief and faith can feel overwhelming—but there is hope in Jesus even in the darkest valleys. In this episode of Crosswalk Talk, host Michael Foust interviews Catherine Renfro, author of Hope, Hurt, and Healing: Experiencing Jesus in the Wake of Suicide (B&H Publishing). Catherine shares her deeply personal journey after losing her brother to suicide and how God led her to write a book that brings comfort, truth, and encouragement to hurting hearts.

**Please Be Advised: This episode mentions suicide and other related topics.

Key Takeaways

• Why Catherine initially resisted writing this book—and what changed her mind

• Wrestling with the hardest grief question: Why?

• Distinguishing God’s truth from the lies of the enemy

• The role of Scripture in finding peace after tragedy

• Practical encouragement for those walking through loss and mental health struggles

• Why it’s okay to not be okay—but we don’t have to stay there

About the Book: Hope, Hurt, and Healing
In Hope, Hurt, and Healing, Catherine Rinefo offers a raw and grace-filled perspective on grief after suicide. Each chapter blends personal story with biblical hope, reminding readers that pain and joy can coexist because of Jesus. Whether you’re grieving, supporting someone in loss, or struggling with mental health, this book offers comfort and Christ-centered encouragement.

️ Released: September 2, 2024
Publisher: B&H Publishing

Resources & Links

• Hope, Hurt, and Healing – Order the Book

• Follow Catherine Rinefo on Instagram

• More faith-filled interviews on LifeAudio.com

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Today’s Bible Verse:
"For the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught." — Proverbs 3:26

So many of us put on a brave face—masking insecurity with a polished smile or forced boldness. But fake confidence only takes us so far before fear and doubt creep back in. Proverbs 3:26 reminds us that real, lasting confidence doesn’t come from ourselves—it comes from the Lord.

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Meet Today’s Host: Reverend Jessica Van Roekel

️ Listen to more daily devotionals with Jessica at Your Daily Bible Verse on LifeAudio

Rev. Jessica Van Roekel is a passionate Christian speaker, author, and worship pastor who shares how God brings beauty from brokenness. Her message centers on God’s power to rescue, restore, and renew, even after seasons of rejection or loss.

She is the author of Reframing Rejection: How Looking Through a Different Lens Changes Everything, a guide to seeing God’s purpose in life’s disappointments.

Jessica and her husband are raising a vibrant family, with two adult daughters, a college-aged son, and a high school daughter. You can explore her teachings, devotionals, and resources at WelcomeGrace.com.

Let Scripture shape your heart today—begin with the Bible Verse of the Day on Biblestudytools.com

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Sleep better and Stress Less— with Abide, a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. We hope this biblical sleep meditation, narrated by James Seawood, helps your body relax and your mind rest on the truth found in scripture. Join Paul as he writes courageous words of faith to the Philippians. With eager expectation, be reminded of the powerful prayers of the saints and the help of the Holy Spirit to guide you on your sleep journey.

For a 30 day free trial of our premium ad-free content, your trusted friend for better sleep is right here: https://abide.com/peace

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us

Connect with God — on Abide, a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. Use this biblical meditation, narrated by James Seawood, to center yourself on the truth in God's word. How well do you serve others? Meditate on Galatians 5:13. Allow the music & nature sounds, deep breathing, prayer, and scripture help you connect with God in a new way. 

For a 30 day free trial of our premium ad-free content, your trusted friend for meditation is right here: https://abide.com/peace

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

A Prayer Not to Rush

God’s timing is always intentional and perfect.Today's prayer by Nicolet Bell looks at the story of Jesus healing the blind man at Bethsaida. Rather than healing instantly, Jesus chose a gradual process—first partial sight, then complete clarity. This miracle serves as a powerful illustration of how spiritual growth often unfolds over time. Just as the disciples’ understanding of Jesus deepened step by step, our own faith—and the faith of our children—develops progressively, not all at once.

Reference: Mark 8:22-26

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for walking with me daily through this journey of life. I know I need Your gentle reminders that developing maturity takes time for both me and my children. Give me patience as I work through the challenges of each day. Help me to release my frustration to You when I wish I were farther along in my spiritual walk than I am and to trust in Your faithfulness to transform me into Your likeness. In Your name, amen.

LINKS:

How to Pray God's Word For Your Children Guide

Follow Everyday Prayers @MillionPrayingMoms

Get today's devotion and prayer in written form to keep for future use! 

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Discover more Christian podcasts at LifeAudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at LifeAudio.com/contact-us

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

This week on the podcast, we meet Justin Knoop—a husband, father of four, and the heart behind the Blessing Boys. What began as a small lawn care business grew into a mission to serve others, inspire his sons, and transform lives one yard at a time.

Later in the episode, we’ll hear from Tricia Goyer—an author, speaker, podcaster, and homeschooling mom whose journey has taken her from teen pregnancy to building a family of ten through adoption and foster care. Along the way, Tricia discovered that it’s not about doing more, but about noticing what matters most.

Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:

Jesus Calling Podcast

Jesus Calling

Jesus Always

Jesus Listens

Past interview: Gary Sinise

Upcoming interview: Monique Rodriguez

Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith on UPTV

Justin Knoop

Blessing Boys

Tricia Goyer

Psalm 22:6

Psalm 40:2 

www.triciagoyer.com

Faith That Sticks: 5 Real-Life Ways to Disciple Your Preteen

Interview Quotes:

“There was a search in my heart for purpose, for fulfillment. I spent a lot of my teenage years and even into my twenties just searching to fill that void. I think eventually it led me to where I am today, but it took me a long time to figure out what that purpose was that I was searching for.” - Justin Knoop 

“My sons were getting into this phase of life where I needed to start thinking about what it meant to begin to set an example for them. So what I did was I set aside Fridays—one day a week—for me and my sons to actually go out and serve the community.” - Justin Knoop

“I think we can get caught up in our own lives and what’s going on in our family and our home and forget that there’s a world out there that needs us. What we teach our kids is that your purpose in life—outside of being in relationship with God—is to bring value to others.” - Justin Knoop 

“Yes, we have different hobbies and things that we do, but we want to pour the majority of our time into things that impact people around us. We’re not just about cutting grass and overgrown yards. We’re really after changing lives and impacting people.” - Justin Knoop

“I realized through God, through prayer, through sitting before Him crying because I was so overwhelmed, that He already created [my children] as unique human beings with a purpose and I didn’t need to pour everything into them. I just needed to follow the purpose that God had given them.” - Tricia Goyer 

“I think it really takes almost becoming students of our kids and seeing what God already put in them—the calling that He has on their lives—and really focusing on who God created each individual to be. And then going before God, sitting quietly before Him, praying for our

How does parenthood shape our faith? In The Toddler’s Gospel, Peyton Garland explores the profound spiritual lessons hidden in the chaos of toddler life. From navigating postpartum struggles to discovering humility and dependence on God, this devotional shows how the simple words of a child—Help, Please, Sorry—reveal the heart of the gospel and deepen our prayer life. Perfect for parents, caregivers, and anyone seeking guidance on faith in daily life and Christian parenting.

✨ Highlights

• The spiritual lessons of toddlerhood: humility, dependence, and repentance

• How the toddler words Help, Please, Sorry mirror our relationship with God

• Finding God’s presence and guidance during postpartum challenges

• Learning to pray with vulnerability, honesty, and surrender

• Practical encouragement for moms, dads, and caregivers in faith-filled parenting

Join the Conversation

How has your parenting season taught you about humility, dependence, and prayer? What small moments in your home reveal God’s heart to you? Share your story and encourage other parents, caregivers, and believers! Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and use #ToddlersGospel #FaithInParenting to join the conversation and inspire others to see the gospel in everyday life.

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Full Transcript Below:

The Toddler’s Gospel
by Peyton Garland

“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.” Psalm 127:3 (NIV)

I thought I had the Lord figured out in my late twenties. I had finally untangled lots of lies that I was subjected to in an unhealthy church culture. I had undergone counseling to work through childhood hardships and relational struggles. I was praying all the prayers, reading all the Bible studies, and holding myself accountable through godly friendships. By all “good Christian” standards, I had ensured my mind, body, and soul were healthily aligned with God’s truth. 

My faith was unshakeable… but then I became a mother, and my perception of myself and God was turned upside down. 

I endured heavy post-partum depression and wasn’t sure I would ever find hope again. The hormonal changes were drastic, and my mind couldn’t keep up with my body’s ever-changing state. Meanwhile, family members who promised to support us in this new season didn’t show. It seemed life handed us constan

Life can feel overwhelming and messy—whether it’s a cluttered desk, chaotic schedules, or the heavy emotional and spiritual burdens we carry. As our daily prayer and devotional remind us, some mess is self-made through poor choices or sin; other times, it comes from circumstances beyond our control or from lies we’ve believed about ourselves and God.

Psalm 40 reminds us of a simple but powerful truth: no matter how “together” we appear, we are always in need of God’s help. The psalmist doesn’t hold back in his cry—he names his need and calls on the Lord to deliver. In the same way, when life feels messy, we are invited to bring our chaos, questions, and burdens honestly before God in prayer.

The good news is that God doesn’t turn away from our mess. He invites us to cast our cares on Him (Psalm 55:22) and promises to carry our burdens. When we surrender our cluttered hearts to Him, He replaces our chaos with peace, guiding us step by step in His love.

Your Daily Bible Reading:

"As for me, I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer; you are my God, do not delay." – Psalm 40:17

Key Takeaways

• Everyone experiences messy seasons in life—spiritually, emotionally, and practically.

• Psalm 40 reminds us to acknowledge our need and cry out to God honestly.

• God invites us to cast our burdens on Him, promising to carry and deliver us.

• Prayer is the path from chaos to peace; God meets us right where we are.

Let’s Pray Together

Gracious Lord Jesus, thank You that I can bring the mess of my life honestly before You. You know my needs more deeply than I do, and You are my help and deliverer. Calm my anxious heart, guide me through the questions I face, and give me Your peace in place of my chaos. I trust that I never walk alone, for You are with me always. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Calls to Action

• Write down the “messy moments” you’re facing right now and bring them to God in prayer.

• Memorize Psalm 55:22: “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you.”

• Share this devotional with someone who may be walking through a chaotic or heavy season.

Related Resources

• How to Find Peace When Life Feels Overwhelming – Crosswalk.com

Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith.

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The "Desire Jesus One Year Devotional" can be found here:  https://amzn.to/41v1DKh

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To email John Stange directly, please send your message to [email protected].

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