Become New with John Ortberg 7. Re-drawing your map of God
Aug 17, 2021
A reflective tour of how suffering, loss, and doubt can reshape the way we picture God. Stories range from a parent's heartbreak to rock-bottom depression and the surprising return of trust. Conversations about grace, practical helps like medication, and finding God’s steady presence in everyday life.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Child's Death Forced Repainting Of God's Portrait
- Lewis B. Smedes' infant son died and this shattered his prior belief that God micromanages every event.
- That morning's wrenching intuition forced Smedes to repaint his portrait of God away from a theology that explained horrors as divine decrees.
Suffering Reveals God As Alternative To Despair
- Suffering can reveal that God is the only alternative to despair and that despair is both wrong and unnecessary.
- John Ortberg finds meaning in suffering by believing God suffers with us and that brings deeper fellowship through the cross.
Cabin Solitude Led To A Direct Encounter With Presence
- Lou Smedes fell into a deep depression and felt abandoned, stopped preaching, and isolated himself in a cabin as therapy.
- At rock-bottom he experienced God speaking I will never let you fall, which released him from despair and restored joy.
