A Biblical Understanding of Pain and Suffering: Pastor Shane Colwell

How do you trust God when suffering doesn't end?

Pastor Shane Colwell knows this question intimately. For more than a decade, he and his family have cared for their son Chase, who lives with profound medical challenges, daily seizures, and ongoing uncertainty. Through years of hardship, Shane has discovered that God's faithfulness is often found not in immediate healing, but in His sustaining presence.

In this deeply practical and biblically rich conversation, Pastor Shane answers some of the most difficult questions Christians ask about suffering. Together, he and Stephanie discuss lament, unanswered prayers, chronic illness, disability, grief, marriage, community, and how to cling to God's character when life doesn't make sense.

Whether you're navigating disability, caregiving, chronic pain, or a season of unanswered questions, this episode offers compassionate encouragement and biblical hope for every believer.

• Get your copy of Shane’s book: I KNOW IT HURTS: 6 Biblical Truths from a Pastor and Father of a Medically Fragile Child
• Find out more about Shane and connect with him at ShaneColwellMinistries.com
• Follow Shane and his son Chase’s story on Facebook at @ShaneColwellMinistries and @TeamChaseColwell
• Read Shane’s Blog: ShaneColwellMinistries.com/Blog/
• Read Joni Eareckson Tada’s thoughts on how Suffering Reveals the Goodness of the Father

KEY QUESTIONS:

• How can you grow closer to God while suffering? 
• What is the difference between lament and complaining? 
• How does God used suffering to refine your faith? 
• How can you trust God when healing doesn't come? 

KEY SCRIPTURES:

• 1 Peter 1:6-7, "In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." (ESV)
• 2 Corinthians 12:9, "But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me."
• Psalm 23:4, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." (ESV)
• Galatians 6:2, "Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."

You make this podcast possible! Thank you for your support.

Find all podcast resources and message our team.

Follow Joni and Friends on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.

Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, we provide Christ-centered care through Joni's House,