Shaken with Steve Sunshine

Alexandria Harter has been addicted to drugs and alcohol, she has been homeless, she has experienced sexual trauma... Jesus rescued her from all of those things. This episode is the story of how Jesus rescued her and completely transformed her. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4wji22L 

From her own near fatal mystery illness, to her husband's near fatal brain injury, Jen Tekiele has had stubborn faith and prayed stubborn prayers. And she has seen God do miracles. Her story will show that no matter what you are going through, there is hope in the Lord. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3RDreQn 

Camden McKuras is in a season of darkness where God seems absent. Right now. This is not a story of past struggle. It's happening now. Camden shares the reason for the hope he has, and you have. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4uoWbpR 

This is a continuation of the discussion in Episode 47 about When God Seems Distant . Kyle talks about how suffering can help you grow spiritually. He also draws a distinction between passion and affection. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/415jRCY 

In this conversation, Kyle Strobel discusses his book 'When God Seems Distant' and explores the themes of spiritual dryness, the desert experience, and the importance of navigating these challenges with grace and understanding. He emphasizes the role of suffering in spiritual growth and the necessity of guidance during difficult times. The discussion also touches on generational shifts in spiritua...

Rolf Jacobson had cancer as a teenager and survived, but it led to the amputation of both his legs. Years later, his brother Karl and their friend Mike were also diagnosed with cancer, and the three began writing a book about their experiences. While Karl passed away before it was finished, Rolf and Mike completed it—an honest, heartfelt, and humor‑filled look at the pain of cancer. Show Notes: ht...

Sometimes life takes a turn we never expected, and it can feel overwhelming. I never imagined Parkinson’s would become part of my story, but here I am—learning to walk this road with faith instead of fear. The diagnosis shook me, but Psalm 23 has been my anchor, reminding me that God is with me in every valley. Even when my strength fails, His grace carries me, and I’ve found hope not just for mys...

Lara Silverman has a rare neurological disorder. She lives in a state of constant and severe vertigo. It has cost her her career, and left her mostly homebound. Tragically, the disorder is not the only source of grief in her life. She also lost her husband of one year to cancer. Yet, it would be hard not to describe Lara as a joyful person.  She shares about her journey in her new books Singing Th...

Matt McCullough is pastor at Edgefield Church in Nashville, and author of Remember Heaven; Meditations on the World to Come for Life in the Meantime. He talks about how remembering the promises of Heaven can put a different perspective on hard times we go through now. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/47zdqMY 

Nathan Sutherland realized his compulsive video gaming had gotten to the point where he didn’t just enjoy playing, he needed to play to be okay. So he stopped. And hasn’t gone back. He’s turned it into a ministry which includes the Gospel Tech podcast, which helps guide families to healthy use of all tech. You can hear Gospel Tech right here on Purposely.

Cindy Brinker Simmons is back! Don't miss our first conversation in episode 32. This time we focused in on moving from grief to action. God wants to do something good with the thing that is causing you pain. And it's possible that the person He wants to work through is you! Show Notes: https://bit.ly/47rPJpy 

Please note that this episode includes references to the horrors of war. Listener discretion is advised. Christians in Ukraine have come under attack by the Russian military. Karl Ahlgren has been there serving as a chaplain and has seen it first hand. He talks about the Christians in Ukraine, many of whom are courageously holding on to their faith in Jesus. You'll also hear about the new document...

When Ashley lost her daughter Bridget to a miscarriage, it was devestating for her and her husband Matt. Since then, she has been committed to helping other moms who are grieving miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss. Her story, may help you work through yours. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3Gy04W2 

Note: Please be aware that this podcast includes descriptions of the horrors of war. Be careful of young ears around you when listening, or put your earbuds in. Mikhail Pavenko has been serving the Ukranian military as a chaplain. Mikhail has been on the front lines of that devastating war, and has seen the horrors and the miracles up close, as he works to point those in the line of fire to Jesus....

Making decisions can cause a lot of stress. Little ones like where are we going to eat tonight, or what movie do you want to watch, can be frustrating and irritating. But when there is more at stake, making a decision can cause anxiety. You so badly want to get it right. You don’t want to disappoint those around you, or worse, God. Rather than overthinking things to the point of analysis paralysis...

Note: This episode contains depictions of violence and abuse. It is not recommended for kids, and listener discretion is advised. Kimberly Haar has lived a nightmare. She was beaten and kidnapped by her ex-husband, and witnessed him shooting the man she was dating. Kimberly is sharing her story and helping others through her work as a licensed counselor, and her new book Healing from Life’s Deepes...

Imagine losing the person you're closest to in the whole world. That's what happened with AJ Strout when she lost her husband Steve to cancer. Where do you go from from there? How do you continue to live your life? This is AJ's story about grief and faith, and light overcoming darkness. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3S2KXGo 

Has what's happened in your life up to now left you a bit perplexed? Niki Hardy, is a speaker, podcaster, and author of "God, Can We Chat? A Daringly Honest Guide to Growing Closer to God One Doubt at a Time." In this episode, we don't have the answers to things that only God knows (obviously), but we do talk about how we can respond to our doubts. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3YU1CPY 

If you or someone you love has suffered from a neurological disorder, you may have asked yourself "Am I Just My Brain?" Sharon Dirckx has written a book by that name. Spoiler alert: she says the answer is no! Sharon has a PhD in Brain Imaging from Cambridge and also works with the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4jdJI2Q 

Cindy Brinker Simmons is an author, businesswoman and philanthropist. She also experienced the tragedy in her life. Her response has been to help other people with practical ways to put life's pieces back together. For years to press forward, choose joy, and trust God. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3DENJhw 

Adam Hannon and his wife Christina have lived every parent's worst nightmare. But what's truly remarkable about their story, is their response. If you have ever asked God "Why?" you may find some perspective in this episode. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/41t9gCN 

JD King, co-author of the book Mighty Like Gideon talks about finding the courage to trust God in all circumstances. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/42P8Qri 

Biblical Counselor, Scott Smith, talks about turning to scripture for help in hard times.

Steve and Pastor Elijah Shamenda wrestle with some big questions like: Why do we suffer? What causes someone to deconstruct their faith. How should we deal with doubt? And others. Elijah is lead pastor at Overflow Church in Benton Harbor, Michigan. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4j5W2Td

For Davy Blackburn, the worst DID happen. His wife was murdered during a home invasion. Davey talks about grief, radical forgiveness, and how God can make something good out of the most awful things that happen. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3ZLNpFC