“Choosing Joy in the Midst of Suffering: An Advent Conversation” With Wendy Blight, Ellen Adkins, and Kaley Olson

<p>Joy sounds simple at Christmastime … until life brings loss, disappointment, or unanswered prayers. In this Advent episode, Wendy Blight joins Kaley Olson and Ellen Adkins to share how Jesus brings joy — <strong>not to replace</strong> suffering but right in the middle of it. Through Wendy’s honest personal story and a biblical look at joy throughout Scripture, you’ll discover how true joy isn’t rooted in circumstances — it's rooted in the presence of Jesus who meets us, sustains us, and carries us through things we never asked for.</p><p>A powerful message for anyone who’s wondering how joy is possible in a season that feels anything but joyful.</p><p><br>You’ll learn:</p><ul><li>Why biblical joy is more than a feeling — it’s something God gifts us through His Spirit.</li><li>How joy grows in seasons of pain, unanswered prayer, or physical and emotional suffering.</li><li>Why lament isn’t the opposite of joy — it's often the doorway to it.</li><li>Practical ways to shift your gaze from your circumstances to Christ.</li><li>What Scripture teaches about a future joy that no loss or sorrow can take away.</li></ul><p><strong>Resources From This Episode:</strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://first5.org/?utm_source=podcast&amp;utm_medium=pod-p31-sn-233"><strong>Join us</strong></a><strong> for Advent in the First 5 app!<br></strong>Download the <em>free</em> app, and spend five minutes each day studying God’s Word with women around the world.</li><li><strong>Go deeper with our brand-new Advent study guide, </strong><a href="https://www.p31bookstore.com/collections/more-than-a-manger-an-advent-study-guide-collection?utm_source=podcast&amp;utm_medium=pod-p31-sn-233"><strong><em>More Than a Manger</em></strong></a><strong><em>.<br></em></strong>Experience the Christmas story with fresh eyes through rich biblical teaching and meaningful daily reflections.</li><li><strong>Help more women access biblical Truth this season.<br></strong>Your generosity fuels everything we do — from free podcasts to devotions to study resources.<br><strong>[</strong><a href="https://proverbs31.org/donate?utm_source=podcast&amp;utm_medium=pod-p31-sn-233"><strong>Give to Proverbs 31</strong></a><strong> Ministries today.]</strong></li><li><a href="https://share.transistor.fm/s/8456a801"><strong>Click here</strong></a><strong> </strong>to download a transcript of this episode</li></ul><p><strong>Want More on This Topic? </strong></p><ul><li>Listen to this <em>Therapy &amp; Theology</em> episode titled <a href="https://proverbs31.org/listen/podcast/full-podcast/2024/10/03/s7-e3-how-can-i-trust-god-when-i-don-t-understand-what-he-allows?utm_source=podcast&amp;utm_medium=pod-p31-sn-233">“How Can I Trust God When I Don’t Understand What He Allows?”</a></li></ul>