We’re just going to say it: suffering sucks. No one chooses it, no one enjoys it, and yet somehow it finds all of us. In this episode, Ash and Lydia get honest about Romans 5:3–4:

“We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

They unpack what this verse is really saying—not celebrating pain, but celebrating what God can do in the middle of it. Lydia shares how loneliness, loss, and starting life again shaped her faith, and Ash opens up about the lies anxiety whispers when life feels overwhelming.

This conversation is for anyone who’s ever thought:
• “God, are you even there?”
• “Why does growth have to hurt?”
• “I don’t want more character—I want out.”

You’ll be reminded that hardship doesn’t mean you’re outside God’s will, that hope isn’t wishful thinking but confident expectation, and that the very thing stretching you might one day help someone else survive their storm.

We&rsquo;re just going to say it: suffering sucks. No one chooses it, no one enjoys it, and yet somehow it finds all of us. In this episode, Ash and Lydia get honest about Romans 5:3&ndash;4:
&ldquo;We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.&rdquo;
They unpack what this verse is really saying&mdash;not celebrating pain, but celebrating what God can do in the middle of it. Lydia shares how loneliness, loss, and starting life again shaped her faith, and Ash opens up about the lies anxiety whispers when life feels overwhelming.
This conversation is for anyone who&rsquo;s ever thought: &bull; &ldquo;God, are you even there?&rdquo; &bull; &ldquo;Why does growth have to hurt?&rdquo; &bull; &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t want more character&mdash;I want out.&rdquo;
You&rsquo;ll be reminded that hardship doesn&rsquo;t mean you&rsquo;re outside God&rsquo;s will, that hope isn&rsquo;t wishful thinking but confident expectation, and that the very thing stretching you might one day help someone else survive their storm.