Finding God in the Storm: Why a Loving God Allows Suffering

The protagonist in Hope in a Hurricane spent most of his life resenting God for allowing so much suffering. Shawn experienced tremendous loss from a young age, and the hardships never seemed to stop. Unfortunately, our time on earth will be tumultuous. In fact, Jesus said in John 16:33, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” While Jesus warned us that difficult times would come, He also reassured us that everything remains under His sovereign authority.

So why is there so much suffering? The short answer is sin. In the Garden of Eden, Eve ate the forbidden fruit despite God’s explicit warning not to. She then encouraged her husband to do the same. This seemingly small act had deadly consequences. Their disobedience brought sin and death into the world, separating humanity from God.

Sin often begins with fleshly desires that take root in our hearts. If we let those desires grow, they eventually lead to sinful actions. Tragically, the damage sin causes goes far beyond the person who committed the sin, deeply hurting others.

With that in mind, let’s go back to the original question: Why does God allow so much suffering?

Shawn spent years feeling angry, resentful, and wounded. He struggled to reconcile his pain with the goodness of a loving God, especially knowing He intervenes in our lives every day. If God is always with us, why does He rescue us from some situations but not others? We can find insight into this difficult question through the story of Job.

Job was a righteous man, “blameless and upright,” who feared God and turned away from evil (Job 1:1). He lived in the land of Uz about 2,000 years before Christ. He was a wealthy, respected man blessed with abundant possessions and a large family.

Then, one day, God allowed Satan to strip Job of nearly everything. Satan had accused Job of praising God only because He had protected and blessed him. To test Job’s faithfulness, God permitted Satan to take away his possessions and children. During this dark season, Job endured unimaginable suffering and was even accused by his wife and friends of hiding secret sin. Yet, despite this, “Job did not sin or charge God with wrong” (Job 1:22).

For several chapters, Job grieved and wrestled with his pain. In Job 7:19-21, he asked the Lord, “How long will you not look away from me, nor leave me alone till I swallow my spit? If I sin, what do I do to you, you watcher of mankind? Why have you made me your mark? Why have I become a burden to you? Why do you not pardon my transgression and take away my iniquity?”

Then, in Job 31:35, Job pleaded with God for an explanation. God finally answered him in chapters 38 through 41, asking a series of questions that revealed His sovereign power, infinite wisdom, and perfect knowledge. Job responded with humility and silence.

Here is the point: Only God, the Creator and Sustainer of all things, sees and knows everything. Only He fully understands the greater purposes behind what happens on earth, including our suffering. In the end, God restored what Job had lost and blessed him with twice as much as he had before.

Take heart, suffering has a silver lining. Paul describes this truth in Romans 5:3-5: “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”

Shawn was tossed about by life's storms, and we all have been in different ways. Some people endure more suffering than others, but pain touches every life. In the middle of that pain, perhaps the real question is, “What is God teaching me through this?”

Friends, you are loved, and you matter in God’s kingdom. He is doing a work in you that will not be completed until Jesus returns (Philippians 1:6). Take comfort in Romans 8:28: “We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

We can also find hope in knowing that suffering is temporary. 1 Peter 5:10 reminds us, “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”

James 1:2-4 teaches us, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

Suffering may leave us with questions we cannot answer, but it does not mean God has abandoned us. Even in life’s fiercest storms, He is present. He strengthens our faith, shapes our character, and prepares us for eternity.

Like Shawn, we may not understand God’s purpose as we walk through painful circumstances, but we can trust His heart and hold firmly to His promise: He works all things for our good and His glory.

So here is the challenge: Take a moment to reflect on some of the most difficult experiences you have endured. Ask yourself, “What did God teach me during those trials?” If you are not sure, talk to God and ask Him to show you.

Then take it one step further and ask, “How can I use what I have experienced to help someone who is walking through a similar storm right now?”

From Hope in a Hurricane to a 5-Day Journey to Hope

When I wrote Hope in a Hurricane, I wanted to tell a story about what happens when life becomes overwhelming and out of control. Where do we turn, or rather, who do we turn to?

Shawn is a fictional character, but his struggles are deeply human. His wounds began long before Hurricane Harvey entered his life. Childhood experiences, loss, disappointment, broken relationships, and choices he made along the way shaped the man he became.

What made his journey especially meaningful is that he wasn’t looking for Jesus. He didn’t turn to faith for answers. He was simply trying to navigate life on his own.

And yet, God came looking for him.

That is the heart of the message behind his story—and one of the most beautiful truths we find in Scripture. In Luke 15:4–6, Jesus tells the parable of a shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine sheep to search for the one that is lost. When he finds it, he rejoices.

God pursues the one.

Sometimes that one is someone who has wandered away. Sometimes it is someone who has never known where to turn. And sometimes it is us—right in the middle of our own storm.

After completing Hope in a Hurricane, I wanted to take the message one step further. I wrote a guide for a 5-Day Journey to Hope.

This faith guide invites you to take action and leads you to hope by offering Biblical scriptures and a Godly perspective on the struggles we face in life.

It includes five critical steps you can take in your walk with God—practical spiritual steps designed to help you grow in faith, move toward healing, and learn to walk in hope even when life doesn't look the way you expected.

Hope in a Hurricane showed us what happened when God pursued a man who wasn't looking for Him.

The 5-Day Journey to Hope asks a different question: What happens when we pursue God for hope?

If you're walking through a difficult season, carrying old wounds, searching for healing, or simply longing to grow deeper in your faith, I invite you to take this journey.

Click Here to read the full article.

Because sometimes hope finds us. And sometimes, we have to take the next step toward it.

Loved Anyway: A Godly Perspective on Loving Others

At the heart of Axel’s character lies a powerful truth: no matter who you are, what you’ve done, or where you’ve been, you are still loved and matter to God’s kingdom.

Childhood friends Shawn and Axel were once inseparable, but their lives took very different paths, and choices—good and bad—created a painful distance. Yet, beneath the strain and disappointment, brotherly love remained. This ache of loving someone who’s hard to reach is something I know personally, and I imagine you might too. The message I want to talk about today is rooted in Matthew 25:40: "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."

We all come from different backgrounds. Some may have grown up in comfort, others in hardship. Some had loving families, others bear scars from neglect or pain. It’s human nature to compare and judge—ourselves and others. But in God’s Kingdom, none of those things determine your worth.

Consider a parent’s unconditional love for their child. Even when a child disappoints or strays, the love remains. God’s love for us is even greater. When we move past appearances and pray for God’s perspective, we can see people as He does—worthy of love, no matter how many times they fall. Jesus didn’t command us to love the people that are easy to love. He tells us to love the ones who are the hardest to love—the ones who stumble over and over again, who are selfish, dangerous, and sinful. Jesus never gives up on any of us, and we shouldn’t either.

Axel became a drug addict and ended up homeless. He didn’t set out to become lost; a thousand small choices and tough circumstances led him there—struggles most of us can’t imagine. The people we see as lost causes are never lost to God. You can find someone like Axel anywhere.

So here’s the challenge: Choose to love someone who’s hard to love. Offer kindness to the arrogant and proud, give a word of encouragement to someone who is rude, and extend a smile to someone who isn’t approachable. You never know what people are going through, and likely the most unapproachable people are the ones hurting the most. Whether or not they “deserve” it, love them anyway. That’s what Jesus does for us.

A Little Each Day

Doing a little each day can make a huge difference. Have you ever heard the saying, “Rome wasn’t built in a day”? The meaning is simple: great things take time, patience, and steady effort.

I was recently talking with my sweet niece about reading the Bible. I’m now in my seventh year of reading it from cover to cover. The Bible is a big book, and reading through it isn’t for the faint of heart — especially when you get to the Prophets. Those books are difficult!

Over the years, I’ve found that if you read just three to four chapters a day, you can get through the entire Bible in a year. The wonderful thing is that there are several resources available if you want to change things up each year instead of reading it straight through from Genesis to Revelation.

I’ve been doing it for so long now that I can hardly imagine not reading it. It isn’t just because it has become a habit; it’s because of the blessings I receive from it. I’m addicted to having a good day! My days are usually long and exhausting, but with Jesus, they are easier and full of silver linings that make them worthwhile.

Reading the Bible isn’t the only thing we can do a little each day that can make a big impact. Truly, the options are limitless. Take a moment and ask the Lord what He would like you to do a little each day. You might be surprised by His answer.

When I was writing Hope in a Hurricane, I usually wrote on Saturday or Sunday for about two hours. That is one reason it took me seven years to finish. The next one will go much faster!

I want to conclude by sharing a few thoughts about Saint Mother Teresa. She is known for doing “small things with great love.” Every day, she gave warm smiles, held the hands of the sick, and fed the hungry. She understood that many people suffered not only from physical ailments but also from feeling unwanted, forgotten, or abandoned.

Her small, daily acts of love grew into the Missionaries of Charity in 1950. Today, that organization is global, serving in roughly 130 countries.

You see, you don’t have to be the smartest, the most talented, or the wealthiest person to make a positive difference in your own life or another’s. You only have to be willing. A little each day, offered faithfully and with love, can grow into something far greater than you ever imagined.

Is the Bible reliable?

A few weeks ago, I had a wonderful conversation with a friend about whether we can trust the Bible. It’s wonderful to me because I love any excuse to talk about Jesus, even when the questions are difficult and the answers complicated. (And I certainly don’t have all the answers.) Some people may be offended by those kinds of conversations, but honestly, I think they are a great place to be. They give us an opportunity to defend our faith, and it brings me joy when someone is seriously considering their beliefs. It’s important to know what you stand for—and to know that it’s true. We live in a world that often twists truth just enough to make it challenging to tell what is real.

Now, back to the point. The Bible was written by more than 40 authors over a span of 1,500 years, across three continents and in three languages. On the surface, that sounds like plenty of room for error. While there are minor inconsistencies, most can be explained, and the overall message remains unified and consistent.

Here’s another fascinating fact: more than 25,000 archaeological digs have taken place in areas mentioned in the Bible, and not one has uncovered evidence that contradicts it. Friends, that is huge!

Still, one valid concern remains: the Bible was not written in English, so can we really trust the translation? That’s where the Dead Sea Scrolls come in.

The Dead Sea Scrolls are a collection of about 1,000 ancient manuscripts dating from the third century BCE to the second century AD. They were discovered between 1947 and 1956 in eleven caves near Qumran, on the northwest shore of the Dead Sea. After being carefully pieced together and studied, they confirmed that the Bible we have today has been translated accurately. The differences that do exist are generally matters of word choice, but not changes to core meaning.

Take the Greek word “love,” for example. In Greek, love has three words—agape, eros, and philia—while English uses just one. Agape refers to unconditional, self-sacrificial love. Eros describes romantic love, and philia means brotherly love. As you can see, sometimes translation differences reflect the limits of English rather than the message.

So yes, we can trust that the Bible has been translated truthfully. Even so, I still have questions sometimes, and maybe you do too. But take heart: one day we will get to ask Jesus our questions face-to-face.

Those less fortunate

In "Hope in a Hurricane," we see many characters grappling with significant challenges who have a history of childhood trauma. The Bible teaches us that we are born with sinful desires. However, that doesn’t mean we are born inherently broken. For those who do experience profound brokenness, it is often the result of troubling circumstances in their environment. The formative years of childhood play a crucial role in shaping individuals: most find love and support, while others endure unspeakable hardships that can leave lasting scars.

I hold a deep concern for these vulnerable children. It is vital to acknowledge the impact of such trauma and seek ways to support their healing and recovery.

One organization that I have been proud to support is Upbring. This foundation has been dedicated to providing care and refuge for children who have faced trauma for over a century, operating several homes across Texas. Upbring offers a safe environment where children can begin to heal and find hope for a brighter future. If you would like to learn more about their important work, please visit Upbring.org.

He is Risen!

Easter has passed, and I hope it was a special day of remembrance for you and your family. As members of Grace Fellowship, we had the opportunity to hear from experts about the death and resurrection of Jesus, and it was truly amazing. One of the speakers was Dr. Scott Stripling, and the other was Dr. Jeremiah Johnston. Their presentations were enlightening, and I was deeply moved by the information they shared.

For instance, they explained that Jesus was crucified at 9 AM and died at 3 PM, which coincides with the time the Pharisees offered the Passover lambs. Jesus is the ultimate sacrificial Lamb. At His crucifixion, he endured severe scourging and beatings, resulting in hundreds of wounds across His body. Pontius Pilate inflicted this punishment in an attempt to dissuade the Jews from wanting Jesus executed, but unfortunately, it did not work. By the time Jesus had to carry the heavy wooden beam to the crucifixion site, He was weak, had lost a substantial amount of blood, was concussed, and severely dehydrated. He fell three times during the journey while wearing a ‘helmet’ of thorns. Once on the cross, He died in six hours.

When the soldiers pierced Jesus' side to confirm His death, both blood and water flowed out. This detail is significant as it indicates that He had indeed died long enough for His plasma and red blood cells to separate.

After Jesus’ death, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus took His body and buried it in a tomb, wrapping it in an expensive shroud measuring fourteen feet long. Three days later, only the shroud remained. It is believed that the shroud Jesus was buried in is currently housed in Turin, Italy. For years, it has been studied extensively by experts. Through research and testing, we know it contains pollen from the region at the time of Jesus' death, dust from the type of rock found in the burial caves of Jerusalem, and linen fibers from that era. Notably, no paints, pigments, or dyes are present. Despite this, the shroud showcases a remarkable impression of a scourged man with abrasions on His back (from a wooden crossbeam), dirt on His knees (from falling), and blood stains from where Jesus was speared, as well as at the wrists, feet, and around the head.

The markings on the shroud are not merely blood; they are an impression left behind from a bright light that traveled so quickly and so powerfully through the cloth that it chemically altered its composition. Friends, only God possesses such power!

But don't just take my word for it—watch this video and hear it for yourself!

Jeremiah Johnston on The Shawn Ryan Show

Even if you don’t believe the shroud is proof of Jesus’s resurrection, know this: There are more historical documents written by direct eyewitness testimony on the death and resurrection of Jesus than any other historical event in human history that is accepted as fact. Let that sink in.

You might be wondering what this has to do with my latest book release. While it may not seem connected, if you have read Hope in a Hurricane, then you understand that its purpose is to inspire hope—much like the hope we have as believers in Christ, because one day we will see Jesus face to face, and all of our present struggles will be worth it.

Easter is around the corner!

As Easter approaches, I am super excited about the release of Hope in a Hurricane! What a divine coincidence that it aligns with such a meaningful time of year.

When Jesus chose to die on the cross, He did so as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins, granting us the gift of eternal life in heaven with Him. During His time on Earth, He opened the eyes of the blind, made the deaf hear, healed the sick, forgave the corrupt, granted second chances to the wayward, and so much more. That was just the beginning! After His departure, He gifted us the Holy Spirit to dwell within us, a constant reminder of His love and very present help. What a beautiful love story we get to be a part of!

As we celebrate my favorite holiday, I hope you enjoy this special time with your loved ones. On a personal note, I also pray that my book brings you a renewed sense of faith, hope for overcoming difficult circumstances, and peace in knowing that your heavenly Father is always with you.

Wishing you and your family a joyful and uplifting Easter!

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

More to the Story

What is the magic ingredient that keeps us turning pages? Let’s take a cue from Disney for a moment. Have you noticed how most of their stories begin in a similar way? This is no accident; it’s a clever strategy. Disney understands that young audiences often have short attention spans, so they must hook readers from the beginning to keep them engaged until the end.

The magic ingredient is surprisingly simple: create a reason for the audience to care! It’s how we are wired. When we care about a character and desperately want them to succeed, we need to know how the story ends. Every great story has this at its core. Additionally, the characters need to be relatable, the plot should be complex, and the conflicts must go deeper than the surface. After all, real life is messy. 

Skeptical? Just wait until you dive into Hope in a Hurricane – you’ll see exactly what I mean!

The Writing Process

Before Hope In a Hurricane began to take shape, I already envisioned its powerful ending and the audience I wanted to reach. The journey of writing it was a delightful whirlwind of ideas, all leading to that impactful conclusion.

As I reflected on the countless people, moments, and experiences that have profoundly influenced my life, I realized that each of us carries a unique story waiting to be told.

Writing this book wasn’t a straight path; it was more of a zigzag filled with detours and unexpected turns. As the years went by, I found myself fully absorbed in a vibrant world of characters and plots. The characters in Hope In a Hurricane resonate with people I know: some blend traits from several individuals, and others reflect different aspects of me. Because the backdrop of "Hope In a Hurricane" is Hurricane Harvey, I was able to include factual information about the storm and weave true stories into the plot, giving the story greater depth and meaning.

Ultimately, the book is meant to share a message inspired by the Lord: He loves you and is always with you. We’re called to seek Him above all else, and to love and uplift one another throughout our journeys.

So I challenge you to do two things: embrace your personal, unique story and go out of your way today to brighten someone else’s day!

The Brand

It's hard to believe it's been a month since I opened up and shared the book I’ve been pouring my heart into. There's a vulnerability that comes with sharing something you’re passionate about, and yes, it can be daunting to put your work out there, knowing not everyone will resonate with it. But as the saying goes, nothing ventured, nothing gained.

In this letter, I want to delve into my brand and vision. If you've followed my blog, you might already have a glimpse of where I'm coming from. Life is a journey filled with both valleys and peaks. Those valleys can be harsh and painful, but oh, the sweet joy that comes from reaching the peaks! Our struggles can change us in profound ways. Yet, I’ve come to understand a vital truth: none of us walks this path alone. God is with you and me.

When social media often presents a façade of perfection, it’s easy to forget that we are also surrounded by others facing similar battles. We were created for connection and to uplift one another.

That's where Hope In a Hurricane, and the other books I am working on, come into play. My goal is to inspire unwavering faith in our Creator, provide a hope for your future, and guide you toward healing through forgiveness, fresh perspectives, and so much more.

As we journey together, I’ll leave you with this thought:

Proverbs 16:24: “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”

May your day be filled with joy and strength!

A calling is born!

For the sake of time, let's start in 2012. I was sick for the third time in two months. The previous illness, a simple cold, had led to a 911 call when I lost consciousness on the cold floor of a grocery store checkout line. I was utterly drained, as if every ounce of energy had been zapped from me. Fortunately, I regained consciousness with the help of a few EMTs and a loud, persistent man who could rouse even the dead. Nevertheless, I picked myself up and pressed on.

Overwhelmed and lost as to where to seek lasting help, I knew something needed to change, but I hadn’t quite had enough yet.

When the next cold hit me, I went to the doctor again, determined to get better by addressing the cold rather than its root cause.

However, that particular day was different. For starters, I was emotional. From the time I woke up, tears wouldn’t stop flowing. I consider myself tough and never cry in front of even my closest family members. At the time, I thought showing emotion was a sign of weakness, or worse, failure. As far as I was concerned, neither was an option.

By 10 am, I encountered the phrase "God bless you" three times in different places: first at the local CVS, then at the grocery store, and finally at the doctor's office. It struck me as oddly coincidental, especially considering that it wasn’t appropriate in a doctor's office.

So there I was, explaining that I was feeling unwell and needed something, anything to get me back on my feet. After all, it was just a minor cold. The doctor looked at me with compassion and then excused herself. Minutes later, she returned with a "prescription."

She handed me a piece of paper with three Bible verses written on it. Wow! She was really breaking the rules.

Deuteronomy 31:6

“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

2 Corinthians 12:9

“…My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

Isaiah 41:10

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

By that point, I knew something was definitely going on.

A few minutes later, I found myself sitting in my car, trying to collect my thoughts. I pathetically attempted to hide my face with my hands as I became a sobbing, wailing mess. Fortunately, the windows had fogged up enough to provide me with some privacy. In that moment, I had hit my lowest point.

Rock bottom can be different for each person, so don't judge me. In that moment, I was broken. My worst fears had come true. Perfection had always been my top priority, and now I was unable to function, let alone fulfill my responsibilities as a mom, wife, and professional. I cried and cried until there were no more tears left.

During this time in my life, I honestly didn’t know Jesus; I only knew of Him. Unfamiliar with His character and ways, I certainly didn’t realize that He was alive and right beside me. After all, I wasn’t anyone special. I didn't come from royalty or wealth, and I hadn’t achieved anything worthy of Jesus’s attention. I was just an ordinary woman, filled with sin and fierce independence like so many others.

Eventually, silence fell in that stuffy car, and my mind finally stopped scrambling. Then I heard an audible voice in my head say, “Now, are you ready for my help?”

Of course, one might think I was hearing things, and I certainly was. It's hard to explain, but when the Creator of the universe speaks, you listen. Your soul stands at attention, and your brain has no choice but to follow.

Through snot and tears, I finally said yes, “Yes, Lord. Please help me. I surrender. I admit that I can’t do this on my own. This life and this world are too big for me. I thought I could manage by myself, but I can’t, and I stand to lose everything. I beg you, please help me."

I wish I could say that life became perfect from that day forward, and I lived happily ever after, but that wasn’t the case. He did pick me up that day. He healed my cold and gave me supernatural strength to continue where I had none. Each passing day became a little easier, but the difference was that I now understood I wasn’t alone. You see, when Jesus spoke to me that day, it was another attempt to grab my attention and draw me to Him: the one true God, who loves and saves powerfully.

Stumbling by taking on too much and having too high expectations of myself and others, trying to do everything in my own power, and by assuming that if it seemed right to me, then God’s will would align, still happened. When you are as stubborn as I am, you have to learn the same life lessons the hard way, repeatedly, before they truly stick. Some habits are difficult to break.

My path to Jesus has been a long one; in fact, it began long before that significant event. It has been marked by twists and turns, filled with challenges, victories, and setbacks. I’ve had my foundation rocked, my beliefs questioned, and made a fool of myself a time or two. Once again, it seems I prefer to learn the hard way.

Ultimately, the downward spiral of my life evolved into a rollercoaster, where progress could only be measured by the overall trend, much like observing the stock market over an extended period. Jesus has revealed many Truths to me thus far, yet I have barely scratched the surface. Along that winding road, a deep hunger to know Him was ignited, and I pray that it never fades. Jesus showed me my brokenness and my need for a Savior. He healed me in many ways, although I still have a long way to go.

As I continued on this journey of growth and discovery, I began to feel a call to action. By 2019, one resounding notion had risen above the noise: Jesus saves, and I can help or stand by and watch. So, with lots of grace and courage, the calling to write my first book was born.