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Trials

Jan 07
Love0

The Beauty of Brokenness

By Brokenness, Christian Living, Grief, Trials No Comments

It was not my best sermon.

After being away from my congregation for six weeks, the induction phase of my son’s chemotherapy ended, and we returned home from the Memphis Ronald McDonald House. Though he was now in remission, 128 consecutive weeks of treatment remained in order to prevent him from relapsing with leukemia. We were tired, emotionally spent, and fearful of what lay ahead of us.

With my pastoral duties resuming, I decided to preach through the Old Testament book of Job. What I did not anticipate, however, was the uncontrollable emotion I felt when I opened my Bible and began to speak. As an active participant in the story, the passage I read was neither theoretical nor flat. Each verse struck a different emotive cord as I shared about the inevitability of trials in a fallen world. And with every insight I explained, it seemed as though God was speaking directly to me through His Word.

That’s when the tears began to flow. At first, I was embarrassed. The vulnerability of the moment left me exposed like never before, and frankly, I did not like it. The more I tried to pull it together the less composure I seemed to have. Yet, as God carried me through the message, His strength was perfected through my weakness in an obvious way. I realized, perhaps for the first time, that God usually breaks us before He uses us.

Then, in a moment of spiritual clarity, I felt unexplainable joy. Joy because the Holy Spirit was so obviously present and active. Joy because others were benefitting from my hardship. Joy because of the manifest power of God’s Word. And joy because, unlike anything before or since, I needed the realities that I dared to proclaim. Don’t get me wrong, I never really doubted any of the doctrines in Scripture, but my son’s cancer forced me to lean on the Lord’s promises like I had not previously. When we move from merely explaining Scripture for the benefit of others to experiencing the same truth for ourselves, life change occurs.

Such is the beauty of brokenness.

Earthly pain is often God’s chosen method to help us live out the eternal truths we claim to believe (James 1:2-4). He sometimes uses unexpected affliction to add the depth of experience to the width of our knowledge (Psalm 147:3). Pastors in particular face the constant danger of being educated beyond their obedience level.

Without discipline, we will arrogantly project outward images of ourselves that contradict the inward realities of who we are. Even if unintentionally, we may prop up the professional holy man persona in an effort to meet the expectations of the people we serve. Hypocrisies like these will not only render us ineffective, but also jeopardize the health and vitality of our souls. Adversity usually represents a divine invitation toward greater authenticity. Tears, as unwelcome as they might be, are a powerful instrument to help us glory more in our Savior than ourselves (Psalm 6:8). The destination of obedience is often at the end of affliction’s road (Psalm 119:67).

So, I no longer run from the tears. And neither should you.

Today’s heartache may become a future pillow with which you can comfort others who are hurting (2 Cor. 1:3-4). In His goodness, God is thoroughly more strategic with our trials than we are, often allowing His children to share with others the strength and consolation they received directly from Him. One reason every believer needs to live in Christian community is the collaborative strength we find through the shared experiences of the body (Heb. 10:23-25).

God’s preachers are not immune from the burdens this requires or the blessings it produces. The Lord instructs us to love one another (Rom. 13:8), bear one another’s burdens (Gal. 6:2), be kind to one another (Eph. 4:32), comfort one another (1 Thess. 4:18), pray for one another (James 5:16), teach and admonish one another (Col. 3:16), and serve one another (1 Peter 4:10).

Additionally, every trial is a potential platform for your declaring the gospel and demonstrating genuine faith (Phil. 1:12-14). Though it seems counterintuitive, our most powerful opportunities to be witnesses for Jesus will often come when our lives are falling apart. Because unbelievers frequently dismiss Christianity as unnecessary at best or a crutch at worst, observing faithful saints who suffer well is a powerful jolt of reality that opens wayward hearts to the claims of Christ. When non-Christians encounter the sustaining faith of a weary saint, the result is powerfully inspirational.

Better still is the hope that our troubles are often doorways that lead to deeper intimacy with Christ as our faith is proven and stretched (1 Peter 1:6-9). Perhaps one of the greater pitfalls of ministry is losing our passion for Christ in exchange for our pursuit of ministerial success and recognition. Hardships often serve as a needed wakeup call to remind us that the great reward of our faith is Christ Himself. As he recounted all that he lost to pursue Jesus, the Apostle Paul joyfully boasted that it was all . . .

  • . . . for the sake of Christ (Phil. 3:7).
  • . . . that he might gain Christ (Phil. 3:8).
  • . . . to be found Him (Phil. 3:9).
  • . . . that he might know Him (Phil. 3:10).

Apart from suffering, we simply cannot learn about God or relate to Him on an intimate level.  Believing God is real and present is one thing. Trusting that He is enough no matter what you face is another matter entirely. Though we are quite capable of cognitively grasping these ideas, we cannot embrace them fully until we experience their reality for ourselves. Trials force us to move beyond superficial knowledge about Jesus into a meaningful, daily walk with Him. Much to our chagrin, the power of Christ’s resurrection is always preceded by the fellowship in His sufferings (Phil. 3:10).

No matter how God chooses to enter your pain and regardless of how many tears you shed, remember that He promises to wipe each one of them away (Rev. 21:4) and collects them in a bottle (Psa. 56:8). Against the backdrop of eternity, all trials are temporary. Isaiah prophesied of a day when “they will not hurt or destroy in all My holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea (Isaiah 11:9).”

No wonder “the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us (Rom. 8:18).”  The Lord has the final say about all our adversities. When we worship through our deepest valleys our present struggles wilt under the magnificent shadow of the future.

Behind every tear that falls and every heartache we carry, God is actively working all things together for good for those who know Him and love Him (Rom. 8:28). Even on our darkest days, we can trust that He will never leave us nor forsake us (Heb. 13:5-6). Though life is sometimes too short to heal all our hurts, the hindsight of eternity will make all things clear. Ironically, trials that make us doubt God’s purposes on this earth will lead us to praise His plans in heaven. Tears have a way of keeping our hope anchored to a world to which we’ve never been.

Maybe that sermon wasn’t so bad after all.

Adam B. Dooley
January 7, 2026

Oct 29
Love0

The Hardest Question to Answer

By Anxiety, Doubt, Tragedy, Trials, Will of God, Worry No Comments

Unexpected loss.
Unpaid expenses.
Unhealthy test results.
Unclear expectations.
Unrealistic goals.
Unmet needs.

Trials can take various forms, but often they drive us to the point of despair. Some relationships never heal. Some illnesses never go away. Some dreams remain out of reach. Some burdens never ease. Some problems have no solutions. Frustration, anger, loneliness, and even depression are common outcomes to the difficulties we face. Perhaps the most puzzling and bewildering question underneath all our struggles is why?

Why is God letting this happen? Why now? Why me? Why? Why? Why? Like you, I have wrestled with this difficult question numerous times in my life. The most obvious season of doubt came when my son was diagnosed with cancer several years ago. But there have been other moments of uncertainty that plagued my life as well. Disappointment and hardship of any kind, whether it be great or small, can leave us wrestling with our Creator in search of answers.

Over the years, both my experience and my study of Scripture have taught me at least three valuable lessons about navigating life’s adversities.

First, it is okay to ask God why. Occasionally, well-meaning Christians and Bible teachers will either explicitly or implicitly caution that asking God why is out of bounds. Yet, Scripture nowhere teaches that it is sinful to call out to God about His plans or purposes. A quick survey of the biblical record demonstrates the point.

Outside of Jesus, no one suffered more than Job, who consequently asked God why no less than twenty different times (EX: Job 3:11-12, 7:20-21, 13:24, 21:7). Moses asked God why He sent him to lead the nation of Israel (Ex 5:22). Joshua asked God why He was allowing Israel to be destroyed (Joshua 7:7). The prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah asked God why He dealt so harshly with Israel (Is 63:17; Jer 14:19). Perhaps most stunning of all, however, is the remarkable lament of Jesus on the cross when He cried, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me (Matt 27:46)?”

In none of these instances will you find God irritated or angry because of the inquiry. Questioning His work in your life is permissible even though demanding an answer is not. Feel free to ask God why, just don’t chastise Him if you do not like the response or the lack thereof. Our Lord’s compassion makes sense if you simply think about your children. I never resent the confused questions of my sons or daughters. In fact, I am eager to reassure them that everything will be okay when they are hurting. Even when I withhold information from them, I do so out of love and concern rather than exasperation. Surely, this is how God hears our pleas for information!

Second, Jesus really is enough. The issue is not whether God is real, but whether He is enough during seasons of discomfort. Scripture is resolute that God will never leave nor forsake His people (Deut. 31:6; Heb. 13:5). Jesus promised rest to those who are weary and heavy-laden (Matt. 11:28-29). These realities are theologically true, and yet, we usually cannot appreciate them fully until we need them the most. Difficult experiences allow us to put our biblical knowledge to the test. Much like Job, we find out that having Jesus in our lives is better than the answers or explanations He might provide to explain our plight (Job 38:1-41:34).

Knowing God will bear your burdens is quite different from watching Him do it. Believing the Father will answer your prayers is powerful, but not like waiting for Him to do so. Though our experiences are never the source of new truth, they can enhance our understanding of existing truth. Simply put, trials force us to depend upon and live out what we inwardly know.

Third, faith does not give us the power to eliminate trials, but to endure them instead. I do not mean to suggest that God cannot or does not work miracles in our lives today. The notion, however, that any trial or sickness can disappear by means of faith is patently false. Sometimes God develops us through trials rather than rescuing us from them (James 1:2-4). Prayerfully, I trust that I will be a better man because of the hardships that come my way. According to Scripture, endurance is something to celebrate, not avoid (2 Cor. 12:7-9).

Ultimately, we cannot always answer the question why? Even then, our lack of knowledge should not result in a lack of faith. When ignorance assaults our peace of mind, we should continue to persevere in the wisdom of God (Prov. 3:7).

Adam B. Dooley
October 29, 2025

Sep 17
Love0

Charlie Kirk and the American Soul

By America, Evil, Murder, Politics, Trials, Truth No Comments

Like so many of you, I am still trying to process the horrific reality of Charlie Kirk’s assassination at Utah Valley University on September 10. Words escape me as I wrestle with both the loss of a generational voice and the seeming death of our cultural conscience. Only time will tell if this tragedy is the beginning of America’s needed renewal or its impending ruin.

While I recognize that political violence stems from both the right and left, the tragedy surrounding Charlie Kirk is almost as predictable as it is painful. We should welcome calls to “turn down the rhetoric,” but doing so without recognizing the patterns that preceded this tragedy is futile.

For years, opponents who disagreed with Kirk repeatedly labeled him as part of the dreaded fringe, a right-wing activist who was divisive, extreme, and incendiary. Fearing his persuasive arguments, many on the left painted Charlie as a xenophobic and homophobic white supremacist unworthy of debate. In other words, they hurled ad hominem insults because they could not counter his ideas.

Think I am overstating it? The sheer glee by some online is the very definition of bigotry. The number of videos with individuals laughing hysterically, shouting enthusiastically, and clapping uncontrollably in celebration is breathtaking. Insensitive one-liners and obnoxious memes littered the feeds of most users on every social media platform. And why? Because a loving husband and father of two is somehow less than human simply because he saw the world differently than his critics. God help us.

The breadth of the cruelty has been staggering. The conversation turned so vile that teachers, college professors, authors, firefighters, journalists, healthcare workers, pilots and Secret Service members necessarily lost their jobs for their calloused, disrespectful remarks. Then, just as predictably, these same mockers are now playing the martyr card in defense of their hateful behavior. Imagine, after grotesquely suggesting that a 31-year-old family man in his prime deserved an assassin’s bullet simply for exercising his First Amendment right, emotionally pleading your victimhood because you lost your job for speaking freely. The disconnect is remarkable.

Though laws vary slightly from state to state, generally employers have every right to terminate employees due to online or social media comments deemed inappropriate. While the First Amendment guarantees our freedom to say what we want, when we want, where we want, it does not prevent businesses from parting ways with workers who violate “company values” (a phrase repeated a lot recently). Conduct seen as damaging to the reputation or profitability of a corporation is grounds for dismissal according to the law. Rightly so.

Among the most visible offenders was Matthew Dowd, a political analyst at MSNBC who had the gall to imply that Kirk deserved to die because he was so divisive. “Hateful thoughts lead to hateful words,” he contended, “which then lead to hateful actions.” As an aside, if your rhetoric is too extreme for MSNBC, you really need to tone it down. But what exactly was so malicious about Kirk’s going to college campuses and listening to skeptics and critics alike in order to engage in debate and dialogue?

Herein, we stumble upon the great offense of Charlie Kirk. He dared to speak the truth. And not just greeting card pleasantries. His audacity to share openly biblical positions on gender, marriage, homosexuality, abortion, the role of government, judicial activism, etc. quickly drew the ire of critics anxious to label him as Christian nationalist.

Unfortunately, we live in a generation that not only resists the truth, but also sees it as hateful and cruel. With pinpoint accuracy, Scripture anticipated our current climate. “For the time will come,” wrote the Apostle Paul, “when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths (2 Tim. 4:3-4).”

Though I did not agree with every position Charlie Kirk took, his consistent effort to demonstrate the veracity of Scripture in everyday life was inspiring. Far too many Christians hide their faith in public spaces, fearing the backlash of political correctness and secular priorities. Even after his death, the name calling is wickedly cringeworthy.

Likewise, if you dare to hold and voice a biblical worldview that informs your politics, many will just as rapidly label you a threat to democracy, a domestic terrorist, or even worse, a fascist. The names change, but the playbook remains the same. How do I know? Because Charlie Kirk is not the first Christian to die for boldly proclaiming what God’s Word says.

Both the apostles Paul and Peter also lost their lives for telling the truth. If each were alive today many of the same dissenters would anxiously mark them as political extremists on the far-right fringe for addressing many of the same issues Charlie Kirk spoke so passionately about.

For instance, both apostles promoted a limited government that exists primarily for the punishment of evildoers (Rom. 13:1-6, 1 Peter 2:13-14). While appearing before the Sanhedrin, Paul admonished that the council judges rule according to settled, external law outside of themselves (Acts 23:3). Judicial activism of any kind runs contrary to the established standards of written legalities.

Notions of government handouts or wealth redistribution were also foreign to Paul and Peter. Though they advocated for helping the poor (Gal. 2:10), they also insisted that those who refuse to work should not eat because rewarding laziness is foolish (2 Thess. 3:10-11). Being sensitive to real needs was hardly an endorsement of equity outcomes for all.

Regarding race, what fundamentally mattered to these leaders of the early church was not the color of a person’s skin but their identity in Christ (Gal. 3:28). For them, creating winners and losers, victims and oppressors, contradicted the unity found in the family of God. Paul sought to preach the gospel to all people without discrimination (Rom. 1:14-16). The Apostle Peter likewise maintained that what makes us distinct is not our skin color but who we are in Christ Jesus (1 Peter 2:10). Fellowship came across socioeconomic and cultural lines, not through obliterating them. In other words, the gospel is more powerful than what the world says should divide us.

When speaking about gender and marriage, Paul and Peter acknowledged that only a man and woman can become one flesh through holy matrimony and that both, as a picture of the gospel, have unique assignments in the home (Eph. 5:22-31; Col. 3:18-19; 1 Peter 3:1-7). Echoing the words of Jesus, Paul taught that divorce was never permissible except for reasons of adultery and desertion (Matt. 5:31-32; Matt. 19:1-12; 1 Cor. 7:10-16).

Additionally, Paul declared homosexuality in all its forms to be unnatural and idolatrous (Rom. 1:26-27), incompatible with sound teaching and Christianity itself (1 Cor. 6:9-11; 1 Tim. 1:9-10). Peter grimaced over the prospect of such reckless sensuality and the consequences it is sure to bring (1 Peter 2:4-11). According to both men, the freedom promised by the sexual revolution is a deceptive fabrication that only leads to bondage and shame (1 Cor. 6:18; 1 Peter 2:18-9).

When it was all over, Paul lost his head and Peter suffered upside down on a cross for their views. The world was not worthy of these early martyrs for the faith nor the thousands who have come after them (Heb. 11:35-38). Outcomes like these should not surprise us, though. Jesus Himself contended that the world would insult, persecute, and say every kind of evil against His people (Matt. 5:10-12).

But how was He so sure? Because the light of creation experienced the same rejection and hate when He came into the world (John 1:9-10). He, too, spoke boldly about two genders (Matt. 19:4), the permanence of marriage (Matt. 5:31-31; 19:1-12), the reality of hell (Matt. 7:21-23, 8:12, 18:9; Mark 9:43-48), and loving our enemies (Matt. 5:43-48). Perhaps most offensive of all, He claimed to be the promised Messiah who is the only way to God (John 14:6).

Disagreement is part of life. Robust debate and engagement, though, are not threats worthy of violence. Quite the contrary, contending with others is an expression of their value as God’s image bearers (Gen. 1:26). Denouncing bad ideas is not an act of hatred, but an effort to promote human flourishing for those with whom we disagree.

So, even as some voices continue to suggest that Charlie Kirk was a stain on our society, let’s do better. In fact, I encourage you to listen and decide for yourselves. His videos are everywhere. Judge for yourself if you believe he was unkind or harsh. Refuse to listen to partisan voices desperate to spike the ball in this historical moment.

Adam B. Dooley
September 17, 2025

Sep 10
Love0

The Hidden Blessing Behind Life’s Pain

By Anxiety, Christian Living, Comfort, Grief, Trials 2 Comments

If you live outside of Jackson, Tennessee, you are likely unfamiliar with the name Ann Marie Kelley. Those of us who call this community home, however, recognize her as a bit of a local hero. Diagnosed with stage 4 non-Hodgkins lymphoma in 2021, her initial prognosis was bleak. Yet, with the innovation and progress of modern medicine as His means, God supernaturally healed Ann Marie’s body of all cancer, giving her a new lease on life.

In the years following those dark days, Ann Marie has worked tirelessly to bless others who face the devastation of similar diagnoses. She decided to deliver smoothies to chemotherapy patients monthly, realizing how difficult it is to eat while enduring these treatments. Next, she organized daily transportation for patients unable to drive themselves to and from doctor appointments.

Then, three years ago, Ann Marie created Swinging for Hope, an annual golf tournament which raises money for the Kirkland Cancer Center. Remarkably, in just 36 months, fundraising efforts have grown rapidly, surpassing the $500,000 mark. At their core, these initiatives are a living testimony that God comforts us so that we may, in turn, comfort others with the strength He gives (2 Cor. 1:3-4). With her Christian faith as the anchor of her life, Ann Marie is seeking to be a conduit of God’s blessings. Because she received so much from the Lord, she is eager to give just as much to others.

And rightly so.

Within the providence and provision of the Lord, our worst trials and burdens often become the pathway to our greatest impact and blessings. The same problems which initially cause us to doubt God’s goodness unexpectedly turn into the platforms from which we declare God’s glory. The notion that our Savior’s breaking us precedes His using us appears over and over again in Scripture.

Joseph suffered unjustly in a prison for over a decade before God raised him up to feed all of Egypt during a time of famine (Gen. 37-50). Prior to leading Israel out of Egypt, the great leader Moses spent 40 years in exile due to his recklessness (Ex. 2:15-25). The glory of King David came only after he spent around seven years hiding from his predecessor (see 1 Samuel). Paul served as the mighty apostle to the Gentiles, but only while living with a continual thorn in the flesh (2 Cor. 12:7-10). Most important of all, the glory of Jesus’ resurrection required the agony of His cross and the hopelessness of His grave beforehand (Mark 15:22-47).

In all of these instances, the resulting fruit and benefit for others came from walking with the Lord, not away from Him, during the darkest of circumstances. Doing so allows us to embrace the opportunity of sharing the divine comfort we receive with those around us. While the purposes behind our pain are many, most of which remain hidden outside the perspective of eternity, one source of sanity through hardship is knowing that a greater good can emerge (Rom. 8:28).

All around us are people who realized that what the enemy meant for evil, God orchestrated for good (Gen. 50:20). Consider Lisa Reasons, who leads the new adoption agency of Birth Choice ministry here in Jackson. Behind her education and effectiveness, it is easy to miss the tremendous burdens she has overcome. As an infant she lay with little attention or affection for the first year of her life in an orphanage. Even after being adopted through the foster system, Lisa frequently struggled to connect with others due to her previous lack of attachment as a child. When her adoptive father died during her teenage years, she had to wrestle with being alone all over again.

Little did Lisa know that these painful years were the preparation she needed to adopt her son, Clay, who faced similar struggles. Likewise, her unique compassion for hurting families, born out of personal struggles, has uniquely equipped Lisa to lead an adoption agency. Truly, the complexities of her past served as the doorway to her future.

Across town, at The Dream Center, a ministry designed to serve women in crisis, Director Gail Gustafson traveled a similar path. After growing up in an abusive home, her life was sidetracked by addiction. It took 35 years before Christ changed her life, but the grace of God ultimately overtook her. Today, Gail sees herself in the women she serves and feels called to help them find freedom in Jesus Christ. Understanding the heartache hurting women face is the key to her effectiveness as a faith leader.

Isn’t all this just like our great God?

In our moments of greatest despair, God is preparing eternal glory for us that far exceeds our present struggles (2 Cor. 4:17-18). We face constant affliction, bewilderment, and even persecution, yet without despair or destruction in order to put the power of our Savior on display (2 Cor. 4:7-10). And, as God pours into us, we have incredible opportunities to pour into others. Our deepest valleys have a way of elevating us to new heights of service and significance.

Let’s remember, especially on our worst days, that God has a plan for each of us. As He works in us, He is likely preparing to work through us. Some trials are simply too painful to waste. So, when the dawn breaks, be ready to share the spoils of your struggle with others. Let’s encourage and build one another up, knowing that heartaches do not have the final say (1 Thess. 5:9-11). Drawing from the well of our past victories, let’s do what is good and helpful for others, especially those in the family of faith (Gal. 6:10).

Adam B. Dooley
September 10, 2025

Jul 29
Love0

A Promise for Troubled Days

By Christian Living, God, Trials No Comments

Do you ever worry that you’re going under if something doesn’t change? Do you fear that you cannot deal with the stress of your circumstances any longer? Do you ever feel like God has abandoned you? If so, I want to encourage you with a promise for believers that has given me strength over the years. Joshua 1:5 says, “Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you.”

Thankfully, God’s pledge to Joshua was not an isolated incident. Moses’ successor reminded God’s people of the same promise when they fought against their enemies (Joshua 10:25). Before King Solomon built Israel’s temple in Jerusalem, his father David assured him that God would never fail or forsake him until the work was finished (1 Chr. 28:20). After Assyria invaded Judah with intentions of conquering Jerusalem, King Hezekiah admonished his citizens by insisting that the Lord was with them and that He is greater than any enemy they faced (2 Chr. 32:7-8).

Every time a leader relayed the promise of God’s presence to others, Scripture reveals a strong call to be strong and courageous as a result. Not only was this the pattern employed by Moses as he encouraged Joshua, God Himself follows the same progression three times as He speaks directly to His new leader (see Joshua 1).

  • Be strong and courageous . . . (v6) for I will give the people the land I promised.
  • Be strong and courageous . . . (v7) as you obey my commandments.
  • Be strong and courageous . . . (v9) because I will be with you wherever you go.

These appeals to strength and courage are the direct result of God’s repeated intention to remain with Joshua no matter the situation. The Lord assured him, “No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you (Joshua 1:5).”

Remarkably, God frequently reassured His children by directly asserting His presence with them. When temptation assailed Abraham, the Lord promised to be a shield for him (Gen. 15:1). As Isaac endured the envy and hostility of others, God again guaranteed His presence (Gen. 26:24). While serving under harsh circumstances due to the Babylonian threat, God maintained His intention to save and deliver the prophet Jeremiah (Jer. 42:11). Though the Apostle Paul suffered greatly for serving His Savior, the Lord again acknowledged His presence and admonished the apostle not to fear (Acts 18:9-10). Even while Israel faced the self-inflicted consequences for their rebellion, God came to them with compassion saying, “Do not fear, for I am with you (Isa. 41:10; 43:5).”

In addition to these stated examples of Yahweh’s determination to remain with His people at all times, the Bible often observes that God is with His servants even when He does not say so. Consider again the escalating hardships of Joseph in the book of Genesis. The narrative reveals that his brothers hated him. After they sold him into slavery, Potiphar’s wicked wife falsely accused Joseph of adulterous intentions, resulting in an unfair prison sentence. Yet, despite God’s apparent silence on the matter, the Bible continually consoles us:

  • The Lord was with Joseph, so he became a successful man (Gen. 39:2; emphasis mine).
  • His master saw that the Lord was with him . . . (Gen. 39:3; emphasis mine)
  • The Lord was with Joseph and extended kindness to him, and gave him favor in the sight of the chief jailer (Gen. 39:21; emphasis mine).
  • The chief jailer did not supervise anything under Joseph’s charge because the Lord was with him; and whatever he did, the Lord made to prosper (Gen. 39:23; emphasis mine).

Joseph seemed to lean hard into the reality of God’s presence. Toward the end of his life, while looking back over his most painful events, he found comfort in knowing that what others meant for evil against him, God strategically used for good (see Gen. 50:20).

If these examples still seem too far from the world where you live, drink deeply from the profound insight of Acts 17:27-28, which assures us that God is “not far from each of us” because “in Him we live and move and exist.” Our heavenly Father invites us to enjoy contentment apart from financial or material ambitions simply because He promises to never desert or forsake us (Heb. 13:5) due to His relentless priority of meeting our needs (Heb. 13:6).

In addition, Jesus, when speaking directly to all Christians in every age, guaranteed His presence in our lives as we go about the work of making disciples of the nations (Matt. 28:18-20). Regardless of how severe our misfortunes might be, we can rest easy knowing that God “will not forsake His godly ones” (Psalm 37:28). He is ALWAYS with us!

Adam B. Dooley
July 29, 2025

Jul 15
Love0

The Generosity God Seeks

By Generosity, Hope, Trials No Comments

Her words stopped me in my tracks.

“I need to verify your insurance information, Mr. Dooley, but you will never receive a bill from the hospital,” she stated casually. I should have known; after all, I see the same commercials that you see from time to time. Yet, I am embarrassed to admit that previously I failed to pay attention. At this point, I knew little about childhood cancer and even less about St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis. What was second nature to the woman in registration was news to me.

“How is that possible?” I asked.

“Because of generous donors around the world,” she explained, “our patients never receive a bill from the hospital. There will be no charge for whatever your insurance fails to pay.”

No charge?

“No charge. You take care of your son and let us take care of the rest.”

And take care of it they did. Every flight we took to Memphis (over 100). Every mile we drove. Every meal we ate while there. Every room we stayed in overnight. Every vial of chemo my son received. Every MRI, CT scan, and clinic visit. No expense was spared, and no expense was laid at our feet.

No charge. No strings attached.

When it was all over, we estimated that St. Jude spent nearly 2 million dollars to help our son get well. Words cannot describe the deep gratitude our family feels for the abundant, unrestricted generosity of the world’s premier research hospital leading the fight against childhood cancer. To this day, it takes my breath away.

Frankly, the whole experience gave me a completely new outlook on living a generous life even as it convicted me. No secular organization, no matter how wonderful, should model the sacrificial giving God seeks more than the church of the Lord Jesus. As a pastor, I not only want to model biblical generosity for my people, but I also want to teach them to prioritize the Lord’s work.

Discussions on money and giving are sometimes taboo even though significant portions of Scripture are devoted to these subjects. While the lies of the prosperity gospel leave many wishing to avoid the subject altogether, faithful pastors seeking to preach the whole counsel of God recognize the undeniable connection between our view of wealth and our spiritual maturity. Simply put, wherever we put our treasure, our heart will necessarily follow (Matt. 6:21). Despite our best efforts to ignore it, most Christians instinctively understand that either God or money will rise to prominence in our lives, leaving no room for the other to capture our hearts (Matt. 6:24).  The biblical antidote for worshipping at the altar of the almighty dollar is generous giving to God’s kingdom work (Matt. 6:19-20).

So, instead of focusing on whether we should give, allow me to make some observations about how we should give.  Five patterns emerge as we consider the generosity God seeks.

Our giving should be sacrificial. While describing the giving of the Macedonians to the ministry of the church, Paul says they gave despite their great affliction and poverty (2 Cor. 8:2) in a way that was according to their ability and beyond their ability (2 Cor. 8:3). Sharing resources that we will never miss falls short of the sacrifice God is seeking in our giving.

Our giving should be intentional. Not only does Paul challenge the Corinthian believers to participate in the offering for the Jerusalem church, but he also tells them to plan ahead and set aside their gift well before its collection (2 Cor. 9:5). Allotting funds each week is the best strategy because it increases our capacity to give more than in single moments (1 Cor. 16:1).  Being intentional pushes the kingdom’s agenda to the forefront of our budget by protecting us from reactionary giving out of our leftovers.

Our giving should be cheerful. Lest anyone think that generosity is defined by certain dollar amounts, Paul also highlights the heart and attitude that should accompany our offerings.  Giving only when coerced or forced creates a religious hypocrisy that resembles a whitewashed tomb rather than a transformed heart. God desires cheerful anticipation as we give out of devoted resolve to build eternal treasure (2 Cor. 9:7).

Our giving should be proportional. Much like a swinging pendulum, the proportional nature of giving is obvious in two distinct ways. First, what we give away should be proportional to what God has given us. Second, what God gives us is often proportional to what we are willing to give away. Do you want to be generous? Give as God as given to you. Do you want to be more generous? God can (and will) give you everything you need to be as generous as He wants you to be (2 Cor. 9:8-11).

Our giving should be worshipful. Not only does supporting God’s kingdom work lead those who benefit to worship God, but it also points the giver back to the One who gave more than any material possession we might part with. Giving reminds us of the “indescribable gift” of God’s Son (2 Cor. 9:15). Though Jesus was rich, He became poor so that we might become wealthy because of His poverty (2 Cor. 8:9). Sustained generosity not only makes us more like Jesus, it also helps us to appreciate the depth and breadth of His great sacrifice for us.

Adam B. Dooley
July 15, 2025

**This article first appeared with the release of Hope When Life Unravels. Order your copy today wherever books are sold.

Jul 08
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Unexpected Blessings in Dark Places

By Christian Living, Comfort, Faithfulness, Gratitude, Sovereignty, Trials, Uncategorized No Comments

How can we make this work? My wife fought back tears as she tried to process the mixed emotions that gripped her. We sat in what felt like eternal silence, occasionally looking at one another but without words to articulate our feelings. During the darkest valley of our adult lives, this news was the last “blessing” we expected to receive.

 This week marks 15 years since childhood cancer rocked our world. Those were tough days due to a regimented and exhausting routine. Because we lived in Mobile, AL then, every Tuesday we boarded an early flight to Memphis, TN for my oldest son’s weekly chemotherapy at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Usually arriving before dinner, we ate a quick meal at what was formerly the Grizzly House (now Tri-Delta Place) before heading over to the hospital for lab work meant to measure his immunity levels. Then, early the next morning, we met Carson’s attending physician in the clinic in who cleared us for his weekly cocktail of medication. Despite the occasional lumbar puncture sprinkled in every few months, we usually finished by lunch on Wednesday before returning to the airport for the reverse flight home.

The only ingredient worse than the grueling pace of this drill was the daunting prospect of maintaining its grind for 128 consecutive weeks. Early on, my wife and I decided to alternate trips, but with 75% of the treatment protocol remaining everything was about to change. Fighting childhood cancer was difficult enough with two children. How could we possibly add a third to such a frantic schedule? With a sick child needing so much attention, how could we adequately care for a newborn? How could we manage another responsibility?

But the test did not lie.

Thankfully, neither did God’s Word. I knew and believed that children are a gift from the Lord (Psalm 127:3-5). I understood that all human life is valuable because every person is made in the image of God (Gen. 1:26-27). I also remembered that Jesus compared the pain of childbirth to the sorrow surrounding his death, while also insisting that the joy of giving birth will mirror the joy of his disciples after His resurrection (John 16:21). God seemed to whisper through my doubts, “Consider this an unexpected blessing.”

But in the interest of transparency, can I admit that it did not feel like a blessing? Don’t misunderstand, we wanted more children. Our plan, however, was to weather our storm before expanding our family. Surely, God knew the timing was all wrong! Anyone could see this was too much to ask in our situation! Yet, the Lord’s ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9).

Now, all these years later, I am embarrassed by my shortsightedness. That unexpected blessing was my third son. Though the news of his arrival initially felt like an ill-timed intrusion, it actually became a healthy distraction during our deepest valley. Yes, some days were challenging, and we often wrestled with anxiety, but it was also impossible to dwell on our trial and wallow in our misery. God, in His goodness, gave us joy in the midst of our darkness.

As unexpected as it was, the birth of our son was exactly what we needed at precisely the right time. Because of our new addition, we laughed, we celebrated, and we marveled over our God instead of living in doubt. When I look at him today, I see myself behind his piercing brown eyes. He is smart, athletic, mischievous, and the life the party. We cannot imagine life without him.

I still grieve that I did not see it at first.

God has many purposes through our suffering, many of which we may never understand. Yet, undoubtedly, the Lord often works in the midst of our adversities to drop unexpected blessings into our lives. He may gift you with greater character and hope (Rom. 5:3-5). He may comfort you in order to make you a blessing to others (2 Cor. 1:3-4). Maybe He desires to correct your waywardness and to protect you from problems you don’t see coming (Heb. 12:5-11). Whether the goal is greater humility (2 Cor. 12:7), deeper intimacy with the Lord (Psalm 119:64-68), or increased heavenly reward (2 Cor. 4:16-18), you can rest knowing that God is working in ways you cannot see to provide blessings you do not expect.

Trials are deceptive, not only because of the wounds they leave behind, but also because of the vision they steal from us. Be careful. The light of God’s faithfulness will always penetrate the darkness of our heaviest burdens, even if not immediately. You may not see it now, but you will one day.

So, look around. You are likely more blessed than you think. In fact, the very trial that you hate may be the means God chooses to deliver an unexpected blessing that you do not deserve.

Trust Him (Rom. 8:28).

Follow Him (James 1:2-4).

Rest in Him (Matt. 11:28-29).

You will be glad that you did.

Adam B. Dooley
July 8, 2025

**This post first appeared with the release of Hope When Life Unravels. Purchase your copy today wherever books are sold.

Mar 19
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My Favorite Verse

By Future, God, Peace, Providence, Trials No Comments

My Favorite Verse

The name Abe Anglin probably means nothing to you, but from the fourth grade on I knew he just had to be my sixth-grade teacher. He wasn’t much over 6 feet tall, but to me he was a peculiar, giant of a man because he had a bald head with a large scar on the side due to brain surgery. Little did I know that I would not only be a student in his class, but I would also learn lessons from this man that still shape who I am today. In the providence of God, our families quickly became friends during my last year of elementary school. As a result, “Mr. A” as we called him, soon invited me to a church function where he would share his testimony.

As I listened to the story of how his brain tumor was successfully removed, he boasted only in the faithfulness of the Lord and the grace he received. I still remember how I felt when he began sharing his favorite verse of Scripture. “And we know,” he said, “that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose (Rom. 8:28).” Instantly, I knew those words were special, and I soon decided that this would be my favorite verse too. What I did not realize, though, was just how important those words would be to me a few short months later.

Weeks before Christmas, while I was a student in his class, Mr. Anglin’s tumor came back. Before his second surgery, we sat outside my classroom on the floor after school. “Adam, I’m not afraid to die,” Abe said slowly. I shook my head, not immediately sensing the gravity of the moment. “Let me say it again. I will probably die from this tumor, but I want you to know I am not afraid.” His words overwhelmed me. I believed the gospel, but I had never met anyone with such bold faith. “If you will live for Christ,” he added, “you won’t fear that day either.”  The conversation is still so vivid to me.

By the time I reached the eighth grade, Mr. Anglin was still battling cancer. After having his tumor removed a third time, it became apparent that he would indeed die. At the tender age of 26, he was gone far too soon. Yet, no matter how unbearable his malady became, the words of Romans 8:28 always gave this remarkable man hope no matter how grim things appeared. I didn’t fully understand it then, and frankly, I’m not sure I grasp it now. I am certain, though, that this powerful verse of Scripture is a steady anchor when trials beat against the shore of our lives. Even death cannot unravel the hope found within these profound words.

If I may state the promise succinctly, God is always working for your good, even when you can’t see it. In every circumstance, in every struggle, in every heartache life throws your way, there is nowhere you can go and nothing that can happen to you when God is not actively working to bring about good. It may not always be obvious to you, especially during tumultuous seasons of misfortune, but the Bible teaches that God is out before you, guiding the steps and rhythms of your life.

“And we know . . .” conveys a sense of confidence and assurance. Though our world is constantly changing, these words represent an unchanging promise from our eternal Lord. “God causes all things . . .” communicates the comprehensive scope of our Savior’s commitment to His people. God is actively weaving the incidental and monumental events of our lives together for His particular purposes. Not some things or most things, but ALL things. God uses every moment of your life to work toward His ultimate good for you.

Every enjoyable and wholesome circumstance you savor fits perfectly into God’s creative intentions for your life. He uses all the moments that give us overflowing gratitude far beyond the immediate satisfaction we can see and celebrate. In addition, the word ALL includes the less desirable realities of life as well. Bad things, tragic things, depressing things, shocking things, and even evil things have a sense of design because of God’s redemptive purpose for His children. NOTHING comes across the pages of your life that God doesn’t utilize for His greater plan. EVERYTHINGin your life leads to good when you know Jesus.

I would be remiss, however, without acknowledging that this wonderful promise is conditional. God limits His reassurance “ . . . to those who love God, to those who are called.”  When the Bible says WE know, it is referring to those who know and love God; or those who are born again. This promise, as most others, applies only to those who belong to Jesus. By turning to Christ in repentance and faith, we can live with the assurance that our Heavenly Father is actively working for our good.

And why is the Lord so faithful to His own? The next verse explains that God’s ultimate goal is to conform us to the image of His Son (Rom. 8:29). Our happiness and comfort are secondary to this primary agenda. The silver lining behind every burden is not that our circumstances will change, but that our character and commitment will transform instead.

Adam B. Dooley
March 19, 2025

Feb 25
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Is Christian Persecution Real?

By Faithfulness, Persecution, Trials No Comments

A recent sermon series through the Beatitudes struck a personal chord with me that I hope echoes throughout our congregation for months into the future. Speaking about life in the family of God, Jesus offers eight specific blessings for His followers that are admittedly counterintuitive. Perhaps the strangest of them all was His final promise, “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 5:10).”

Reading these words left me asking, “Is Christian persecution real today?” If you listen to much western media you might get the impression that Christians do more persecuting than they receive. Progressive spin commonly casts evangelical believers among the oppressors rather than the oppressed. But is it true?

An honest assessment reveals that Christians remain the single most persecuted group of people in the world. Currently, 14% of Christ followers across the globe, or one out of every seven, suffer high levels of persecution. In Africa that number is as high as 20%, or one out of every five Christians. Across Asia, the numbers are even worse, with 29% of believers (two out of every five) suffering for their faith.

According to the Open Doors watchlist, 2024 witnessed nearly 4500 Christians martyred, nearly 8000 churches or properties attacked, nearly 5000 detained or imprisoned, over 209,000 forced from their homes, and persecuted believers in excess of 380 million. Tragically, Islamic rebels in the Congo beheaded 70 Christians in a church last week in an effort to turn the largely Christian region into an Islamic caliphate.

Despite claims to the contrary, Christianity faces more persecution right now than at any other point in history. The first 1900 years of church history recorded 25 million Christian martyrs who suffered for following Jesus. From 1900-2000, a total of 45 million died for their faith. How are we to understand reports like these, particularly in our American context?

Thankfully, Jesus offered a three-fold definition of persecution to guide our thinking. He says, “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me (Matt. 5:11).” These descriptions are important because a prevalent lie in the United States is that since people are not dying here, Christian persecution does not exist. According to Jesus, such thinking is misguided.

Notice the three carefully chosen words and phrases which define the suffering of saints. Insults refer to openly mocking or shaming people of faith. The same word later appeared to describe Jesus’ suffering on the cross (Matt. 27:38-44). Persecution bears the idea of running after or pursuing with an intent to abuse violently or to prosecute thoroughly. Falsely speaking evil refers to slanderous accusations void of any truth. Neither time nor space will permit me to list the plethora of examples demonstrating these abuses today, but they should be obvious to us all.

At this point, you might be wondering why anyone would treat other human beings in such horrific ways. Two primary reasons for persecution emerge when we carefully examine the words of Jesus. First, Christians will sometimes suffer for the sake of righteousness (Matt. 5:10). The description refers to godly character and conduct. One unspoken modern reality is that genuine righteousness is often an irritant to unbelievers. The godly conduct laid out in the Sermon on the Mount, for example, is often received as an indictment of wickedness.

To help us grasp the principle, the Apostle Peter listed numerous vices that, when resisted, cause offense to those in darkness. He warns that those outside the family of God will pursue a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties and abominable idolatries (1 Peter 4:3). Then he explains, “In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excesses of dissipation, and they malign you (1 Peter 4:4).”

Have you ever wondered why any talk of sexual purity is mocked incessantly today? Or why resistance to the gay lifestyle is labeled as hate mongering? Is it curious to you that getting drunk, wild parties, and perverted language are commonly celebrated as the good life? And that calling out sin is chided as old-fashioned, or even harmful to society? Do you find it strange that the mere presence of Christians, or the articulation of historical Christian beliefs, is so frequently mocked, derided, and even identified as a threat? This is what Jesus categorized as the sake of righteousness.

Second, Jesus revealed that some will persecute believers simply because of His name. After revealing the previous listed forms of persecution, He admits that all are because of Me (Matt. 5:11). People then, as now, were fine with Jesus being a good, moral teacher, a miracle worker, and even a prophet who spoke truth. The moment He claimed to be God, however, His enemies sought to kill Him and any who chose to follow Him (Matt. 10:21-22).

Similar claims today can lead to just as much trouble. Agreeing that Jesus is a way is fine, as long as you don’t insist that He is THE WAY. Purporting that Jesus told the truth is not offensive, unless you assert that He is THE TRUTH. Crediting Jesus as the founder of Christianity won’t cause consternation, until you maintain that He is THE ONLY WAY TO HEAVEN. Having a Jesus who is one among other gods will be acceptable to the masses,but those bold enough to declare Him as THE ONLY TRUE GOD will face certain backlash.

Christian persecution is not only real, but also much more prominent that we might initially think. So, what is the silver lining? Joyfully, Jesus assures us that the kingdom of heaven belongs to those have suffered for their faith (Matt. 5:10). Your reward will be great because the faithful have always endured the scorn of this world (Matt. 5:12).

Adam B. Dooley
February 25, 2025

Feb 18
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What Is Winter Trying To Tell Us?

By Salvation, Sovereignty, Trials No Comments

“I am so ready for spring.”
“Do you think school will be canceled this week?”
“Maybe we will have one more chance to go sledding.”

Reactions like these are not uncommon during the winter months. In the span of 24 hours, I have heard all three comments, along with the accompanying lament and enthusiasm depending on the perspective. As I write this column, our area is bracing for what may be the second big snowstorm of the season. Most adults are anxious for warmer weather while our children are looking to score at least a few more days home from school due to snow.

But what if I told you that winter holds much greater significance than stoking daydreams of summer vacation or the playfulness of childhood? Surprisingly, the Bible teaches that every winter has a predictable message that we would be wise to heed. So, what can we learn from a wintery mix of snow and ice? What spiritual truths do cold feet and runny noses point to?

First, the predictability of winter reminds us that God is in control. The constancy of creation points back to the faithfulness and power of our Creator. An often overlooked promise in Scripture is the monotony of our seasons. After the worldwide flood in the days of Noah subsided, God promised to never destroy the earth the same way again (Gen. 9:11). Even before the covenant sign of a rainbow (Gen. 9:12-17), God insisted, “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease (Gen. 8:22).”

In this sense, every season, including winter, points back to the faithfulness of God to keep His promise. Prerequisite to this understanding is the fact that the Lord not only controls the seasons, but that He also utilizes each to do His bidding.

A recent study leading our congregation through the narrative of Job reminded me again that the God of the Bible is not only bigger, but also more intentional than we often realize. The book’s poetic expressions communicate the literal strength of the Lord. During the winter months, He instructs the snow and rain to fall, creates ice with His breath, forces beasts into hibernation, and directs both northern and southern storms (Job 37:6-10). He stores the snow and hail for times of distress, war, and battle (Job 38:22-23). He gives birth to both ice and frost in order to imprison what is below (Job 28:29-30).

No wonder the psalmist marveled, “He sends forth His command to the earth; His word runs very swiftly. He gives snow like wool; He scatters the frost like ashes. He casts forth His ice as fragments; Who can stand before His cold? He sends forth His word and melts them; He causes His wind to blow and the waters to flow (Psalm 147:15-28).” The severity of winter points back to the magnitude of our God.

Second, the beauty of winter reminds us of the purity God provides. Two times in Scripture the Bible compares the cleansing of God’s forgiveness to the flawless scenes of winter. Despite having sins that are like scarlet, God promises to make them as white as snow (Isa. 1:18). Likewise, King David’s longing for purity left him begging God to wash him so that He could be clean like snow (Psa. 51:7). Every falling snowflake and every white blanket that wraps the earth is a picture of grace, reminding us God’s forgiving embrace through His Son, Jesus Christ. Ours is a God who makes all things new as the old passes away (2 Cor. 5:17).

Finally, the burdens of winter remind us that our greatest trials are temporary. Despite the beauties of the cold season, the hardships it often brings make it an appropriate metaphor for the trials of life. Blistering temperatures, icy roads, and power outages leave us looking forward to the arrival of spring each year. The Song of Solomon celebrates the end of winter as an opportunity for a new beginning (Song Sol. 2:11-13). The subsiding of harsh weather reassures us that our difficulties will soon pass, hopefully bearing the fruit of endurance (James 1:2-4).

Though it seldom feels like it at the time, most of the adversities we face are only temporary inconveniences. The majority of our problems are not permanent experiences. Chances are, you WILL come out on the other side of whatever you are facing. Even the heaviest burdens that can sometimes last a lifetime are temporary against the backdrop of eternity (Rom. 8:18). Winter doesn’t last forever, and neither do our troubles.

Adam B. Dooley
February 18, 2025

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