Where Is God When We're Suffering?

In this episode of the Daily Bible Refresh, Dr. Brad Miller shares a progressive daily reading from Revelation 2:8-11, focusing on the message to the church in Smyrna about finding spiritual wealth amid material poverty, resisting religious gatekeeping, and sustaining hope and resilience during difficult times. Drawing from personal experience as a cancer survivor, Dr. Miller emphasizes the importance of authentic faith, active resistance against suffering, and supporting those who face persecution or marginalization. The episode concludes with actionable steps for listeners to foster community and justice, an invitation to use the ABC, 123 Bible study method, and encouragement to spread and support the mission of making the audible Word of God accessible to millions.

Takeaways:

• True wealth is found not in material possessions but in spiritual richness, community, relationships, and purpose.
• Genuine faith is diverse, and religious gatekeeping or exclusion should be challenged—authentic faith can look different for everyone.
• Maintaining hope and resilience is crucial during times of suffering, as demonstrated by both the biblical passage and Dr. Miller’s personal experience as a cancer survivor.
• Active resistance in the face of hardship means persevering with integrity and supporting others, rather than passively accepting difficult circumstances.
• Listeners are encouraged to identify people or situations in their own communities facing persecution or marginalization and take concrete steps to support them.

Links referenced in this episode:

• voiceofgoddaily.com

The "Daily Bible Refresh" is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2025-2028).

He is the author of "The A, B, C-1,2,3 Bible Study Guide" Free to you by clicking HERE.

Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The Bible.

He believes in the words of Jesus that “scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21)

The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available seven days a week by 6:00 am ET. The episodes are no longer than ten minutes long and are...

• Understandable: A reading from the New Testament (usually the Gospel) selected from the Revised Common Lectionary using "The Message" translation.
• Relatable: You will have a couple of "points to ponder" from the text which will relate to your life
• Applicable: Every episode includes a way you can take action based on the reading
• A recommended resource to help you go deeper in biblical study and spiritual direction.
• A prayer for your day.

A companion resource to the Voice of God Daily Podcast is the “ABC Bible Study Guide” available by clicking HERE.

The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available every day at VoiceofGodDaily.com on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all major podcast directories.

You can help Dr. Brad attain his goal of getting a bit of the bible into two million ears by subscribing to "Daily Bible Refresh" on Apple Podcasts, leaving a five-star rating, and writing a review. More importantly please share with your network of family and friends about the "Daily Bible Refresh".

Please make listening to the "Daily Bible Refresh" a part of your daily life.

Remember… “All scripture is God-breathed and useful”(2 Timothy 3:16)