What If Suffering Is Where Strength Begins
When healing doesn't come quickly, can faith still hold?
About this episode
Can faith survive when healing doesn't come, answers don't arrive, and suffering refuses to leave?
In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, Troy sits down with Sean Kennard—a former SWAT officer, professional MMA fighter, father, husband, Christ follower and leader with Mighty Oaks—as he shares his ongoing battle with a debilitating illness that has dramatically changed every aspect of his life. What makes this conversation unique is that Sean isn't looking back on suffering from the other side of victory. He's walking through it right now.
Together, they explore faith in suffering, trusting God through chronic illness, the tension between praying for healing and trusting God's sovereignty, and what it means to carry your cross when life doesn't make sense. This episode offers biblical encouragement for anyone facing pain, uncertainty, loss, health struggles, or seasons where God feels silent. Rather than asking, "Why is this happening?" Sean challenges listeners to consider a deeper question: What if suffering is where spiritual strength begins?
Read more about this topic: What If Suffering Is Where Strength Begins - Sean’s story sits at the intersection of chronic illness, faith, and the hard realities many families quietly carry.
Key Scriptures
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9
“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”
Romans 5:3-5
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
2 Corinthians 12:9
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
Psalm 46:1
What’s in this episode
* Sean's journey from SWAT officer and MMA fighter to battling a life-altering illness
* How chronic health struggles can challenge faith
* The reality of suffering as a Christian
* Trusting God's sovereignty while praying boldly for healing
* Why asking for help is often the first step toward healing
* How God works through community, family, and relationships
* The difference between fighting suffering and learning to suffer well
* What Sean's illness has taught him about Jesus
* Preparing your faith before life's valleys arrive
* Encouragement for anyone walking through pain, loss, uncertainty, or unanswered prayers
* How to remain faithful when circumstances don't change
Reflection questions
How do you typically respond when God doesn't answer prayers the way you hoped?
Are you trusting God's sovereignty only when life is going well?
What suffering in your life might God be using to strengthen your faith?
Have you allowed others to walk alongside you in your struggles?
Do you believe God is still good even when circumstances don't improve?
What would it look like to carry your cross faithfully in your current season?
Is your faith built on outcomes, or on God's character?
How can your suffering become a testimony that points others to Christ?
Key Takeaway
Real faith isn't proven when life is easy. It's revealed when suffering remains and you choose to trust God anyway. Sometimes God doesn't just teach us how to fight—He teaches us how to suffer faithfully.
Quote from the episode
"What I think God has been teaching me now is not how to fight, but actually how to suffer."