What do you do when a relationship feels so broken you’re afraid it may never recover? Relational pain can trigger fear, shame and an urgent desire to fix things—reactions that can make already difficult conversations even harder. In this episode, Jennifer talks with pastoral counselor and author Chris Coursey about how God can help us navigate relational fractures with greater peace, clarity and compassion. Chris explains what happens in our brains when pain pushes us into “enemy mode,” why emotional safety is so important and how learning to quiet ourselves and reconnect with God can help us respond as our healthier, relational selves.

Chris also shares practical strategies for helping others feel seen, heard and understood, recognizing when past pain is influencing present conflict and seeking God’s perspective when fear and shame distort our own. For additional encouragement, download Chris’s free Taking Your Relational Temperature resource and check out his book, The Joy Switch: How Your Brain’s Secret Circuit Affects Your Relationships—and How You Can Activate It, which explores how to strengthen your relational brain and remain connected during conflict and stress.

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When we fight for control, it's rarely because we have an insatiable desire to play boss. Most often, fear is driving our behavior—especially when we’ve experienced situations that left us feeling powerless, uncertain and deeply wounded. After those experiences, we naturally want to do whatever we can to avoid landing in a similar crisis or painful spot. And so, we might overthink, try to fix other people or work harder to secure a particular outcome, while believing we’re simply being responsible and caring. So how can we recognize when healthy responsibility has crossed into control?

In this episode, Jennifer Slattery talks with bestselling author Lysa TerKeurst about her latest release, Making Peace with What I Can't Control, and the fears that can drive controlling behavior and how to respond differently. Lysa shares how to distinguish responsibility from control, recognize the role our perceptions play in fear and focus our energy on what we actually can manage. She also discusses trusting God when we don’t understand what He’s allowing, remembering His past faithfulness and releasing outcomes into His capable hands.

Resource referenced: Making Peace with What I Can't Control: Find Relief from the Exhaustion of Overthinking, Trying to Fix Others, and Wanting to Figure It All Out

Scriptures referenced: John 16:33; Galatians 5:22–23

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When we experience intense pain and hardship, our view of God can shrink. When circumstances overwhelm us, prayers seem unanswered and our suffering endures for any length of time, we may fear God isn't actually big enough to handle what we’re facing, or loving enough to do something about it. Singer, songwriter and author Tim Timmons, whose story is shared in MercyMe's Imagine 2, knows what it means to live with those types of questions. After receiving an incurable cancer diagnosis and being given five years to live more than two decades ago, Tim has learned to bring his grief, questions and uncertainty honestly to God.

In this episode, Tim and Jennifer discuss what it looks like to trust a God who is bigger than our understanding and meet Him within the tension of pain and hope. They explore the intimacy that can develop through honest wrestling, why acknowledging grief doesn’t diminish faith and how shifting from “working for God” to joining Him can change the way we approach each day. Wherever life feels confusing or painfully unresolved, God remains present, attentive and at work.

Scripture referenced: Genesis 32:22–32; Matthew 5:44; Matthew 16:24–25; Matthew 22:37–39; Mark 12:30–31; John 5:17; Romans 8:28; Malachi 1:6–14

Resource Referenced: Waking Up Again: A Journey of Grief & Gratitude

Connect with Tim Timmons:

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Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.