Is God Still Good Even When Life Isn't? with Rachel Lozano and Bonnie O'Neil

07/27/23 • 38 min

Open Doors: Conversations with Heart of the Father

Have you ever thought, "This wasn't the life I expected?"
You thought you'd be farther along in your career by now. You thought you'd be married by now. You thought you'd have more money saved by now. You didn't think that your children would be going in these different directions that you don't believe are healthy for them. You didn't think that your kids wouldn't want to come back and see you.
There are all different kinds of ways that we can be disappointed with life, and the question that this powerful episode offers is- are we willing to set aside those things, those expectations that we had, and accept what is, or will we continue to try to white knuckle our way through life, holding on to control everywhere that we can?
Join Rachel as she interviews Bonnie O'Neil on her life-changing book Chronic Hope.
Bonnie is a spiritual director and the executive director of Alpha Mid Atlantic, a faith-based nonprofit, and part of the board here at Heart of the Father Ministries. Bonnie is also a hope hunter. Join them today and bring your tissues.
Find Bonnie's book Chronic Hope
Learn about Alpha Mid Atlantic
Support our mission and donate today!
Join us at one of our Freedom in Christ conferences
Check out Unbound and find other resources
Release: July 2023
Music by Christian Harper
Artwork by Rosemary Strohm at Command-S

Previous Episode

God Has Good Plans for Your Life! with Neal Lozano and John Doman

Today Neal hosts a dear friend John Doman. Neal has known John and his beautiful wife Michele for over 35 years. Together they have 10 children and 56 grandchildren. WOW!

These superheroes have led an amazing life, bringing their family up to know the Lord and to know the truth. Among their children (who are all grown) are worship leaders, Christian authors, ministry leaders and more, but most of all they're moms and dads committed to Jesus and committed to raising their families for Him.

Some of you met their daughter Alicia Hernon from Messy Family Project through last week's podcast with her husband Mike. They mentioned John, and we knew you'd be blessed to meet him!

John and Michele have a beautiful life together, but John shares with Neal just how hard life can be, filled with incredible joy and unbelievable sorrow.

From the minefields of the Vietnam War to the realities of tragic accidents, we are reminded to trust the Lord.

Jeremiah 29:11.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

God has good plans for each of us. The truth is God is good.

Whether you are struggling today to believe that, or you just want to hear some powerful, life-changing stories, listen in. You won't be disappointed!
Support our mission and donate today!
Join us at one of our Freedom in Christ conferences
Check out Unbound and find other resources
Release: July 2023
Music by Christian Harper
Artwork by Rosemary Strohm at Command-S

Next Episode

Diving Deep into the Practice of Surrender with Matt and Jenn Lozano

Have you missed us? We are so excited to be back for Season 3 and can't wait for you to hear all the special episodes we've lined up for you!

Today we kick off this season "Swinging for the Fences" as Matt and Jenn take a deep dive into the heart of surrender.

Surrender, though often so challenging, is a central expression of faith to give the Lord our "Yes", let go of the things that we tend to hold on to, and embrace Him as Lord. We're not just surrendering for the sake of ourselves; we're surrendering to God and for God and for His will and for His purposes. It's for His sake.
"In order for Him to be our Savior, we have to stop trying to save ourselves.
In order for Him to be our deliverer, we have to stop trying to deliver ourselves."

Surrendering to God isn't a one-time act, but a daily process. Reflecting on their own walk with God, Matt and Jenn share personal stories and challenges, but reveal the truth that giving Him an open hand allows the Lord to satisfy our deepest desires!
Discover how letting go can lead to a transformative spiritual renewal.

Tune in and invite a friend!

Philippians 2:5-8
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; rather, He made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!
Support our mission and donate today!
Open Doors listeners use opendoors15 for discount at our Philly ConferenceJoin us at one of our other Freedom in Christ conferences
Check out Unbound and find other resources
Release: September 2023
Music by Christian Harper
Artwork by Rosemary Strohm at Command-S