Your Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson podcast

From Darkness to Redemption: How to Find Hope in the Wilderness of Life’s Trials

April 17, 2025
00:00 35:17
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Episode Summary:

In this episode, my co-host, Rev. Jessica Van Roekel and I reflect on the journey from the darkness of Good Friday to the redemption of Resurrection Sunday. For Jesus’s disciples and followers, Good Friday marked a day of despair, while Saturday felt like a wilderness of uncertainty. Yet, Resurrection Sunday brought the hope of resurrection, redemption, and purpose. Together, we’ll examine how these themes resonate in our own lives when we walk through dark seasons and wilderness experiences, and how we can hold onto hope, knowing that redemption is always possible through Christ.

Quotables from the episode:

  • Even though Jesus warns us we will experience trials, they often take us by surprise just like Jesus’s death did for the disciples.
  • Nothing happens to us that isn’t first sifted through God’s hand.
  • God has a plan, sees the whole picture, and offers his comfort.
  • Prayer and lament: Honest communication with God, expressing pain, confusion, and doubt.
  • Meditate on Scripture: reflecting on Bible passages that highlight God’s faithfulness in difficult situations.
  • Practice gratitude: remember past instances of God’s provision as encouragement for the present trials.
  • Fasting: set aside time for fasting to seek clarity, alight with God’s will, or pursue deeper spiritual intimacy.
  • Worship and praise: praise God for who He is, even when circumstances feel bleak.
  • Community and Fellowship: share your struggles with trusted believers who can pray and provide encouragement.
  • Silence and solitude: spend intentional quiet time with God, listening for his voice and his presence.
  • Remembering God’s faithfulness: reflect on his unchanging nature and promises.
  • God often uses our darkest moments to bring about the greatest redemption.
  • Lean into God’s promises during dark and wilderness seasons.
  • Look for glimpses of God’s redemptive work, even when it feels far off.
  • Remember that life’s trials often follow the pattern of Good Friday, Saturday, and Resurrection Sunday. The darkness of despair can give way to the wilderness of waiting, but the story doesn’t end there. Resurrection Sunday reminds us that hope and redemption are always on the horizon. No matter what season you’re in, trust that God is at work, bringing beauty out of ashes and life out of death.

Scripture References:

  • Luke 23:44-46 (The darkness of Good Friday)
  • Isaiah 43:19 (God’s work in the wilderness)
  • John 20:1-18 (The resurrection on Easter Sunday)
  • Romans 8:28 (God’s redemptive purposes)

Recommended Resources:

Social Media Links for Host and Guest:

Connect with Jessica Van Roekel:

Website / Instagram / Facebook

For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at:

Order Book Sacred Scars / Order Book The Hem of His Garment / Order Book Today is Going to be a Good Day / Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails / Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson) / LinkedIn / Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast on Apple

Co-Host:

Jessica Van Roekel is a worship leader, speaker, and writer who believes that through Jesus, personal histories don’t need to define the present or determine the future. She inspires, encourages, and equips others to look at life through the lenses of hope, trust, and God’s transforming grace. Jessica lives in rural Iowa surrounded by wide open spaces which remind her of God’s expansive love. She loves fun earrings, good coffee, and connecting with others.

Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson

Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

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

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Meet Your Host
Dr. Michelle Bengtson is a hope concierge! She is a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist, international speaker, and award-winning author dedicated to offering hope, healing, and practical tools for mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. As the host of the top-rated podcast Your Hope-Filled Perspective, she combines her professional expertise with biblical truth to empower listeners to overcome anxiety, depression, and life’s challenges through faith.

A trusted voice in Christian mental health, Dr. Bengtson is the bestselling author of Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor's Personal Journey through Depression and Breaking Anxiety's Grip. With over 30 years of clinical experience, she has helped countless individuals find lasting freedom from fear, stress, and discouragement.

Dr. Bengtson is a frequent media guest on platforms such as Focus on the Family, Life Today, and Moody Radio. Her writing and resources have been featured on outlets including Crosswalk, iBelieve, and Salem Media, equipping believers to embrace God's promises in every season.

Connect with Dr. Bengtson at DrMichelleBengtson.com, where she shares faith-based encouragement, expert insights, and free resources for cultivating a hope-filled life.
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