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When we go through a difficult season, it’s tempting to wallow in self-pity or assume that God has abandoned us. But what if, instead, He is using that time to do a great work in us and give us gifts we’d never have experienced otherwise? Today’s guest, Tyler Staton, learned this lesson first-hand when he went through a cancer battle while writing his latest book, The Familiar Stranger, about the Person and Work of the Holy Spirit. In this episode, he shares his thoughts on what he calls “redemptive suffering” and how we can grow closer to God through ordinary practices to enhance our discernment and relationship with Him.
What We Discussed on the Podcast
- The importance of truly understanding the Person and work of the Holy Spirit in our lives
- How Tyler’s cancer journey informed his understanding of redemptive suffering and how the Holy Spirit moves through suffering for our redemption
- How Jesus’ example shows that we need to have discernment to effectively pray for miracles
- Why discernment needs to be an everyday practice, not reserved for only big decisions
- How Tyler uses prayer walks (or cycles) and the “Prayer of Examine” (developed by St. Ignatius) to train himself in the art of discernment
- How God as our Shepherd guides us to where He wants us to go
- Tips for how to pray when we feel distracted, we’re experiencing brain fog, or at other times when it’s difficult
Resources We Mentioned on the Podcast
- The Familiar Stranger by Tyler Staton
- “How to Renew Your Mind” course, starting January 28, 2025.
About Tyler Staton
Tyler Staton is the Lead Pastor of Bridgetown Church in Portland, Oregon, where he lives with his wife Kirsten, and their sons Hank, Simon, and Amos. He is passionate about living prayerfully and relationally. Tyler is the author of three books: Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools, Searching for Enough, and The Familiar Stranger. Connect with Tyler on his website at tylerstaton.com.
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