On Suffering and Sonship

Oct 21, 2025

In this heartfelt discussion, Josh Turner—a pastor and author—shares his journey through profound suffering, particularly surrounding his daughter Riley's rare condition. He reflects on how these experiences reshaped his understanding of faith and God's sovereignty. Josh addresses the often-overlooked emotional struggles pastors face and introduces the 10Ten Project, designed to help leaders avoid burnout. His powerful insights on suffering and sonship offer hope and encouragement for anyone navigating pain, reminding listeners of God’s greater purpose.

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INSIGHT

When Theology Meets Real Suffering

Josh realized platitudes from his previous tribe didn't hold up when suffering hit his family.
That forced him into a deep theological wrestling about causation, sovereignty, and suffering.

ANECDOTE

Riley's Long Road To Diagnosis

Josh Turner describes Riley's traumatic birth and three months in the NICU with unknown diagnosis.
She remained undiagnosed until age 12 and is now the 12th known case in the world, requiring dozens of surgeries.

ADVICE

Shift From Causation To Kingdom Response

Stop demanding black-and-white answers about whether God caused or allowed suffering.
Instead ask, "God, what do you want me to do with this?" and lean into that responsibility.

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In this episode, I sit down with my friend Josh Turner—pastor, leader, and now author of Into the Storm. Josh’s story is one of unexpected suffering and surprising strength. We talk about his daughter Riley, born with a rare condition, undiagnosed for 12 years, and now living life with courage and clarity most adults don’t have. Josh shares what it was like walking through that pain while pastoring, wrestling with God’s sovereignty, and being forced to reexamine what he actually believed about suffering.

That experience, by the grace of God, moved Josh from being just a servant of God to living like a son. We also dive into the ministry he now leads, 10Ten Project, which helps pastors get healthy before they burn out or blow up. This episode isn’t just for church leaders—it’s for anyone walking through pain, anyone looking for hope, and anyone needing to be reminded: God is doing more than you think He is.

In This Episode

Suffering as a young pastor and preparing the church for it
Josh’s early ministry influences and meeting Matt
The story of Riley’s birth and undiagnosed condition
Wrestling theologically with suffering and God’s sovereignty
Transition from servant to son – a pastor’s identity crisis
Why 10Ten exists: helping pastors finish well
How many pastors are emotionally unaware
Real stories from intensives and ministry breakdowns
A theology of suffering is essential for everyone
Encouragement to those in suffering or leadership burnout

Guest Resources

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Overcoming the Darkness by Nate Pickowicz

This book offers biblical wisdom and the stories of faithful saints to help you see God’s faithfulness in the darkest seasons. Grab Overcoming the Darkness today at MoodyPublishers.com or wherever good books are sold.

On Our Way Home by Colleen Chao

Through Scripture and her own journey of suffering, Colleen Chao reminds us that all our longings point to the joy of our true Home with Christ. Get your copy of On Our Way Home at MoodyPublishers.com or wherever good books are sold.

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