Vaneetha Rendall Risner Photo

Vaneetha Rendall Risner

Vaneetha Rendall Risner is the author of several books, including Watching for the Morning: 90 Devotionals for When Hope Is Hard to Find. She and her husband, Joel, live in Raleigh, where she shares on her website about Christ’s unwavering presence in suffering.

If I Only Knew Why

If I Only Knew Why

How could I possibly reconcile such great losses that were preventable, unexpected? My natural question was “Why?” If God was in control, why didn’t he stop it?

The Loneliness of Suffering

The Loneliness of Suffering

As much as I would like friends to comfort me, no one has ever met me the way God has. No one’s words have ever changed me the way Scripture has.

Your Shattered Dreams and Shaken Faith

Your Shattered Dreams and Shaken Faith

When my plans crumble and God takes me away from my dreams, I must trust in God’s infinite wisdom and rest in his immeasurable love.

The Poverty of the Prosperity Gospel

The Poverty of the Prosperity Gospel

The story of Job taught me that God himself — not anything he gives me — is my greatest treasure.

The Greatest Gift Is God Himself

The Greatest Gift Is God Himself

How He Meets Us in Suffering

God doesn’t grant my every request even when I pray faithfully. But he does promise to satisfy me with his unfailing love as he walks through every trial with me.

What If the Worst Happens?

What If the Worst Happens?

We all face a staggering array of “what ifs.” Some are minor issues, while others have life-altering repercussions.

Is My Suffering Meaningless?

Is My Suffering Meaningless?

Not a minute of our suffering is meaningless. God’s purpose directs every detail of our pain.

Finding Joy in the Clouds

Finding Joy in the Clouds

It doesn’t feel like God draws as near without the clouds. There is an intimacy with him I have only experienced in the raging storm.

Seven Things That Transform Suffering

Seven Things That Transform Suffering

I can’t carry my plate to the table. Last month I could do it easily. But with post-polio, things deteriorate rapidly. Every week, I face new challenges, discover things I can no longer do, give up more things I love. …

When God Does the Miracle We Didn’t Ask For

When God Does the Miracle We Didn’t Ask For

Unlike delivering grace, which often moves us to greater independence from God, sustaining grace keeps us tethered to him.

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