In this episode, hosts Caleb and Cathy are joined by fellow Perimeter counselor Ashley Cable for a conversation about chronic illness. Drawing from Ashley’s own lived experience of walking through multiple ongoing illnesses, the three discuss what it looks like to cling to truth and trust God in circumstances that feel long, painful, and uncertain.

Throughout the conversation, they touch on applying the truths of Scripture through experiencing chronic pain, learning to lament with God in what Ashley calls her “bathroom floor days”. Walking through themes from Romans 8, they reflect on what it means to sit honestly with the Lord and redefine flourishing—not by our standards, but by God’s. They also offer practical reflections for those who suffer, as well as for helpers and loved ones who want to walk alongside them with wisdom and compassion.

We pray this episode brings comfort, hope, and a reminder that God is near in the waiting. If Ashley’s story resonates with you, we invite you to explore her blog post, Chronic Illness - Why His Presence Matters.

Additional Resources:

• Read Jeanne Harrison’s poem from her blog, Loving My Lot, entitled When Life Disappoints

• Read David Powlison’s book, God's Grace in Your Suffering

• Read John Piper’s article from Desiring God, God is Always Doing 10,000 Things In Your Life

• Read or listen to Esther Liu’s CCEF article, When God's Promises Feel Untrue

• (00:00:00) - Ashley Cable on the Perimeter Counseling Podcast
• (00:01:34) - Ashley's Story of Chronic Illness
• (00:09:25) - God's Love for Us
• (00:15:30) - "I Know He's Got a Purpose"
• (00:15:45) - Chronic illness and the message of Romans 8
• (00:25:18) - God's Presence on the Bathroom Floor