How to Never Give Up Even if You Feel Broken

Laura Acuna, a speaker, author, Bible teacher, podcast host, and certified professional life coach, joins Angela to discuss 2 Corinthians 4:16-18. With over 23 years of experience as a women’s ministry leader and a degree in Christian counseling from Liberty University, Laura shares insights on keeping a kingdom perspective during difficult times and finding renewed hope in God’s promises. Laura’s powerful testimony of returning to school at age 50 and graduating with honors at 55 demonstrates that it’s never too late for God to restore what seems broken. Episode Highlights Laura’s background in ministry and women’s coaching (1:45) Understanding the context of 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (5:20) The meaning of “outwardly wasting away, yet inwardly renewed” (10:15) How our “light and momentary troubles” produce eternal glory (14:30) Laura’s personal journey of believing lies about herself from age 11 (18:40) Returning to school at 50 and graduating summa cum laude at 55 (22:15) How shame and trauma prevent us from walking through God’s open doors (25:30) The importance of keeping an eternal perspective in all seasons (28:45) Great Quotes “Even though on the outside, it often looks like things are falling apart on us. On the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without His unfolding grace.” - Laura Acuna “I’m here to tell you that if you think it’s over, it isn’t. And if you’re 50 years old, it’s not over. And if you’re 60 years old, it’s not over. If you’re 70, if you’re 80, God is always giving us opportunities to grow and mature.” - Laura Acuna “What you thought was a mountain in front of you that you couldn’t possibly scale turns out to be a molehill and you’ll look back and say, why didn’t I do that?” - Laura Acuna “Sometimes we need friends around us to do that for us as well. We need our girlfriends, right? To say, remember. Remember, this is not all there is to this.” - Laura Acuna “This is not who I am. It’s not what I am. It’s not defining anything other than we’re going through this time right now. And there’s more of the story than I know.” - Laura Acuna Resources Mentioned Laura’s book: “Still Becoming: Hope, Help, and Healing for the Diet-Weary Soul” (published December 2022) affiliate Amazon link. Laura’s podcast: “Still Becoming” (available wherever you listen to podcasts) Connect with Laura Website: Laura-Acuna.com Related Episodes Episode 6: The Steadfast Love of the Lord with Kim Cusimano Episode 4: Anticipating God’s Goodness on Earth with Sara Cormany Episode 7: Power, Love, and Sound Mind with Amanda Scarborough Life as Worship Newsletter Stay connected and receive updates on new episodes, a devotion on the scripture discussed, small group questions related to the scripture, and a FREE 9-day Devotional by subscribing to the Life as Worship Newsletter. To subscribe click here.