Before You Walk Away: Finding Jesus Amid Grief, Doubt, and Church Hurt | Constance Hastings

What do you do when the Jesus you trust does not answer the way you hoped?

In this episode of *God Says Yes*, David W. Ebel welcomes author and former mental health counselor Constance Hastings for an honest conversation about grief, unanswered questions, and discovering grace when faith feels difficult.

Raised outside a religious household, Constance encountered Christianity through teachers whose love helped her understand the forgiveness Jesus offered. Her journey eventually led from teaching into an eighteen-year counseling practice and later into writing.

But faith did not spare her from painful questions. As her father lay dying after a massive stroke, her church was also reeling from financial betrayal and conflict. Constance shares how an unexpected conversation with a nurse allowed her to tell her salvation story beside her father’s bed—a moment that brought her comfort and a deeper appreciation of grace.

She also recalls how congregations supported her father-in-law’s family throughout decades of Parkinson’s disease, showing God’s love through sustained, practical care.

Drawing from her book, *The Trouble with Jesus: Considerations Before You Walk Away*, Constance explores the tension between what we expect Jesus to do and who the Gospels reveal Him to be.

Her central encouragement: Jesus understands your troubles. Bring Him your questions, remain connected to supportive believers, and make room to discover more.

If disappointment or church hurt has left you considering walking away, this conversation offers a compassionate invitation to take another look at Jesus.