Andrew Wommack: Summer Family Bible Conference 2026: Episode 15
Finding Hope and Purpose Amid Life’s Greatest Trials
In today’s world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by darkness and discouragement. No matter where you look, negative news dominates our screens, and it can seem like hope is in short supply. But for the Christian, there’s always a reason to press forward, no matter how tough the circumstances may seem. At the recent Summer Family Bible Conference, a powerful testimony was shared by Chad Connelly a story that shines as a beacon of hope for anyone facing tough times. If you’ve ever felt knocked down or questioned whether God still has a plan for you, you’ll find encouragement and strength in this remarkable journey of faith.
Faith in the Face of Unspeakable Loss
Chad’s testimony isn’t just about triumphs and mountaintop moments. It’s about deep valleys the kind so many of us fear. Chad speaks candidly about losing his first wife to suicide after a long struggle with depression, a devastating ordeal no one ever expects to face. What’s remarkable is not only that he survived such trauma, but that he continued serving God, raising his boys, and making an impact in his community. That’s not all his current wife, Dana, also endured the tragic loss of her spouse to suicide. God, in His redemptive way, brought these two hurting families together and built something beautiful out of their brokenness. Together, Chad and Dana are living proof that God restores, heals, and sets new paths for His people.
God’s Redemptive Plans: More Than We Can See
When you’re in the middle of pain, it can be nearly impossible to see a way out. Chad shares that during the worst moments, scripture like Romans 8:28 seemed almost impossible to believe. The promise that “all things work together for the good to those who love God” is hard to grasp when tragedy strikes so close to home. Yet, as Chad felt the weight of loss, he also sensed the Holy Spirit reminding him that the truth of God’s word doesn’t change based on our circumstances. If it was true yesterday, it’s still true today even when everything hurts. Through faith, persistent trust, and the support of his faith community, Chad discovered that God truly wasn’t done with him. And what He did for Chad, He can do for you.
Anchored by the Word of God
One theme runs strong in Chad’s story: the absolute importance of God’s Word. Long before tragedy struck, Chad made a habit of reading the Bible daily. He didn’t stop with reading it became a discipline, a means of surviving and thriving. Chad even challenged his Sunday school class to measure how long it actually takes to read a daily portion of Scripture, and most were surprised to find it’s just fifteen to twenty minutes a day. With all the noise and negativity swirling around us, what better way to reclaim your mind and spirit each day than to soak in God’s truth? If you’ve ever struggled to stay in the Word, Chad’s practical encouragement shows it’s possible even life-changing for every believer.
The Importance of Community and Discipleship
As followers of Christ, we weren’t meant to walk through this life alone. Chad credits his spiritual growth to mentors, teachers, and pastors who invested in him and ultimately encouraged him to pour into others. He built a thriving Sunday school class despite a busy travel schedule, understanding that staying grounded in community is crucial. Real discipleship means more than just walking an aisle or getting saved repeatedly; it’s about connecting the dots between the Bible and everyday life. Chad’s experiences prove that when believers gather together and encourage one another, hope is stirred, faith is strengthened, and lives are transformed.
Everyday Obedience in a World of Distraction
All too often, American culture tries to lure us away from the eternal with busyness, entertainment, and endless digital “noise.” Chad’s upbringing being “drug” to church by a faithful father helped instill the kind of obedience and spiritual foundation that has carried him through life’s storms. He challenges us to look at our own schedules honestly: If we can carve out time for social media or the latest Netflix show, can’t we spend a fraction of that time with our Creator? The Word of God is not just for pastors and leaders; it’s life and breath for every single believer. If you’re wrestling with loss, burnout, or discouragement, let even fifteen minutes in God’s book be your anchor.
Rebuilding After Brokenness: The Blessings of Second Chances
After losing his wife, Chad admits he was at the lowest place of his life certain he would never stand up and encourage anyone again. But God wasn’t finished writing his story. Through the perseverance of friends, Chad eventually met Dana, a widow who understood his pain. Their blended family is now a testimony of God’s redemption: blended not only by circumstance, but bound by faith and love. Chad says he once wrote down 103 blessings in a single night, inspired by the classic hymn “Count Your Blessings.” Starting over required brave prayers and an open heart, but God was faithful to answer those prayers in ways Chad could never have expected.
Pressing On with Purpose: Servanthood and Leadership
In addition to his personal journey, Chad has been active in ministry, education, and the defense of biblical values in America. He’s spoken all across the country and internationally, sharing not just about faith, but about the foundational biblical principles that shaped America’s freedoms and blessings. Chad believes that if you’re wrong about the sanctity of life, you’ll be wrong about everything else. Protecting innocent life and defending truth is central to preserving liberty for our nation and for the generations to come. And yet, it all comes back to the local church, to families, to men and women willing to stand on God’s Word and disciple others in practical, lasting ways.
The Power of a Biblical Worldview
One eye-opening moment in
