Suffering is a difficult topic. In a world geared toward self-fulfillment, suffering doesn't seem to fit the agenda. Some would even argue that God only has "our best life now" in mind, but the Bible says otherwise. This is why it is so important to take our cue from God's Word rather than popular and even so-called "Christian" culture.
Suffering Well seeks to arm us "with the truth so that we're equipped to suffer well when the time comes." Author, Paul Grimmond, does an excellent job of this by laying out the truth of God's character and sovereignty through several biblical examples. He also examines secular ideas about suffering which is critical because we are influenced by popular thought more than we realize. This book also looks at suffering in three ways - general suffering because we live in a fallen world, persecution for Christ's sake, and sorrow because we see the world through God's eyes. It doesn't shy away from hard questions, and the answers are grounded in scripture not sentiment. There is also counsel on responding to suffering through praise, doing good, and patiently waiting upon God. The book then concludes with the hope we have in the gospel and the call to serious study of the Bible. For if we are to suffer well, we must know God and what He says in His Word.
On a personal note, several years ago I was blind-sided by a trial that radically changed my life. I had no theology of suffering at the time, but God was merciful to teach me in the midst of it. Consequently, suffering has been a back-burner issue which was why I was glad for the opportunity to review Suffering Well. I wish I had known then what this book teaches, particularly the doctrine of the sovereignty of God. Reconciling God's absolute control over all things with pain and sin is difficult, and one that many believers avoid. However, our understanding of God will be incomplete and minimized if we don't tackle this issue from the pages of Scripture. I appreciated how the author unpacked this seeming paradox with compassion and fidelity to God's Word.
If you are looking for a resource to help you gain a solid biblical understanding of suffering. I highly recommend Suffering Well. In fact, a copy will be added to my church library this coming Sunday.
You can listen to an interview with Paul Grimmond about his book here.
Thanks to Cross Focused Reviews and Matthias Media for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Persis,
ReplyDeleteThanks for such a wonderful review! It's encouraging to know you'll be sharing the book with others at your church via the library.
Also, many thanks for linking to the interview. ;-)
Shaun Tabatt
Cross Focused Reviews