Why God Allows Suffering and How He Uses It to Transform Us
Why does God allow his children to suffer? While we may not always learn the cause of a specific trial we face, Scripture does address the question Why? with two compelling words: so that. Gods Word promises that Gods purposes will prevail in and through our suffering. Gods Purposes in Our Pain examines 10 powerful statements from 2 Corinthians that highlight how God transforms our suffering. Written for Christians struggling to understand why they experience grief, this book explains how suffering prepares us to strengthen others, rely on Gods provision, display the life of Christ, glorify God for his grace, and more. Each chapter is dedicated to an individual purpose and features illustrative stories and examples from Scripture, as well as reflection questions. Accessible and pastoral, this book helps us gain an eternal perspective as we endure pain and deepen our trust in the God who raises the dead.
Biblical Encouragement: Ministers to people dealing with physical pain, emotional struggles, loss, or grief Accessible: Filled with illustrations and practical applications A Great Resource for Pastors and Small Groups: Reflection questions at the end of each chapter make the book personal and applicable
Introduction: What Does Why Mean?
Chapter 1: Be Prepared to Strengthen Others Who Suffer (2 Corinthians 1:35)
Chapter 2: Trust in God Who Raises the Dead (1:811)
Chapter 3: Display Jesus, Not Ourselves (4:711)
Chapter 4: Glorify God for His Abundant Grace (4:15)
Chapter 5: Yearn for the Future (4:16-5:10)
Chapter 6: Repent When Repentance Is Needed (7:810)
Chapter 7: Support Each Other During Times of Hardship (8:1315)
Chapter 8: Experience Gods Provision (9:811)
Chapter 9: Counteract Conceit (12:7)
Chapter 10: Welcome Weakness for Spiritual Strength (12:810)
Appendix: More Purposes
Acknowledgments
Notes
Scripture Index
Kenneth Berding (PhD, Westminster Theological Seminary) is a professor of New Testament at Talbot School of Theology at Biola University and an elder at Redemption Hill Church in Whittier, California. He is the author of numerous books and articles and regularly blogs at Kindle Afresh and The Good Book Blog.
Keith R. Krell (PhD, University of Bristol) is the senior pastor of Crossroads Bible Church in Bellevue, Washington, and a former professor of biblical exposition at Moody Bible Institute, Spokane. He has served in pastoral ministry for more than thirty years. Keith coauthored Paul and Money and has contributed to several other books.
