Meier and Henderson begin with the seven universal struggles of life. Injustice. Rejection. Loneliness. Loss. Discipline. Failure. Death. They're all things we go through, they note, they're absolutely inevitable. How are we supposed to deal with these situations when they arise? And more importantly, why would a GOOD God allow BAD things to happen to GOOD people?
Throughout the book, the two doctors turn on end what we think of when we think of pain. Have you suffered injustice? Well, look at the injustice that Joseph suffered in Gen. 37-50. Sold into slavery by his brothers. Builds himself up to an important position. Loses it all through an unjust attack on his character. Spends years in prison. Builds himself up to an important position. And all of that, so that he could save Egypt - and his family, which would become the nation of Israel - from famine. Joseph would conclude that what man meant for evil, God meant for good.
This is only one example of the Biblical approach these two authors take to discovering the purpose behind pain. Each chapter ends with practical tips on how to find that purpose, even when it is not easy to find. Their conclusion rings true. Pain is our temporary ally who molds and shapes our character, leads us away from danger, and pushes us to the next level of growth. This book provides practical advice on not only how to survive pain but how to grow through pain.
This is an important book that every Christian who has even struggled with the problem of pain should read. In fact, I find it so important, that I have inserted a preview of the book below:
Note: This review is based on a review copy that I was given through Thomas Nelson's book reviewing program.
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