Wednesday, April 1, 2020

Book Review: When God Weeps




When God Weeps: Why Our Sufferings Matter to the Almighty

This book speaks to times such as we are experiencing with the coronavirus. If God is loving, why do we suffer? What purpose does suffering serve? How should Christians respond to suffering? How does God respond to our suffering?

Authors Joni EarecksonTada and Steven Estes offer much to ponder. For instance, they suggest God may let us struggle with the remnants of a sinful nature to remind us of the hell from which we are being saved. After all, when life is easy how much thought do we give to eternity for ourselves and others? They discuss whether God permits suffering or ordains it.

The book is worth purchasing just for the Appendices. Appendix A offers scripture on how God ultimately works for the good of his people, ruling over nature and over Satan and demons. Appendix B offers scripture related to God’s purpose for our sufferings. And Appendix C discusses whether God experiences grief. I will keep the book handy as a ready reference.

The first two chapters by Estes seemed long to me, but I enjoyed Tada’s writing throughout the rest of the book. Since she has lived her adult life as a quadriplegic, she knows of what she speaks. Her challenging trials have drawn her closer to her Savior. May we say the same.

Published by Zondervan in 1997, the book’s message is timeless. A thoughtful read.





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