What the Bible Says about Suffering: Where Is God When we Suffer?
Overview
Where Is God When We Suffer? addresses the topic from up close and personal as well as from the objective view of Scripture. It begins with Lynn's own story of loss and suffering. Dr. Gardner then guides us through a study of both Old and New Testament examples of people who suffer.
Why did they suffer? How did they deal with it? What can we learn from their experiences? This book also includes a philosophical discussion of evil and suffering for those who want an analysis of this difficult topic from a biblical perspective. How can an all-powerful, all-loving God permit such pain and tragedy in the world He created? In the final fourth of the book, Dr. Gardner gives very practical advice on what helps people who are suffering and what does not. He also lists scriptural principles that offer help and hope for those going through hard times and for the family and friends trying to help them.
Top Highlights
“We live in a fallen world, not a perfect universe. Suffering, even for the Christian, must be expected and accepted as a part of life in a fallen world.” (Page 46)
“In our world today we see evidence of a grand Designer, but we also see much disorder. We see beauty and ugliness, hope and despair, health and sickness, life and death. It is bad logic to conclude that because bad things happen in this world that God does not exist or that He caused the bad things to happen.” (Pages 42–43)
“Experiencing suffering makes you rethink many things. I will express some of my personal reflections. When you are told you have a terminal disease and have about three years to live, you take a hard look at your life and basic convictions.” (Page 36)
“Adam and Eve’s free-will decision to sin brought devastation, pain, disease, and death to a good creation. It resulted in childbirth pain, the ground cursed, and painful toil necessary to survival (Gen 3:16–17). Death was brought into the world (Rom 5:12–14). Sin changed everything from the original creation. Sin not only introduced moral evil, but also brought physical evil into the universe. Our physical world has suffered disruption because of the fall and groans in this current condition (Rom 8:18–22).” (Page 46)
“Much suffering is caused by the direct free choices made by others. Child and spousal abuse, rape, murder, and war are examples. If a man chooses to drink alcohol and drive, his judgment is impaired. He may lose control of his vehicle, hitting and killing a man who chose to be walking on the sidewalk at that time. The tragedy here is the direct result of the driver’s actions, not the pedestrian’s. Children of dysfunctional and divorced families suffer greatly as a result of the choices of others.” (Page 48)
Praise for the Print Edition
The issue of suffering is an ever-present concern in Christian ministry, and most of us touch on that issue from time to time in preaching. A new helpful resource is Lynn Gardner's Where Is God When We Suffer?. A long-time Bible college professor, Gardner shares out of his own experience, then goes a good job of surveying biblical insights about suffering. This will be a useful tool as we preach and teach on the subject.
—PreachingNOW
I found Lynn's book very helpful for two reasons. First, it is a transparent and inspirational perspective from one who has maintained a strong faith through horrible experiences. Secondly, Lynn does not take the typical Calvinistic approach that all suffering comes from God but acknowledges that much suffering occurs because we live in a fallen, painful world. It is helpful to be reminded that instead of being bitter against God we should be angry about the consequences of sin and the destructive work of Satan.
—Bob Russell, retired minister, Southeast Christian Church, Louisville, KY
Product Details
- Title: What the Bible Says about Suffering: Where Is God When we Suffer?
- Author: Lynn Gardner
- Publisher: College Press
- Publication Date: 2007
- Pages: 381