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Authors: Kenneth Berding & Keith Krell
Subtitle:
10 Ways God Uses Suffering for Our Good
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. God’s Word promises that God’s purposes will prevail in and through our suffering.
God’s 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 God’s 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
Table of Contents:
Introduction: What Does “Why” Mean?
Chapter 1: Be Prepared to Strengthen Others Who Suffer (2 Corinthians 1:3–5)
Chapter 2: Trust in God Who Raises the Dead (2 Corinthians 1:8–11)
Chapter 3: Display Jesus, Not Ourselves (2 Corinthians 4:7–11)
Chapter 4: Glorify God for His Abundant Grace (2 Corinthians 4:15)
Chapter 5: Yearn for the Future (2 Corinthians 4:16-5:10)
Chapter 6: Repent When Repentance Is Needed (2 Corinthians 7:8–10)
Chapter 7: Support Each Other During Times of Hardship (2 Corinthians 8:13–15)
Chapter 8: Experience God’s Provision (2 Corinthians 9:8–11)
Chapter 9: Counteract Conceit (2 Corinthians 12:7)
Chapter 10: Welcome Weakness for Spiritual Strength (2 Corinthians 12:8–10)
Acknowledgments
Appendix: More Purposes
General Index
Scripture Index
About the authors:
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 he regularly blogs at Kindle Afresh and The Good Book Blog.
Keith R. Krell (PhD, University of Bristol) has 30 years of ministry experience, which most recently includes serving as senior pastor at Crossroads Bible Church in Bellevue, Washington and professor of biblical exposition at Moody Bible Institute, Spokane. Keith is coauthor of Paul and Money and has contributed to several other books.
Endorsements:
“God’s Purposes in Our Pain is a striking and unique book. Berding and Krell explore the ‘so that’ passages in 2 Corinthians that reveal many of God’s actual purposes in our suffering. This is a fruitful and enlightening study, and I am happy to recommend it.” ~Randy Alcorn, Founder and Director, Eternal Perspective Ministries; author, Heaven and If God Is Good
“As someone who has walked through years of chronic pain and disability, I found God’s Purposes in Our Pain to be both refreshingly honest and hopeful. This book doesn’t minimize suffering but instead looks to Paul’s most personal epistle (2 Corinthians) to show how the sovereign God of the universe is working in infinitely more ways in and through our suffering than we can see in any moment. Berding and Krell remind us that suffering is never wasted and that God will use it to deepen our trust in him, display his glory, and help us comfort others in their pain. Whether you're suffering now or will one day (and all of us will), may your heart be encouraged as you read these gospel-soaked words.” ~Dave Furman, Chancellor, Gulf Theological Seminary; author, Being There and Embracing God in Your Suffering
“God’s Purposes in Our Pain points suffering believers to the glorious truths and promises of the gospel as revealed in God’s good word. I commend this resource to you as you walk the path of suffering with great hope in our crucified, risen, reigning, and one-day-returning Savior.” ~Jon Nielson, Senior Pastor, Christ Presbyterian Church, Wheaton, Illinois
“Why is God letting me suffer? This insightful book offers biblical, compassionate answers straight from Scripture to that age-old question. Though suffering remains a mystery beyond our full comprehension, God is always at work in and through our pain. If you’re wrestling with why pain has landed unbidden on your doorstep, this book is a must-read. The principles laid out here have shaped my life, and I pray they’ll encourage you as you seek to understand God’s purposes in your own pain.” ~Vaneetha Rendall Risner, author, Watching for the Morning
