There were some interesting nuggets scattered throughout, but overall, this came across as the spiritualization of some really unhealthy coping mechanisms. It’s not a book I would either read again or recommend to someone who is grieving. ( )

A phenomenally encouraging book on suffering and God's faithfulness through it. I wish I could buy 1,000 copies and just give it away to hurting friends and family. This book really spoke to me and will be a reread in coming years. ( )

Why doesn’t God do something about suffering? He has, He did, He is, and He will.
Suffering and love are inexplicably linked, as God’s love for His people is evidenced in His sending Jesus to carry our sins, griefs, and sufferings on the cross, sacrificially taking what was not His on Himself so that we would not be required to carry it. He has walked the ultimate path of suffering, and He has won victory on our behalf.
This truth led Elisabeth to say, “Whatever is in the cup that God is offering to me, whether it be pain and sorrow and suffering and grief along with the many more joys, I’m willing to take it because I trust Him.”
Because suffering is never for nothing.

This is a powerful read, although I’m not sure I would have ever thought of reading it if my aunt hadn’t recommended the book to me. Who wants to read a book about suffering, after all? It wouldn’t be my first choice, that’s for sure—but I’m so glad I did! As Mrs. Elliot points out multiple times, suffering isn’t just the big things we think about, such as losing someone we love, a Christian locked up in prison for years, or some other “big” thing. Suffering can also show up in our everyday life. Therefore, it affects all of us—and how do we respond to it?

This gentle, thoughtful treatise is both beautiful and profound. Nothing is necessarily new, but it is presented in an understanding, palatable way. I came away from this book encouraged and strengthened, and grateful to Mrs. Elliot for taking the time to research and share these Biblical truths with us. I’m sure I’ll be rereading this book in the future and plan on getting a print copy of my own when I can. If you’re looking for encouragement, even if you aren’t going through a tough time right now, this would be an excellent choice. ( )

For those who don�Ûªt know, Elisabeth Elliot lost her first husband Jim when he was murdered in Ecuador. She then went back as a single mom and served amount the people that murdered her husband for two years. Later she remarried and lost her second husband less than four years later to cancer.

While she does talk about her life, this is not a memoir or an autobiography. This book was written verbatim from talks that Elliot gave on the topic of suffering. Why does suffering exist in this world?

Even though these words were spoken many years ago, the lessons that Elliot teaches about suffering are timeless. Her voice is one of honesty and vulnerability in the face of much sorrow in her life.

If you are a believer and you are struggling to reconcile the sorrow you are facing in your life with the idea of a good God you may want to pick up this book.

Thanks to the publisher for my free copy in exchange for my honest review. ( )