Surprised by Suffering

Contrary to common views that suffering and injustice is a result of sins, which is not necessarily false, or the free will of man goes rampant beyond God's control, whose jargon is called opentheism, Prof. Sproul affirms the biblical view of the absolute sovereignty of God who has purposes; good, pleasing, holy purposes for his children in his design, not men's design, of every event that happens in their lives including suffering. Death for believers is a noble call to a glorious everlasting joy to be with God forever, something not to be dreaded for, but to look forward to with the certainty of faith, not in a suicidal sense, however, which is a selfish reason to end one's life, that Sproul also discusses in this book. Suffering and death seem to be the life theme, not only for the Apostles, as we read the Scripture texts, particularly in the book of Acts, or 2 Cor 1, for examples; but also for most Christians in the past, as we read texts like "Fox's Book of Martyrs", "Tortured of Christ" by Richard Wurmbrand; as well as for the present day saints, as we read the testimony of courageous brothers and sisters in Christ in hostile nations, available in the free monthly newsletters from the Voice of the Martyrs, for example. What is lacking in this book, in my view, is an elaborate treatment of Christian suffering for the sake of faith, missions and the defense of the biblical truth. Nevertheless, I still recommend this book for its God-centered view on the subject of suffering.

After someone whom I loved was stricken with terminal cancer, I was devasted. I am a Christian, yet the pain was so intense, prolonged, unrelenting that it eventually turned into clinical depression. I questioned God, His love, my faith..everything. I read several books to try and deal with everything, including many by renowned authors (both secular and Christian). This was THE ONE that made an impact and helped tremendously. I don't remember the details of the book as I became pretty incapaciatated. However, I do know this book helped so much that I am now giving it as a gift to a friend whose husband just passed away today. If anyone is suffering so deeply that he is questioning his faith, this book will help. Sorry I can't provide more details.

This is a wonderful book! In a time when many destructive teachings abound regarding the suffering of Christians and life after death. Dr. Sproul addresses the same topics from a carefully biblical standpoint. I would highly recommend this book and any others by this author.