When children suffer

Parents have dreams and desires for their children. And sometimes those desires are cut short by the intrusion of Job-like illness, suffering, and even death. We believe in the sovereignty of God. We know that worship is our calling when God orchestrates trials in our lives. But what does that worship sound like when our […]

The necessity of trials

Several times recently I have had occasion to encourage people with the statement, “you need to have a category in your life that believes when you experience the sins of others against you, it is a grace in your life (because your responses will expose either your own sinful desires and idols or they will […]

“Cancer is the best thing that ever happened to me”

Zac Smith died of cancer at 33. He left behind a wife and three children. Yet he said before he died: “Cancer is the best thing that has ever happened to me.” After his death, his wife continued to walk in similar faith in God — “God doesn’t just throw stuff to us and then […]

It is Not Death to Die

Chip Stam, who continues to battle cancer, wrote this week: “Truth be told: My health situation is worsening. The LORD has put it on my heart to prepare for death, whether it be days from now or years from now. I am comfortable and content and confident in the arms of the Savior.” Reflecting on […]

Newton on the benefits of affliction

Few people have cultivated satisfaction in suffering. It is difficult to see the blessing of hardship. Even believers can develop an unbiblical worldview that assumes that suffering is the signal of God’s absence and maybe even of His displeasure. Yet if there is no suffering, how will we ever demonstrate to the world that God […]

Book Review: The Suffering Letters of C. H. Spurgeon

Title: The Suffering Letters of C. H. Spurgeon Author: Charles Spurgeon Publisher: Wakeman Trust, 2007; 155 pp. $13.99 Recommendation (4-star scale): I first came across this title a few years when Phil Johnson wrote a post about it: “Broken in Two by the Hammer of Pain.” I was unable to find a copy somewhat locally, […]

Grab bag

A few things spotted recently around the web: John Piper’s 8-month leave of absence ended at the end of December. Last Sunday he resumed preaching with the sermon, “Our Deepest Prayer: Hallowed Be Your Name.” He also wrote an article entitled, “Why I Am Full of Hope About Bethlehem’s Future,” and while it is written […]

Comforts when suffering

The path it takes is various, but one day soon, suffering will bypass a courteous request for entry and will intrude on your home and life. Perhaps it will take the commonly used roadway called personal sin. Through the impact of your own sinful choices and desires, you will suffer. Or perhaps it will take […]

Book Review: The Call to Joy and Pain

Title: The Call to Joy and Pain: Embracing Suffering in Your Ministry Author: Ajith Fernando Publisher: Crossway, 2007; 192 pp. $14.99 ($7.99 as an ebook) Recommendation (4-star scale): For many generations, the Western church — and especially the American church — has sent missionaries with the message of the gospel to other countries. The […]

Book blurbs

I have recently finished reading a number of books and pamphlets and the thought of writing several full-length reviews has become too daunting. I know myself and recognize that if I don’t write something short, then I won’t write anything at all about these works. So, in the interest of “something is better than nothing,” […]

Grab bag

A few sites worth reading in-between bites of leftover turkey sandwiches or trips to the store(s): If you are doing some internet shopping this weekend, check out the collection of deals for Christian books and resources amassed by Tim Challies. Desiring God has a 3-part series of questions and answers with writer Jerry Bridges. Dave […]

Prayer Answered by Crosses

Echoing the same theme that I found yesterday in John Donne’s poem, “Batter My Heart” (aka “Holy Sonnet XIV”), John Newton penned “Prayer Answered by Crosses.” It is yet another testimony that grace is found in burdens. God’s favor is evidenced in the revelation of “the hidden evils of my heart.” These devices and more […]

Would it be good to have everything you desire?

Is suffering inherently bad? Would it not be better to have every good thing we desire? Charles Spurgeon, who suffered from Bright’s Disease and depression, and yet was able to maintain an amazing amount of productivity and ministry, answers: Happily for us our happiness does not depend upon our understanding the providence of God: we […]

Conference update

Last weekend we completed our first of three weekends of training in the Biblical Counselor Training Conference. All the audio for the conference (all ten sessions) is now available online. Lance Quinn also spoke twice on Sunday morning, addressing the topic, “When Affliction Comes” (Ps. 119) during Sunday School, and then providing a 15-point overview […]

How suffering is good

Suffering is good. Now there is a statement that is sure to raise a few questions in the minds of most readers and thinkers. Yet the Scriptures affirm that the varied kinds of suffering endured by believers really are for their good and for God’s glory. A few examples: Suffering from sin teaches us the […]