I am currently reading a book for review from Thomas Nelson publishing that has been really encouraging and enlightening.
“I grew up just a few miles outside of NYC where the night sky flickered with streetlamps, stoplights, and neon signs. As a kid I would gaze up at night and wonder what was beyond the city’s familiar glow. One evening my family took a trip into the mountains, far from the city. The steady stream of bright, red taillights tapered off until our family station wagon was the only sign of life on the quiet country road. Only then, as I looked into the darkness, did I discover the most beautiful lights imaginable in the night sky. Though they had been obscured by man-made imitations, the stars became more brilliant the farther into the darkness we drove.” (pg xv – Introduction)
The two writers approach, with a perspective based in Scripture, the seven most common struggles. The discussions include: Injustice; Rejection; Loneliness; Loss; Discipline; Failure; and Death.
The chapters, for the most part, are laid out with an explanation of what will be covered, how one typically approaches the battles, and how we are to both view and overcome these trials. Embedded in each section is real-life personal stories from family, friends and a handful of their patients. These stories and chapters support the overarching truth for the pains that we will face: First, Christ can, and with your obedience, will, get you through whatever you are facing. Second, rest on the promise of heaven.
The book is great because of how applicable it is. Initially, I thought that I was not really facing situations of rejection or death, so how challenging could this book really be? I was wrong. Meier and Henderson used scripture and dug deep into the nooks and crannies of my heart and mind. It was also helpful that they offered chapter reviews and questions for personal reflection at the end of each chapter.
We have all gone, and will go through, the situations outlined in this book. It is healthy to start the discussion of these matters now, to prepare for these battles. It is in the preparation and victory of these circumstances that we find everlasting rewards.
Purpose Beyond our Pain Book Description:
A revolutionary approach to dealing with life’s challenges that guides readers in how to face them and to recognize them as gifts from God.
At one time or another everyone finds themselves questioning, “Does God still love me? Is there a purpose for all this pain?” Drs. Meier and Henderson teach readers how to face painful struggles head-on in a way that allows them to grow and mature emotionally and spiritually. In this timely book they explore the seven most common life challenges:
- Injustice
- Rejection
- Loneliness
- Loss
- Discipline
- Failure
- Death
In addition they offer the three reasons we often miss the gifts these challenges can be. This unique approach to an age-old problem will encourage and challenge readers to grow through their struggles instead of wasting energy trying to avoid them altogether.
Learn More About Purpose Beyond our Pain:
- Thomas Nelson Website: Purpose Beyond Our Pain
- Unabridged Audiobook: Purpose Beyond Our Pain from Christianbook
- Recovering Pentecostal: Finding Purpose Beyond Our Pain Review
- CrossWalk: Find Purpose Beyond Your Pain
- Crazed Mind, They Say I’m Nuts: Purpose Beyond Our Pain
*This book was free with my promise to post an unbiased review.
