The Goodness of Affliction
Encouragement for Those Who Suffer
- Christian Living
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Published: 2020
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Publisher's Description
Can anything good come out of suffering? Is there anything purposeful in the grief or pain you may be feeling right now? There are no easy answers to these questions and any attempt at an answer runs the risk of seeming trite or inappropriate to our unique situation. The author of this book has a terminal illness, which has produced in him not only an uncertainty about the future, but a deep sense of compassion for those who are also suffering. The book is his attempt to bring encouragement to those who feel helpless and alone by giving a perspective on affliction that is not ordinarily discussed. The book is not a daily devotional, but a compilation of the blogs he has written over the last three years that have been helpful to many. You may not be walking the path of affliction, but you could give the book a read and pass it on to someone who is on the journey.
Endorsements (4)
“Suffering can both challenge and deepen faith, as Dave McDowell knows from his own battle with pancreatic cancer. His wonderfully helpful reflections combine pastoral warmth with solid biblical scholarship, balancing reliance on God’s sovereignty with assurance of his fatherly love. Scripture is McDowell’s constant go-to resource, and his insights into its riches radiate equal parts wisdom and humility, making this a real gift for anyone seeking spiritual growth in the midst of affliction.”
“In his penetrating and pastorally attuned book, my friend David McDowell encourages us not to look at suffering as an intruder interrupting our entitled quest for security, success, and happiness. Instead, he reminds us of the wisdom—and goodness—of embracing inevitable affliction as a necessary part of God’s redemptive purposes for our lives. The Goodness of Affliction will fortify your faith when you need it most.”
“With equal parts theological depth and pastoral comfort, Dave McDowell allows us to see the goodness and tenderness of God in our suffering. More than answering the ‘whys,’ Dave reminds of the ‘who’—that the God who suffered for us and with us, continues to be present to us. To be reminded of this truth is a gift, and to read it through the pages of his life experiences is a treasure.”
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