Surprised by Suffering

Suffering often seems to catch us by surprise. One day we enjoy health, comfort, and happiness. The next, we find ourselves sick or injured, struggling, and dismayed. The pain that invades our lives can come from our own suffering or that of a loved one. But regardless of its origin, we never saw it coming. Too often, our perplexity leads us to suspect that God is the evildoer.

In this classic book, reissued in a revised and expanded version, Dr. R. C. Sproul argues that we should not be surprised by suffering; rather, we should expect pain and sorrow in this life. Some are indeed called to a “vocation” of suffering, and we are all called to experience the ultimate suffering of death. God promises us in His Word that difficult times will come upon us, but He also promises that He allows suffering for our good and for His glory, and He will never give us more than we can bear with His help.

Dr. Sproul offers sound biblical advice and comfort for those who are experiencing suffering and for those who minister to the suffering—advice that helps believers endure in times of trial with faith in a God who is loving and good.