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Suffering and the Sovereignty of God
In the last few years, 9/11, a tsunami, Hurricane Katrina, and many other tragedies have shown us that the vision of God in today's churches in relation to evil and suffering is often frivolous. Against the overwhelming weight and seriousness of the Bible, many Christians are choosing to become more shallow, more entertainment-oriented, and therefore irrelevant in the face of massive suffering. In Suffering and the Sovereignty of God , contributors John Piper, Joni Eareckson Tada, Steve Saint, Carl Ellis, David Powlison, Dustin Shramek, and Mark Talbot explore the many categories of God's sovereignty as evidenced in his Word. They urge readers to look to Christ, even in suffering, to find the greatest confidence, deepest comfort, and sweetest fellowship they have ever known.
256 pages, Paperback
First published September 13, 2006
117 people are currently reading
1,671 people want to read
About the author
John Piper
529Ìýbooks4,437ÌýfollowersJohn Piper is founder and teacher of desiringGod.org and chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary. For 33 years, he served as senior pastor at Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
He grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, and studied at Wheaton College, Fuller Theological Seminary (B.D.), and the University of Munich (D.theol.). For six years, he taught Biblical Studies at Bethel College in St. Paul, Minnesota, and in 1980 accepted the call to serve as pastor at Bethlehem.
John is the author of more than 50 books and more than 30 years of his preaching and teaching is available free at desiringGod.org. John and his wife, Noel, have four sons, one daughter, and twelve grandchildren.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. .
He grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, and studied at Wheaton College, Fuller Theological Seminary (B.D.), and the University of Munich (D.theol.). For six years, he taught Biblical Studies at Bethel College in St. Paul, Minnesota, and in 1980 accepted the call to serve as pastor at Bethlehem.
John is the author of more than 50 books and more than 30 years of his preaching and teaching is available free at desiringGod.org. John and his wife, Noel, have four sons, one daughter, and twelve grandchildren.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. .
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
September 19, 2018
A great book for those going through hardship and suffering. Very encouraging to me and I guarantee it will be for you too!! Five stars.
August 15, 2021
A collection of essays that address the question of how to understand suffering in light of God's sovereignty. An excellent resource that I will be coming back to. I give this four stars only because of the essay "The Sovereignty of God and Ethnic Based Suffering" by Carl Ellis. This essay was friendly to critical race theory which was disappointing. All the others are excellent!
December 19, 2021
4.5. Helpful chapters. Appendix with Piper and Powlison on not wasting cancer is excellent.
March 17, 2016
Extremely helpful, passionate, and quite liberating. This book is an anthology of essays on suffering by a handful of Christian writers from a Reformed perspective, and it's never dry or detached (except for the chapter on ethnic suffering, which was - oddly - both, which lost the book one star for me). This is theology that will bring you to tears, in a good way.
March 23, 2025
Yoh, this book 🥹
"Yes, the night is long and the weeping intense, but the morning is coming. And as we wait for the coming dawn, the return of the Son of God, we can know that we are not alone. Jesus himself endured the long night of weeping, and God promises to carry us even when we don’t feel his arms around us."
"Yes, the night is long and the weeping intense, but the morning is coming. And as we wait for the coming dawn, the return of the Son of God, we can know that we are not alone. Jesus himself endured the long night of weeping, and God promises to carry us even when we don’t feel his arms around us."
January 30, 2024
A good read whether you're going through a hard time or not, Suffering And The Sovereignty Of God is a collection of 9 essays by 7 writers divided into 3 parts - The Sovereignty Of God In Suffering, The Purpose Of God In Suffering, and The Grace Of God In Suffering. It's not only a good book for Christians who are or are not be experiencing a difficult phase in their life, it's also a good look for any curious non-Christians who wonder why we believe in the God that we do. Granted, sometimes the explanations get more complicated than they needed to (they needed to fill the page-count, I get it) and I may disagree here and there from time to time, but it's pretty solid more or less.
My favorite chapters in particular were Chapter 2: Seeing God's Gracious Hand In The Hurts Other Do To Us by Mark R Talbot (more so for all the footnotes); Chapter 4: Why God Appoint Suffering For His Servants by John Piper (serves as a good reminder); Chapter 5: Sovereignty, Suffering, And The World Of Missions by Stephen F Saint (he discusses the murder of his father and death of his daughter which is humbling), and there was one that really moved me but somehow I can't remember which one it is! It's either Chapter 7: God's Grace And Your Sufferings by David Powlison or Chapter 8: Waiting For The Morning During The Long Night Of Weeping by Dustin Shramek.
My least favorite chapter, however, for sure is Chapter 6: The Sovereignty Of God And Ethnic-Based Suffering by Carl F Ellis Jr. It's not that I vehemently disagreed with anything he said, it's that I just didn't understand a lot of what he was saying. I'd hafta read it again. Maybe because I was reading at work I wasn't able to focus enough or it really was a bit over my head at times. And Chapter 9: Hope....The Best Of Things by Joni Eareckson Tada. This chapter was just a little too on the nose for me.
There was one thing in particular I got from this read specifically, and I wish I could remember what chapter I got it from. I'm not someone who lets things get to me easily. At least the big, heavy, significant stuff. I've conditioned myself for the entire existence of my 31 years that things happen for a reason and I've come to the realization I may have conditioned myself too well. This hasn't only affected how I handle things that happen to me, it's affected how I respond to things that happen to other people. The last few years I've observed I haven't been able to empathize and sympathize with people as well as I USED to. Not that I can't or don't or won't at all, it's just not at the level I was once was. And this is because, as the book describes, I've habituated myself to take certain attitudes and perspectives perhaps too seriously, so it says to feel free to let go a little bit, to allow yourself to feel a little more anger or a little more sadness, and that's what I'm finna try to do.
My favorite chapters in particular were Chapter 2: Seeing God's Gracious Hand In The Hurts Other Do To Us by Mark R Talbot (more so for all the footnotes); Chapter 4: Why God Appoint Suffering For His Servants by John Piper (serves as a good reminder); Chapter 5: Sovereignty, Suffering, And The World Of Missions by Stephen F Saint (he discusses the murder of his father and death of his daughter which is humbling), and there was one that really moved me but somehow I can't remember which one it is! It's either Chapter 7: God's Grace And Your Sufferings by David Powlison or Chapter 8: Waiting For The Morning During The Long Night Of Weeping by Dustin Shramek.
My least favorite chapter, however, for sure is Chapter 6: The Sovereignty Of God And Ethnic-Based Suffering by Carl F Ellis Jr. It's not that I vehemently disagreed with anything he said, it's that I just didn't understand a lot of what he was saying. I'd hafta read it again. Maybe because I was reading at work I wasn't able to focus enough or it really was a bit over my head at times. And Chapter 9: Hope....The Best Of Things by Joni Eareckson Tada. This chapter was just a little too on the nose for me.
There was one thing in particular I got from this read specifically, and I wish I could remember what chapter I got it from. I'm not someone who lets things get to me easily. At least the big, heavy, significant stuff. I've conditioned myself for the entire existence of my 31 years that things happen for a reason and I've come to the realization I may have conditioned myself too well. This hasn't only affected how I handle things that happen to me, it's affected how I respond to things that happen to other people. The last few years I've observed I haven't been able to empathize and sympathize with people as well as I USED to. Not that I can't or don't or won't at all, it's just not at the level I was once was. And this is because, as the book describes, I've habituated myself to take certain attitudes and perspectives perhaps too seriously, so it says to feel free to let go a little bit, to allow yourself to feel a little more anger or a little more sadness, and that's what I'm finna try to do.
November 7, 2020
This is a rare theme, a book about theology of suffering.
Not like any other books in the same genre which full of arguments, this is more easy and from many authors, for this book is from the piper annual congress turned into book. The content could be said legit, for after this conference two of the author got diagnosed with prostate cancer and still praise the Lord.
Not like any other books in the same genre which full of arguments, this is more easy and from many authors, for this book is from the piper annual congress turned into book. The content could be said legit, for after this conference two of the author got diagnosed with prostate cancer and still praise the Lord.
August 23, 2024
The first few chapters were super helpful. Deals with some tough stuff
June 14, 2012
I highly recommend this for anyone, whether you have personally experienced suffering, know someone who has, or simply want to understand how suffering can possibly exist in God's order. It is rich with Scripture references, real-life people going through real-life suffering, and a strong calling throughout to seek God first or all else is meaningless. It is based on a conference held in 2006 so there is not one writer throughout the book but I think it is what gives the book more strength of voice. Every one who writes a chapter comes at suffering from their own personal experience with it and makes the subject richer for it. Despite the subject, it is uplifting and hopeful and that says a lot considering the depth of suffering it discusses, some of which is far beyond the purview of most people I know.
January 27, 2008
Wow! Can we really praise God in our suffering? The answer is 'yes'. This book gives us a great challenge to cling fast to Jesus Christ in all our challenges especially in our sufferings.
June 18, 2017
What a great book. This book is unique in that it originated as talks given at the 2005 Desiring God National Conference on "Suffering and the Sovereignty of God". The men and women who spoke agreed to write out their talks into book chapters and this book was born. Seven people came together to write this and what a blessing it is.
Having seven different perspectives on suffering was more helpful than I thought it would be. At first, the book felt a little choppy since each author has their own writing style, but the more I read the more I appreciated the different perspectives and experiences of each author. The book ends with reflections from John Piper and David Powilson regarding their battles with prostate cancer and how in general to not waste your cancer and with an interview between John Piper and Justin Taylor who are the general editors of this book.
I found the whole book very helpful in managing the suffering that God puts into our lives and how to reconcile suffering with God's sovereignty and His holiness. This book offering practical suggestions as well as deep theological truths.
Even if you aren't experiencing suffering right now, or you don't consider the suffering you are experiencing as "that bad", I would highly recommend this book. It offering a helpful and biblical framework for how to manage and think rightly about suffering which will aid you when suffering strikes. Because as I Peter 4:12 says "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you". We will experience suffering in this life if we follow Jesus Christ and this book will aid you in thinking about it correctly.
(This book is FULL of Bible verses to point you to truth and offer suggestions for further study in the Bible.)
Having seven different perspectives on suffering was more helpful than I thought it would be. At first, the book felt a little choppy since each author has their own writing style, but the more I read the more I appreciated the different perspectives and experiences of each author. The book ends with reflections from John Piper and David Powilson regarding their battles with prostate cancer and how in general to not waste your cancer and with an interview between John Piper and Justin Taylor who are the general editors of this book.
I found the whole book very helpful in managing the suffering that God puts into our lives and how to reconcile suffering with God's sovereignty and His holiness. This book offering practical suggestions as well as deep theological truths.
Even if you aren't experiencing suffering right now, or you don't consider the suffering you are experiencing as "that bad", I would highly recommend this book. It offering a helpful and biblical framework for how to manage and think rightly about suffering which will aid you when suffering strikes. Because as I Peter 4:12 says "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you". We will experience suffering in this life if we follow Jesus Christ and this book will aid you in thinking about it correctly.
(This book is FULL of Bible verses to point you to truth and offer suggestions for further study in the Bible.)
October 29, 2019
This is a collection of talks given in a Christian conference called Suffering and the Sovereignty of God. All the talks deal with this theme, with some focusing on how Bible portrays suffering and the sovereignty of God, some giving advice on how Christians who are suffering should walk in faith and in their understanding of the sovereignty of God, and some sharing their testimony about how they walked in suffering. My favorite chapter is the talk given by John Piper, on six ways suffering can help Christians mature. He cites Bible verses for all six reasons. and he communicates the six reasons in an enthusiastic, passionate style that makes the reader actually feel uplifted when thinking about suffering as part of God's plan for Christian growth. Overall what stayed with me the most in explaining how suffering and God's sovereignty coexist is the account of Joseph in the Bible, in which Joseph said his brothers meant to harm him, but God meant it for good. That really helped me understand how bad things can be part of God's sovereign plan. Another detail of the book that stayed with me is David Powlison really, really, really likes the hymn "How Firm a Foundation" :P He liked it so much he gave an entire workshop on it.
April 15, 2018
This was one of the best and most helpful books I’ve ever read. Hard truths are contained within - but Piper and coauthors nail it with strong theology and scripturally based positions.
Much of today’s church shys away from difficult topics like this, but by doing so they do Christianity a disservice. Here the authors tackle it head on and show why God allows (and even ordains) suffering in this world - to include in the lives of His followers.
This book puts things in focus for those moments when it is most difficult to see. Seasons of suffering will come to us all. This book will help you endure and grow from the experience. Even more, it will help you empathize with others during their trials as well.
A “must read� for anyone having a difficult time reconciling faith and suffering...which is probably everyone.
Much of today’s church shys away from difficult topics like this, but by doing so they do Christianity a disservice. Here the authors tackle it head on and show why God allows (and even ordains) suffering in this world - to include in the lives of His followers.
This book puts things in focus for those moments when it is most difficult to see. Seasons of suffering will come to us all. This book will help you endure and grow from the experience. Even more, it will help you empathize with others during their trials as well.
A “must read� for anyone having a difficult time reconciling faith and suffering...which is probably everyone.
May 15, 2020
El sufrimiento es un tema difÃcil de escribir, especialmente si no has sufrido.
Esto no quiere decir que no puedas hablar del sufrimiento a las personas que te rodean. La verdad está en la Biblia y hay muchos testigos sufrientes en ella que pueden hablar de parte de Dios, asà tú voz serÃa un eco de esto.
Si estás sufriendo, este libro es para ti.
Si conoces a alguien que está sufriendo, este libro es para ti y para ese alguien.
Si eres cristiano (y no creyente), probablemente, vas a sufrir. Este libro te guÃa a la Palabra de Dios para sufrir bien. Este libro es para todos.
Después de leer este libro tengo una disyuntiva. He sido advertido cuando llegue el sufrimiento. Pero también le pido gracia a Dios cuando llegue ese momento.
Dios nos ayude.
Esto no quiere decir que no puedas hablar del sufrimiento a las personas que te rodean. La verdad está en la Biblia y hay muchos testigos sufrientes en ella que pueden hablar de parte de Dios, asà tú voz serÃa un eco de esto.
Si estás sufriendo, este libro es para ti.
Si conoces a alguien que está sufriendo, este libro es para ti y para ese alguien.
Si eres cristiano (y no creyente), probablemente, vas a sufrir. Este libro te guÃa a la Palabra de Dios para sufrir bien. Este libro es para todos.
Después de leer este libro tengo una disyuntiva. He sido advertido cuando llegue el sufrimiento. Pero también le pido gracia a Dios cuando llegue ese momento.
Dios nos ayude.
September 23, 2019
I thought overall, it was very helpful. There were some chapters that were better than others, but it was well thought out, well-reasoned and Bible-based. For me personally, the 2nd chapter was the best chapter as I have been thinking over the issue of God's sovereignty and human free-will for a while. That chapter put into words a lot of things that I had been thinking for a while, so it was nice to get some confirmation there, however, there were times when I wished they had gone a little deeper or taken their ideas a little farther.
December 16, 2024
This book has a lot of content, but great content. I truly wish I could be reminded of all that was said in this book, every single day, especially on days that suffering is especially difficult. This book gave me so much hope in suffering. It really stuck out to me when hebrews 5:7 was quoted. It talks about how Jesus had loud cries and tears. He truly is able to meet us in our suffering because He has endured the greatest suffering. Ugh of all the books I read on suffering this year (and there were many really really good ones) I think this one might be the best. I am so encouraged.
April 20, 2025
A few really worthwhile chapters, and all the authors have something to say - and it is touching too - but as a whole, it falls kind of flat because it lacks a good structure that a topic like this needs. You never know how the next person will approach the topic, and then sometimes it is far from what I would consider ideal. Especially, a few of the chapters are just chewing the same chaff over and over. Even though it is a 3-star it still should have a place in your story of suffering and the Bible/God - as it gives some worthwhile perspectives.
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October 6, 2021Las presentaciones escritas en «El sufrimiento y la soberanÃa de Dios» no son un debate académico, sino que fueron escritas por personas que han experimentado el sufrimiento. Este libro fue escrito por personas que han sufrido, para personas que están sufriendo o van a sufrir.
Lee la reseña completa en .
Lee la reseña completa en .
June 8, 2020
This book has been sitting on my nightstand partway finished for probably two years. Every time I picked it up, its 204 pages felt heavy and textbook-like. I wasn’t ready for it. Now in quarantine from an international pandemic and having gone through a number of personal sufferings, I am ready. First book finished of 2020, and it was excellent. I may read it again before the year is up.
February 27, 2019
This is an excellent book of suffering. Why we suffer, how God uses suffering and how we are supposed to suffer if we are Christians. Excellent for anyone, specifically for those who counsel people suffering in the body of Christ.
July 23, 2019
David Powlison writes a chapter in this book that is absolutely incredible! This is a book that is so encouraging for someone who’s has been into their second and third year of suffering or afflictions.
July 15, 2021
Such an eye opening book. A lot of information to absorb, but I loved how much scripture everyone used in their chapters. Worked through it as a study with ladies from my church and all of us enjoyed it.
May 6, 2022
A hope filled collection of essays looking at suffering in light of Gods sovereignty, from the perspective of some of have endured much. I enjoyed some more than others, but I think this will be helpful and encouraging to revisit in darker seasons. The second essay was especially powerful.
July 30, 2023
This book was a conference first, which means there was a fair bit of repetition in it. That said, it was mostly good, except for the chapter on race, which was very bad, and the chapter by Joni Erickson Tada, which was very good.
September 29, 2023
This one took me forever to get through. Thanks college. But! So good. Such a good reminder about suffering from people who have truly seen the depths of suffering and come out stronger- not by their own strength but by glorifying God in their weakness.
July 19, 2017
A simple, good read. Each chapter is stand alone as Piper talks about how the glory of God can be found in every aspect of life.
December 11, 2018
This so far is the best book I’ve read on the topic of suffering.
April 14, 2019
This book is everything a book on the theology of suffering should be. If you have ever hurt this book is for you and your good and Gods glory.
April 20, 2020
This is a compilation of articles on the subject, which range from 3.5 to 5 stars, in my opinion. I give the book 4.5 stars overall.
April 19, 2021
Excellent read, a great deal accomplished in 254 pages. It needs to be reread at least 2 or 3 more times. Well worth the time, and effort.
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