Suffering and the Christian Life

When suffering overwhelms us, it is easy to despair and even doubt God's goodness. As the clouds of suffering roll in, we can lose sight of everything but our pain. In these moments, when the stars disappear, we must turn to Scripture to find assurance that God can and will carry us through. In this book, Mark Talbot recounts the suffering of some of the Bible's greatest saints. They show us what it means to remain faithful and hopeful through life's darkest times—and thus help us cling to God's sure promise that he will never leave us or forsake us but will be with us and sustain us until the storms subside and the stars reappear. Mark Talbot (PhD, University of Pennsylvania) is associate professor of philosophy at Wheaton College. His areas of expertise include philosophical psychology, philosophical theology, David Hume, Augustine, and Jonathan Edwards. He and his wife, Cindy, have one daughter and three grandchildren. Mark attends Christ Presbyterian Church in Roselle, Illinois. Associate Professor of Philosophy, Wheaton College

A Biblical Perspective of Suffering and Its Place in the Christian Life Since creation's fall, suffering has been part of earthly life. At times, it can feel overwhelming, even for believers who trust in the Lord. “The Suffering and the Christian Life” series provides help and hope from Scripture for those who are suffering. In volume 2 of this series, Mark Talbot explores Scripture's account of the origin, spread, and eventual end of suffering, giving Christians the perspective they need to get through life's difficult times. He encourages readers to see themselves within the Bible's storyline (creation, rebellion, redemption, and consummation), finding the courage to endure and taking comfort that God is at work for their good. • A Careful Biblical Examination of Why We Suffer: Explains why we suffer in terms of the full biblical story • A Concise Overview of Redemptive History: Looks at the 4 stages of the Christian story (creation, rebellion, redemption, and consummation) to offer real hope to suffering saints • Biblical Encouragement for Difficult Times: A helpful resource for believers—from teenagers to the elderly—who are dealing with grief, illness, persecution, or pain • An Expansive Look at Suffering throughout Scripture: Includes numerous footnotes and additional advice for readers who want to explore this topic in greater depth.