There are dozens of books on the topic of God and human suffering, both in the popular press and from the halls of academia.

Suffering and the Sovereignty of God, however, is different from all of them.

Born out of the 2005 Desiring God National Conference, this is an anthology from seven different authors. All of the authors and their essays are deeply rooted in two things: suffering and the sovereignty of God. All of the authors have personally experienced suffering: two are paralyzed, two are suffering from prostate cancer, two have tragically lost loved ones on the mission field. And all of the authors share an unshakeable conviction in the absolute sovereignty of God, and how standing on this firm foundation makes human suffering both bearable and indeed meaningful as part of our salvation and God's glorification.

Piper starts with a theological overview of why God has ordained suffering in this world, as well as chapters on the role of Satan and the particular role of suffering in the lives of saints. Stephen Saint, son of the murdered missionary to the Aucas Nate Saint, reflects on the role of suffering in missions. Carl Ellis discusses ethnic suffering, while psychologist David Powlison opens up the grace of God in suffering. David Schramek gives an intensely personal essay on the pain of waiting for God during suffering, and Joni Eareckson Tada closes with an essay on our real hope.

Intensely personal and thoroughly Biblical, this book gives true insight and comfort for the hurting and those striving to help them. Highly recommended. ( )

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