Suffering has the ability to catch us unawares, and apart from the pain, it can change all of our relationships, including that with God. Doubts as to His goodness and/or sovereignty in all things, can supplant our previous devotion. It is for these reasons and more, that I wish that I could put this book in the hands of every christian. 

It is by far the best christian book I've read on the subject, as it is: a) personal and relatable—it comes David’s own family experience of deep suffering b) pastoral—David provides tools for both carers and sufferers (e.g. as my children’s experience of their father has largely been through the posit of long term illness, I found the section on ‘guilt’ very helpful) c) contains approachable theology for the lay person. It's potentially an expansive topic, but David’s approach is both readable and comprehensive, without leaving us behind; and lastly d) is practical—David gives many practical suggestions, that to my mind, form a sort of ‘suffering first aid’.

Punctuating the text with landscape paintings by a family member, reminded me that our God can intervene with beauty and purpose, even in the landscape of our suffering.

Rob Scriven,
Wagga Wagga
July 2025