It's a Gift
Understanding Suffering Through a Biblical Lens
by
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Suffering is inevitable. It doesn’t matter what your demographic is - age, ethnicity, ancestral background, home life, or the religion you came from. Suffering is a part of this experience we call life. And it exists, as we will be learning, because God has deemed purpose behind it for every believer.
So why is this book titled It’s a Gift? I’m sure this question may have crossed your mind at least once since picking this book up. Well, I chose this title because it really is the foundation to fully understanding all suffering in the believer’s life. The bedrock verse for this book is Philippians 1:29. It says, “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him.” Did you hear that? Just as our ability to believe in Christ has been granted/gifted to us, so our suffering for Him has equally been granted/gifted.
The overarching story of redemption — our regeneration, sanctification, and finally our glorification — may not at first glance seem like something that will help you understand your suffering. However, in my own journey of understanding His will and sovereignty in the face of my progressing physical pain and disabilities, this is what has kept me moving forward. As I’ve studied God’s Word throughout the years, I began to see (as illustrated by the verse above) a steady, connecting theme of God’s sovereignty in the salvation of, and sanctification in, the lives of His people. How our salvation and our suffering work hand in hand to accomplish the end goal for all of God’s people: our expectant joy of one day seeing Christ face to face after being conformed into His image. This is what has helped me acknowledge the goodness of God in my life when I can’t comprehend or understand what He’s doing. As you read this book, my hope is that you will begin to see this same connection also: the connection between your salvation and your suffering working together to accomplish God’s purposes and will in your life.
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About the Book
This book gives a new perspective on suffering that often isn’t taught: It’s a Gift. With this new perspective, the reader will be guided through six biblical reasons why born-again believers experience suffering; more importantly, why each of these reasons are ultimately gifts. They will not only walk away with a renewed faith in God’s sovereignty, but will also gain a new appreciation for the trials He has ordained for them.
About the Author
Tami has been on her journey to understanding the reasons behind her own suffering for well over two decades. She acknowledges God’s sovereignty and faithfulness as the source of her strength while living in chronic pain. She is excited to share what she has learned in hopes that others will be strengthened on their own journey to understanding God’s sovereign purposes behind their suffering . Tami lives in Southern Utah with Phillip, her husband of 27 years, their son Collin and his wife Kat, and their daughter Alayna, all of whom passionately serve our Lord Jesus Christ.