Any time a pastor asks a congregation for tough questions, the first one that always seems to pop up is "why do bad things happen to good people?" And it's a serious question, worthy of a serious answer, which is why so many books have already been written on the topic by some of the best-known names in church history over at least the past 2,000 years.
What makes this particular book worth reading is that it's by a famous pastor I could (and have) sit/sat and listen(ed) to for hours. T. D. Jake's views on almost anything theological are worth a read or listen. He has a way of making his arguments simple and personal, yet convincing.
With one caveat, at least for this book - he assumes readers believe in the existence of God and accept the Bible as authoritative for Christian living. Back in seminary I was taught not to rely on such assumptions, because they only work on those who already believe. If you think God is as imaginary as Santa, and that the Bible is just stories from ancient history, nothing in this book is likely to convince you otherwise.
But for those who DO believe in the Bible as a guide for life, this book is a very readable and understandable guide to how the God of the Bible allows and uses trouble to mold us into who he wants us to be.
I particularly liked how open the author was about his own problems and fears over many years, as it's one thing to say God loves you and wills your best when you've never had reason to doubt such a sentiment, and quite another thing to still say the same after being dragged through the meat grinder of human ills.
Overall, a good read for Christians hitting a tough patch and wondering where God is in their troubles.
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