Suffering is a reminder of the terrible effects of sin and its frequent insertion into our lives is a further reminder of just how pervasive that sin is. Many know Elisabeth Elliot because her suffering became very public when her first husband was murdered by an indigenous tribe as he and others attempted to make contact with them for the gospel. Fitting for many believers then, is the ability to read and learn from her perspective on suffering.

Posthumously published, Christians have access to Suffering is Never for Nothing by Elisabeth Elliot, which comes from a six-part teaching that she gave many years ago. Editors have carefully preserved the teaching, trying to only insert minimal edits when necessary so that readers can read the text as she originally shared it. The result is a six-chapter book full of heartfelt insights about suffering. The message is simple and at the heart of it is the relationship with God in the midst of suffering. The outline is very simple as chapter one simply sets the foundation by establishing what suffering is, while the following chapters emphasize a human perspective and response to suffering, including the need to trust God, accept suffering, give gratitude during suffering, and continual obedience to God during suffering. The last chapter leaves readers understanding the purpose being suffering, seeing it as a redemptive work.

While being very aware of Elisabeth Elliot, her life and her message, to be truthful I have had little interaction with any of her teachings. As I turned through the pages of this particular book, I was struck by how personal it was giving me both an insight and appreciation to how God has used Elisabeth Elliott through the years – and it is more than simply making a ministry from her husband’s death. She had experienced much more as a Christian woman, including the death of her second husband, widowhood, raising a child as a single parent, and more. Her experiences come through in this work and God uses that to capture readers and incline the heart towards him.

The author has a keen ability to add depth to concepts we take for granted. For example, Christians frequently say that suffering is a necessity for God to mold us, but Elliot adds depth by both describing a world without suffering and being explicit in how God utilizes that in the life of his people. Another great example of this ability is seen in her attention on obedience. More than simply obeying God during our suffering, she describes obedience as an antidote to suffering, not that it relieves the suffering, but rightly focuses a person so that they may enjoy God and his work during suffering. These points are accentuated by sharing quotes, stories, and most importantly Scripture.

Perhaps the major struggle I had with the book was simply her definition of suffering, which is simply explained as “suffering is having what you don’t want or wanting what you don’t have.” By the letter of the definition one could claim suffering for simply not getting his or her own way. A reading of the book indicates that the spirit of the definition is much different. While the simplicity of the definition is to be appreciated, clarity in this area would have been greatly appreciated.

While I appreciate Paul Tripp’s book Suffering more, Elisabeth Elliot’s book Suffering Is Never for Nothing deserves attention and I suspect many readers will relate to her and be able to follow the style. Therefore, it is a worthy book to be read by Christians.

To purchase a copy of the books mentioned in this review, click the following titles:

Suffering Is Never for Nothing by Elisabeth Elliot
Suffering by Paul Tripp

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher at no cost to me for the purposes of review. However, my review was not influenced by the author, publisher, or anyone else associated with this book and is the result of my own reading of it.

“Suffering Is Never For Nothing” by Elisabeth Elliot teaches us that suffering always has a loving purpose. When trials and troubles come our way, we know the One who knows why. Suffering is a mystery that we cannot plumb. Through the deepest sufferings come the deepest lessons. We trust the One who knows to lead us through the dark into the light. Suffering and love are inexplicably and inextricably linked. God’s love for us sent His Son, Jesus to die for our sins on the cross to give us eternal life. Jesus carried our sins, griefs and sufferings on the cross. We don’t have to carry the heavy burdens ourselves. Some burdens are so heavy that we will sink under its weight. That’s why Jesus carried our burdens for us. Christ died for our sins and won victory for us. We can bear suffering because we trust God to bring amazing good out of it. “Suffering Is Never For Nothing.”

It's only in the cross that we can begin to harmonize this seeming contradiction between suffering and love. And we will never understand suffering unless we understand the love of God.

Spoken from a woman who knows suffering. I have read several of her books and her devotion to the Lord will keep me reading more. She has lost 3 husbands and suffered many losses but instead of looking inward, she looks to Jesus. I know this may sound abstract and idealist, however, it is in suffering we know God in a deeper level that is why suffering is never for nothing.

The six chapters are built upon a foundation of faith. It takes faith to walk thru suffering and faith is the hope in what is not seen. Faith is not knowing all the answers or why's but the who and that is capital WHO.

1) Chapter 1 - The Terrible Truth
2) Chapter 2- The Message
3.) Chapter 3 - The acceptance
4> Chapter 4 - The Gratitude
5.) Chapter 5 - Offering
6.) Chapter 6 Transfiguration

Each chapter flows from the other giving you hope for the suffering you are in. Highly recommend.

A Special Thank you to B & H Books and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

"Suffering Is Never for Nothing" is lightly edited from a talk that Elizabeth Elliott gave at a conference. She talked about some of the things she has suffered through and what she's learned about suffering from those experiences. The overall idea is that we more deeply come to know God through suffering and learn to depend on Him and His love and sovereignty. The focus was not so much on detailed theology as it was advice on how to get through suffering. Overall, I'd recommend this book.

Very seldom do I actually pick up a book to read it through twice, but this book I did. In fact, I have walked through it a 3rd time just to record what I felt was needed in my old soul. It is that good!

The other factor that is important is this, if you are going to be mentored by someone who knows what they are talking about, it is this woman Elisabeth Eliot. She has suffered many things and courageously stayed connected to Jesus. Because of that, she has the freedom to speak into my life however she needs too, and she did. I needed those words from Elisabeth. If you are tired, weary, hurting, and not sure what to do next, GET THE BOOK! It is so worth it. She will tell you honestly about suffering and how we should embrace it and celebrate it for what it actually is doing in our lives.