What do you think?
Rate this book
Making Sense of Suffering
"Be not afraid, only believe," Jesus told the heartbroken Jairus when word came that the man's daughter had died. Centuries later, as author Wayne E. Brickey reminds us, the Savior gives us the same admonition. Drawing on decades of study and personal experience, Brother Brickey shows us in Making Sense of Suffering that afflictions are brief gifts from God's gentle hands. Our challenge is to bear our afflictions while reconciling our hearts to the will of the Father and the Son. "Mortal suffering makes lasting improvements in the eternal self," the author writes. "It turns up the volume on God's voice to us, and it turns up the volume on our pleadings to him." Filled with poignant examples of belief and endurance, Making Sense of Suffering helps us exercise faith and overcome fear. For anyone touched by disappointment, disease, disaster, and death, this important book offers comfort and provides valuable insights into the blessings promised to those who endure their trials on the road to eternal life. --This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition
158 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2001
8 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 16, 2021
This book is overall really good. And one I needed right now, last year, 10, 20 years ago. This book might as well say “Making Sense of Life”!
I want to announce this first. I found that in a lot of the experiences he annotates, he refers to losing a loved one through death or suffering yourself with a debilitating physical ailment. Although these references may be translated to my specific situation, I think he could maybe use a different type of suffering with each of his consolations. At least that would cover a few more instances of deep hurt experienced by many of us, even if that particular one isn’t experienced by everyone.
On the other hand, maybe he wanted to be brief and just picked two types of suffering that we all go through in life. All of humanity will, at one time or another, lose a person close to us or even a pet, to mortality. And it’s more than likely that most of us will one day develop some case of physical human suffering.
I really did enjoy this book and it actually gave me some consolation while I was reading it. I don't have a very good memory and I concede that I don't remember the exact one-liners that actually 'spoke it all' of the context for which he was expounding. Each concept was only one or two pages and he always gave the notations. He used many verses of scripture and many of the very words that Christ Himself said. And He is the Master Healer.
I wish I could write a few of the one-line quotes but I'm afraid they would give away the whole concept. Unfortunately, the book isn't mine and now I have to give it back to my mom, but I am definitely going to buy one for myself, mark it up with highlighter, underlines, etc. and read it over and over. I will need to for the rest of my life, I'm sure!
I highly recommend this book to everyone! We are all human, we will all suffer in this life in more than one way, and some of us in many different ways and some of us, many times--so many it doesn't even seem quite fair. But even at that, this book gives us the views that make us turn to the Master Healer Himself who will always help us in our time of need.
I want to announce this first. I found that in a lot of the experiences he annotates, he refers to losing a loved one through death or suffering yourself with a debilitating physical ailment. Although these references may be translated to my specific situation, I think he could maybe use a different type of suffering with each of his consolations. At least that would cover a few more instances of deep hurt experienced by many of us, even if that particular one isn’t experienced by everyone.
On the other hand, maybe he wanted to be brief and just picked two types of suffering that we all go through in life. All of humanity will, at one time or another, lose a person close to us or even a pet, to mortality. And it’s more than likely that most of us will one day develop some case of physical human suffering.
I really did enjoy this book and it actually gave me some consolation while I was reading it. I don't have a very good memory and I concede that I don't remember the exact one-liners that actually 'spoke it all' of the context for which he was expounding. Each concept was only one or two pages and he always gave the notations. He used many verses of scripture and many of the very words that Christ Himself said. And He is the Master Healer.
I wish I could write a few of the one-line quotes but I'm afraid they would give away the whole concept. Unfortunately, the book isn't mine and now I have to give it back to my mom, but I am definitely going to buy one for myself, mark it up with highlighter, underlines, etc. and read it over and over. I will need to for the rest of my life, I'm sure!
I highly recommend this book to everyone! We are all human, we will all suffer in this life in more than one way, and some of us in many different ways and some of us, many times--so many it doesn't even seem quite fair. But even at that, this book gives us the views that make us turn to the Master Healer Himself who will always help us in our time of need.
September 8, 2021
This book offers an important and gentle perspective on why we suffer in our mortal existence. I would recommend this to anyone experiencing a trial or hardship. It has so many wonderful insights and can be helpful as we try to gain insight and meaning from our suffering. A wonderful book.
October 9, 2008
I borrowed this book but need to buy it. Brother Brickey has put together a book that feels you with understanding and courage. It fills you with faith and makes you feel ready to take on almost anything. Some of his insights will always stay with me.
He also has two awesome daughters that have become practically like sisters to me so knowing some of his family certainly made me read even more closely.
He also has two awesome daughters that have become practically like sisters to me so knowing some of his family certainly made me read even more closely.
August 31, 2022
I need to buy this book for myself. I am only on page 63 of 152 and have copied down 5 pages of quotes and notes. (And I stuff a lot of one page)
This book is full of wisdom and messages that I really needed. It also has articulated personal lessons of mine into words, better than I had before. The messages of the book can help anyone and are not narrow to circumstance.
This book has so much to give to those who read it. It offers eternal perspective, comfort, and guidance. I am making new connections and gaining insights of my own character and of God's.
As I read, I feel like I am being taught life lessons from God.
These messages are dear to my heart. Thank you Brother Brickey for sharing the wisdom you have gained from Him.
This book is full of wisdom and messages that I really needed. It also has articulated personal lessons of mine into words, better than I had before. The messages of the book can help anyone and are not narrow to circumstance.
This book has so much to give to those who read it. It offers eternal perspective, comfort, and guidance. I am making new connections and gaining insights of my own character and of God's.
As I read, I feel like I am being taught life lessons from God.
These messages are dear to my heart. Thank you Brother Brickey for sharing the wisdom you have gained from Him.
February 8, 2017
Fabulous book, full of insight and quotes to help anyone who is going through difficulties. Inspiring and comforting. A new favorite, I will read again and again.
October 3, 2017
It gave me a lot more perspective in our mortal strifes!
September 5, 2008
This is one of the best books I have ever read. It was immensely helpful to me right now. The writing is thoughtful and precise, unlike many other non-fiction books I have been reading lately. I learned something from each paragraph! Spiritually, this book is a feast. Bro. Brickey has some very beautiful insights and he expresses them powerfully.
I highly, highly recommend this book to anyone who has undergone or is undergoing a difficult trial, or to someone who wants to help a suffering loved one. I'm grateful to own a personal copy--I plan to be returning often to this one!
I highly, highly recommend this book to anyone who has undergone or is undergoing a difficult trial, or to someone who wants to help a suffering loved one. I'm grateful to own a personal copy--I plan to be returning often to this one!
October 20, 2010
This is a beautiful, thought provoking book. I read it slowly pondering the ideas. I appreciate that the author used scripture references and quotes from church leaders.
The editorial review reads in part..."Brickey shows us in Making Sense of Suffering that afflictions are brief gifts from God's gentle hands. Our challenge is to bear our afflictions while reconciling our hearts to the will of the Father and the Son."
In reading this book I gained valuable insights that have helped me through my own trials. It's a book I will keep on my nightstand to go to again and again.
The editorial review reads in part..."Brickey shows us in Making Sense of Suffering that afflictions are brief gifts from God's gentle hands. Our challenge is to bear our afflictions while reconciling our hearts to the will of the Father and the Son."
In reading this book I gained valuable insights that have helped me through my own trials. It's a book I will keep on my nightstand to go to again and again.
January 27, 2009
Not sure suffering makes sense after reading this but Brickey has some good thoughts. His style of writing (particularly inserting quotes and scriptures randomly between paragraphs without introducing or discussing the quote/scripture) is a little distracting. I liked the chapter best called "He Delivers." Although this book wasn't as helpful as I was hoping, it did lead me to review some extremely helpful scriptures.
January 13, 2010
A beautiful overview of the Plan of Salvation and the purpose suffering plays in it. This is not just a book for people in a crisis: this is a book for everyone.
Brickeys writing style is thoughtful, brief and almost poetic. The chapters are very short but not a word is wasted. I purchased several copies as gifts. (but do it on Amazon, they are a lot cheaper)
Brickeys writing style is thoughtful, brief and almost poetic. The chapters are very short but not a word is wasted. I purchased several copies as gifts. (but do it on Amazon, they are a lot cheaper)
February 7, 2008
I just finished this book. It was a Christmas gift for Kevin, and I really have enjoy it. I think it is perfect for anyone going through any kind of trial. It is beautiful writing and makes understanding suffering seem real.
March 5, 2010
This book helped me through a hard time in my life and it gave me the gift of seeing trials, pain, tribulation with an eternal perspective. I have loaned this book out to various people over the years.
June 30, 2007
Very good book, I recommend it.
April 6, 2008
loved this! Highly recommended
May 16, 2008
This book has given me great solace as I have faced some personal trials. A great book to give a little more perspective into the trials we face in this life and how to face them.
April 11, 2009
I loved this book it is like a how to book on how to deal with our trials.
April 7, 2017
This is a great book for anyone who struggles with the way life is turning out for them.
March 20, 2011
I like the way this book is written, it is thought provoking and comforting.
April 30, 2011
I loved this book! It is one of the most amazing and insightful books I've ever read. The chapters are short- sometimes just a page or two and it is very easy to read.
April 30, 2011
I have read this over and over. I have given it as a gift to anyone who is struggling. Love the insight it provides
October 22, 2012
This book has so many inspirational quotes I am going to read it again so I can write them down! It's great.
April 20, 2013
Wow! I can only say that this is a very insightful, helpful book. It is giving me a much-needed and eternal perspective on our current estate. Highly recommend.
April 28, 2015
Surprisingly spiritually filling. Our suffering "grows" us and binds us to Christ, who makes our covenants sure and perfects us through His grace and Atonement. Great stuff.
April 1, 2016
The painting on the cover is the best part of this book.
June 11, 2016
A beautiful reminder of why we're here on this earth. I found comfort in the passages as I continue in my current trial.
January 13, 2017
Some great spiritual gems tucked inside this easy read of mini devotional size chapters.
April 18, 2010
This is a remarkable book, Thanks Clara Lee for sharing.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews