The Saving Power of Suffering: A Practical Catholic Guide

by FrJacob Powell, Shawna Navaro (Editor)

Why is there so much suffering in the world? How should we deal with suffering in our own lives? The Saving Power of Suffering teaches the answers to these questions and more, showing Catholics how to transform trials into triumph. Suffering is not our enemy but a mechanism by which God is able to help us find, accept, and even use our trials for personal and spiritual growth. In this book, Father Jacob Powell discusses how to see suffering through God's eyes, how to utilize the tools God gives us to remain fervent in the faith and steadfast in the storm, and how to encounter suffering in imitation of Christ. Nothing can overcome the faithful who bind themselves to the grace of God, develop virtuous lives, lean on the saints for help, and entrust themselves into the hands of the Blessed Virgin Mother. With these aids, suffering is harnessed into a weapon against which the devil and all the forces of evil are powerless. All glory be to God!

171 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 13, 2023

About the author

Father Powell is a native Texan who grew up in a Roman Catholic family. He is one of four children who attended a non-denominational school with very few Catholics. He began learning and loving his Faith by altar-serving and having faith-based discussions with friends and teachers. Through prayer and study, he discerned a call to the priesthood. After a year of college at Texas Tech University, he joined the Conventual Franciscans in the St. Bonaventure Province. After nearly two years of further discernment, he left the order and returned to Texas Tech University for another year of learning. By the end of this year, he decided to join the Diocese of Lubbock, Texas. He was sent to St. Charles Borromeo Seminary for two years to finish his degree in Philosophy. His bishop sent him to St. Mary's Seminary in Houston, Texas to complete his formation and Theological studies. In 2017 he was ordained a Catholic priest for the Diocese of Lubbock. He served as a parochial vicar for two years before being made a pastor. He continues to serve as pastor within his diocese.

Reviews

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are a lot of beautiful insights in this book. But it can be really repetitive and there are times where it feels like the author is trying to pad the word count. I was also left unsatisfied by the chapter on the saints. It felt unfinished and I was confused by the saints they chose when it seems there is no shortage of saints who have suffered greatly.