Acts of God: Why Does God Allow So Much Pain?

by Bob Russell, Kyle Idleman (Foreword), Rob Suggs (Contributor)

"Why God? Why did you let this happen? Why do you allow so much pain?" Be it a job loss, illness, or loss of a spouse or child, these are questions we've all had. It's as much a cry as a question; a wound; a shout of betrayal of all the rules of life and fairness as you knew them.

Bob Russell offers no trite platitudes to answer the questions in Acts of God, the accompaniment book to the Acts of God videos and curriculum. Instead, through the biblical story of Joseph, he provides assurance that we are in a bigger story than the pain, suffering, and trials tell us we're in.

Whether you're in the middle of suffering, processing something from your past, or seeking answers to the suffering you see around you, Acts of God shows a way back to hope; hope in God that brings hope to our circumstances.

Genres: Christian

240 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2014

About the author

BOB RUSSELL At just twenty-two years of age, Bob became the pastor of Southeast Christian Church. That small congregation of 120 members became one of the largest churches in America, with 18,000 people attending the four worship services every weekend in 2006 when Bob retired. Now through Bob Russell Ministries, Bob continues to preach at churches and conferences throughout the United States, provide guidance for church leadership, mentor other ministers and author Bible study videos for use in small groups. An accomplished author, Bob has written over one-dozen books.Bob and his wife Judy of 50 years have two married sons, Rusty and Phil. In his leisure time he enjoys playing golf and is an avid University of Louisville football and basketball fan.

Reviews

[Barry Malphrus · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is an excellent quote from this book and kind of summarizes what you would learn from it.

"When the darkness comes, we simply have to learn the art of night vision. We must see the outlines of God’s hand, acting for our benefit out of his infinite love and wisdom."

[Heath Henwood · Rating 3 out of 5]

Acts of God
Why Does God Allow So Much Pain?
By Bob Russell, Rob Suggs
Publisher: Moody Publishers

Sooner or later, everyone asks the question, “Why God”. This book attempts to answer the question, although recognising there is no easy answer.

The opening chapter tries to answer the question, but fails to give a satisfactory explanation to the reader. I’m not sure there is one.
However the book goes, with strategies to deal with the “suicide missions” that life throws at us, and overcoming the pain that crises bring.

The book has chapters on dealing with the pain that occurs around the home and with relationships, particularly in troubled homes. It goes on to deal with sin and temptation in other areas of our lives.

Written with stories to give examples, and Scriptures to support their advice the book is easy to read.

Having said that, I didn’t find it useful, although I am not going through pain at the moment. Neither did I think it would be all that comforting for someone going through suffering.

The book does however offer some hope to people, which may make it helpful to those seeking answers.