Broken Things: Why We Suffer

by Martin R. Dehaan

Before M. R. DeHaan was teaching on Radio Bible Class, he was a physician and well acquainted with pain and suffering. Dr. DeHaan, in his book Broken Things—Why We Suffer, takes a biblical and practical look at suffering and helps you to discover that often it is through seasons of trial that God seeks to mold and shape you into His image. Applying the healing principles of God's Word, Dr. DeHaan  encourages those who have been scarred by loss of employment, health, or by the death of a loved one, to find both hope and peace.

Genres: Christian Living

98 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1978

About the author

Martin Ralph De Haan (1891 - December 13, 1965) was a Bible teacher, founder of Radio Bible Class and editor of monthly devotional guide Our Daily Bread.

Reviews

[Eldon]

Some really insightful and surprisingly sharp truthful notes directly from scripture. A "cold slap of water" for me (in a good way.) Warning: NOT FOR WHINERS! :)

[Lidia Crisan]

Dear friends,
I just read one of dr. MR DeHaan's books, named Broken things, Why we sufferrand. I understood that my usefulness in God's service depends on me being broken, again and again. My husband used for many years to read the devotional, My daily bread, before he went to be with the Lord.

The reason I write is to bring to your attention, as one that I have written books and edited them, I that this book has a lot of missquotes, toward the end. The psalms 42,43,44, and 73 are not written by David. They are written by the sons of Core and Asaf. I do not know what you are going to do, but I leave this matter with you. Please, cheque for yourself.
May God bless you
In Christ
Lidia

[Karrie Seibel]

Broken Things: Why We Suffer by Martin R. DeHaan

This is simply a book that has been in my library for years and one I’ve held onto over time.

I’ll be honest: the heavy Christian perspective wasn't really for me, and I could have done without a lot of the religious framing. That said, there are some interesting insights throughout the book about suffering, hardship, and the ways people try to understand difficult experiences.

For me, there wasn't much beyond that. I didn't particularly connect with the religious message, but there were a few observations that gave me something to think about.

Ultimately, this is more of a “I've had this book for years, and I finally revisited it” read for me than a book that made a lasting impression.

[Gina]

Very good book. It's short, easy to read. I appreciate DeHaan's insight & wisdom. Written in 1948, it still has great reminders of God's will & plan for our lives, who I am in Christ & how we are all being conformed to the image of Jesus from glory to glory! Nothing grows without breaking. Think of a seed planted in the ground, it must break open so the plant can grow. Likewise we are as children of God.

[Sharon Hughson]

A few deep thoughts and not necessarily for a person who is "depressed" about their suffering at the moment. It will give you hope and reassure you that nothing in life goes unnoticed by our Lord and all suffering will be rewarded when it counts (in Heaven).

[Lily Horta]

Short, concise, full of wisdom and truth. Especially good for those suffering from physical or mental illnesses. I felt seen and validated, and it helped me see suffering from a different point of view.

[Nancy]

Wonderful reference book to refer to often. Reboot the spirit within!

[Ed Tolliver]

Great book! Especially for those who have just come through a hardship. What a blessing. I give it as a gift.

[Brandon Vaughan]

This short book is a cold drink of water in a dry and thirsty land, very encouraging for those who are in a valley.

[Luan]

Standard and basic

[Christian Singer]

M. R. De Haan's book Broken Things: Why We Suffer illuminates the need for brokenness before a person can be useful in God's purposes. A must-read for the brokenhearted, the distressed, the mentally exhausted. Do not lose hope. Beyond your brokenness is a purpose for your suffering. It's not in vain.

[Elizabeth]

This book was really helpful! I love how it speaks directly to the heart of a person suffering, instead of just giving theological and intellectual answers. The only reason I gave it only 3 stars is because the second half wasn't that great. Many of the chapters didn't even speak to suffering. The first half would have to be given 5 stars, though!

[Fotografer]

depth of life, surviving, giving, receiving, suffering and foremost 'love'.

[Nancy Graham]

Still has some interesting insights on suffering and possibility. Originally published in 1948 from a Radio Bible Class sermon series, the book feels a tad dated at times.

[Mona Randall]

On my re-read list

[Val]

Overall good book. Very basic, but if you question things, this can give some answers.