God Meets Us in Our Suffering: Hope and Encouragement for Those Journeying Through Cancer

by Rolf A. Jacobson, Karl N. Jacobson (Contributor), Michael Pancoast (Contributor)

224 pages, Paperback

Published January 27, 2026

About the author

Rolf A. Jacobson is associate professor of Old Testament at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota, and is an ordained pastor. His teaching interests include the Psalms, the Old Testament prophets, biblical poetry, biblical theology, and biblical narrative. He collaborated with Karl Jacobson on Crazy Book: A Not-So-Stuffy Dictionary of Biblical Terms.

Reviews

[Sarah]

This book is written by three authors and pastor friends who experienced cancer at different stages of life. Over and over, they say this book isn't about cancer - but it would be extremely helpful for someone facing a new cancer diagnosis. The best part about the book is the humor which is woven throughout the pages. It handles the tough and gross situations with laughter, which is a great perspective that could truly lift others up in their struggles. It would make an excellent gift for someone struggling with cancer - whether they are suffering themselves with the disease, or are suffering alongside a loved one with cancer.

[Amy Ziettlow]

It's a beautiful memoir written by three ELCA pastors. It is an intense read, especially if you are a cancer survivor or love someone who is. It's hope-filled and humor-filled and yet deeply sad. Cancer sucks.

[Victoria]

This was such a helpful book to read. I got to learn about other's journeys through cancer and what to do when you inevitably wake up at 3:00 am. It gave me the hope I need to get through my cancer journey and remain positive.

PS: I am beating my metastatic melanoma.