Andrew M. Davis offers a deeply pastoral and theologically rich exploration of the story of Job to guide those in seasons of great pain to draw near to God and anchor their hope in him.
Suffering is inevitable in this world of pain and death, but hopelessness is not. Yet I Will Hope in Him unpacks the timeless questions that surround human suffering and faith. Drawing from the book of Job, Davis delves into the complexities of pain, loss, and the search for meaning amid trials. Through Job, God gives timeless lessons to help his children cling to him in faith rather than turn away in disappointment.
Throughout readers will be pointed beyond Job to Christ and his resurrection. Because of Jesus, Christians can trust that all suffering will one day be redeemed, and God’s glory will shine forever.
Addresses practical aspects of walking through pain and how to live by faith amid ongoing struggles.Highlights the ultimate comfort and redemption found in Jesus Christ, presenting him as the perfect mediator, intercessor, and redeemer for those enduring suffering.Readers will gain practical tools for extending compassion and counsel to those who are suffering prolonged trials.
Job has always been one of the most difficult books of Scripture, and Andy Davis doesn't pretend otherwise. Rather than trying to explain away suffering, he patiently walks through Job, reminding us again and again that our hope ultimately rests not in understanding God's purposes but in knowing God's character.
One of the things I appreciated most was the care with which the author handled Job himself. Throughout the book he repeatedly reminds readers that God described Job as "blameless and upright." That matters. It keeps us from falling into the same error as Job's friends, who assumed every suffering must be the direct consequence of personal sin. The book acknowledges that suffering can sometimes be connected to sin or God's loving discipline, but it also shows why that explanation can never account for every trial.
There were many insights that were new to me or gave me a fresh perspective. I especially appreciated the reminder that suffering is actually "strange" when viewed through the character of a good God, that fear should never become our lens for interpreting God's heart toward us, and that the central question in suffering is whether we will continue to worship God when his gifts are taken away. I also enjoyed the discussions of God's silence in Job, the complexity of providence, and the reminder that we often cannot bear all the answers this side of heaven.
The book is filled with memorable quotations and thoughtful observations. I particularly appreciated the emphasis that we should learn to complain to God rather than about God, and the reminder that our greatest comfort is not having every question answered but knowing the Shepherd who walks with us through suffering.
I didn't agree with every theological conclusion. For example, I differ from the author's understanding of the relationship between the Old and New Testaments, and there were a few applications that I would express somewhat differently. Even so, I found the book largely faithful to Scripture and benefited from reading it.
One note for prospective readers: this is not a light or emotionally easy book. It speaks honestly about suffering, loss, death, and God's discipline. I also think it is best read when your heart is in a reasonably settled place. If you are naturally prone to excessive introspection or are already wrestling with questions like, "Have I sinned to cause this?" some sections may require careful discernment. The author does caution against making the same mistake as Job's friends, but readers with tender consciences should remember that not every trial is the result of personal sin.
Overall, this was a thoughtful and worthwhile study of Job. I didn't agree with everything, but I learned a great deal. More than anything, it reminded me that while God doesn't owe us an explanation for our suffering, he has given us something better: himself. Like Job, we are invited to trust the wisdom, goodness, and sovereignty of the One whose purposes are always greater than we can presently understand.
I have learned so much from Job and his suffering. Job is one of my favorite books of the Bible because we see so much of God. I had such high hopes for this book, but it fell a bit flat. The author was pretty harsh toward Job for several chapters, and as such it missed the mark. I don't believe Job is in the Bible to critique a righteous man's response to deep suffering as much as it is to show us the outcome of walking with God through such suffering. For the saint refined by suffering, we walk away with an entirely new understanding of our loving God. Suffering by nature strips us of our wrong beliefs and clarifies who God is. Yes, Job had some wrong beliefs about God, and only through his deep suffering were those beliefs brought to light and corrected by God himself. The author seems to think we shouldn't have anything that needs corrected at the start of suffering, and therefore won't ever have anything for God to correct or reveal himself. Suffering well, according to this book, requires much of the saint and little of God. Which brings me to my second frustration with this book.
This book is written in first person, but the author sounds as though he has very little experience with deep personal suffering. As such, many scenarios are hypothetical vs rooted in his own experience or the experience of those close to him. This book is theologically sound for the most part and pulls heavily from scripture, but it lacks relatability for somone in deep suffering. Walking With God Through Pain and Suffering by Tim Keller is referenced several times, and is a much better read for both the theology of suffering and relatable stories on suffering. Keller's exposition of Job's life and suffering is fantastic.
There are endless Christian books on suffering well, and I don't believe this title adds much to what is already available.
𝐘𝐞𝐭 𝐈 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐇𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐇𝐢𝐦 is a difficult read into Job’s sufferings, yet so rewarding. I’ve always been drawn to Job’s story and his incredible faith and obedience through devastating times. His strength is admirable and inspiring.
I really appreciate the author’s candid, straightforward approach to Job’s suffering and faith. I also love the foundational truth that suffering isn’t always due to personal sin, as Job’s so-called friends assumed. The book also includes advice on showing compassion and counseling people in your life who are suffering.
For anyone walking through pain, grief, loss, or depression, this book can bring surprising comfort because we have hope. It reveals that God is with us through all times—the good, the bad, and the ugly—and wants us to lean on Him and never doubt His love.
#CoverLoverBookReview received a review copy of this book. Opinions are my own.