Unreasonable Hope: Finding Faith in the God Who Brings Purpose to Your Pain

by Chad Veach, Judah Smith (Foreword)

“Where was God when ____? How could God allow ____? Why?” These are the questions that flood our hearts and minds when the unimaginable happens. When things go horribly wrong and the world seems to be unraveling, how do you believe in God’s goodness? How do you cling to hope? Chad Veach directs readers away from clichéd Sunday school answers that fail to offer real comfort or provide faith-building insights. Instead, he draws from God’s promises in the Bible and from the story of his own daughter’s diagnosis of a devastating and debilitating disease to reveal simple, purposeful steps for dealing with pain. Resting in God’s love, remembering his past faithfulness, and realizing the distinction between having faith and clinging to hope are just some of these steps. Veach reminds us that because we know who God is, we know there is hope. Veach reminds us that because we know who God is, we know there is hope.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Faith, Spirituality

224 pages, Paperback

First published March 8, 2016

Reviews

[Andrianna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe more like a 2.5, but it really wasn't great. The author made a few really valuable points about God, but most of the book felt very shallow. I do hope others are able to make a connection with God via this book, but I wouldn't go out of my way to recommend it to anyone who's struggling. I also find the G tattoo thing very weird and cult-like. That's not to say that I don't like tattoos (or good coffee, or cool New York restaurants, or the Seahawks - or any of the other trendy things he makes a point of mentioning) - I guess I'm just more traditional or less of a hipster than the target audience for this book.

A+ on spreading the Bible's message of hope, C- on relatability.

[Raj · Rating 2 out of 5]

I appreciate Pastor Chad Veach's transparency and honesty about the pain he has experienced in dealing with the diagnosis of his daughter Georgia, who was born with a brain disorder known as lissencephaly. Although this book deals with a very mature and serious topic, it seems to be written for a teenage audience. It is this very discrepancy which has left me feeling very confused and underwhelmed after reading this book.

Veach was trying too hard to be #relatable or relevant to current pop culture. For example, the amount of times Instagram was mentioned, when this was supposed to be a book about faith and hope, seemed very...strange to me. Although there are mentions of numerous Biblical parables and stories, it was always accompanied by Veach's failed attempt to be humorous and "hip" which only seemed to belittle or convolute the overall message. For instance, in telling the story of Jesus raising Jarius's daughter from the dead, he describes Jarius as probably having an "Escalade" and "tons of followers"....and his reaction after his daughter was raised from the dead, according to Veach was as follows: "Jarius freaked out. He started texting his wife, 'Babe...*hand clapping emoji* *cry smile emoji* *cat head emoji just for fun*..."(p 148). In another chapter he somehow tries to use the feeling of anticipation for the new iPhone as a metaphor for the anticipation he felt when his second child was being born (p 175). Although I understand Veach is trying to make the historical context of the Bible relatable in the 21st century, it simply falls flat and comes off as quite shallow. Ultimately, I felt as though the power of the overall message got severely diluted as he tried to correlate important themes to very trivial and immature examples and metaphors. While I hope this story speaks to others, unfortunately, it didn't speak to me personally.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of Georgia that is shared within the pages of this book is a snippet of what has occurred for the Veach family. It's nearly impossible to tell your whole story in a small amount of pages. But I disconnected from this book early on. I struggled to understand whether this book was to be a memoir of sorts, or if it was meant to be a teaching on finding hope. I've read many books on trials, hope, and struggles. Unfortunately, this one did not seem to be on par with the rest of the books I have read.

[Lisamarie Landreth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unreasonable Hope by Chad Veach

Unbelief says, Some other time, but not now. Some other place, but not here. Somebody else, but not me. Faith says, Anything God did in any other time, He can do now. Anything He did in any other place, He can do here. Anything He did for anybody else, He can do for me.

This year, I began attending Chad Veach's church, Zoe, which is near my home in LA. This led me to learn more about Chad, his family, and his journey. Unreasonable Hope is Chad's story of walking with God as he battles his daughter's incurable brain disorder.

While reading his book I realized I've got faith down, but great hope for each individual day is missing. As Christians, we are called to live with an unreasonable hope, as we serve a God of unimaginable power. I appreciate how Chad included action steps for living with great hope making the concepts and the stories he shared tangible.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

My daughter gave me this book for Mother’s Day 2020. The first half was difficult to get through as you’re learning about the family and their challenges. The second half I read in two days. Some good reminders and loved getting my hope back!

[Sherly Tjhin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blessed!!!!!! Dibuat “growing in love” lagi sama Tuhan. Yeah! AS ALWAYS! Ini buku harusnya uda kelar dibaca di February tapi baru kelar dibaca sekarang. Tapi kerennya, isinya nyambung sama buku yg pernah dibaca, terus nyambung lagi sama devotion yg baru dibaca 2 minggu lalu bahkan sama persis dari kisahnya dan firmannya, terus bisa2nya sama juga sama bacaan alkitab setahun yg baru dibaca hari ini.

Kalau kayak gini cuma bisa bilang, Tuhan itu sangattttt baik! Diingetin lagi bahwa iman saja itu tidak cukup tapi harus dilanjutkan lagi dengan pengharapan. Mungkin ketika di awal jalanin proses ini iman dan pengharapan itu sudah ada. Tapi bisa jadi setelah perjalanannya ditempuh, kadar iman dan pengharapannya berubah, dan kondisi yg gw hadapin adalah imannya terus bertumbuh tapi pengharapannya mulai kehilangan arah atau bisa jadi lagi sakit sehingga jadinya lupa berharap atau salah berharap, harusnya ke Tuhan malah berharapnya ke hal dan pribadi yg lain.

Baca buku ini cuma bisa bilang, saya sangat dikasihi Allahku yg hidup. Dari awal 2019 sampai dengan detik ini, pesannya masih sama. Bahkan di titik uda mau give up (uda ngajuin resign berkali2), semakin gencar Beliau berteriak dan mengingatkan untuk tetap setia dan taat. Ikut Tuhan itu seringkali berciri khas “ga masuk akal”, “gila” dan “konyol”, yeah 3 hal ini sudah jadi hal yg sangat rutin terucap selama proses yg terjadi setahun ini bahkan kalimat peneguh “this too shall pass” pun sudah mulai jadi bahan lelucon bagi beberapa teman terkasih bahkan buat diri sendiri. Tapi buku ini ngingetin lagi bahwa, ketika kemustahilan itu hadir, maka di situlah pengharapan itu dimulai. Diajarin lagi buat kembali menghidupkan dan memelihara pengharapan di dalam Tuhan. Diajarin lagi untuk membuang segala standard pengetahuan dan tetap taat (walaupun kelihatannya bagi dunia itu ga masuk akal dan gila sekaligus konyol terutama bagi hambanya ini yg sangat teramat rasionalis) untuk melakukan apa yg disuruh Tuhan. Dan terutama diingatkan untuk selalu diam di dalam Tuhan (abide in Him).Cuma bisa bilang, let Your will be done. This too shall pass and the best is yet to come

[Taylor Belt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an ABSOLUTELY AMAZING one, in every sense of the word, and I can't recommend it highly enough to anyone, so thank you for writing it, Chad Veach! Here are some of the quotes that really stuck out to me and helped me think about my trials in a new way:

"God doesn't wait for us to ask for help. He steps up when there's trouble. He walks in. He rises to the occasion. Even though we often panic like Peter in the storm, He's right there whether we want Him or not."

"Whether through people, miracles, or medicine, God wants to help-even loves to help-in the day of trouble. As He proves throughout the Bible, this is where He thrives. He draws near to comfort, defend, protect, and fight for you in the moment you need Him most."

"This is how we need to view God. He is the remedy, the answer, the antidote for all we want and need. It's so vital that we understand who God is, because in times of trouble, He's the great provider and comforter and should be the first one we turn to. When everyone is walking out, Jesus is walking in to help us and come through for us. He is a constant source when we need Him most. We see, throughout history and throughout the Bible, God coming through for people again and again. He's the one whom we must look up to, and call out for when we find ourselves in impossible situations."

"God knew us and had us written on Him before we were even born. Then He went so far as to send His Son to die for our sins, and He marked His Son for us. Finally, to show that we are His people, He marked us and wrote His promises, His hope, and His love on our hearts."

"Nothing you can do can put you out of God's grace, blessing, and unconditional love. That's why they call it unconditional. Even when you are faithless, Christ is faithful." (This last one is sometimes something that I have trouble believing, especially when I can't see the purpose behind the things that I'm currently going through).

[Kenton Batson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciated Chad's honesty through his story. I honestly laughed, and cried, was encouraged within the first three chapters alone. His vulnerability was note worthy and inspiring. He writes with great biblical knowledge but presents himself in a very "for you" way. However, in my age group of young adults, early twenties, I found some of his story hard to relate. I will say it was a breathe of fresh air that he would describe what his decision making process is like, including that of becoming a celebrity pastor.

[Rebekah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good book if you are going through trials and wondering why God isn't stepping in.

There were quotes I liked and the book did help me.

I did have issues with him adding stuff to stories from the Bible.

I also didn't like some of his humor. It came across as obnoxious, to me anyway. I saw another reviewer say it was like he was trying to come across at relatable. Or in his way of writing #relatable. It annoyed me.

But overall I do recommend this book. It is a fast, easy read.

[Aaron Cash · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a Phenomenal book about the story of unwavering hope in unreasonable situations. This book is based around the birth of the Veach's daughter and how even in the most dire situations God empowers us to live with hope that there is a way through the pain of life. James Promised us trials but Jesus promises us Hope to guiide us through the trials. He truly never leaves us nor forsakes us.

[James Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The real raw authenticity that runs through this book is inspirational and contagious.

The situation that Chad and Julia went though but, still knowing and understanding Hope is amazing. If I was in a similar situation (with not have read this book) I would have felt like giving up. But The veaches has FAITH and HOPE.

ITS A MUST READ

[Mofox · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘’When you look for God, you’ll find him all around you. Searching for God is like the easiest game of Where’s Waldo. Once you start realizing how he’s provided something for you or the people he’s placed in your life, you’ll see him everywhere you turn. He’ll be less and less difficult to spot, and as you realize this, you’ll find it easier and easier to face your problems.” // pg. 87

[Petermathieson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was great. It was both entertaining and inspiring. Veach is a gifted storyteller mixing humor with practical biblical teaching he makes the Bible come alive. I was moved and inspired by his family's story of hope.

[Joanne Auber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an unimaginable tragedy in a family, but they survive with the hope that the author describes. Although there is no miracle, there is an abundance of grace. I found it inspirational and look forward to his next book.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book and this family! Such an amazing story of courage, persistence, and NEVER doubting the goodness of God.

[Eliana Jimenez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book, is easy readying, I felt as if Chad were chatting or preaching his book to me.

[Tal · Rating 4 out of 5]

More of a 3.5.

[Brooke Benda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful read of Hope! I loved re-reading about Chad and Julia’s story- there is always Hope!!!

[Nicole Moyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best and most inspiring books I have ever read. So beautiful.

[GG · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vulnerable write for Pastor Chad Veach & solid points made along about Christianity and having hope; BUT, the points lacked depth in my opinion. It was missing OMPH

[Mark Merris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story sad yet very encouraging as well. Your heart immediately goes out to the family and the trials they are enduring and you sense your own hurts as well but still you latch onto the hope that Jesus offers through Chad's narrative. It's a hard read not because of big words or ideas but the emotional draw that goes on internally as you wrestle with the depth of pain and the incredible power of audacious hope. I pray every one who reads this not only holds the Veach family up in prayer but connects with our Heavenly father in a more profound way.

[Nathan Albright · Rating 5 out of 5]

[Note: This book was provided free of charge by BookLook/Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for an honest review.]


There is a great deal to enjoy in this book, even if it mostly revolves around a very unpleasant matter. The author here is writing what amounts to a very personal theodicy, a justification of God's ways in the face of a deep trial involving the lissencephaly of his daughter Georgia. This is at least the second book I have read involving this rare disease, as it has apparently inspired those parents who raise children struggling with such a disease. The disease itself is an extremely unpleasant one, where a baby's brain is born smooth and does not develop past the age of about three months or so. The author gives a lot of details about the struggles he and his family gave, with their daughter's vomiting and seizures and with the outpouring of love that they have received from others in the face of this trial. The author's struggle gives a strong sense of credibility to the author's desires to justify the love of God in the face of struggles, as the same sort of comments would likely not come off so well were they not written by someone with the sort of credibility the author has in dealing with suffering [1].


The contents of this book, which take up about 200 pages, are well-organized. The book is divided into four parts. The first part looks at the struggle, discussing how struggle comes alongside our lives, how we can easily be forgetful in the face of difficulties, and then there is a brief commentary on the struggles of Ruth before the concluding reflections. The second section talks about the remedy for our suffering, looking at the need for Georgia to be fed through feeding tubes at last, and the way God serves as our ever-present help, and that there is always more with God, and a meditation on the Seattle Seahawks question "Why not us?" before the next concluding reflection. This section was particularly tough to read in the face of attempts on the part of others to encourage the reader with expectations of miraculous healing. The third and fourth sections are shorter, talking about a movement for people to tattoo the letter G in honor of little Georgia, languages of love, and where we are to go, as part of God and Jesus Christ as the remedy for our difficulties. The fourth and final section looks at a story before a prayer, the question of how our hopes are moved with time, and the expectation that things just get better and better over time with God, either in this life or the world to come. It is hard to read this book without a sense of great compassion for the author and his family.


Ultimately, this book is about compassion. Although this book comes from the general sort of social gospel writing tradition from Christians of the left wing who are mighty in writing books and not so mighty at living a godly faith that upholds God's standards of personal morality, at least given the sorts of authors he praises, this book comes off way better than most others of its kind because it is not a book that seeks to push a radical political and social agenda, which would be unwelcome, but rather presents the story of a family surviving through grief and struggle. The result is confessional and not preachy, and makes for a very worthwhile book to read for those who are struggling themselves and wish to ask the right questions and gain insight and a deeper faith and hope out of that struggle. And so even if the author is not one whose other books may be of particular interest, this book is a warm and deeply personal book that is moving, and that offers worthwhile insight into suffering and what we learn about others and ourselves through the process of enduring trials.


[1] See, for example:


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[Tori Riches · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chad's honesty as he shares the ups and downs of his life made him all the more trustworthy as he declared that God can bring hope to the most hopeless of situations. This was a reminder to rely on God for our hope. That having faith is not enough-we were called to more, called to hope, called to ask big and wait expectantly.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Unreasonable Hope, Chad Veach explored the importance of clinging onto hope in the mist of the storms and trials we have to endure in this life. Chad Veach shared about how their first child, Georgia was diagnosed with lissencephaly. Many children die before they turn the age of ten years old. This disorder affects her brain and it causes her not to function. She has horrible seizures that can happen at any time and it even caused her to throw up her food. She struggled gaining weight and they eventually had to have a feeding tube put in. Like most parents, they struggled with coming into terms with why God allowed their little girl to be born with a rare brain disorder. They were broken and heartbroken about the lost dreams for their daughters. Chad Veach admits it was difficult seeing other children walking, talking, and running and deep down he longed for Georgia to be able to do that. Throughout the book, Chad Veach revealed what he learned about trusting God through it all, believing that God is able to heal us, and having hope despite all the negative reports.

I would recommend this life changing book to anyone who is longing for healing in their life and they are struggling with believing and hoping that all things are possible through Christ. This is the first time, I heard about Georgia’s story and I was amazed at reading how real Chad Veach was in sharing his frustrations and how he found his hope in God. I liked how he shared that many people prayed for Georgia’s healing and some even got G-tattoos to show their full support. This book was a wonderful reminder that God is able to heal us and He is with us always and He won’t forsake us. I’m currently seeking healing from whatever sickness is attacking my physical body. I have been to numerous doctors and had a head MRI and CAT scan. None of the doctors can figure out why my immune system is low. All they can do is provide blood infusions which I’m not doing right now. They are trying antibiotics as of right now. I will admit there are days where I’m ready to give up and I’m losing hope that tomorrow will be better. This book helped to refocus and place my hope in God and that He is able to rebuild my immune system to the normal levels. If you’re seeking a book on healing, believing, and hoping despite all the challenges you are facing, then read this book!

"I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program."

[Heather King · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Unreasonable Hope, Chad Veach shares his own family’s personal story of choosing hope and continually looking forward to God’s goodness despite tough circumstances. When he and his wife learned that their precious first-born daughter had lissencephaly (or “smooth brain”) and would not develop mentally beyond about 3 months, they had to find ways to continue to hope in God.

Much of the book reads like a memoir as he shares about the pregnancy, birth, diagnosis and continual care of their daughter Georgie. As he tells his story, he reminds the reader to build a community, to refuse bitterness, to remember what God has already done, to share testimony of God’s goodness, and to pray with faith. He manages to walk that very difficult balance-beam of believing God can do anything and knowing that sometimes He chooses not to heal or perform a miracle.

Veach divides the book up into four parts: The Struggle, The Remedy, The Rest, The Better, and each of these sections includes a final chapter that focuses on the practical. He tells his story and offers encouragement for a few chapters and then he gives you several points on what these lessons might look like when lived out in your own circumstances and your own life. I loved that he did this because it helped the book move beyond just “someone else’s story” and nudged the reader into application and personal growth.

At the end of the book, he reminds us that 1 Corinthians 13 says, “And now abides faith, hope, and love…” We talk a lot about faith. We focus a lot on love. But sometimes we forget the necessity of hope, and yet hope is what helps us rest in God’s love, trust Him for the future, and not give up when things go horribly wrong.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Jalynn Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

About the Book:

“Where was God when ____? How could God allow ____? Why?”


These are the questions that flood our hearts and minds when the unimaginable happens. When things go horribly wrong and the world seems to be unraveling, how do you believe in God’s goodness? How do you cling to hope?


Chad Veach directs readers away from clichéd Sunday school answers that fail to offer real comfort or provide faith-building insights. Instead, he draws from God’s promises in the Bible and from the story of his own daughter’s diagnosis of a devastating and debilitating disease to reveal simple, purposeful steps for dealing with pain. Resting in God’s love, remembering his past faithfulness, and realizing the distinction between having faith and clinging to hope are just some of these steps.


Veach reminds us that because we know who God is, we know there is hope.


My Review:

Trying to figure God out, I personally think is a real big mistake. Just when you think you figured Him out, everything changes again and you are left wondering. This has happened to me more times than I can count. It's easy getting drug done in the mud of self pity when we don't have all the answers. I know personally, that I will allow myself a short time feeling sorry for myself and then it's time to get back up and start again.



Unreasonable Hope is a great place to start to figure out and sort through the why's of this world. The author gives us insight into what it takes to resolve these issues in our own minds. A way of achieving inner peace through what could be a very trying time to an individual. Resting on God's love and promises is a very special way to put a lot of feelings and situations into prespective and this book helps you do just that.


**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author.

[andrea v. (andrea’s galley) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unreasonable Hope was a book I knew I had to read, but just couldn't get around to doing so.
I suffer from a chronic pain condition, and facing unreasonable pain daily makes it hard sometimes to have unreasonable hope. Though God has helped me greatly in my process, I can't help but have some rainy days when I question if He really does love. I mean, after all, he watches my pain and does nothing but turn the other cheek.
This book helped me see otherwise. It made me realize He really was always there, looking out for me, and that this is all for His higher plan. I think my boyfriend infinitely for this awesome gift and I also thank Russ Wilson (SeaHawks QB) for posting a picture of this book on instagram.
If you're going through a tough time, this is definitely a good read for you. Also, if you are up for a big b-slap from God that will make you feel eternally grateful; then yes, this is a good read for you too.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unreasonable Hope by Chad Veach really touched me. This book is heartwarming, charming and could be a very important part of your journey, it was for me. Chad tells of his personal journey with his family and daughter Grace who suffers from a brain disease and his experience finding God through all of the ups and downs. Unreasonable Hope offers contemporary stories discussing faith and the presence of God, especially in the most "hopeless" and painful life circumstances, something we can all connect to. I cried, I laughed, I prayed and I hoped. If you are looking at reading this book it is because you are searching for something, looking for something more, maybe feeling that faith could be the answer? Unreasonable Hope could be just what you are looking for. I just finished it and I already can't wait to read it again!!

[Doris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chad Veach is an author that can most assuredly get the emotion from the tale into the reader. I truly felt the anguish he described when the excitement gave way to the disease that is upon their daughter. This was a new disease to me, and it is so very tragic.
Having lost a child in my life, I can understand that hope only to have it die in your heart.
I have not had the same experiences, but I do get part of the tale. That hope that you have for happy and healthy.
I felt that the story was slightly not quite on point. The author talks about hope in a way that makes it seem like it's just there and God is giving it to you, you just aren't taking ahold of it. This is never said outright, it was just the way I took it.
I would have like to have a lot more scriptural basis in the narrative.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thoughts: Chad Veach discusses and begs the questions we all have during the midst of difficult life circumstances and questions. This book is good a reminder of God's faithfulness and his character. The author makes some good points about the Bible and his own story as he has gone through some difficult stuff with his own family life. He makes great points in putting your hope in the Lord and not in people. This book is practical and his advice was good. I give this book 4/5 stars because it wasn't something I had heard before. He re-iterated some good solid truths, but I appreciated his honesty about his own life. Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing me a complimentary copy for review purposes only.