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When Trouble Comes
What will you do when trouble comes? It’s not a question of if, but when―at some point, everyone faces grief, pain, broken relationships, sin, or persecution. What hope do we have? Sharing honestly from his own life and looking at stories of men and women in the Bible who experienced many kinds of trouble, Phil Ryken offers hope from Scripture aimed at reminding us that we’re never alone in our pain. Though hardships and trials will come, God is our very present help in times of trouble.
- GenresChristianDevotional
176 pages, Paperback
First published June 30, 2016
28 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
Philip Graham Ryken
107 books68 followersPhilip Graham Ryken is Senior Minister of Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, where he has preached since 1995. He is Bible Teacher for the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals, speaking nationally on the radio program Every Last Word. Dr. Ryken was educated at Wheaton College (IL), Westminster Theological Seminary (PA) and the University of Oxford (UK), from which he received his doctorate in historical theology. He lives with his wife (Lisa) and children (Joshua, Kirsten, Jack, Kathryn, and Karoline) in Center City, Philadelphia. When he is not preaching or spending time with his family, he likes to read books, play sports, and ponder the relationship between Christian faith and American culture. He has written or edited more than twenty books, including Bible commentaries on Exodus, Jeremiah, Lamentations, and Galatians.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 26, 2016
I believe in grace. Not just the once and for all kind that went to work while Jesus was on the cross, but grace that daily infiltrates my life, that offers me forgiveness when I inevitably sin, that offers me present, and future redemption... I believe. There is more than just this believing. There is a deep pain here too. There is an exile that seems to resurrect more often than my joy, and a weariness right now that I can't even understand. I could fill up pages that with the turmoil inside of me. But for now, it is enough to say this. To wrestle and to weep and to choose to claim within my heart that in and through everything, I still believe.
There are many ways of trouble and pain. Dr. Ryken starts with his own pain and how he responded. He then with an in-depth study on the accounts of Isaiah, Elijah, Ruth, David and Jeremiah who all suffered in different ways and how they responded is rooted in how each of them in desperation clung to the promises of God. Each account may include why me but it ultimately it ends with the who. Who can I trust.
Suffering is difficult to embrace however, in that very act, we begin to seek the Lord and come to an end of our self-reliance. Jesus is our example of our response to suffering. His suffering offered the world salvation and we too can experience.
With this study, I was encouraged how suffering and pain can bring redemption and closer walk to the Lord. How it reveals my weakness and my need to face suffering so that my faith will flourish.
A Special Thank You to Crossway and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
There are many ways of trouble and pain. Dr. Ryken starts with his own pain and how he responded. He then with an in-depth study on the accounts of Isaiah, Elijah, Ruth, David and Jeremiah who all suffered in different ways and how they responded is rooted in how each of them in desperation clung to the promises of God. Each account may include why me but it ultimately it ends with the who. Who can I trust.
Suffering is difficult to embrace however, in that very act, we begin to seek the Lord and come to an end of our self-reliance. Jesus is our example of our response to suffering. His suffering offered the world salvation and we too can experience.
With this study, I was encouraged how suffering and pain can bring redemption and closer walk to the Lord. How it reveals my weakness and my need to face suffering so that my faith will flourish.
A Special Thank You to Crossway and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
September 17, 2020
An excellent resource, and very readable. I just used this for an eight part Wednesday night series at our church.
July 2, 2025
A book that gives comfort in times of trouble— knowing that our afflictions will not occur in heaven and that the pain that touches us on earth should be used for the glory of God— for the one who took on every trouble and sin on the cross for His people. What a comfort.
July 9, 2016
Jesus told his disciples they would have trouble (John 16:33). That's true for us too. Trouble will come. Ryken looks at the lives of several people in the Bible and clarifies what they did when trouble came. He gleans lessons for us today from their examples.
From Isaiah we learn our part of confessing our sins and God's part of atoning for that sin. From Elijah we learn about spiritual depression, its causes and cures. From Ruth we see that some blame God for their troubles while others, like Ruth, continue to go with God. From David we learn about sexual sin and from Jeremiah, about the dark night of the soul. Mary is an example of being devoted to God. Ryken reminds us that Jesus understands our troubles. Jesus did not try to get out of his troubles but embraced his calling. He gives us our highest motivation, a commitment to God's glory. Lastly, Paul yields encouragement for being persecuted because of faith.
Ryken's final words are based on those of Jesus too. “Take heart.” If Christ has overcome the world, then we can overcome the world, resist temptation, persevere through persecution, live and die for Christ and his kingdom.
There is a great deal of encouragement in this book. “So do not take the easy way out, make the hard choice instead. When the situation is desperate and even God seems to be going against you, do not give up, but trust his good plan.” And, “Don't give up and don't give in. Keep offering your life for the plans and purposes of God.”
What the book lacks is practical suggestions for doing what Ryken encourages. I thought perhaps the Discussion Guide would have some. Unfortunately, it does not. One of the questions is, “What activities or disciplines might renew your spirit and help you experience God's grace in times of trouble?” Apparently readers must come up with their own ideas as to not giving up, persevering, etc.
The best part of the book, I thought, was Ryken sharing what helped him when he was experiencing trouble. Knowing that his trouble was a normal part of life, trying to live the ordinary routines of life, friends, and God's Word were what sustained him.
From the way the book is written and structured, I suggest it be read and discussed within a group of trusted friends. People can share with others what worked for them when trouble came. This is a short book so it would not be intimidating for new Christians.
Food for thought: “Jesus did not get out of trouble, but went through it, and everything he went through brought glory to God.”
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
From Isaiah we learn our part of confessing our sins and God's part of atoning for that sin. From Elijah we learn about spiritual depression, its causes and cures. From Ruth we see that some blame God for their troubles while others, like Ruth, continue to go with God. From David we learn about sexual sin and from Jeremiah, about the dark night of the soul. Mary is an example of being devoted to God. Ryken reminds us that Jesus understands our troubles. Jesus did not try to get out of his troubles but embraced his calling. He gives us our highest motivation, a commitment to God's glory. Lastly, Paul yields encouragement for being persecuted because of faith.
Ryken's final words are based on those of Jesus too. “Take heart.” If Christ has overcome the world, then we can overcome the world, resist temptation, persevere through persecution, live and die for Christ and his kingdom.
There is a great deal of encouragement in this book. “So do not take the easy way out, make the hard choice instead. When the situation is desperate and even God seems to be going against you, do not give up, but trust his good plan.” And, “Don't give up and don't give in. Keep offering your life for the plans and purposes of God.”
What the book lacks is practical suggestions for doing what Ryken encourages. I thought perhaps the Discussion Guide would have some. Unfortunately, it does not. One of the questions is, “What activities or disciplines might renew your spirit and help you experience God's grace in times of trouble?” Apparently readers must come up with their own ideas as to not giving up, persevering, etc.
The best part of the book, I thought, was Ryken sharing what helped him when he was experiencing trouble. Knowing that his trouble was a normal part of life, trying to live the ordinary routines of life, friends, and God's Word were what sustained him.
From the way the book is written and structured, I suggest it be read and discussed within a group of trusted friends. People can share with others what worked for them when trouble came. This is a short book so it would not be intimidating for new Christians.
Food for thought: “Jesus did not get out of trouble, but went through it, and everything he went through brought glory to God.”
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
May 11, 2017
When Trouble Comes exhorts readers to seek Christ and the body of Christ when suffering comes. We are to share our burdens and carry each other's. We are to walk and do normal things and keep faith even through the days were nothing tastes good and nothing seems to improve.
More, we are to learn from the experiences of those who suffered as illustrated in the pages of the Bible. Ryken shares some from his personal trials in the prologue and then takes the reader through select biographies that speak to trouble times: those of Isaiah, Elijah, Ruth, David, Jeremiah, Mary, Jesus, and Paul. These testimonies encourage and validate and most importantly teach us about the God who cares for us enough to die for us...
Highy recommended for everyone - because everyone suffers. The book is very easy to read and comes with a helpful study guide.
More, we are to learn from the experiences of those who suffered as illustrated in the pages of the Bible. Ryken shares some from his personal trials in the prologue and then takes the reader through select biographies that speak to trouble times: those of Isaiah, Elijah, Ruth, David, Jeremiah, Mary, Jesus, and Paul. These testimonies encourage and validate and most importantly teach us about the God who cares for us enough to die for us...
Highy recommended for everyone - because everyone suffers. The book is very easy to read and comes with a helpful study guide.
July 6, 2017
This is the first book I've read by Dr. Phil Ryken, president of Wheaton College. This book is very encouraging. He opens with his own testimony to living in despair, and he moves on to give Biblical example after Biblical example of men and women of faith who have been in trouble and how they persevered. He ends with a summary of where the book has taken the reader. There is a study guide at the end of the book, which I did not do during this my first read, but I expect I will read this book again. "In this world, you will have trouble" (Jn 16:33), and this book encourages the reader for the inevitable. It also challenges the Christian to be more cognizant of the suffering of Christians today across the world. Dr. Ryken is an excellent writer, teacher and communicator.
January 29, 2018
Very helpful look at examples in Scripture of the different kinds of trouble we all face, and how the Lord graciously provides, and enables us to get through them. Dr. Ryken also shares some of a recent personal struggle of his that led to his writing this book. Very grace-centered, easy to read, well-illustrated, and practical. A worthwhile book to read to either prepare yourself for the trouble Jesus promises us in this life, or to seek to minister to another who is struggling.
September 26, 2018
Such a good book on suffering. Really easy to read and succinct, but profound.
March 11, 2020
A solid book filled with solid biblical advice on what Scripture says in regards to when trouble comes.
January 18, 2021
Quick read. Solid book that ties in nicely to our church’s sermon series.
May 9, 2021
Excellent discussion of how we can face troubles in life with a godly perspective.
March 10, 2023
Comforting read.
December 9, 2023
sensacional
A riqueza poética é a profundidade bíblica do autor toca o coração com ternura,amor,Graça e misericórdia.
Que privilégio ler esse livro do Dr. Ryken.
Obrigado !!!
A riqueza poética é a profundidade bíblica do autor toca o coração com ternura,amor,Graça e misericórdia.
Que privilégio ler esse livro do Dr. Ryken.
Obrigado !!!
October 11, 2016
Suffering is not optional in life and because of that we should be prepared to walk through suffering and to minister to those who are suffering. In When Trouble Comes Phil Ryken walks through some of the most important examples of those who went through suffering in the pages of Scripture drawing out application for today from the accounts.
Ryken in his prologue addresses a particularly dark period in his life in which he battled despair.This is helpful in that often times it easy to in a way dehumanize those who are looked up to as leaders and seeing them as being immune to the sufferings common people go through. In considering the individuals examined it becomes clear that Ryken has a purpose in the variety, and that purpose is to explore the broadness of suffering. People don't suffer in just one way and in one set of circumstances. We see the suffering that comes through addressing sin and guilt in awareness of the holiness of God as reflected in Isaiah's experience. We are minded that those areas we might think ourselves most gifted and faithful in might be the place where sin and guilt are most present. We see the crushing reality of discouragement and despair as well as the comfort and patience of God in Elijah's life. From David, Job, Mary, Jesus and to Paul we are driven to a greater understanding of suffering and what God might be doing in the midst of our suffering. Most importantly Ryken leaves readers with hope as they prepare for suffering.
Suffering has come. In your church there are people walking through suffering. Suffering will come. Your life might seem like it is going smoothly but that doesn't change the fact someday you will suffer. You might hear devastating news from your doctor, stand at the grave of a spouse or child, or be confronted by the true depths of your sinfulness before a holy and righteous God. When it comes you don't want to find yourself to either walk through suffering or to walk alongside those who are suffering. Read and reflect on the realities of God and suffering in this book.
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book from the publisher for the purpose of reviewing it. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wa...
Ryken in his prologue addresses a particularly dark period in his life in which he battled despair.This is helpful in that often times it easy to in a way dehumanize those who are looked up to as leaders and seeing them as being immune to the sufferings common people go through. In considering the individuals examined it becomes clear that Ryken has a purpose in the variety, and that purpose is to explore the broadness of suffering. People don't suffer in just one way and in one set of circumstances. We see the suffering that comes through addressing sin and guilt in awareness of the holiness of God as reflected in Isaiah's experience. We are minded that those areas we might think ourselves most gifted and faithful in might be the place where sin and guilt are most present. We see the crushing reality of discouragement and despair as well as the comfort and patience of God in Elijah's life. From David, Job, Mary, Jesus and to Paul we are driven to a greater understanding of suffering and what God might be doing in the midst of our suffering. Most importantly Ryken leaves readers with hope as they prepare for suffering.
Suffering has come. In your church there are people walking through suffering. Suffering will come. Your life might seem like it is going smoothly but that doesn't change the fact someday you will suffer. You might hear devastating news from your doctor, stand at the grave of a spouse or child, or be confronted by the true depths of your sinfulness before a holy and righteous God. When it comes you don't want to find yourself to either walk through suffering or to walk alongside those who are suffering. Read and reflect on the realities of God and suffering in this book.
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book from the publisher for the purpose of reviewing it. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wa...
January 1, 2017
This book has a great plan. Ryken focuses on 10 stories of some of the most famous figures in the Bible and how they responded to the trials and suffering they experienced. It demonstrates that struggling is the norm in a fallen place among a fallen race. And it provides Biblically illustrated principles for responding to the problems of life.
His statement regarding Christians who are experiencing persecution applies to all struggles: "In some mysterious way, the pattern of Good Friday and Easter Sunday gets repeated in the experience of the persecuted church. Indeed, this is necessary for the evangelization of the lost. There is something about seeing faithful believers endure suffering for the sake of Jesus Christ that helps unbelievers understand the gospel. They cannot see Jesus hanging on the cross, but they can see a community that shares in his suffering, and God uses this awful emblem to bring new spiritual life out of death. A church that is marked by the cross through its suffering in the world is a living testimony to the gospel of the risen Christ." (pp. 130-31)
One of the best illustrations in the book is about Clarence Jordan. Jordan held doctoral degrees in Greek, Hebrew and agriculture but dedicated his life to serving the poor. "In the 1940s he founded
Koinonia Farm in Americus, Georgia - a place where poor whites and poor blacks could live together in Christian community." This resulted in much persecution from the town culminating in 1954 with the Klu Klux Klan burning all the buildings at Koinonia except for Jordan's home which they riddled with bullets. The next day a reporter went out to the farm to interview Jordan and asked him: "Just how successful do you think you've been?' Jordan responded: 'About as successful as the cross. ... What we are about is not success but thankfulness. We're staying. Good day." (p. 136)
(I'm stingy with stars. For me 2 stars means a good book. 3 = Very good; 4 = Outstanding; 5 = All time favorites.)
His statement regarding Christians who are experiencing persecution applies to all struggles: "In some mysterious way, the pattern of Good Friday and Easter Sunday gets repeated in the experience of the persecuted church. Indeed, this is necessary for the evangelization of the lost. There is something about seeing faithful believers endure suffering for the sake of Jesus Christ that helps unbelievers understand the gospel. They cannot see Jesus hanging on the cross, but they can see a community that shares in his suffering, and God uses this awful emblem to bring new spiritual life out of death. A church that is marked by the cross through its suffering in the world is a living testimony to the gospel of the risen Christ." (pp. 130-31)
One of the best illustrations in the book is about Clarence Jordan. Jordan held doctoral degrees in Greek, Hebrew and agriculture but dedicated his life to serving the poor. "In the 1940s he founded
Koinonia Farm in Americus, Georgia - a place where poor whites and poor blacks could live together in Christian community." This resulted in much persecution from the town culminating in 1954 with the Klu Klux Klan burning all the buildings at Koinonia except for Jordan's home which they riddled with bullets. The next day a reporter went out to the farm to interview Jordan and asked him: "Just how successful do you think you've been?' Jordan responded: 'About as successful as the cross. ... What we are about is not success but thankfulness. We're staying. Good day." (p. 136)
(I'm stingy with stars. For me 2 stars means a good book. 3 = Very good; 4 = Outstanding; 5 = All time favorites.)
August 20, 2016
When Trouble Comes is a book about suffering. The book the journey takes us on is both personal (for the author, and most likely for us) and biblical. Ryken examines the lives of Isaiah, Elijah, Ruth, David, Jeremiah, Mary, Jesus, and Paul. The focus, of course, being on their 'dark' moments of pain and suffering--their "troubled" moments. The moments that perhaps they didn't plan for or "want." Nobody wants to suffer--physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually. But trouble has a way of coming, not because God doesn't care, but because he cares so much.
When Trouble Comes is a strong, solid read. Each chapter is worth reading and contemplating. He asks tough questions of his readers. Questions such as: "What is the confession of your faith--not just the creed you recite in church, but the confidence you live by every day? In all your troubles, and in all the troubles of a fallen world, are you able to say that God with you like a mighty warrior?"
It's a weighty book because it's a weighty subject.
One of my favorite quotes:
When Trouble Comes is a strong, solid read. Each chapter is worth reading and contemplating. He asks tough questions of his readers. Questions such as: "What is the confession of your faith--not just the creed you recite in church, but the confidence you live by every day? In all your troubles, and in all the troubles of a fallen world, are you able to say that God with you like a mighty warrior?"
It's a weighty book because it's a weighty subject.
One of my favorite quotes:
Teach me to believe that if I would ever have any sin subdued I must not only labor to overcome it, but must invite Christ to abide in the place of it, and he must become more to me than the vile lust had been; that his sweetness, power, life may be there.
June 13, 2016
When Trouble Comes
by Philip Graham Ryken
Crossway
Christian
Pub Date 30 Jun 2016
I was given a copy of When Troubled Comes through the publisher and their parnership with Netgalley in exchange for my honest review which is as follows:
As Christians we are far from immune to trouble, we can experience everything from Spiritual depression brought on from fear to fatigue.
Isaiah and Ruth experienced troubles that could have very well destroyed their faith had they let it. David and Jeremiah experienced a lot of trouble as well and it seemed that Job had curse upon curse placed upon him.
Mary the Mother of Jesus dealt with troubles as well, as did Christ himself.
This book reminds us that though it is inevitable that we will experience trouble and suffering with the love of God where there is breath there is hope.
I give When Trouble Comes five out of five stars
Happy Reading.
August 9, 2016
Loved Phil Ryken's treatment of the story of Ruth in this book. So incredibly helpful!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews