Beyond Suffering Bible NLT: Where Struggles Seem Endless, God's Hope Is Infinite

by Anonymous, Joni and Friends, Joni Eareckson Tada

There is hardly a person who doesn’t know someone dealing with a disability, disease, chronic illness, or other form of personal suffering. The Beyond Suffering Bible is the first study Bible to directly address those who suffer and the people who love and care for them. From bestselling author, singer, and radio host Joni Eareckson Tada and the experts at Joni and Friends Christian Institute on Disability, the Beyond Suffering Bible is filled with thousands of notes and features that invite readers into a conversation about suffering and its place in each person’s life. Each feature has been carefully created to provide readers with valuable information, meaningful encouragement, and challenging applications as they encounter God’s Word.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Christian Non Fiction

7841 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 15, 2016

About the author

Books can be attributed to "Anonymous" for several reasons:

* They are officially published under that name
* They are traditional stories not attributed to a specific author
* They are religious texts not generally attributed to a specific author

Books whose authorship is merely uncertain should be attributed to Unknown.

See also: Anonymous

Reviews

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished the NLT Beyond Suffering Bible yesterday. I loved, loved, LOVED it. I decided to read it cover-to-cover, Genesis to Revelation. This isn't my typical way to read the Bible. But now and then it's the just-right way for me to do so.

It is the New Living Translation. Now, I'll be honest, the NLT is not in my top three translations of choice. Or even in my top five really. But. Because of the resources in this one, I definitely find the trade off worth it.

The special features make this a WOW Bible. Or perhaps I should amend that to say with the ever-steady INFLUENCE and HELP of the Holy Spirit the special features can lead to some wow moments.

Bible introductions. True, other Bibles have Bible introductions. But each Bible introduction in this one stresses key suffering and disability themes found within that book of the Bible. (In addition to giving the basics you'd expect.)

For example, these are the Key Suffering and Disability Themes found in the book of Jeremiah:

God’s words are sweet. In the midst of our suffering, God’s words bring joy and delight (Jeremiah 15:16), even when they do not promise immediate relief. In contrast, words of false prophets who provide empty promises are bitter poison (Jeremiah 23:13-16). But when we pay attention to God’s words, we can have peace as we trust in his sovereign plan.

Give us ears to hear. Jeremiah rebuked the people for failing to listen to and obey God (Jeremiah 7:24, 26; Jeremiah 17:23-24, 27). When pain strikes, we often become locked inside our own minds, unable to communicate with others. God is not confined by such restraints. He always listens and responds when we pay attention to his voice.

God is our source of knowledge. Jeremiah castigated humanity for lacking knowledge (Jeremiah 10:14), because knowledge is linked with “fear of the LORD” (Prov 9:10). Fears about weakness and inadequacy often flood our minds. Knowing God, the source of all knowledge, helps us see that our human fears can be removed and replaced with his loving presence (1 Jn 4:18). A healthy awe of our Creator calms our minds and becomes the lens through which everything else is made clear.

And the Key Suffering and Disability Themes found in the book of Lamentations

Sorrow must be faced head-on. Jeremiah dearly loved the city of Jerusalem, but he did not defend her innocence, writing that her tragic destruction was the result of her own weaknesses. Sorrow and sin must always be faced head on. It is this no-nonsense, raw approach that allows hope to grow in the fertile ground left from the ashes of suffering. By being honest with our failings and honest about our sorrow, we allow God to turn our hearts back to him so that he can give us the hope of the renewal he has promised.

Lament implies trust in God. Jeremiah expressed real anger and “negative” emotions—several poems in this book reflect deep heartache, frustration, and hopelessness. There are those today who believe that even in the face of unspeakable struggles, lamenting indicates a lack of faith in God. On the contrary, lament can be an implicit expression of one’s trust in God. Lament shows our awareness that God cares for us and can change our circumstances. God doesn’t view lament as a critical review of our problems, but as a form of praise offered in anticipation of the ways in which he may yet reveal himself.

Connection Points. These are brief notes that provide commentary and application. While there aren't as many notes as you'd' find in a study Bible like the ESV Study Bible or the John MacArthur Study Bible, I think that's a good thing overall. These notes are concise and helpful.

Genesis 3:15 A Promise of Victory. When God put hostility between the serpent and the woman’s offspring, he opened the way for our eventual redemption. Sometimes referred to as the protoevangelium (“first gospel”), this is the first promise in Scripture of God’s final victory over evil and a full restoration of the cosmos to its intended state—free from the effects of sin. These are words of great hope for those who suffer.

Exodus 3:14 Intimacy with God. God is not bound by time, space, or other limitations. As the Timeless One, he is able to walk with us through all our struggles and sufferings, never growing weary or running out of options (Isa 40:28). Jesus, the great “I AM” incarnate (John 8:24, 58), invited all those who “are weary and carry heavy burdens” to find rest in him (Matt 11:28-29).

Exodus 40:36-38 The Christian Life. A large part of the journey of faith is learning to walk with God instead of running ahead of him. The key to discerning God’s direction in our lives is resting in his presence. We may not always be certain which way we should go, but when we “remain in [him]” (John 15:4), the Good Shepherd will never lead us astray (John 10:14; see also Ps 23).

Ruth 2:19-20 Family Support. Often in our suffering, we withdraw from those around us, particularly our family. And sometimes families can be uncaring. However, as we see in the example of Ruth and Boaz, family members can also be amazing agents of God’s love and support. Consider gently reaching out to your family in your suffering. They may be waiting, unsure of how to help and looking for you to provide them with directions.

Job 7:3 Chronic Struggles. Job did not suffer for a short period of time. He was “assigned months of futility, long and weary nights of misery.” Chronic illness and disability are not evidence of God’s lack of involvement in our lives. Instead, suffering can often serve to deepen our relationship with the Lord, who suffered in our place and stands alongside us in the midst of our suffering.

Lamentations 2:11-12 The Plight of Children. Jeremiah didn’t just have passing thoughts about the destruction of Jerusalem, he lived through it. He anguished over not being able to bring greater comfort to his people, especially the children. The majority of children around the world with disabilities live below the poverty level, which compounds their struggles. Even today, childhood deaths due to starvation continue to increase. Ask God what you can do both in your community and around the world to help ease the suffering of children.

Mark 8:31-33 Suffering Does Not Define Us. Many know Jesus as the Suffering Servant. In this passage, Jesus reminds us that his suffering was not a surprise but rather something he knew was coming and chose to face head on. Yet it is easy to forget that Jesus’ life was not all about suffering. The stories preserved about Jesus’ life in the Gospels attest that the human experiences of joy, love, parties, and sleep were just as much a part of his daily life as suffering was. Suffering was not the only thing to define him. Suffering is not the only thing that defines any one of us.

Romans 8:28-29 Becoming like the Son. It can be hard to believe that God is working everything “together for the good of those who love God” in the midst of pain, sickness, heartache, or financial uncertainty. How can such trials be for our benefit? How can this verse bring comfort, even though it sometimes feels like a trite platitude? We must look to the full counsel of Romans, where Paul also teaches that problems and trials help refine our character (5:3-4). And when our character better reflects Christ, more people are able to see what God is doing in our lives, and they are drawn to him.

Romans 8:35-37 God Stays! Trouble does not come because God has abandoned us. Christ’s love is not withdrawn because of disability, struggle, financial ruin, lies, or depression. God is present with us in both good and bad. The Holy Spirit cries out on our behalf when we are unable to find the words (8:26-27). Suffering is not a sign that God has left you. It never has been, and it never will be.

Profiles. The Beyond the Suffering Bible contains profiles of Bible characters--like you'd expect--but it also contains profiles of ordinary--or not so ordinary--people who know a lot about suffering and/or disabilities. These are inspirational and insightful.

From the profile on Noah

Given the depravity of his culture—which was probably worse than our own—Noah’s life must not have been easy. But Noah stood firm, even when the call came to build the ark. Take a stand for righteousness Before the flood, Noah likely suffered a great deal of ridicule and scorn from skeptics around him. It must have been painful to watch his friends and neighbors ignore his warnings of God’s impending judgment. When the great flood finally came, Noah witnessed firsthand the destructive fury of God’s wrath against sin and evil poured out on all creation.
No matter how severe the calamity, distress, or difficulty, God’s purposes continue and always prevail. Like Noah, we are called to take a stand for righteousness in the midst of evil. It won’t always be easy, convenient, or comfortable. But in the end, we have God’s covenant to protect and watch over us. What better promise could we have than that?

Devotionals. I don't always love devotionals. But these devotionals seem to be the exception to the rule. Here is one from the book of Jeremiah:

Two Roads, Two Choices Jer 24:1-10 Two brothers. Two responses. Two roads. The theme introduced in Genesis 4 with Cain and Abel runs all the way through the Bible to Revelation: Choose God or false gods, righteousness or wickedness, wisdom or foolishness, the narrow way or the wide way. The “two-road” metaphor also appears in Jeremiah 24 in the vision of two baskets of figs. God asked the prophet what he saw, and Jeremiah responded that he saw a basket of good figs and a basket of figs that were rotten and useless. The two baskets represented the responses of God’s people under sustained suffering. While both groups had stumbled, some of the people would eventually turn and choose to honor God. The others simply turned their backs on the ways of the Lord, and God told Jeremiah to treat them like rotten figs. We don’t like to think about God turning away from his people, but these examples instruct us in learning to make the right choices. God cannot tolerate an unrepentant lifestyle of sin. Paul documents God’s response to those who lived lives of ongoing wickedness: “Since they thought it foolish to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done” (Rom 1:28). There are consequences when we make the wrong choice. We don’t like to think about God turning away from his people, but these examples instruct us in learning to make the right choices. God cannot tolerate an unrepentant lifestyle of sin. Paul documents God’s response to those who lived lives of ongoing wickedness: “Since they thought it foolish to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done” (Rom 1:28). There are consequences when we make the wrong choice.

Words from Joni. These are letters spread throughout the Bible. Here's a brief excerpt from one found in the book of Jeremiah:

My best memories give shape to that hopeful future promised in Jeremiah 29:11. Your memories—especially if you’ve lost a loved one, or your health, or your ability to think clearly—should inspire hope in you, too. For as wonderful as the world was when all those special remembrances occurred—as wonderful as it was when my hands worked—these things are only a foretaste of more delightful, pleasurable experiences to come. Jesus is the one who makes our futures bright. Jesus assures us that our best memories will one day blossom into a more joyous reality than we can ever imagine. He is our hope (1 Tim 1:1). What are the memories of things you’ve lost? How might those memories inspire hope in you today? How might those remembrances draw you closer to Jesus, the God of all hope? Grab hold of this verse—Jeremiah 29:11—and so many other Scriptures that promise the world. Oh, not this world, but the world to come!

Articles. These are found at the back of the Bible.

God's Story of Disability The Unfolding Plan from Genesis to Revelation by David C. Deuel, PHD
A Biblical View on the Sanctity of Life by Joni Eareckson Tada
Why Am I Disabled? Reflections on Life's Questions and God's Answers by Christopher Ralston, PHD
The Constant Distraction: Living with Chronic Pain by Michael J. Easley, DMIN
An Innocent Addiction by Stephen F. Arterburn, MED
How To Be A Loving Friend to Those Affected by Disability by Mark W. Baker, PHD
Becoming a Welcoming Church: God's Urgent Call to Disability Ministry by Steve Bundy, MA
Hope: Heaven, Our Real Home by Joni Eareckson Tada

Some of my favorite quotes:

Every God-honoring response to a trial increases your capacity to praise God and enjoy him forever. Joni Eareckson Tada

Through Jesus’ death on the cross, God will lift the Curse that brought disability. People with disabilities will no longer need a law to protect them, prophecy to offer them hope, or instruction to correct misunderstandings about disability. For now, we eagerly await our assured deliverance from the suffering associated with disability. David C. Deuel

We have an immortal soul, and we were made to glorify and magnify the Lord. As image-bearers, we are all equal. This is so critical to how we relate to people with disabilities. Joni Eareckson Tada

If we can embrace the view that we are not defined by our disability, pain, or disease, we can minister to others. A major turning point is not only refusing to be defined by our situation, but also seeing others with hearts of compassion and knowing that we can encourage them because of our pain. I call it “imperceptible influence.” You and I have no idea how we are being used by Christ. Simply pressing on, staying in the Word, choosing not to whine, learning to have a healthy sense of humor in the midst of trials, affirming others in their gifting, and trying to encourage those who struggle in similar situations are ways Christ works through us. Your faithfulness to him and your compassion for others may never be graded in this life, but don’t underestimate the possibility that God is using you and that you have that imperceptible influence. Michael J. Easley

Comfort actually has nothing to do with removing suffering; it is about offering another person strength as they endure suffering. We do not need to remove suffering from our lives or the lives of those we love because we can find God there in the midst of it. We often misunderstand the point of comforting others. We think we are supposed to come up with pithy phrases that will distract them from their pain or that we are supposed to be an agent of some miraculous cure. But actually, the true meaning of providing comfort is to simply be with others in their pain. You don’t need to know what to say, and you don’t need to do anything in particular. Mark W. Baker

[Beauty in the Binding · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Beyond Suffering Bible, published by Tyndale in the New Living Translation, aims to encourage readers that in the midst of extensive, ongoing struggle, God offers an infinite, glorious hope.

Included along with the Biblical text are:

Devotionals written by Joni Eareckson Tada, a woman who has been paralyzed since 1967.

Profiles of others who have experienced disabilities or filled a role as a caregiver.

Notes and articles by professionals who help those with disabilities.

Study notes interspersed throughout the text that accentuate what the Bible says about suffering.

Introductions to each book of the Bible that give background information as well as synopsis.

Topical reading plans on suffering, disability, and healing.

Reference resources: A NLT Dictionary/Concordance, maps, and a dedicated space for notes.

My thoughts:

A good blend of experiences from Joni, other people, and doctors provided authenticity and a well-rounded view of dealing with prolonged suffering. Ongoing suffering is not something the Christian world addresses frequently (at least in my experience) and there is a crucial, wonderful message that the authors really tried to bring out – God's heart for the afflicted. His tender mercies to the disabled. His protective hand in each life.

The book introductions were perfect for both those new to faith and those who are not. I found them simple to understand as they highlighted basic information and deeper themes of each book, some of which I'd not previously known or noticed.

I requested to review this book with the intention of giving it to a family member who is serving as caregiver to her husband. My expectations were met and exceeded. I recommend the Beyond Suffering Bible: Where Struggles Seem Endless, Gods Hope is Infinite to anyone struggling with disability or acting as caregiver on a regular basis to another person.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. 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."

[Rachel Lundy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This year I have been reading the Beyond Suffering Bible during my Bible study time in the morning. I received a free copy through the Tyndale Blog Network, and I am loving it! The Beyond Suffering Bible is an encouraging and helpful resource. If you are wondering what the Bible says about suffering, disabilities, illness, and healing, but aren't sure how to look for answers, this study Bible is a good place to start. It is filled with devotions, study notes, articles, profiles, letters from Joni, and more!

While reading the Beyond Suffering Bible this year, I have been reading through various whole books of the Bible, plus the study notes and other resources contained within those pages. But if you wish to follow a reading plan or a topical guide, those are available too.

At the beginning of each book of the Bible there is a one page overview that explains the suffering and disability themes found in that book. This is one of my favorite features in this study Bible. Another favorite part is the profile pages. Some of the profiles feature people from the Bible. Other profiles feature people who are living today with disabilities or who are facing suffering in other ways.

I am enjoying the Beyond Suffering Bible. This is a book I plan to keep in my library for a very long time. I received a paperback copy of this book, but I would not recommend the paperback version. The paperback cover is too thin and flimsy for such a big book that will be used often. If you are looking to buy a copy of the Beyond Suffering Bible, I would recommend getting either the hardback or one of the leatherlike bindings.

I received a complimentary copy of the Beyond Suffering Bible from Tyndale in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Create With Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are one of the 82+ million Americans who suffers from disability or chronic illness, or one of the roughly 65 million Americans who is caring for someone who does, you’ve probably discovered that it can be challenging to maintain an attitude of hope and encouragement in the midst of your daily circumstances.

That’s why I am so excited to share that Joni Eareckson Tada has teamed up with Tyndale to bring us the Beyond Suffering Bible– the first study Bible written specifically for those who suffer and the people who love them!

The Beyond Suffering Bible is special because it makes the Bible accessible to the hurting in a fresh and relevant way. Reading this Bible brings you face to face with The Great Physician – the One who provides healing balm for your every need!

The Beyond Suffering Bible includes a wealth of helpful features and is written in the New Living Translation, which is particularly well suited for this Bible.

The Beyond Suffering Bible is an indispensable resource and a welcome addition to the lives of those who are hurting and trying to make sense of it all.

I highly recommend this Bible to you!

This review contains an excerpt from my original review that is published at Create With Joy.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[Anne Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you think this is just another bible you are wrong. This is a bible for people who are facing disabilities and also for people who are caregivers to the disabled.

This bible includes:
Introductory Materials
Reading Plans
Old Testament
New Testament
Articles (such as Why I am Disabled? and How to be a Loving Friend to Those Affected by Disability)
Also includes Color Maps

I was asked to review this bible by Tyndale House Publishers and while I was reading the recommended items I wrote out so many notes. This is truly an AWESOME bible and I highly, highly recommend it! I don't plan on getting rid of this bible anytime soon!

I was given this Bible by Tyndale House Publishers and this review my own opinion.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

For many years, Bible publishers have released many types of application Bibles where the intention is to aid a specific target group of readers to better understand God's Word as it applies to them. The first application Bibles I can remember were Men's Study Bibles, Women's Study Bibles, and Teen Study Bibles. These books consisted of the Scripture of a complete Bible, but with added commentary pages, footnotes, and marginal notes from the targeted point of view. Now, you can find boys' application Bibles, girls' application Bibles, students' applications Bibles, Warrior Application Bibles for those who were or are in the military, and life lessons from certain individuals' points of view (such as the Lucado Life Lessons Study Bible). I remember fondly the Scofield Bible my grandmother gave to me so many years ago. I loved all the extra insights written in the margins and footnotes. Now I have a new favorite Application Bible: The Beyond Suffering Bible.

Application Bibles come in many translations. This particular Bible uses the New Living Translation. In the first few introductory pages you'll find an explanation of the different types of translations. The NLT is meant to be a thought by thought translation written to flow smoothly as it's read aloud. This is one of the reasons I love this Bible so well. It is easy to read and understand. A person suffering from physical or mental anguish does not need to struggle with a language or cultural barrier while they are seeking God's help in enduring their various trials. I believe this translation is a great fit for this type of application Bible.

Another reason I love this book is for its devotional aspect. This feature is where the rubber meets the road! Interspersed among the pages of each chapter are page-long devotionals written with the sufferer or their caregivers and supporters in mind. The Foundation that has partnered with Tyndale House to publish this unique Bible is Joni and Friends. Joni Eareckson Tada herself has been a quadriplegic since 1967. Her organization has spearheaded an outreach ministry called the International Disability Center which reaches out to people all over the world affected by disabilities of all kinds. They are uniquely qualified to write devotions that will touch the reader's heart, no matter what has caused their suffering.

I could go on and on and tell you more about the variety of features packed into this special book, but I would like to share with you how this book particularly impacts my life. There are many kinds of disabilities. None of them are worse than any other kind of disability. For example, there are physical and very visible disabilities, physical but invisible afflictions, and invisible and perhaps not-so-physical disabilities. My own malady is invisible: Bipolar Type 2. There are people who think mental illnesses are not a legitimate disorder but a by-product of an overly self-centered society; that may contribute to it, but the affliction is very real to me. I know dozens of others who would agree with me. Several Mental illnesses are difficult to diagnose, and patients get treated more or less by trial and error. I need to rely heavily on God and a support group to help cope with the inner turmoil that hits me in cycles. This resource is a Godsend for me. I can see how much this Bible will mean to many who suffer in silence and without a good support system in their lives. I plan on using this Bible as much as possible in my devotions.

So now you know how excited I am about this resource. I just know it's going to be proven invaluable for so many individuals, support churches, caregivers, support organizations, those who bear the burden of any type of disability, whether visible or invisible, and indeed, anyone who suffers. There are no other books out there quite like this one. I encourage you to purchase one of these for yourself or share one with someone you know who may benefit from it.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. 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.”

[Julie D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a pain sufferer myself, I was so excited to be able to receive this Bible! Joni Eareckson Tada has truly been a lifeline for me as I have suffered with pain and health issues in the past few years. She always, always points to God's Word for sustenance and comfort and this Bible is the perfect culmination of her ministry.

I really like the NLT version and find it very easy to read. It's perfect for the long time Christian as well as those who aren't familiar with reading the Bible. The font is easy to read and also large enough that it doesn't strain the eyes.

The first thing you'll notice is the beautiful cover. It's a picture of the beach and ocean and just gives you such a feeling of peace. When you open it, there's a gorgeous plate of the ocean with Scriptures on it. There is a beautiful letter from Joni and then several Bible reading plans after that.

My most favorite feature of this Bible for me is the "Topical Guide to Features" section. You can look up a specific word in this guide and it will lead you to Scriptures or other features within the Bible that specifically deal with that thing you're needing guidance on. When we are hurting, having a guide like this makes it so much easier to find the comfort within the Scriptures we are needing.

There are profiles concerning people that themselves suffered or had someone close to them that suffered. These profiles are so inspiring and I enjoyed reading about the courage and strength they drew from God.

There are little blue boxes called "Connection Points" that help us understand an important point of Scripture on the page. These are great for understanding the Scripture more deeply and being able to apply it to our lives.

I love this Bible! I am using it exclusively now as my Bible because it encourages me so much in my suffering and gives me the guides to finding Scripture and encouragement for my pain. If you suffer or take care of someone who does, this is truly a must have Bible for you! This Bible is truly a gift from God and I highly recommend it! I give it 5 out of 5 stars!

*This Bible was provided to me for my honest review by Tyndale Blog Network

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Beyond Suffering Bible NLT" is a New Living Translation (2015 version) Study Bible. In this paperback version, the pages are so thin that you can see the print on opposite side of the page. This made the Bible text a bit difficult to read, and I doubt you could use highlighters on these pages.

It contains the things you'd expect in a study Bible: reading plans, a topical index, a dictionary/concordance of Bible terms, maps, and footnotes. It also has features targeted at people with disabilities and/or chronic health issues and at their caretakers. It's "for people who want to understand what it looks like to think and live like a Christian in the midst of suffering."

There are some essays by Joni and others about suffering and disabilities from a Christian viewpoint. The book introductions give the normal information about each book of the Bible but also point out the themes in that book relating to disabilities and suffering. There are brief commentary notes ("Connection Points") that also expand on verses relating to these themes.

There are page-long profiles and devotions. The profiles look at Biblical (and some modern) people who suffered and how they responded. The devotions often use modern people in their examples, and they expand even further on verses relating to disabilities and suffering. Some of the devotions are by Joni Eareckson Tada, and she talks about her struggles and insights.

I've recently been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, so I hoped that this Bible would help me with some of the issues I'm now facing. I believe that people with disabilities or chronic diseases will find comfort and insights in the essays, profiles, and devotions. But I also think that it can be difficult to convey to others how different people have found hope and strength, perhaps because everyone's faith journey is a little different.

I received a review copy of this book from the publishers.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the layout and structure of this Bible. There are 8 pages of Introductory materials, which is a must read. Also included with the introduction is a letter from Joni Eareckson Tada who was paralyzed in the 60's due to a neck injury. Joni knows about overcoming suffering, so this letter is a great place to begin.

In this Bible, you will find answers to questions such as: If God is good why does He allow this pain in my life? Where does a person who is struggling with a life-altering accident of illness find peace of mind and a purpose for living? Why does God heal some and not others?

Also included are full-page devotionals, how to connect your Bible to everyday life, and other resources. I chose two reading plans: `Growing spiritually through suffering` and `Praising God through suffering`. There are also stories at the back of the Bible the one I most related to was `The Constant Distraction: Living with Chronic Pain`. Just as author Michael J. Easley speaks of his pain I also suffer the pain of Degenerative Disk Disease (DDD). Some days are better than others. Through suffering, we will gain a new perspective on faith.

I recommend this Bible to anyone who is suffering from chronic pain and their caretakers.

Disclaimer: "I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own."

[Shannan Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I own several Bibles. Some have been gifted to me and some I have purchased myself. They are each different in their own unique way. This Bible, the Beyond Suffering Bible is in a class all its own. This Bible is brought to us from Tyndale and Joni Eareckson Tada.
What I love about this Bible and what makes it stand out from the rest is its Reading Plans. In the front of the Bible there are 10 different reading plans that are about suffering and disability. It was so encouraging to read these and made me realize that I am not being punished because of my suffering. God is still there. There are also articles in the back of the Bible that deal with suffering and chronic pain. There is so much more packed into this Bible like introductions to the books of the Bible, connection points, words from Joni all through this Bible and so much more.
I highly recommend this Bible as it has been so comforting to me. This would be good for anyone going through suffering or knows someone going through some sort of suffering.
** I was given a copy of this Bible from Tyndale for a review. All opinions stated here are my own. **
I loved this Bible so much that I bought 2 copies to give away.

[Luke · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's been a lot written theologically about suffering over the ages but there's not a lot of that here - in the study notes at least. At first I was irritated, but there are very fine devotional-style writings and notes that are very helpful and encouraging. There are good articles in the back for those interested in the deeper theological insights. I read through this Bible in 2017 and enjoyed it. Am largely using this Bible for my worship service for those with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

[Denise DiFalco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Long overdue THE BEYOND SUFFERING BIBLE answers all those questions which make individuals take a backseat to serving God such as:  If God is Loving, why does He allow suffering. Why doesn't He just stop all the hurting and pain.  This unique Bible answers these harrowing questions to confirm to readers that He has a plan for all things. 
Tyndale could not have chosen a more adequate spokesperson for their newest creation than Joni Earickson Tada who became a permanent quadriplegic after a diving incident at a very young age. I greatly recommend reading her true story of triumph and faith which inspired me as a teenager Joni's autobiography .  Her disability has drawn her closer to her Savior and she has become an asset to the Christian community as helping all those with disabilities.  She has worked to add wonderful resources to these scriptures such as ten guided Bible reading plans '"that help you walk through Scripture on key topics related to suffering and disability."'  On every single page there are connection points or study brief's which focus on Biblical suffering.  There are so many enduring features included in this Bible such as book introductions; Profiles; and devotionals.  All to assist and deepen your understanding of how Christians cope with suffering.
I love this Bible and have not been able to put it down since I received my copy from Tyndale in exchange for my thoughts.  What a blessing which has been designed to give as a gift.  I can't say enough good about this tool which will encourage and uplift your spirits. A+

[Renee Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Bible is absolutely amazing. The devotions are very encouraging.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good version of the Bible aimed at those suffering physically. This is not a book you read once and put away.

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Beyond Suffering Bible is a great tool for Bible study and devotions. While light on theology, it majors on applying the Bible to life, specifically a life that is challenged by suffering, both long and short-term. What makes this Bible so unique and powerful is that it comes from those who have suffered; it is a project of Joni and Friends’ Christian Institute on Disability. A familiar friend on the road to suffering, Joni Eareckson Tada, contributed to the study Bible as well as wrote the introduction.

Read the rest of this review at: http://beacon2light.blogspot.com/2016...

[Melissa Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Bible gives me encouragement, inspiration, hope, comfort and peace. I will use this Study Bible over and over because it is easy to follow and helps me address feelings and issues in my life. Excellent Bible.

[Brenda Leonard gomez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this Bible. I learned I can reach others that suffer. I am disabled and live in chronic pain. I am not in ministry but I can help. It really encouraged me, taught me. mine is paperback and I am wearing it out. I highly recommend this bible.

[Tami Winbush · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've spent most of my adult life suffering in one way or another. Whether it be emotional, or physical pain, it didn't matter. And it hasn't been any easier the past 10-12 years. I've been really ticked off at God and what he "did" to me. Because what Daddy (what one of his names (Abba) means) would allow such pain and suffering to exist in the world. Especially while there are those that are good. Truly "bad" (subjective to each person) people seem to live long lives and they don't seem to deserve it. So why? Why would God allow it? This bible helps to put pain and suffering into perspective so you can understand the love that God has for us and that he really doesn't want you to suffer. I still have questions for God, things I don't understand, but that's where faith comes into play. Hopefully this bible will help me to understand and gain a little more faith with each and every read.

I enjoyed the Connection Points, beginning of chapter intros that show how suffering and disabilities are focused on, and devotionals that are peppered through the pages. I'm glad that I was given the chance to review this bible. Thanks to Tyndale House Publishers for giving me the opportunity.