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Hope when it hurts: Biblical reflections to help you grasp God's purpose in your suffering
Suffering is real. But so is hope.
Kristen and Sarah have walked through, and are walking in, difficult times. So these thirty biblical reflections are full of realism about the hurts of life—yet overwhelmingly full of hope about the God who gives life.
This book will gently encourage and greatly help any woman who is struggling with suffering—whether physical, emotional or psychological, and whether for a season or for longer. It is a book to buy for yourself, or to buy for a member of your church or friend. For anyone who is hurting, this book will give hope, not just for life beyond the suffering, but for life in the suffering.
Each chapter contains a biblical reflection, with questions and prayers, and a space for journaling.
Kristen and Sarah have walked through, and are walking in, difficult times. So these thirty biblical reflections are full of realism about the hurts of life—yet overwhelmingly full of hope about the God who gives life.
This book will gently encourage and greatly help any woman who is struggling with suffering—whether physical, emotional or psychological, and whether for a season or for longer. It is a book to buy for yourself, or to buy for a member of your church or friend. For anyone who is hurting, this book will give hope, not just for life beyond the suffering, but for life in the suffering.
Each chapter contains a biblical reflection, with questions and prayers, and a space for journaling.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published March 27, 2017
201 people are currently reading
1174 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
February 5, 2017
Kristen and Sarah are both true spectacles of glory. They have walked (and are still walking) through the fire of suffering, yet they are not consumed. This book is both a testament to that, and an exhortation to other sufferers to hold fast to the gospel of Jesus Christ through the flames.
When I think of Christian literature on suffering, watery attempts at self-help and empty encouragements to just "pray more" are what come to mind. This is not the case with "Hope When It Hurts". Kristen and Sarah write from both the raw truth of their experience, and the raw truth of God's Word. As you read, you can feel the effort with which both authors bring their experiences into submission to Scripture. They walk readers through that process as it has unfolded for them, while equipping readers to do the same for themselves.
In "Hope When It Hurts," Kristen and Sarah have given us a solid theology of suffering made palatable by writing that is both comforting and convicting, enlightening and emboldening.
When I think of Christian literature on suffering, watery attempts at self-help and empty encouragements to just "pray more" are what come to mind. This is not the case with "Hope When It Hurts". Kristen and Sarah write from both the raw truth of their experience, and the raw truth of God's Word. As you read, you can feel the effort with which both authors bring their experiences into submission to Scripture. They walk readers through that process as it has unfolded for them, while equipping readers to do the same for themselves.
In "Hope When It Hurts," Kristen and Sarah have given us a solid theology of suffering made palatable by writing that is both comforting and convicting, enlightening and emboldening.
August 5, 2019
“Suffering is real. But so is hope...hope not just beyond your hurts but in your hurts.”
This book is absolutely wonderful...I can’t recommend it highly enough for anyone...whether heading into suffering, currently suffering, or headed out of suffering. We all fall into one of those three categories throughout our lives. This book is not trite nor is it aimed at one type of suffering or trial.
It’s written as a 30 day meaty devotional with a section of reflection, prayer, extra verses for meditation, and spot to journal. Although written by two women (and sporting a feminine floral cover), I would highly recommend this tremendous read for both men and women.
This book is absolutely wonderful...I can’t recommend it highly enough for anyone...whether heading into suffering, currently suffering, or headed out of suffering. We all fall into one of those three categories throughout our lives. This book is not trite nor is it aimed at one type of suffering or trial.
It’s written as a 30 day meaty devotional with a section of reflection, prayer, extra verses for meditation, and spot to journal. Although written by two women (and sporting a feminine floral cover), I would highly recommend this tremendous read for both men and women.
March 3, 2020
This little book is so encouraging and helpful! It is filled with solid truths from Scripture that you can cling to when life hurts. Sarah and Kristen write from personal, painful experience, and they offer rock-solid hope. They consistently point the reader back to Jesus and to the eternal and precious promises we have through Him. Hope When It Hurts is deep and rich. It is beautiful and practical. I recommend it to everyone!
January 29, 2024
I first read this book in high school while I was struggling with physical suffering - Kristen Wetherell and Sarah Walton provide such practical reflections on suffering while also humbly directing the reader to check their own heart, and to evoke worship of the Lord.
I think that this would be a great addition to any counsellors “tool box.” Especially since the chapters can be read systematically or individually. However, this book isn’t just for those who struggle with the physically - it’s immensely helpful for walking through mental struggles and suffering through difficult situations.
I think that this would be a great addition to any counsellors “tool box.” Especially since the chapters can be read systematically or individually. However, this book isn’t just for those who struggle with the physically - it’s immensely helpful for walking through mental struggles and suffering through difficult situations.
August 8, 2024
Such a wonderful book that is convicting and thought provoking. Allows you to dive deeper into Gods word, prayer and question yourself.
Working your way through 2 Corinthians 4:6-5:10 is so wonderful. Look at the hope we have as Christians, the transformation we go through, how God prepares us and how we should be enduring through suffering.
Suffering is hard, but the hope that comes with it is comforting.
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NIV
Working your way through 2 Corinthians 4:6-5:10 is so wonderful. Look at the hope we have as Christians, the transformation we go through, how God prepares us and how we should be enduring through suffering.
Suffering is hard, but the hope that comes with it is comforting.
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NIV
March 24, 2017
In Hope When It Hurts, by Kristen Wetherell and Sarah Walton, the good news of Jesus Christ is precisely and pointedly applied as balm to our suffering. From the very first chapter, their thesis is clear:
“What I need, and you need, is the truth about Jesus Christ, because our suffering only makes sense and we only retain any hope when we look at ourselves through a gospel lens.”
Never offering pat answers or platitudes, Hope When It Hurts proceeds to offer the framework of a gospel perspective on suffering. A reality check on pride’s role in our response to suffering stretches readers to shift their eyes to the only real hope we have and the only real purpose we live for (hint: it’s not our comfort or convenience.) Several chapters address the opportunities afforded to us by our suffering.
Unlike messages staking our hope in optimism for changing circumstances or everything working out for the better, Hope When It Hurts stakes everything on God. In short, easy-to-read, but in-depth chapters, the authors highlight practically why we:
Have hope
Don’t have to be shaken
Can persevere
Take heart in suffering
Are freed from agonizing over making sense of pain
Worship God in everything and anything
Although atypical and unexpected for a book on suffering, this message carries the broken to worship and eases the hurting into praise.
As much a devotional as a book of reflections on suffering and Gospel hope, Hope When It Hurts renews and refreshes believers. Instead of saying "it'll get better," readers are reminded of what already is better: the true, joyous, incredible hope we have despite our often-unchanging, hopeless suffering.
July 13, 2018
This book was the perfect encouragement I needed at just the right time. I really enjoyed the way the chapters were set up with reflection questions and a prayer, as well as additional scripture. The authors are so honest and real. They really helped me focus on my response to my current suffering, and to reframe it as a place to know God rather than something to “get through”. I’ve already given three copies away to friends!
August 17, 2025
This book was such a blessing and greatly exceeded my expectations! God brought it across my path at a time when I really needed it. It was convicting and encouraging. While I didn't agree with every single thing in the book, it pointed me to Jesus and impacted me in a way that few other books have done.
March 13, 2017
This book is such an encouragement to those who are suffering, and even those who are not! The book has short easy to read chapters full of biblical based teaching on living a God-filled life amidst pain. Kristen and Sarah encourage readers by opening their own stories and struggles with pain, and pointing the reader toward Christ, who has experienced all of it before us. The book points the reader to rest in Gods loving arms, be comforted by Him, and know you are not alone. God works all things out for His good and our glory and the earth is not our home; Heaven awaits us at the end of this road, and through suffering and seeking His face, He may say Well done good and faithful servant.
March 12, 2017
This book is helpful in any season of life. Kristen & Sarah have crafted a Biblically-sound masterpiece that will be my go-to book for giving to girlfriends of all ages this year. Drawing from their own personal battles, Kristen and Sarah draw you closer to Christ through story and Scripture. You'll return to it again and again through the years for encouragement and hope. Perfect for times of personal devotion and reflection. A true A+ in the realm of women's Christian literature!
August 26, 2021
"Hope When It Hurts" is a fantastic book for those who are walking through the dark valley of ongoing suffering. Written by two authors both grappling with the life-changing effects of Lyme disease, it provides tangible and compelling hope for those questioning where God is in the midst of their current trials. I particularly liked the way the authors directed sufferers back to the Bible, and really appreciated the extra verses included at the end of each chapter. The format of "Biblical reflections", including reflection questions, prayers, and space for journaling was excellent. It really facilitates that "deep dive" into the "why" of the suffering journey.
My only two points of critique... The cover/wrap and interior formatting of this book were absolutely gorgeous. However, I felt this limited the target audience to women when this book would be really be a fantastic resource for both genders. The other point is that, particularly towards the end, the reflections began to get much more repetitive. Though I realise that this was done somewhat deliberately (as the authors explained in the introduction), and that each author provided a reflection on roughly the same verse/topic, it did labour the point somewhat near the end. That being said, I can also see the benefits of repetition for the chronic sufferer - we humans can be forgetful creatures!
My only two points of critique... The cover/wrap and interior formatting of this book were absolutely gorgeous. However, I felt this limited the target audience to women when this book would be really be a fantastic resource for both genders. The other point is that, particularly towards the end, the reflections began to get much more repetitive. Though I realise that this was done somewhat deliberately (as the authors explained in the introduction), and that each author provided a reflection on roughly the same verse/topic, it did labour the point somewhat near the end. That being said, I can also see the benefits of repetition for the chronic sufferer - we humans can be forgetful creatures!
January 31, 2018
This book is a gem. How I wish it had been around 30 years ago when as a teen I watched my beloved dad suffer terribly from terminal cancer. It sounds ridiculous to say I am still getting over it but this book provided answers that I've been searching for since then. I can honestly say it is one of the most helpful things I have ever read, and has helped me to make sense of the challenges I am walking through now all these years later. I found the journalling pages especially good as it made me think about what I had got out of each chapter, and writing it down made it real somehow. Thank you Kristen and Sarah for writing this wonderful book.
December 1, 2024
Disclaimer: I only read 16/30 reflections as I wanted to save the remaining 14 reflections for another season.
This reflection/devotional book is excellent. I found Kristen and Sarah’s reflections Christ centred, grounded in biblical truth and their experience of physical pain and suffering highly relatable. I particularly enjoyed the reflection questions and the page to journal at the end of each devotion. I would recommend this book to anyone in a season of acute suffering, or experiencing prolonged hardship.
This reflection/devotional book is excellent. I found Kristen and Sarah’s reflections Christ centred, grounded in biblical truth and their experience of physical pain and suffering highly relatable. I particularly enjoyed the reflection questions and the page to journal at the end of each devotion. I would recommend this book to anyone in a season of acute suffering, or experiencing prolonged hardship.
March 28, 2017
We've all been through pain, we've all suffered. Sometimes we feel hopeless and lost. Kristen & Sarah know that pain. In Hope When it Hurts they take us through Biblical truths that shows us that God is right there with us and can use our pain for His glory. They share their own personal stories, Scripture, and questions to get you thinking. Hope When it Hurts is a great book and makes a great gift to someone going through a tough season.
February 11, 2022
Incredibly encouraging during a time of suffering. However, a time of suffering when we felt very loved by God and our church. I’ve read a million books on suffering and this is one that works well even during suffering as an encouragement
June 2, 2022
It took me awhile to get into this book, I’m not going through any physical suffering. But once I got passed that, it’s a really helpful read to reflect on how we handle our suffering and have perspective on who God is based on his promises, not what we can see.
February 26, 2020
A fantastic companion to walk us through our suffering to a closer walk with God.
January 30, 2021
Careful, thoughtful, gentle - well done - would recommend.
May 22, 2022
This book is of immeasurable value to the believer in Christ. It is an anchor from God’s word for the chronic sufferer but even more so it is a help to all believers because suffering of various levels of intensity is bound to come. I have given away this lovely, cloth-bound book and recommend it to all believers. A proper theology of suffering is a necessary part of every Christian’s life.
June 26, 2020
4.5 ⭐️
August 17, 2019
A book every woman should have and read, gospel-cenetered truths, so much to reflect on.
September 2, 2017
I began this book in the spring, finishing the first two thirds quickly and finding it helpful and thought provoking. The last third took me months to get through, party because I no long had reading time at the Y and partly because it seemed to be getting long and repetitive.
I love the truth about suffering and the reminders that were shared. I found the format, alternating between two authors but not in a known pattern, a little hard to handle. One author comes across as a little bitter, and one comes across much softer. Both authors suffer from Lyme's disease, which is their basis for suffering, but the topics can apply to many forms of suffering.
I also had a hard time with the font chosen for different topics within each chapter, as I really had to look hard to figure out the letters.
Two question in the last chapter did a great job of summarizing this book:
- Have I entrusted my soul to Jesus for eternity, or am I letting my suffering tear my faith and love from him?
- Have I entrusted my suffering to Jesus, so that I aim to grow in love for him and dependence on him during this time ai'd never have chosen?
I love the truth about suffering and the reminders that were shared. I found the format, alternating between two authors but not in a known pattern, a little hard to handle. One author comes across as a little bitter, and one comes across much softer. Both authors suffer from Lyme's disease, which is their basis for suffering, but the topics can apply to many forms of suffering.
I also had a hard time with the font chosen for different topics within each chapter, as I really had to look hard to figure out the letters.
Two question in the last chapter did a great job of summarizing this book:
- Have I entrusted my soul to Jesus for eternity, or am I letting my suffering tear my faith and love from him?
- Have I entrusted my suffering to Jesus, so that I aim to grow in love for him and dependence on him during this time ai'd never have chosen?
August 4, 2019
This book of short meditations is such a soothing balm to a weary soul in the midst of suffering! Again and again, Kristen and Sarah direct the sufferer’s gaze to Christ and the character of God through Scripture to sustain them amidst life’s storms. Written from the crucible of suffering, Kristen and Sarah are no strangers to the subject. As they have preached the Gospel to themselves throughout their trials, they have kept a record to share with others. This biblically faithful book will serve to edify and build up many in the Body of Christ. I highly recommend it!
April 4, 2019
We live in a broken world, with broken humans, with broken relationships, and broken bodies, and in that brokenness there’s a whole lot of suffering. Whether you’re going through a tough season now, or life seems pretty sweet, @hopewhenithurts is a great read for reminding yourself of the truths of the gospel and how they provide solid hope in times where we default fear, frustration and disappointment. There’s 30 (short!) chapters that are perfect for those who are time poor, but still want to read a book.
Having a praise filled attitude in our suffering.
Praising god can be hard when we’re suffering, but praising God is precious. Isn’t there something beautiful in taking time out to stop focusing on ourself, and being in reverent awe and worship of the creator of the universe? The one who left his throne in heaven, to humbly come and rescue us from this world and provide a way to be in relationship with the one true, living and relational God? We have a King who can completely empathise with us and has walked the hard road of broken humanity.
Having a praise filled attitude in our suffering.
Praising god can be hard when we’re suffering, but praising God is precious. Isn’t there something beautiful in taking time out to stop focusing on ourself, and being in reverent awe and worship of the creator of the universe? The one who left his throne in heaven, to humbly come and rescue us from this world and provide a way to be in relationship with the one true, living and relational God? We have a King who can completely empathise with us and has walked the hard road of broken humanity.
December 27, 2017
As I entered a season of rest after much loss, I picked up this sweet book. Kristen and Sarah nail it as they walk us through God's Word to see His purpose in our suffering. I love Scripture and each beautiful page points us to our past, present, and future hope, in order that we may understand our weakness becomes bravery in His power alone and that courage comes from one who truly rests in Jesus. This book drove me to deeper, intimate prayer with my heavenly Father asking Him to reveal where I am withholding confidence in Him, shrinking back in prayer, obedience, and generosity, as I live in His light and immerse myself in God's Word. It taught me to not focus on what I lack but rather on all that He has given me, and to anticipate the JOY.
March 29, 2017
This book combines rich application of promises from God's Word with an honest exploration of suffering and pain to provide real comfort and encouragement. As a cancer survivor, I have heard plenty of shallow platitudes in response to suffering, but that's not what this book is about. The authors don't seek to deny, dismiss, or belittle the pain of our suffering--they are walking through suffering themselves. But they are not hurting without hope. Their love of the Lord and His Word shines through their pain. Every page oozes with truth, comfort, hope, and encouragement for weary, hurting hearts. I highly recommend it!
April 25, 2018
A 30 day journal/reflection book on how to suffer well from the Christian perspective. It was really insightful to me and helped pull out some common themes and ways I self-sabotage my faith/life in the midst of suffering. Some of the reflections also helped me pick out my Lenten commitment---a gratitude journal!
It's applicable in almost every type of suffering, the authors suffer from autoimmune disorders, I focused most of my reflections on Amanda's accident and my cousins' dying. Highly recommend for anyone who is struggling through some deep emotions and needs a little faith-boost. Acknowledging the struggle and reflecting on it really helped me (link in comments).
It's applicable in almost every type of suffering, the authors suffer from autoimmune disorders, I focused most of my reflections on Amanda's accident and my cousins' dying. Highly recommend for anyone who is struggling through some deep emotions and needs a little faith-boost. Acknowledging the struggle and reflecting on it really helped me (link in comments).
February 3, 2019
Both authors of this hopeful 30-day devotional have been living with excruciating health and other burdens. They've turned to the Bible for answers--to the book of Job but also soaking in the promises of 2 Corinthians 4 and 5 as the theme. "An honest question is willing to listen to a truthful answer." Just how can suffering be a good thing? They are willing to wrestle with honest questions, which is so helpful and hopeful to readers who are going something terrible and puzzling and asking where is God in this? A wonderful resource--I only with the print in it weren't so tiny.
March 30, 2019
The bulk of my non-fiction reading this year has been on the theology of suffering. Fun, eh? As I have walked a hard road of late, I've realized how important it is to have a solid Biblical understanding of trials and pain. There's no way to escape it in this life and I want to be grounded in truth so my kids can one day leave the home with right thinking when it comes to suffering. This book is gospel-centered and practical and includes prayers, reflection questions, and room to journal. I highly recommend if you are going through fire right now or know someone else who is.
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