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Hope in the Dark: Believing God Is Good When Life Is Not
“I want to believe, I want to have hope, but…” Pastor and bestselling author Craig Groeschel hears these words often and has asked them himself. We want to know God, feel his presence, and trust that he hears our prayers, but in the midst of great pain, we may wonder if he really cares about us. Even when we have both hope and hurt, sometimes it’s the hurt that shouts the loudest. Can God be good when life is not?In Hope in the Dark, Groeschel explores the story of the father who brought his demon-possessed son to Jesus, saying, “I believe! Help my unbelief!” In the man’s sincere plea, Jesus heard the tension in the man’s battle-scarred heart. He healed not only the boy but the father too, driving out the hopelessness that had overtaken him. He can do the same for us today.As Groeschel shares his pain surrounding the current health challenges of his daughter, he acknowledges the questions we may ask in our own deepest “Where was God when I was being abused?” “Why was my child born with a disability?” “Why did the cancer come back?” “Why are all my friends married and I’m alone?” He invites us to wrestle with such questions as we ask God to honor our faith and heal our unbelief.In the middle of your profound pain, you long for authentic words of understanding and hope. You long to know that even in overwhelming reality, you can still believe that God is good. Rediscover a faith in the character, power, and presence of God. Even in the questions. Even now.
176 pages, Paperback
First published August 21, 2018
698 people are currently reading
2930 people want to read
About the author
Craig Groeschel
98 books1,649 followersCraig Groeschel is the founding and senior pastor of Life.Church, a multisite church with locations throughout the United States and globally at Life.Church Online.
Craig and his wife Amy started Life.Church in a two-car garage in Edmond, Oklahoma in January 1996. While Life.Church has grown over the years, its mission remains the same: to lead people to become fully devoted followers of Christ. Today, the church is known for its innovative use of technology to spread the Gospel, launching the first fully digital church experience in 2006 and the most downloaded Bible app in history, YouVersion, in 2008.
As a widely respected leader in the Church, Craig speaks frequently at leadership events and conferences worldwide. He is a New York Times best-selling author with books about topics like dating and marriage, social media, purpose, direction, church leadership, and more. He also hosts the Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast, a practical tool to spark new ideas and prompt innovative thinking in leaders at every level within any organization.
Craig and Amy married in 1991 and have six children. They live in Oklahoma where Life.Church began.
Visit www.craiggroeschel.com to be the first to hear about new podcast episodes, books, leadership events, and more.
Craig and his wife Amy started Life.Church in a two-car garage in Edmond, Oklahoma in January 1996. While Life.Church has grown over the years, its mission remains the same: to lead people to become fully devoted followers of Christ. Today, the church is known for its innovative use of technology to spread the Gospel, launching the first fully digital church experience in 2006 and the most downloaded Bible app in history, YouVersion, in 2008.
As a widely respected leader in the Church, Craig speaks frequently at leadership events and conferences worldwide. He is a New York Times best-selling author with books about topics like dating and marriage, social media, purpose, direction, church leadership, and more. He also hosts the Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast, a practical tool to spark new ideas and prompt innovative thinking in leaders at every level within any organization.
Craig and Amy married in 1991 and have six children. They live in Oklahoma where Life.Church began.
Visit www.craiggroeschel.com to be the first to hear about new podcast episodes, books, leadership events, and more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 263 reviews
August 26, 2018
Groeschel shares the questions he has for God in light of his daughters' current health struggles. As he does, he joins you, the reader in the trenches of pain. Groeschel approaches this topic as one who is currently doing battle too. He's not one who proposes to have all the answers.
It was refreshing to me to see that pastors have the same questions that I do when faced with trials. Hope in the Dark reminds you that God gives hope in the darkest times. Groeschel writes, "when you accept what God is doing, you don't simply stuff your feelings down and let your heart die, even as you're practicing your smile in the mirror and memorizing Bible verses." It's a reminder that we can't do all the "right Christian things" to get us out of our hope. Sometimes we have to feel the emotions and sit in that pain for a while. It's definitely not my favorite place to be. But I have found, as Groeschel suggests, that the ability to sit in the pain and feel it and release it to God helps me to move forward and find healing and hope.
This is a book I would turn to again to remind me that God provides hope in the dark places. It's a book that gave hope and lightening the load while reading the pages. It helped me find renewal and restoration. If you're in a dark place, this is the book for you.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own, honest opinion.
It was refreshing to me to see that pastors have the same questions that I do when faced with trials. Hope in the Dark reminds you that God gives hope in the darkest times. Groeschel writes, "when you accept what God is doing, you don't simply stuff your feelings down and let your heart die, even as you're practicing your smile in the mirror and memorizing Bible verses." It's a reminder that we can't do all the "right Christian things" to get us out of our hope. Sometimes we have to feel the emotions and sit in that pain for a while. It's definitely not my favorite place to be. But I have found, as Groeschel suggests, that the ability to sit in the pain and feel it and release it to God helps me to move forward and find healing and hope.
This is a book I would turn to again to remind me that God provides hope in the dark places. It's a book that gave hope and lightening the load while reading the pages. It helped me find renewal and restoration. If you're in a dark place, this is the book for you.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own, honest opinion.
September 7, 2018
I had the pleasure of hearing Pastor Groeschel speak at Elevation Church. His candid and vulnerable way of delivering God’s word really resonated with me. In his book, Hope in the Dark, he gets real and asks the hard questions every believer has wondered from time to time. Using personal experiences as well as experiences from fellow church members and family members we start to see how having hope in our darkest times draws us closer to God.
April 5, 2024
Este libro me dio la paz que necesitaba.
Necesitaba claridad en mis pensamientos, por eso lo empecé a leer. Quería leerlo en los momentos más oscuros. Me gustó usar estas palabras como consuelo.
Necesitaba claridad en mis pensamientos, por eso lo empecé a leer. Quería leerlo en los momentos más oscuros. Me gustó usar estas palabras como consuelo.
September 6, 2018
I am so glad I read this book.
I've dealt with my own dark places. It's affected me to this day and not in a good way. I was too young to deal with things well.
Craig Groeschel does it again; writing a book full of hope but writing in a clear, accessible way. I really like his style.
He works through the tiny book of Habakkuk and shows how the same things that Habakkuk was dealing with are what we wrestle with today.
The end point? In all, we end up with "but the Lord". But the Lord is good. I'm still working and wrestling and I still have many doubts and questions. It's nice to be reminded that this is okay. And now I have this book to go back to when I face another valley.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own.
I've dealt with my own dark places. It's affected me to this day and not in a good way. I was too young to deal with things well.
Craig Groeschel does it again; writing a book full of hope but writing in a clear, accessible way. I really like his style.
He works through the tiny book of Habakkuk and shows how the same things that Habakkuk was dealing with are what we wrestle with today.
The end point? In all, we end up with "but the Lord". But the Lord is good. I'm still working and wrestling and I still have many doubts and questions. It's nice to be reminded that this is okay. And now I have this book to go back to when I face another valley.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own.
May 8, 2018
There are no good answers to why bad things happen to good people, but "Hope in the Dark" may be the best attempt I've ever read. Craig Groeschel is honest in his approach, he doesn't try to color coat the facts, but he shares the truth. I hope everyone who feels like they're walking in a dark valley will read this book and find the hope Jesus Christ means for us to have! #HopeInTheDark #NetGalley
September 3, 2018
I highly recommend this book. Warning! There are no pat, easy answers here. But there is path through the pain.
August 25, 2018
Even in the dark - God is there
With "Hope in the Dark" the senior pastor of Life.Church Craig Groeschel presents a book for spiritual growth that is aimed toward those who are struggling with God because of life's challenges and for those who are willing to be at the side of somebody who is struggling.
The book is divided in three parts ("Hide and Seek", Lost and Found", and "Hope and Glory"). Every chapter in these parts is started with a quote that relates to the topic treated, e.g. for Chapter 2.3 Wait, he uses a quote from Peter Marshall. "Teach us, O Lord, the disciplines of patience, for to wait is often harder than to work." Groeschel finishes the book with a conclusion and with reflections that take the reader back to the Bible and to the corresponding chapter in his book. In providing questions he challenges the reader to relate the content of the book and the Bible text to the own life.
In the book Groeschel deals with the conviction of many people that God is good when life is not good. He presents personal examples of peoples' struggles even from his own life. He shares the pain of many readers because of the health issues of his daughter and combines his writing with a biblical foundation. This he takes especially from the prophet Habakuk. Groeschel shows that there is no guarantee that life is good and without problems, challenges, sickness, struggles, ... even when one is a Christian. This would be false biblical teaching. He also shows with biblical examples (Job, Jeremiah) that we can come with our struggles to God and encourages the reader to write it down when we hear from God. Groeschel hopes that the reader does not give up to believe in God when hard things happen.
I have appreciated the book very much because there have been situations in my life when "God seemed to be silent". I highly recommend this book for everyone who is dealing with life's struggles and wants to learn more about the fact that God is still there.
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#HopeInTheDark #NetGalley
With "Hope in the Dark" the senior pastor of Life.Church Craig Groeschel presents a book for spiritual growth that is aimed toward those who are struggling with God because of life's challenges and for those who are willing to be at the side of somebody who is struggling.
The book is divided in three parts ("Hide and Seek", Lost and Found", and "Hope and Glory"). Every chapter in these parts is started with a quote that relates to the topic treated, e.g. for Chapter 2.3 Wait, he uses a quote from Peter Marshall. "Teach us, O Lord, the disciplines of patience, for to wait is often harder than to work." Groeschel finishes the book with a conclusion and with reflections that take the reader back to the Bible and to the corresponding chapter in his book. In providing questions he challenges the reader to relate the content of the book and the Bible text to the own life.
In the book Groeschel deals with the conviction of many people that God is good when life is not good. He presents personal examples of peoples' struggles even from his own life. He shares the pain of many readers because of the health issues of his daughter and combines his writing with a biblical foundation. This he takes especially from the prophet Habakuk. Groeschel shows that there is no guarantee that life is good and without problems, challenges, sickness, struggles, ... even when one is a Christian. This would be false biblical teaching. He also shows with biblical examples (Job, Jeremiah) that we can come with our struggles to God and encourages the reader to write it down when we hear from God. Groeschel hopes that the reader does not give up to believe in God when hard things happen.
I have appreciated the book very much because there have been situations in my life when "God seemed to be silent". I highly recommend this book for everyone who is dealing with life's struggles and wants to learn more about the fact that God is still there.
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#HopeInTheDark #NetGalley
September 4, 2018
A Great Help!
The book deals with exactly what's in the title. I found it to be a great help while walking through a deep valley in my journey of life. The author uses real life examples to help bring tangible hope while exploring Habakkuk's experience. If you are struggling to trust God during a tough time in your life then this is well worth a read!
The book deals with exactly what's in the title. I found it to be a great help while walking through a deep valley in my journey of life. The author uses real life examples to help bring tangible hope while exploring Habakkuk's experience. If you are struggling to trust God during a tough time in your life then this is well worth a read!
August 24, 2018
A combination of overview of the Book of Habakkuk from the Bible, personal, painful experiences and the lives and testimonies of many believers from diverse walks of life, this book is a simple, yet profound look at the problem of suffering in the lives of believers. What do you do when you pray and God doesn't seem to answer? What do you do when the pain makes it hard to even breathe? Craig Groeschel deals with these and more questions in his winsome way of writing like he speaks. Although the topic does not loan itself to his usual levity, there is still much of his personality and sense of humor to help break the emotional stress of dealing with such a difficult topic. A good introduction to the topic that will help the layman and equip all of us to deal with pain and to help others.
August 22, 2018
In the book Hope In The Dark, pastor and author Craig Groeschel writes about the dark times of life. Using the book of Habakkuk, Groeschel draws us into Habakkuk’s struggle to make sense of God’s plan and purpose during a dark time. Groeschel weaves his own family’s story and people he has walked with through dark times as a pastor, into Habakkuk struggle to understand. He brings encouragement by writing:
“Peaks are nice, but you don’t see many farms on mountaintops. Why? Because things grow better in valleys. Your time in the valley may not be pleasant, but it’s in the valleys of life where you grow closer to God and stronger in your faith.”
I would highly recommend this book. I received a copy of this e-book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
“Peaks are nice, but you don’t see many farms on mountaintops. Why? Because things grow better in valleys. Your time in the valley may not be pleasant, but it’s in the valleys of life where you grow closer to God and stronger in your faith.”
I would highly recommend this book. I received a copy of this e-book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 30, 2021
Awesome journey
Confront your fears about God and with God through this book.
One thing missing is the realisation that Habbakuk was under the old covenant, with the New Covenant of Jesus blood and Gift of Jesus Righteousness, we can pray from a stronger point than simply think this is just faith building.
Still its always good to not hide your head in the sand... God is as real as patient as loving, i have never met anyone as long suffering and my biggest supporter as God
God is more real than our demands! Keep receiving from Him! And come out onto every mountain top because you have been blessed with the righteousness of God because you are as a christian in Christ Jesus!
Confront your fears about God and with God through this book.
One thing missing is the realisation that Habbakuk was under the old covenant, with the New Covenant of Jesus blood and Gift of Jesus Righteousness, we can pray from a stronger point than simply think this is just faith building.
Still its always good to not hide your head in the sand... God is as real as patient as loving, i have never met anyone as long suffering and my biggest supporter as God
God is more real than our demands! Keep receiving from Him! And come out onto every mountain top because you have been blessed with the righteousness of God because you are as a christian in Christ Jesus!
August 24, 2018
This is a book for everyone who is hurting.
Even if this is not a book you need today, it likely will be a book that you need at some point in your life. It is also a wonderful gift for any friend who is hurting. It is a nice balance of the things we all know and those nuggets of revelation that only seem to come into light when somebody else brings them into focus.
Even if this is not a book you need today, it likely will be a book that you need at some point in your life. It is also a wonderful gift for any friend who is hurting. It is a nice balance of the things we all know and those nuggets of revelation that only seem to come into light when somebody else brings them into focus.
March 27, 2025
Life is hard
Craig Groeschel provides many examples of how hard life can be and teaches how not to only live through those hard times but to have eternal hope and to remember that God is good even during those times.
Craig Groeschel provides many examples of how hard life can be and teaches how not to only live through those hard times but to have eternal hope and to remember that God is good even during those times.
July 9, 2024
Well written, real and practical hope and encouragement for anyone going through something hard, dark, or something they don't understand. Something he said that caught me immediately was...."God, why aren't you DOING something?" So relatable for going through long struggles, when even solid and seasoned believers can become weary and honestly wonder why God doesn't seem to be helping them. I really loved how honest and real he is in expressing that he doesn't have all of the answers but just wants to offer encouragement. I also appreciated that although he offers example of hardship and hard seasons from his own life, the book is not mostly about him or how he overcame or how he felt. It was well rounded in talking about the Word, giving insight through scripture, offering encouragement, and using examples of hard seasons from others and his own life to communicate to the reader that we aren't alone in our suffering. And many believers before us and around us now have or are standing in a place of faith even when it's really really hard.
I found this book through a YouVersion plan by Craig Groeschel and feel like it was a divine leading from the Lord because both the YouVersion plan and the book are great! Last note, I listened to this on audiobook and enjoyed the narrator.
I found this book through a YouVersion plan by Craig Groeschel and feel like it was a divine leading from the Lord because both the YouVersion plan and the book are great! Last note, I listened to this on audiobook and enjoyed the narrator.
May 3, 2025
I am going through an incredibly hard time right now. this book made my days a bit easier.
August 28, 2018
Short powerful read. Excellent and Spirit lead for sure.
May 5, 2025
5★'s Few months ago, I lost my grandpa, uncle, and my cousin in the same year. Instead of having family celebrations during the first half of 2022, we had to prepare for their funeral back-to-back, and it really took a toll on us emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Their departure shocked us, hurt us, devastated us and left us wondering why would God choose OUR family for this?
BUT through it all, God still has been good. He was faithful. He met us in our darkest hour, comforted us in the valleys, and lifts us in a place where there is healing.
I’m thankful a close friend from my small group recommended this book to me. I cried almost every chapter. Craig Groeschel’s “Hope in the Dark” is one of the things that helped me get back on track, it reminded me to wrestle and embrace God when I’m struggling, and to doubt but must never stop believing on God.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who’s grieving and to those who’s struggling to find hope.
BUT through it all, God still has been good. He was faithful. He met us in our darkest hour, comforted us in the valleys, and lifts us in a place where there is healing.
I’m thankful a close friend from my small group recommended this book to me. I cried almost every chapter. Craig Groeschel’s “Hope in the Dark” is one of the things that helped me get back on track, it reminded me to wrestle and embrace God when I’m struggling, and to doubt but must never stop believing on God.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who’s grieving and to those who’s struggling to find hope.
August 21, 2018
This book isn’t for anyone who has had it easy in life. This is for the broken and hurting.
February 16, 2023
This opened up a great space to ask difficult questions with the Lord. It definitely a quick read and very easy to grasp and understand. Craig always does well with his storytelling and I really enjoyed that in this book. I would def recommend reading Habakkuk before reading just because of how much he mentions it. Would be great for context. Also make sure to go through the response questions at the end. I would say this is definitely a book to return to multiple times during your life because of the great truths he shares!
September 17, 2018
4.5
This book was so authentic and real. As a person who’s read most of Groeschel’s work I thought this may be his best book yet. Only thing I didn’t like were some of the stories that just weren’t that impactful and seemed ‘overly polished’ but that was kind of expected.
All in all I’d recommend this book to anyone who has, or currently is in a season of grief, misfortune, or depression. It hits home well, and points you to the hope that the best is yet to come.
This book was so authentic and real. As a person who’s read most of Groeschel’s work I thought this may be his best book yet. Only thing I didn’t like were some of the stories that just weren’t that impactful and seemed ‘overly polished’ but that was kind of expected.
All in all I’d recommend this book to anyone who has, or currently is in a season of grief, misfortune, or depression. It hits home well, and points you to the hope that the best is yet to come.
April 21, 2024
Anyone whose asking God why? This is an amazing book to read
September 12, 2018
If you think God has forgotten you than you have forgotten who God is.
A study of the book Habakkuk in hope. Where God seems far away and remembering the three little words But God.. . Groeschel is more personal with this book than any other. More reflective as he and his family are clinging to the hope of God. As a pastor of a large church, he as experienced the pain and walked along with his congregation as they have suffered from loss, pain, and the aches of life. His own reflection on the book of Habakkuk is his own study of his own pain with health issues that his daughter is experiencing. It can make you question God and his goodness. As Habakkuk questions God why? We can as well. In my own experience, asking why leads us to who God is.
Pain always reveals something about us as well. How we respond to pain. How we respond to others. The doubt we may have and I speak from my own reflection is how do I deal with reality. Do I face it or run from it? How we face it is what Groeschel is teaching and living the reader with helpful insights. One that I found is a journal that he recommended in keeping. A five year journal that you would write for each day and as the years would go by, you would see what God was doing. I have not found this journal but I am very interested in keeping a journal like that.
Groeschel also deals with what to say or not to say when one is suffering. Personally, I have found this difficult because I am one that wants to fix something and to hear that God is sovereign and in control is true but the best thing to do is say I don't know what to say. Many times we avoid others pain because we have not dealt with our pain.
What Groschel brings out in the book of Habakkuk is the doubt we may have on the character of God. Does he love me? Does he know? The 2nd is the waiting. Waiting is learning to trust in God. Trust in his character. To know him more thru his word. And the last is to embrace what God is doing. No matter how painful. In embracing, we know his mercy and grace.
A Special thank you to Zondervan and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
A study of the book Habakkuk in hope. Where God seems far away and remembering the three little words But God.. . Groeschel is more personal with this book than any other. More reflective as he and his family are clinging to the hope of God. As a pastor of a large church, he as experienced the pain and walked along with his congregation as they have suffered from loss, pain, and the aches of life. His own reflection on the book of Habakkuk is his own study of his own pain with health issues that his daughter is experiencing. It can make you question God and his goodness. As Habakkuk questions God why? We can as well. In my own experience, asking why leads us to who God is.
Pain always reveals something about us as well. How we respond to pain. How we respond to others. The doubt we may have and I speak from my own reflection is how do I deal with reality. Do I face it or run from it? How we face it is what Groeschel is teaching and living the reader with helpful insights. One that I found is a journal that he recommended in keeping. A five year journal that you would write for each day and as the years would go by, you would see what God was doing. I have not found this journal but I am very interested in keeping a journal like that.
Groeschel also deals with what to say or not to say when one is suffering. Personally, I have found this difficult because I am one that wants to fix something and to hear that God is sovereign and in control is true but the best thing to do is say I don't know what to say. Many times we avoid others pain because we have not dealt with our pain.
What Groschel brings out in the book of Habakkuk is the doubt we may have on the character of God. Does he love me? Does he know? The 2nd is the waiting. Waiting is learning to trust in God. Trust in his character. To know him more thru his word. And the last is to embrace what God is doing. No matter how painful. In embracing, we know his mercy and grace.
A Special thank you to Zondervan and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
September 3, 2018
We want to know God, feel his presence, and trust that he hears our prayers. Yet when life's storms toss us around we can end up doubting of God really cares for us. I'm the middle of the storm you need to hear authentic words of understanding and hope. Craig delivers those very words within this book
November 16, 2018
"Just to be clear: this book is not for everyone. If you're living the dream and you're on a spiritual high, stop and praise God for his goodness. I celebrate with you. But, honestly, this book probably isn't for you, at least not in this season of your life. This book is for those who are hurting. For those with doubts. For those afraid that their faith may be failing. For those whose world has grown dark."This is actually my first time ever reading a book written by Craig Groeschel, and I'm really glad I decided to pick it up. At first, it was the title that really caught my attention because I've been reading a lot of Christian-based books related to suffering these days. When I started reading, I did not have any sort of expectations, but turns out this book is just exactly what I needed. The book starts off with a chapter called 'A Letter to the Reader' which explains how Craig Groeschel started writing this book for a close friend who went through a really difficult season in her life. That chapter almost made me bawl my eyes out because it truly touched my heart; and right at that moment, I knew I would end up loving this book.
"Shedding the old skin of doubt and disbelief will not be easy, especially if your situation's outcome doesn't align with your hopes and expectations."
"When you feel like your faith tank is about to run dry, remember this: When God has promised something, it will come to pass. But it will be his timing, not yours."One of my favorite things about this book is how Craig Groeschel showed his own vulnerability and his own struggle with unbelief as he went through a difficult season in his life. It makes him relatable and shows that if we ever experienced something like that, we are not alone. He also shared some real life stories from people around him that showed how people had to go through different kinds of darkness in their lives. Reading and seeing these people grown mature in their faith through adversities really encouraged me all the more. There's a part in this book that left a deep impression in me, it's called Kyle's Poem. It is such a powerful poem that has successfully made me cry 😭. You'd have to read it for yourself or google it if you're curious 😉.
"He loves you. He is for you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He will never let you down. He may not do exactly what you want. But he is always faithful, no matter how much your circumstances may seem to indicate otherwise.
No matter what happens in your life, the Lord is in his holy temple."
"If you are struggling, I'm hoping that you are willing to wrestle. So many people seem to be seeking a bumper sticker God with whom life is clean, easy, and problem free and answers are clever, even punchy. But life is never clean. It's far from easy. And it's never problem free. That's why I believe putting God into an easy-to-explain box is not only unwise but dangerous. To really know God, you have to wrestle through pain, struggle with honest doubts, and even live with unanswered questions."Throughout this book, the writer focused on several biblical stories that relates to the main theme. The first one is from Mark 9:21-24, when a father desperately wishes for his child to be healed. When Jesus said that everything is possible for one who believes, the father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!". This story illustrates the struggle of going through pain and suffering, but the emphasis is actually on the desire of the father to believe. He actually asked God to help him overcome his unbelief. Sometimes it is difficult to reconcile the hope-filled message of the Christian faith with what we're seeing around us. However, the most important thing is to want to believe in that hope.
The second one is the story of Habakkuk, who like many of us, can't figure out why God doesn't do what he thinks God should do. This book seriously changed my perspective on this particular book in the Bible. Craig Groeschel explained that Habakkuk is a man who loves God, but he doesn't shy away from wrestling with his doubts and questions. I learned that we need to trust God even when we can't feel him, believe in him even when he doesn't make sense, and follow him even though we're not sure where he's leading us. Habakkuk does exactly that; he asks honest questions while also trusting God and his Word. God is big enough to handle our doubts and he loves us enough to be patient with us as we learn more about God's true character.
"I have my own hurts, my own losses, my own doubts from time to time, just like you probably do. But I'm still convinced God is with us during our trials, and I want to help restore the faith of people who see their trust in God demolished by that wrecking ball of unbearable circumstances."
"Maybe in some strange way, God allows us to doubt him sometimes. Maybe he knows that's one of the ways for our faith to grow stronger. One of the best ways."If you feel like you're going through a difficult season in your life or feel like you're currently in a dark place, I highly suggest you to pick this book up. For me personally, this book is truly a hope in the dark. There are so many encouraging truths packed in this fairly short book. I cried numerous times while reading because the stories shared in this book really resonates with me. And I think a deeply rooted faith and hope in Christ is such a beautiful thing to have. I always believe that trials and sufferings are catalysts for the growth of our faith, and that God's plan is always better than ours. I am immensely grateful to Craig Groeschel for writing such an amazing and heartfelt book. It has strengthened me and soothed my weary soul. This is the book that I will want to pick up again and again as I go through life, to remind me that I have a good good God who will never fail me. Not now, not ever. 😊
"So when we're suffering, ranting and raving about all the unfairness of life, we would do well also to remember that there's so much more going on than we can see or understand from our limited perspective. We're seeing only a tiny sliver of a much bigger story, perhaps only one sentence or one paragraph on just a single page."
Read the full review here:
http://www.thebookielooker.com/2018/1...
October 5, 2018
The title says it all: This book reminds us of HOPE in our darkest moments and darkest places. When so many people view pastor's as going from glory to glory, Pastor Craig Groeschel digs into the dark moments he has walked through with his family as well as those of family's he has prayed with who have received miracles and those who haven't. He reveals moments of doubt and fear, and why he believes it is okay and right for Christians to experiences those moments, and how to find hope in the dark valleys.
I do not believe that God gives us those trials, but He certainly does use them for the "good of those that love Him." And this book is a timely reminder of that very thing.
I do not believe that God gives us those trials, but He certainly does use them for the "good of those that love Him." And this book is a timely reminder of that very thing.
February 11, 2019
If you are struggling with life, then please read this book!
June 25, 2018
The book Hope in the Dark is a practical, personal teaching on how to approach trials. It is a very valuable tool for the Christian life. He uses the prophet Habakkuk faced trials as He watched the injustices in his country. He approaches trials in these steps: doubting, waiting, embracing and with God's goodness. He thanks God for who He is first and then thanks Him for all He is doing in His life. God's character ; such as , His faithfulness, sovereignty, kindness, mercifulness, slow to anger,, every present, all knowing, just, holy, loving is what the author tells the reader to focus on during trials. We can count on His qualities in our life even when things are changing and difficult around us. We can look to the Lord God to see us through the storms by viewing the trials through is character which is constant and unchanging. God has used the Innocence Project run by Anthony Graves to overturning legal injustice in our country. In the Bible Job, Lamentations, Jeremiah expressed their doubts and questions to God. We are supposed to bring our questions also to God during our difficult trials and He will show Himself to us. David also had an honest heart about His doubts and questions to God during His trials. We want immediate answers during our times of trials but God does not work this way. He wants us to cling to Him. Philip Yancey said, "Endurance is not just the ability to turn a hard thing but to turn it into glory." We do not have to understand the why of the trials to trust and accept God's means to wrestle , embrace God's heart and intentions. I highly recommend this amazing book for the Christian to know how to make it through the many storms or trials in this life. "I will find my strength in the Lord and reach new heights." Hab 3:19. The book is so rich in truths that you can read it many times to get the many truths in the book for your life. The book was given to me by netgalley to read and review the book before it is released. Thank you for this opportunity and thank you again to the publisher for giving me the opportunity.
September 17, 2019
This is probably going to be a pretty bummer review buuuuut I just have confirmed I am not a fan of this guy. I heard him speak at GLS and wasn’t obsessed but thought the subject matter of this book was interesting enough for me to give it a shot... but it just confirmed how i felt. Not a fan. It felt trite and overly simplistic, and like it came from such a comfortable place of privilege that it wasn’t compelling or convicting at all to me. It just didn’t resonate with me at all or feel truly genuine and it frustrated me. Maybe it’s just my own bias of feeling wary of such prominent and privileged white male pastors who seem to churn out books on hot topics, giving the impression that it’s more about looks and making a buck than it is about true calling and connection to the content... but ANYWAY.
September 12, 2021
When I read the book When God Doesn't Make Sense I felt like I was trying to force a square peg in a round hole. It felt like it dealt with lifelong faith that I didn't have. I felt like there were a lot of external forces in my life at that time that wanted me to have the type a faith that I would never have.
Every once in a while I will get a random like on my review of that book. Whether it was a bot, someone interested in the book, or someone who appreciated my feelings of doubt and story it makes me wonder.
My life has drastically changed since that review. THE WORLD has drastically changed since that review. My fiancee has been going through some health issues of all varieties and the question faith comes up quite a bit. Any time someone I love deals with pain (physical/mental) it breaks my heart and I often wish I could help. This book stuck out to me on the kindle store because it seemed a lot like When God Doesn't Make Sense but more focused.
I really enjoyed this book. It came off almost like a conversation. It didn't seem like a flex of biblical knowledge. Groeschel kept everything simple in for the most part in the context of one book in the bible. One of the main themes I enjoyed was that we should always be wrestling with our faith. Doubts and questioning are essential to faith. This book didn't seem forced or like the information was cherry picked and placed out of context.
This book was pretty short so it almost felt like a sermon. It was pretty straightforward and didn't use too much jargon. Groeschel also included enough personal experience to make the book flow really well. I'll admit this book isn't for everyone. But if you got at least a little bit of faith and going through difficult times I would definitely recommend giving this book a shot.
Every once in a while I will get a random like on my review of that book. Whether it was a bot, someone interested in the book, or someone who appreciated my feelings of doubt and story it makes me wonder.
My life has drastically changed since that review. THE WORLD has drastically changed since that review. My fiancee has been going through some health issues of all varieties and the question faith comes up quite a bit. Any time someone I love deals with pain (physical/mental) it breaks my heart and I often wish I could help. This book stuck out to me on the kindle store because it seemed a lot like When God Doesn't Make Sense but more focused.
I really enjoyed this book. It came off almost like a conversation. It didn't seem like a flex of biblical knowledge. Groeschel kept everything simple in for the most part in the context of one book in the bible. One of the main themes I enjoyed was that we should always be wrestling with our faith. Doubts and questioning are essential to faith. This book didn't seem forced or like the information was cherry picked and placed out of context.
This book was pretty short so it almost felt like a sermon. It was pretty straightforward and didn't use too much jargon. Groeschel also included enough personal experience to make the book flow really well. I'll admit this book isn't for everyone. But if you got at least a little bit of faith and going through difficult times I would definitely recommend giving this book a shot.
March 18, 2025
**The perfect book for the frailty of hope**
This is exactly the type of book I needed to read for the state I frequently find myself in. Wandering around in darkness devoid of any hope of coming out of it, or at least the sort of hope that feels effective enough to do so. It was wonderfully written, easy to understand, and cut into the true heart of the matter. Hope is so very fragile, and combining it with darkness isn’t great. And yet, times of darkness are inevitable.
By far my favorite features were the author’s strict inclusion of scriptural references as well as actual testimonials from the people. It’s easy to be hopeful and happy when everything’s all hunky dory, but how about when they’re NOT? This author brings those stories to the forefront. Not only was I brought to tears, but I was also reminded that we none of us are ever alone in how we might feel.
My only mild complaint was wishing it was longer, because I could have absolutely spent more time in the reminders of God and His promises if I’d only think on them. However, I do still think the length was still perfect for what it needed to do, and it did it well. I hope to read more of this author’s work, as he definitely seems to have a knack for diving into God’s character.
This is exactly the type of book I needed to read for the state I frequently find myself in. Wandering around in darkness devoid of any hope of coming out of it, or at least the sort of hope that feels effective enough to do so. It was wonderfully written, easy to understand, and cut into the true heart of the matter. Hope is so very fragile, and combining it with darkness isn’t great. And yet, times of darkness are inevitable.
By far my favorite features were the author’s strict inclusion of scriptural references as well as actual testimonials from the people. It’s easy to be hopeful and happy when everything’s all hunky dory, but how about when they’re NOT? This author brings those stories to the forefront. Not only was I brought to tears, but I was also reminded that we none of us are ever alone in how we might feel.
My only mild complaint was wishing it was longer, because I could have absolutely spent more time in the reminders of God and His promises if I’d only think on them. However, I do still think the length was still perfect for what it needed to do, and it did it well. I hope to read more of this author’s work, as he definitely seems to have a knack for diving into God’s character.
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