Suffer Well: Walking Victoriously Through Your Valleys

by Dan Herod

What if, instead of letting your suffering define you, you could define your suffering? Are you or a loved one facing disappointment, grief, or heartache? God has so much more planned for you in this season than just survival! He has provided all you need to emerge triumphant through the valleys of your pain. Pastor Dan Herod, Director of Youth Alive Wisconsin/Northern Michigan, is no stranger to sorrow. He and his wife, Marlena, had their lives turned upside down in an instant through a tragic loss. With honesty and compassion, Pastor Herod shares secrets of “suffering well” that apply to believers facing any type or degree of difficulty. In this book, you will – How to adjust your thinking to make sense of your pain – How Christ exemplifies the right response to suffering – Practical steps to keep you on the right track as you go through the valley – A perspective of realistic hope for the future – How to be a true supporter of someone who is suffering Plus, practical keys and application-focused workbook sections will help you personalize the comforting truths you are learning, as well as guide you toward concrete next steps. Suffering in a fallen world is inevitable, but the choice of how to walk victoriously through your valley is up to each believer. Begin reading Suffer Well today to experience a personal, candid look at how to find renewed purpose and hope in your most difficult days.

150 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 16, 2018

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read.

I am not a Christian, and I did not know this was a Christian book when I added it to my library. That said, It is a quick read and I felt that it was emotionally and thoughtfully written. I felt the advice given was rational and meaningful and can be applied to anyone looking for advice on dealing with tough times. Stripping religion aside, there are many passages that foster strength and hope for moving on and not letting tragedies define your future.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

The goal of this book is to change the way we talk about suffering. The author reminds us that we will all have many trials and sorrows. That some stretches of life will absolutely break us down.

Though the author recounts the death of their child, the book isn’t limited to suffering caused by loss. Four types of suffering are discussed: temporary, sustained, secret and tragic. Each type can be an intensely overwhelming experience, and the author discusses the importance of suffering well in each instance. For example, suffering well through short-term setbacks sets us up for victory in the other instances that may require more endurance. We do this by thinking right, doing right, and watching God make it all right.

The author refers to the journey of suffering as the Three Mile Valley (TMV). The first mile is barren, lifeless and looks as if it will go on forever. The second is the craggy, uneven stretch. Whereas the third offers signs of hope and renewal.

The book can be finished in a few hours if you like, but its set up as a small-group tool to start dialogs about suffering. Each chapter offers concise, no-nonsense advice; relatable stories; and workbook/discussion questions to guide you. I will definitely recommend this book to friends and family who are walking their own TMVs.

Having journeyed the TMV multiple times myself I found that the author’s Biblical approach to suffering mirrored the journey that the Holy Spirit led me through as I climbed out of my personal hells… victoriously. “When you do emerge from the valley, you will be different. Your world will be different. There is an abundantly ever after waiting for you because Jesus is working in you now. Every step you take forward brings you that much closer to the good that God is working through your seasons of suffering.”

Read this book.

[Sarah Gerbers · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Jesus didn't come to make me a survivor. He came to make me a conqueror. The difference is dynamic. Jesus doesn't ask us to live through hard times, He calls us to overcome them."

In Suffer Well we are encouraged to not linger in our pain but give purpose to it. Through his own story, Dan illustrates for us how to not just survive tragedies in life but to come through on the other side as a conqueror. His transparency causes us to walk along side of him in his own experiences as he uses them to teach us how to TRULY suffer well.

If you're going through some stuff right now READ THIS. And even if you're not going through some stuff right now, you probably will in your life. The words in this book will help equip you with valuable truths when facing hard situations.

[Abe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an ideal companion to ever-popular The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. This delves specifically into suffering of different types -- mental anguish, grief and loss, as well as physical pain. It's also pertinent for survivors of trauma. This book looks at different stages and plenty of ways to bring hope. Walking through the event, walking through the valleys of grief, in order to get to the other side again.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very inspirational. Heard him speak and wanted to read the book.

[Bob Wolniak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to follow and especially helpful in removing several unfortunate tendencies and sayings people cling to during times of loss. Using his own story, the author memorably helps us take the journey through grief and suffering explaining steps that are helpful and those that aren't.

[Karolyn Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I’ve read on suffering. Practical helps and insights help give new perspectives.