Why me?

by Roger Carswell

The question of why we suffer is never just academic. At one point or another it becomes personal.In this moving book you'll read the stories of twelve ordinary people who have known what it is to suffer. They can't all answer the question ‘Why?' but they do have an extraordinary hope despite what has happened to them.As you read their painful, true stories, you'll see that it is their faith in Jesus that has kept them going as they turned to Him for help during the darkest times of their lives. Roger Carswell shares how you too can have a hope and a future, even if you're in the midst of a difficult time.

Genres: Christian

128 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 1969

About the author

From Library of Congress Authorities:
"Isleham.com WWW site, viewed January 6, 2022 (Roger Carswell was born in Leeds [England] ; lives in Horsforth ; a Christian ; worked as a teacher for several years ; now a full-time travelling evangelist)"

Reviews

[Emma.catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big thank you to the faith mission van for gifting me this book and for all the work you do across the world.

I have to say this book was incredible. It wasn’t particularly long but it didn’t need to be. Many of the stories were so powerful with lots of people talking of life-threatening illnesses and surgeries yet they all talk of a peace they found in God and His presence overwhelmed them. Through all they went through they talk of growing spiritually and learning to trust God more and more despite their suffering.

People from all over the globe were included in this book but many of which where from Northern Ireland, which really hit home. There was one story in particular which I really resonated with; after being in the ICU she said that God gave her the peace she needed to become thankful for little things and appreciate life for what it was. Things like being able to keep some food down and taking one day at a time.

I wish I could quote this whole book to you as there were so many incredible and inspiring stories of finding hope in suffering, of which I will share a few of my favourites:

‘Though the fig tree may not blossom,
Nor fruit be on the vines;
Though the labour of the olive may fail,
And the fields yield no food…
Yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will joy in the God of my salvation’

‘God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying…’ (Revelation 21:4)

‘Come into my heart, Lord Jesus,
Come in today
Come in to stay.
Come into my heart, Lord Jesus’

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me’ (Psalm 23:4)

“We could not keep going without the help of God : he is a refuge and strength, a present help in times of trouble.”

Overall, one of the key elements to this book is that the journey may not always be smooth but the end is always glorious.

We are reminded that God wants us to communicate with him, even Jesus cried out to God when he was on the cross: ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’

Prayer is everything 🙏🏼

[Lara Knight · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an account of twelve people's personal stories of suffering, and how they made it through the tough times.

This book focussed on the idea that suffering is never a purely academic issue, but that at some point the issue becomes personal. I thought that this was very true, and the concept for the book was a good one.

Some of the personal stories felt detached, and I didn't feel like I could deeply connect with any of them. They just fell flat for me.

However, the overall purpose and message of the book was good, and it was a quick read.

[Pauline Fenton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This short book is both deep and spiritual while still being light. The examples of resilience shown in the
case stories presented through faith is quite profound. Definitely food for thought for the Christian and for the non Christian an insight into what people believe and why they continue through adversity

[Joana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given this book by my Pastors to read due to what I’ve been going through in recent years. The stories we see here speak of finding comfort in the Lord and of faith through hardships and it’s honestly moving. Some stories did make me tear up, the strength of these people can be truly inspiring.

Although I do feel like it repeated much of the same thing “they know Jesus died for their sins be and felt at peace with that” and i know that’s basically the point of the book so that if you are a non-Christian you can see that by accepting Christ into your life you will also gain this peace but it didn’t really allow you to truly connect with them. It was like “this happened and then they found God and everything was made better” as if we’re to believe it’s truly that easy. I feel like in a way it gives a bad impression of what becoming a Christian and facing hardships is really like. The path will never be easy for those of faith as it will always be tested and tried, there will always be some sort of hardship, I think trying to teach people that the Lord fixes everything with a single prayer is what will lead to them blaming God when it doesn’t happen that exact way. I would know, because that has been me. I’ve long questioned God for the things happening in my life and felt frustrated when I didn’t receive either answer or relief. It just feels like things happen one after another and that there isn’t a break for it. I know this isn’t how it should be but this is the reality of weak faith. This book is teaching us that we should know that no matter what, we need to keep to our faith and face our moments of crisis knowing that God is with us and will not abandon us.

[Justina Santiago · Rating 4 out of 5]

I chose to read this book because of all the recent losses I've experienced in my own life. It was a great source of comfort to know that so many others have endured tragedies in their lives and to read the extraordinary ways that God has met each one of them. It's always inspiring to hear of the many ways that we humans learn to cope with the hardships and tragedies of life and the perseverance and peace that can only come from God.

[Johanna Florez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Felt less like a book and more like a long string of sermon illustrations. Final chapter is quotable and disjointed.

[Sarah Hopkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stories of real people's lives who have faced times of challenge, often great, and yet who still benefit from hope.