If God Is So Good, Why Do I Hurt So Bad?

by David B. Biebel

When his son died of a rare genetic disorder, David B. Biebel heard the well-meaning advice of his friends and family, but still struggled with one why? Why did this happen and why is speaking the truth about pain and suffering so hard? In this powerful book, Biebel leaves behind the typical but ineffective words of comfort and instead offers the unvarnished truth about illness, death, divorce, financial ruin, and more. His Christian perspective, real life examples, and keen insight will help readers sort through their pain and see the value in their trials. Through it all they'll discover that God is more loving, understanding, and forgiving than they could ever imagine.

Genres: Christian, Christian Non Fiction, Theology, Nonfiction, Grief

176 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

Reviews

[Victoria Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is hands down my favorite book in regard to the questions we wrestle with in the aftermath of deep pain. While it’s not specific to suicide or even loss, it speaks powerfully to anyone walking through a crisis of faith. Aside from the Holy Spirit himself this book gave me the greatest insights into God after my loss. David Biebel writes with such honesty and compassion that it feels like sitting with someone who truly understands both suffering and the heart of God. This is the book I most often recommend to people who are facing hard questions and need a safe, faith-filled space to process them. Though I was saddened to learn of this author’s passing, I’m grateful for the wisdom he left behind—this book is one of his greatest gifts.

[Seth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very good! It answers questions about pain and made me think. I read it, though not going through a trying time myself so it wasn’t as pertinent to me, but I wanted the knowledge for when a trial comes in my life or in another’s that I could help.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Speaking with the voice of one who has been there, David Biebel describes the pain of loss or hardship, analyzes it in depth, then suggests how we might use the pain to move onto better things. He explains the often difficult to perceive concept of how pain and suffering can add strength to our character and deepen our spiritual walk. He also goes into the cause of suffering. Does God bring it about or only allow it? How does He use it in our lives and the lives of those we come in contact with? Do all things truly work for good?

After losing my son a few years ago at the young age of 24, I can identify with the conflicting emotions associated with feeling our hurt, ‘getting over it’ from a worldview standpoint and moving into a closer relationship with our Heavenly Father. I especially enjoyed Mr. Biebel’s poetry sprinkled throughout the book and his premise that suffering can stimulate our creativity. I have experienced this firsthand.

This book is a gentle reminder that God is still the God of miracles and blessings, taking the focus off our pain. We are loved and cherished by our Creator to the point where He gave His son to be the atonement for our sin. Heavenly joy can be ours, even in the face of suffering.

Thank you Mr. Biebel, for baring your heart and pain to help others struggling with the injuries life wields and pointing the way to a kind and loving Heavenly Father. I plan to buy copies of this book to share with friends I know can benefit from his wise and perceptive words.

I was provided with this book from bookfun.org in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Miriam Jacob · Rating 5 out of 5]

If God Is So Good, Why Do I Hurt So Bad?
by David B. Biebel

If God is So Good, Why Do I Hurt So Bad? by David Biebel - This empathetic book deals with excruciating pain, staggering grief and unbearable loss. With a rare sensitivity, intuition and perceptive understanding, culled in the crucible of suffering, David Biebel offers us fresh hope and insight to look to Jesus, our Comforter. When mind-boggling pain clouds our clear-sighted vision, heart-wringing sorrow plunges us into devastating despair and casts our minds into an emotional tailspin, how can we possibly see “what’s so good about God in the midst of suffering”? Called to comfort others with the comfort God comforts us with, in a passionate reconciliation of God’s grace in affliction, we prove the paradox of peace and pain united. For grieving people, only those who have grieved can comfort their broken hearts. They have the gift to touch the heart of pain gently. David Biebel honestly reveals the baffling questions in his own heart and soul as he shares from the depths of his grief, anger and bouts of wrestling with God. He helps to deliver people from guilt as they learn to deal with problems that threaten to overpower them. God meets them at the point of their greatest need, as they struggle to drink the last overwhelming dregs of sorrow, grief and pain. “If God is so good, why do I hurt so bad?” And God provides His comforting answer: “I will heal you, my beloved child.”

[Heather Bireley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is for everyone - you may not think that you have grief to deal with but I think everyone should read this book.

The author and his wife lost their little boy when he was three to what they thought was a regular every day virus. I cannot imagine their grief. I cannot even begin to put myself in their shoes. I have three wonderful children of my own and to lose one of them would devastate me. You might think that the author would be more able to deal with this type of loss as a pastor but first and foremost, he is human and a father and to lose a child is unimaginable.

It's wonderful to have a book such as this to be able to work through grief. Everyone deals with grief differently and to have someone say to just get over it or hasn't it been long enough is unfeeling, I think.

I received a free copy of this book from bookfun.org for my honest review.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though this book starts off with the grief of losing a child and a lot of help and explanations about grieving, it is more than just that. This book is written in 8 chapters with examples and help for several steps of grieving and also that death is more than physical death. Death also comes in forms such as divorce. At the end of each chapter are questions to use either alone or in a group setting. This book is well written and shows that grief is a process to go through. That there are several steps and each person goes through these steps. It also shows us we don't go through it alone. That although we may not feel God's presence, He is definitely there with us. If you are going through grief, this is a good book. I was given this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Sonnetta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book at the time when I needed to be reminded of God’s goodness. It helped me to see that we live in a sin filled world that comes with suffering. Does God like to see his children suffering? No! Everyone needs to read this book because it will help us to see God in the tragedy and suffering in this world. It will move you to seek God and kneel at his feet daily. You will walk away with a better understanding of God’s character. Some may not be in a place to read this but do not dismiss this book.
I received this book for free from The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review. I also posted this review on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, Goodreads, Deepershopper, etc.)”

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book encouraging readers as they go through pain. Biebel and his wife lost their three year old son to a rare disease. He takes us through the stages and reminds if it is only when we allow Jesus into the pain that it can be transformed into something else. He has an interesting insight in that he says having faith makes it worse before it gets better. We go through the questions and doubts before we come through with an even greater faith in Jesus.
See my complete review at http://bit.ly/1DU5soF.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through the Book Club Network for the purpose of an independent and honest review.

[Lori Weller · Rating 5 out of 5]

f God is Good, Why Do I Hurt So Bad is a book about dealing with grief. The author dealt with the death of his son. The way the book is written though it can be used for any type of grief- death, dealing with cancer, suffering,loss,and pain. It is a book of encouragement.
I received this book from the Book Club Network in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Laurie Garcia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought that this was an okay book. I was a little disappointed. I would highly highly recommend "What's Good About Feeling Bad?" for those interested in learning the good that can come from suffering and for those looking for hope in the midst of suffering.

[Dwight Walker · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good for depression and hard to answer spiritual questions.

[Marilyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

The reason I gave this a 2 is that I don't think he answered the question. Maybe there isn't an answer.

[Ilza Joubert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really helped me through my own pain and struggled after the death of my sister. I appreciate his honesty and openness about suffering and loss.