The Goodness of God: Assurance of Purpose in the Midst of Suffering

by Randy Alcorn

For those times when we’re wounded by broken trust, assaulted by disease, or victimized by evil—or when we’re crushed to see such things happen to people we love—Randy Alcorn offers something solid to hold God's love.

In this specially focused condensation of Alcorn’s If God Is Good…: Faith in the Midst of Suffering and Evil, we’re continually guided into a deeper glimpse of God’s loving ways and higher purposes—the very things we’re often most blinded to whenever we battle pain and anguish.

Alcorn avoids superficial or sentimental responses, and instead presses forward boldly to explore all the troubling doubts and questions that agitate within us when we confront suffering and evil. The issues are far from simple, the answers far from easy—but Alcorn shows how the way of suffering—a path that Jesus himself followed more than anyone else—can ultimately become a journey into wholeness and even logic-defying joy.

Genres: Christian Living, Christian, Nonfiction, Christian Non Fiction, Spirituality, Theology

128 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Randy Alcorn is the founder of Eternal Perspective Ministries (EPM), a nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching biblical truth and drawing attention to the needy and how to help them. EPM exists to meet the needs of the unreached, unfed, unborn, uneducated, unreconciled and unsupported people around the world.

"My ministry focus is communicating the strategic importance of using our earthly time, money, possessions and opportunities to invest in need-meeting ministries that count for eternity," Alcorn says. "I do that by trying to analyze, teach and apply the implications of Christian truth."

Before starting EPM in 1990, Alcorn co-pastored for thirteen years Good Shepherd Community Church outside Gresham, Oregon. He has ministered in many countries, including China, and is a popular teacher and conference speaker. Randy has taught on the part-time faculties of Western Seminary and Multnomah University, both in Portland, Oregon.

Randy is a best-selling author of 50 books including Heaven, The Treasure Principle and the 2002 Gold Medallion winner, Safely Home. He has written numerous articles for magazines such as Discipleship Journal, Moody, Leadership, New Man, and The Christian Reader. He produces the quarterly issues-oriented magazine Eternal Perspectives, and has been a guest on more than 650 radio and television programs including Focus on the Family, Family Life Today, The Bible Answer Man, Revive Our Hearts, Truths that Transform and Faith Under Fire.

Alcorn resides in Gresham, Oregon with his wife, Nanci. The Alcorns have two married daughters, Karina and Angela.

Randy and Nanci are the proud grandparents of five grandsons. Randy enjoys hanging out with his family, biking, tennis, research and reading.

Taken from the Eternal Perspective Ministries website, http://www.epm.org

Reviews

[Travis Hinkle]

A good, brief look at how God works in and why He allows pain and suffering in this world. It never delves too deep into theological waters, but gives good answers, with a good pastoral tone, for those with questions.

Overall, a good introduction if you aren't really well versed in doctrine and theology.

Other reviewers have said it's an abbreviated version of "If God Is Good," so that might be the book to read if you want to pursue the subject further.

[DeAron Washington · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is short but impactful. It is not for academics. I would recommend this to Christians who are in the midst of suffering.

[Heather Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative...but some weird parts.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Where was God when my husband (or anyone you know) died?" Why didn't God cure him? He was a good person." "Where was God when I was abused as a child?" These statements and more are examined by author Randy Alcorn in his book *The Goodness of God*. Although this book is a slim volume it is packed with substance on this complex subject of suffering and evil. Alcorn explains that being a good Christian does not offer a warranty on not suffering in this lifetime: "Genuine faith will be tested by suffering; false faith will be lost-the sooner, the better."
Alcorn explains the dogma of sin and our cultural response to it. Basically, we take no responsibility. Reminds me of saying "The devil made me do it." Our worldview is not the Bible's perspective. Once we change to a Christian view, then we can change how we view suffering and evil.
The thesis of the book is presented in a well thought out manner with Biblical scripture throughout to back up Alcorn's argument. He uses many examples and stories from others who endured suffering and sin showing how they responded to this conundrum.
I highly recommend this read to acquire a better understanding on the topic of suffering and evil and what our response as Christians should be in order to magnify God's goodness.

[Jeff Noble · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many moons ago, I read Phillip Yancey's Where Is God When It Hurts? It is still one of my recommended books about suffering and heartache. Since then I've added a few others to my recommended list. I was given this book to read this year, and I'm thankful I finished it today - on Thanksgiving. It's a short condensation of Alcorn's larger book If God Is Good: Faith in the Midst of Suffering and Evil . I was blessed and will leave you with one (of many) places I underlined in this small book:

"Despair is suffering without meaning." (Viktor Frankl, 53)

I would encourage you to pick this one up and then allow its renewing reminders lead you to read the larger book.

[Subluxfixer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy this author in general. Randy's view of Scripture is very much in alignment with mine. I only disagree with some of his examples with respect to medicine; it seems he thinks medicine is good, yet I see it as idol worship, but that is not what this book is about and it doesn't take away from the Biblical message he writes about. Thank you Jesus for this author.

[Mathew Neahring · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well done and very pastoral look at suffering and evil. this is a great read for anyone who has been through or is going through loss or suffering. while it isn't a comprehensive study, it hits all the major points and lays a great biblical foundation.

[Carol P. Podleski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suffering Brings Closeness

This book reminded me and taught me such important things regarding suffering and the results of past experiences with grief and suffering. God is so good!

[Cara Capelouto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great perspective

I recently had been through a lot of devastating trials, this Gabe me the right perspective shift God wanted me to see Gis hand in everything. Great read and thoroughly deepened my trust in God's goodness.

[Temiloluwa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is full of assurance as its title says. I had questions based on some of the shared experiences but before the book ended, I got all my answers. I loved reading the book and I learnt a lot more than I thought I would.

[Jim Rickard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good theology

I enjoyed reading this book and see good theology. I will read it again and keep it ad a resource book

[Samuel S Shin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book on suffering.

Not the best, but practical and biblical. Randy Alcorn always has great things to say and excellent stories and illustrations.

[BARBARA A MITTLESTEAD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Informative.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely essential. The best book on evil and suffering I’ve read. A brief, easy read packed with astounding truths from God’s Word.

[Keara Pollock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredible book. A lot of good insight. I highly recommend that everyone read this book sometime in their lifetime.

[Patrick S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a decent enough book on the "problem" of evil/pain/suffering. Alcorn really covers a broad topic and hits at pretty much the major points on the subject. He uses examples of real peoples' experience which lends to a more powerful position of driving home his points. A lot of the personal stories are very heartfelt and moving. They are used with respect and honor and aren't used just to add justification to his points. The one point where I think this book suffers are on some of the metaphors Alcorn uses. I know metaphors aren't suppose to be a one-to-one correlation (a pet peeve of mine that some people do), however, I could point out some flaws or very basic responses that I wish he would have covered more in depth. However, from what I understand, this is his abridged version of "If God Is Good" book that is more in depth. So take that for what you will. I would recommend this book for someone just getting into the subject of the "problem" of evil/pain/suffering. It's a good starter book. Final Grade - B

[Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a shorter version of "If God Is Good." (Which I didn't know at the time I started reading it...) I appreciate his view of God's Sovereignty in the midst of suffering, but if you have read "If God Is Good" then you need not pick this one up.

If you have read neither, then this book is definitely a book to read if you are going into, in the midst of, or coming out of a time of difficulty and trials. (Which is all of us at some point or another)

Some of his examples of evil are one's that almost every writer on the topic of suffering and evil use, so I was a bit disappointed that some of the material was information I have heard often in sermons and other books on the topic. Also, he writes very simplistic in this book which can be good if you just want simple answers.

If you have any doubts about the Lords hand in your life during trials I encourage you to read this book.

[Ruthe Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Goodness of God" is written in response to the question, "If God is Good, why does He allow suffering and evil in the world? " Alcorn shows that this question is even addressed in the Bible itself "How Long O Lord...why do you tolerate wrong" (Habakkuk 1:2-3). Alcorn compares the Christian Biblical viewpoint against other world views. While we cannot completely know and understand the place of evil in this life, we can know and trust God who is working on our behalf, a God who loves and comforts us and has it all under control. Evil is a temporary hardship, which will be finally overcome in the world to come. It would behoove all to consider the rewards of Heaven while you can. This review falls very short of all the wisdom and encouragement I received from the book. I highly recommend it.

[Robert Sutherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by Randy Alcorn, and I was impressed. In a condensed version of a larger work, "If God is Good..." Alcorn attempts to answer the problem of evil in the world. It is an excellent work that is very accessible and full of highlights. While it may or may not convert the skeptic who asks "Where is God when suffering happens?" it does provide honest responses to those questions. Sometimes the answer is "we're too limited to understand." The work is not a cop out, because he genuinely wrestles with these problems, providing insights from the Bible, history, and acquaintances who have experienced heartache. He encourages us to look not at the suffering we experience in this world but through it to see a greater purpose.

[Bethany B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, direct chapters that end up covering all sort of subjects.
After all, if we don't believe in God's "goodness" we certainly have a messed idea of everything that following Him means.

He addresses many basic doctrinal issues, uses stories as illustrations, and tells stories of real suffering people.

Well written, poignant, and often convicting.

See full review http://theerraticmuse.blogspot.com/20...

[Naomi Woo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, listened to it in my car. I think He did a good job dealing with difficult questions in a way that doesn't minimized pain while still exalting God's sovereignty. A good book for those who struggle with the question of why God allows suffering (isn't that all of us?).

[Clara Dearmore Strom · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual, Randy Alcorn is spot on. This is a book to give to people who are going through a tough time. Way better than throwing Romans 8:28 at them.

[Erin Steckler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing.

[Josh Smetzer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shorter, more direct chapters than his book "If God Is Good". Nice insights into the topic of suffering.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very comforting.

[Dwain Minor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good and small book about suffering, God, and how we respond.

[Angelyn Vaughan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is rich in theology and scripture. Alcorn empathizes with readers' suffering, but still points us to hard truths - especially that God may not give us answers, but he gives us himself.

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Christian, or suffering person should read this book. It was so helpful.

[Ash Srinivas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really great book for anyone that's going through a tough season in life!