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If God Is Good Why Do We Hurt?
The encouragement we crave—when we’re most in need
Out of the deepest hurts of the human condition, Randy Alcorn brings into clear focus our most pressing questions about evil and suffering—including those that wrench our souls when we or someone we love is victimized by evil or assaulted by disease.
He faces these questions with seasoned sensitivity, skillful insight, and a heart of compassion. He dodges none of the difficulties, and never lapses into platitudes, hand-wringing, or oversimplification.
On this troubling but inescapable topic, you’ll find frank acknowledgment of the inherent limitations that set humanity apart from the God who has none. There’s also generous, real encouragement that brings God nearer in our understanding when we need His comfort the most. And amid our heavy doubts and swirling confusion on this topic, Randy Alcorn points us ultimately toward Jesus as “the only answer bigger than the questions.”
Out of the deepest hurts of the human condition, Randy Alcorn brings into clear focus our most pressing questions about evil and suffering—including those that wrench our souls when we or someone we love is victimized by evil or assaulted by disease.
He faces these questions with seasoned sensitivity, skillful insight, and a heart of compassion. He dodges none of the difficulties, and never lapses into platitudes, hand-wringing, or oversimplification.
On this troubling but inescapable topic, you’ll find frank acknowledgment of the inherent limitations that set humanity apart from the God who has none. There’s also generous, real encouragement that brings God nearer in our understanding when we need His comfort the most. And amid our heavy doubts and swirling confusion on this topic, Randy Alcorn points us ultimately toward Jesus as “the only answer bigger than the questions.”
82 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 13, 2010
53 people are currently reading
258 people want to read
About the author
Randy Alcorn
221 books1,575 followersRandy 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
"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
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 24, 2018
This is a wise, compassionate, and practical book written for those who are going through pain of almost any type, especially loss. The authors words helped me find peace and healing after some very painful things happened in my life. I’m glad I read this one.
November 29, 2019
Frankly, I found this book bordering on offensive and failing to provide answers to the most basic questions that get asked about suffering. Alcorn simply gives the same non-answers that are always given. I doubt that this will truly allay anyone's mind on the subject.
January 19, 2012
We are always surprised when it comes to suffering and evil in this world. We wonder why, especially with the the young and good. This little book brings you to the word of God that answers these questions. The bible is filled with suffering and evil and God's redemptive plan for us. It reminds you that truth matters. It could mean all the difference in the world. It reminds us of what evil is...it elevates someone or something else in God's place. It is an act of idolatry and rebellion against God. It reminds us of sin and the affect of sin. Sin is against God first and foremost. Some sin is justified in the name of love. Which creates more suffering and evil. However, the good news is the Gospel and it thru suffering that His love and his Wisdom that God is conducting his best work in us. It can wake us up to the Gospel. Suffering can show us who we really think is control. In suffering God always gives Himself instead of answers. How do we prepare for suffering, according to the father of one of the Columbine victims, become a student of God's Word. Psalm 119:92-"If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.
June 1, 2024
If God Is Good, Why Do We Hurt deals with one of life's great questions: how can God be good and yet the world be so filled with pain? This booklet is a short study of Alcorn's book, If God Is Good. He breaks the book down into a series of questions, including:
How is suffering related to evil?
What causes natural disasters?
Doesn't the reality of evil and suffering expose God's limitations?
Why doesn't God bring an immediate end to evil and suffering?
And more.
Alcorn does not gloss over the hard questions but attempts to answer them from scripture, with quotations and anecdotes. It's a well-thought-out presentation that offers some good points to contemplate.
I used it as a devotional, but that may not have been Alcorn's original plan for the booklet. It would also work as something to read through directly. I recommend this booklet, especially for those who are hurting.
How is suffering related to evil?
What causes natural disasters?
Doesn't the reality of evil and suffering expose God's limitations?
Why doesn't God bring an immediate end to evil and suffering?
And more.
Alcorn does not gloss over the hard questions but attempts to answer them from scripture, with quotations and anecdotes. It's a well-thought-out presentation that offers some good points to contemplate.
I used it as a devotional, but that may not have been Alcorn's original plan for the booklet. It would also work as something to read through directly. I recommend this booklet, especially for those who are hurting.
March 6, 2014
Absolutely love this lil book! So needed it! This book is for anyone and everyone!! Passing it forward!
February 9, 2024
Quick, easy, read. I liked it, solid explanations of why there is suffering in this life.
May 23, 2025
Highly recommend
This is a great book for those of us who are suffering or watching a loved one suffer. As a Christian it has changed my perception of suffering.
This is a great book for those of us who are suffering or watching a loved one suffer. As a Christian it has changed my perception of suffering.
January 10, 2016
Title: If God Is Good: Why Do We Hurt?
Author (s): Randy Alcorn
ISBN: 1601423411
ISBN13: 978-1601423412
Format: Paperback
Pages: 80
Language: English
Genres: Religion\Christianity
Structure:
The author discusses the topic of evil and its relation to suffering as he gives a very unique and convincing Christian perspective. He starts with explaining how evil is related to suffering. Then he moves on to discussing the causes of natural disasters and gives some common explanations giving for evil and suffering. The author also discusses whether or not evil reveal God's limits and why God doesn't bring an end to evil and suffering, or at least, eliminate the worst forms of it. With that being discussed, the author talks about our insurance that one day, we will be free from evil and suffering (in Jesus Christ). He also discusses how true the 'health and wealth theology' is, and why God didn't make the reasons behind our suffering more clear. The author then talks about whether or not we can truly trust God to use our suffering for good and he suggests how our response to suffering should be and how to prepare for it, since it's inevitable. In the last chapter named 'Jesus the only answer bigger than questions', the author talks about the Lamb of God and how Jesus' sacrifice is going to open the doors for us and give us another chance to be in the presence of God.
Comments: The book is well written. Very light and short, yet deep and clear. Discusses the issue of Evil from a unique perspective, and is eye-opening. Also sheds light on some important viewpoints, but rather than confusing the reader, the author tends to prove his viewpoint providing logical clues. Scriptures were a core input to the author's perspective, yet also managed to diverse in other viewpoints for good reasons. The book is rich with resources and is adviced for readers. Author is followed.
Pros: Short, simple, rich, resourceful.
Cons: Focused on Christian background believers. Won't be much advised for other audiences.
Rating: 7/10
Author (s): Randy Alcorn
ISBN: 1601423411
ISBN13: 978-1601423412
Format: Paperback
Pages: 80
Language: English
Genres: Religion\Christianity
Structure:
The author discusses the topic of evil and its relation to suffering as he gives a very unique and convincing Christian perspective. He starts with explaining how evil is related to suffering. Then he moves on to discussing the causes of natural disasters and gives some common explanations giving for evil and suffering. The author also discusses whether or not evil reveal God's limits and why God doesn't bring an end to evil and suffering, or at least, eliminate the worst forms of it. With that being discussed, the author talks about our insurance that one day, we will be free from evil and suffering (in Jesus Christ). He also discusses how true the 'health and wealth theology' is, and why God didn't make the reasons behind our suffering more clear. The author then talks about whether or not we can truly trust God to use our suffering for good and he suggests how our response to suffering should be and how to prepare for it, since it's inevitable. In the last chapter named 'Jesus the only answer bigger than questions', the author talks about the Lamb of God and how Jesus' sacrifice is going to open the doors for us and give us another chance to be in the presence of God.
Comments: The book is well written. Very light and short, yet deep and clear. Discusses the issue of Evil from a unique perspective, and is eye-opening. Also sheds light on some important viewpoints, but rather than confusing the reader, the author tends to prove his viewpoint providing logical clues. Scriptures were a core input to the author's perspective, yet also managed to diverse in other viewpoints for good reasons. The book is rich with resources and is adviced for readers. Author is followed.
Pros: Short, simple, rich, resourceful.
Cons: Focused on Christian background believers. Won't be much advised for other audiences.
Rating: 7/10
February 21, 2021
This is a comprehensive, easy-to-read booklet that explains the Christian worldview. It not only explains why there is suffering in the world but helps us to understand why suffering might just be necessary to build us to be the person God wants us to be.
The book didn't mention CS Lewis' quote about pain but it seems apropo to add it in this review. CS Lewis said, "God allows us to experience the low points of life in order to teach us lessons that we could learn in no other way."
If you haven't had a need for this book, you will at some point. May this booklet help you to find the meaning in that suffering.
The book didn't mention CS Lewis' quote about pain but it seems apropo to add it in this review. CS Lewis said, "God allows us to experience the low points of life in order to teach us lessons that we could learn in no other way."
If you haven't had a need for this book, you will at some point. May this booklet help you to find the meaning in that suffering.
August 10, 2015
I got this small booklet for my friend who is really hurt and confused about the sufferings in the world. I decided to read it before I passed it to her, so that I can engaged her if necessary. I didn't expect to receive much from the book, but as I was reading it, I was really wowed and greatly in awe of how good and loving God is. The author explained the root of suffering, and brings comfort through his reasoning and clear explanations. He also explained how we can rise above personal hurts and sufferings of the world, and be an overcomer in life though the power of Christ. Read it!
November 4, 2014
This was given to me by the biblical counselor at church. It definitely helped answer some of my questions such as why doesn't God immediately stop evil and suffering? Can we be sure that we week one day be free from evil and suffering? Is suffering really necessary to build our character? I really liked ask the topics covered in this little book. I plan to read Alcorn's other If God Is Good book that is much longer and more in - depth.
October 3, 2020
Nice book, but for devoted Christians only
The book focuses on evil created by humans. The solution to this problem is based on Jesus Christ. This leaves non-Christians out in the cold without answers. The discussion of evil created by natural disasters and accidents is all but non-existent and gives no answer at all.
The book focuses on evil created by humans. The solution to this problem is based on Jesus Christ. This leaves non-Christians out in the cold without answers. The discussion of evil created by natural disasters and accidents is all but non-existent and gives no answer at all.
May 28, 2020
Easy to understand
Easy to read. Easy to understand. Written in such a way that shows why there is evil. Without the bad, would we know good? Without unhappiness, would we recognise happiness? God is God. God is good.
Easy to read. Easy to understand. Written in such a way that shows why there is evil. Without the bad, would we know good? Without unhappiness, would we recognise happiness? God is God. God is good.
November 24, 2022
A Good “Pocket Book”
From the beginning of time the earth was very good but our human disobedience and rebellion Cursed all things on earth. A good little primer for the understanding of evil in the world today.
From the beginning of time the earth was very good but our human disobedience and rebellion Cursed all things on earth. A good little primer for the understanding of evil in the world today.
August 24, 2015
An interesting look at the problem of evil, I liked it.
July 20, 2020
Helpful
I read a chapter a day considering the chapters were short. The message was good and I like how it quoted the Bible.
I read a chapter a day considering the chapters were short. The message was good and I like how it quoted the Bible.
July 25, 2020
Good balance to hyper faith, but goes a bit too far in that direction at times.
April 4, 2022
Encouraging Words on the future of believer's of our Lord Jesus Christ.
August 25, 2018
I purchased this book several years ago, thinking it would be a good read. I picked it out of my many books I want to read one day and began reading yesterday, 08-24-2018. If I could rate this book less than '1', I would. As I read, it became clear that it was not written from a biblical basis, from the truth of God's Word. God is in fact, more than good and does not put sickness on us and does not want us to be ill. We live in a world where satan and his many demons live and they are the ones who want to 'kill, steal and destroy us', not God. After the cross, those who have received salvation through Jesus are to use the authority we have been given to 'heal the sick, raise the dead, heal those with leprosy and cast out demons. 1John tells us that one of the reasons Jesus came was to destroy the works of the devil, and we are to walk as Jesus walked, if we are children of God. The bible tells us about 33 miracles Jesus performed; of those, 28 were associated with the body and 24 were directly connected with healing the body. Jesus did not put sickness on anyone. This book appears to be working from a theology that is based on someone's earthly experience and not on the Word of God. It bothers me greatly that this book is out there and people are actually reading it and believing it, instead of believing the Words of God and Jesus.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews