A Theology of Suffering

Guest: Dr. Connor Bales, Prestonwood Baptist Church, North Campus Pastor

New book: Counted Worthy: A Father’s Perspective on the Theology of Suffering

Connor shares their family’s intimate journey with two special needs daughters - Libby and Hannah. Both girls were diagnosed with the rare genetic disease called Trisomy 16p. 

“Everyone suffers, just not all of our suffering is the same.” Connor Bales

Joni Eareckson Tada says in her book When God Weeps, “This is good news for the suffering soul. The Son of God did not exempt Himself from affliction but lived through it and learned from it.”

Connor Bales: I counsel people who engage with those in suffering to usually say only three things:

1. I’m so sorry - it is critically important that we acknowledge sadness and grief over whatever it is that they are suffering
2. This is awful - every sufferer should be validated in their suffering with the acknowledgement that whatever they are facing and enduring is bad for them
3. I love you - the unconditional Gospel-reminder that we love and support one another in the midst of suffering is Christ’s work in and through us

Other great resources:

Stephanie Hubach - Same Lake, Different Boat: Coming Alongside People Touched by Disability

D.A. Caron and Kathleen Nielson - Resurrection Life in a World of Suffering

Joni Eareckson Tada - When God Weeps

Randy Alcorn - If God is Good: Faith in the Midst of Suffering and Evil