When God Weeps: Why Our Sufferings Matter to the Almighty

Though extensive research and backed by Biblical scriptures, Joni has shown how God really does care for those in pain. Christians know that when they get to heaven there will be no more sorrow and no more pain.Joni uses many quotes from C.S. Lewis throughout the book. I agree with her choice as he is my favorite author. (I’m sure Joni comes a close second.)What I especially liked about this book is how the author organized it. It has a definite beginning and end. She ties everything together nicely in the end. It is a long book, but very much worth the time spent reading it. (My review is short and doesn’t do the book justice. Joni really did her research as is shown in her extensive appendices.)

Joni Eareckson Tada's insights on suffering have been forged during more than thirty years in a wheelchair. In When God Weeps she and her longtime friend Pastor Steve Estes explore questions of theodicy beyond the superficial. They proclaim faith in a God `big enough to understand our suffering, wise enough to allow it." This is not your superficial "God wants everyone to be healthy right now" approach!Their approach is radically God-centered. Rather than starting with man's concerns and then either apologizing for God (like open theism) or accusing him (like skepticism), they attempt to start with who God is. The first section of the book looks at God's gracious self-revelation in Christ. With infectious joy they attempt to describe the Trinitarian God's attributes: his beauty, his goodness, his sovereignty. Their point is that God is contented forever in his own glory. They paint a Biblical picture of a God of infinite passion and love. "Our call to suffer comes from a God tender beyond description" (p. 40).And this God is himself a sacrificial, suffering servant. "The Trinity planned it. The Son endured it. The Spirit enabled him. The Father rejected the Son whom he loved. Jesus, the God-man from Nazareth, perished..... This is who asks us to trust him when he calls on us to suffer" (p.54). God hates suffering (p. 57), and yet, "(t)he Bible could be no clearer. God does ask his children of every nation... to suffer" (p. 65). Alluding to C.S. Lewis' famous line from the Narnia series, they conclude: "the sovereign God who holds your days in his hand is not safe. He's anything but. He's the King, I tell you. But he's good" (p. 93).Having explored God's nature and character in very personal terms, the authors next turn to described God's actions and works in Section II (pp.97f.). As Tada learned from long, painful experience, God's Word tells us that he uses the weak of this world to accomplish his purposes, to his glory and their (our) special honor (p.113; cf. I Cor. 12:22). In this we can have fellowship in his suffering. They note, "By itself, suffering does no good. But when we see it as the thing between God and us, it has meaning" (p.135). The Cross is the key.

Absolutely critical reading for explaining pain in this world. These two writers do a great job explaining some of the most difficult questions about God and suffering. I read it many years ago and have recommended it to multiple people who have also found it useful and insightful. I believe it to be a must-read for all Christian believers and should be helpful explanation of suffering to anyone.

In 1999, I became disabled with chronic pain. I was so angry with God, I didn't talk to him for two years. I don't buy that "we don't always know God's plan" line given to people who go through horrible things. He is, and therefore, He is omnipotent. My disability had a reason. I also don't buy "God's ways are mysterious." Not usually. He did tell us how He does things. I'm just not that good at figuring it out.In the beginning of this book, Joni said not to read it if you're still angry. I did anyway. My heart softened through the book. The logic of God making me disabled is...well, logical. She's right. I do need the reminder that I need Him more than most. I was raised on "God helps them who help themselves." (The most often quoted Bible verse that's not in the Bible, nor is it connected to the Bible.) God helps them who need it. We ll need it.The day I remember that may be the day the chronic pain disappears. I've lived the life of Jonah. He's got a lot of work to do in me before that day hits. Thank God, He got His message into a couple of his kids so they can teach the rest of us, who needed this message. A must-read, for anyone who has ever asked God, "Why me?"

Picked up this book when I was working through how to handle complicated topics like grief and suffering in my workplace (medicine), and it was immensely helpful.Joni has been through it all, and for the things she hasn't, she's coached others through it. There's something about hearing from people that have been through dark places, but still praise the Lord.Great book, can't recommend it enough. Especially if you're working through how a loving God (which he is), could let awful suffering take place.- Chris

The Holy Spirit spoke to me through this book. The expression, "When we pray, we speak to God: but when we read, God speaks to us" is most definitely my experience with this book. After reading "When God Weeps', I truly understand that all my earthly sufferings are for my good and the greater good of others, if I trust in God. I now look upon my adversities as blessings because they lead me to this book along with an intense deepening of my faith. I have read numerous books, too many to count, trying to understand why my life, from childhood on, was riddled with abuse, betrayal, grief and loneliness. After reading "When God Weeps", I need not read another book other than the bible. I will be purchasing many copies of this book to give to friends, family members, and enemies who are suffering and questioning their faith. Thank you to the authors of "When God Weeps" for allowing the Holy Spirit to speak through you....God bless you both!

It is amazing that someone who has suffered so much in life can write such a book. It gives great insight into the heart of God and the part he plays in our suffering and gives us hope that our suffering is not in vain.

This is a sequeal to 'Joni' by Joni Earecksen Tada .'When God weeps' takes time to take in all that is written and said . It is not only thought provoking but true. An encouraging and helpful book pointing to all that God does and has for suffers and suffering in the world and how we are to cope and live with our afflictions.

Totally happy with supplier

God's word is like pool, the deeper you dive, the more refreshed you become. Thoroughly sound theological exposition with great application to life. This book blessed me in my journey.

In her typical honest style, Joni explores the weighty subject of suffering, peppering the theology with her own personal story.