Suffering Wisely and Well, by Eric Ortlund

Why does suffering exist? What's God's purpose for pain the life of Job, and throughout Scripture?

The pain of suffering can be overwhelmingly mysterious, yet the Bible does offer some answers. Throughout Scripture, God permits trials in order to accomplish specific purposes in the lives of His people. When faced with suffering they experience spiritual growth, repentance from sin, or, as in the Old Testament story of Job, the chance to demonstrate devotion to God in the mist of inexplicable agony.

In Suffering Wisely and Well, Eric Ortlund goes over different types of trials throughout Scripture, exposing the spiritual purpose for each while reassuring readers with God's promise of restoration. The majority of the book focuses on Job, one of the most well-known yet misunderstood stories of suffering. Ortulnd thoughtfully analyzes the text chapter by chapter, including the doubt of Job's friends, God's response Job's questions, and the meaning behind important imagery including references to Leviathan and Behemoth. Suffering Wisely and Well reveals how to deepen your relationship with God through painful experiences in your own life and ways to comfort others who are hurting.

Chapters include:

- Suffering Wisely: Varieties of Suffering in the Bible and Our Response
- The All-Surpassing Worth of Knowing the Lord (Job 1-2)
- Job's Torturers, the Psychology of Legalism, and the Beauty of Gospel Friendship (Job 3-37)
- Patiently Listening to Job's Protest and His Faith (Job 3-37)
- Job's Limits, God's Goodness, and the Continuing Presence of Evil
- Behemoth, Leviathan, and God's Defeat of Evil
- Job's Worship and Restoration (Job 42)