Sadly, suffering is a fact of life. At one point or another, to one degree or another, you will face suffering. Suffering will consume your being.
It is never too late to develop a theology of suffering. We all need a proper foundation because it is not a question of if but when we will suffer (James 1:2; 1 Peter 1:6; 2 Peter 2:9).
How do we develop a theology of suffering?
Read and study. Here are resources to help you in your pursuit of a good foundation in the theology of suffering.
- If God Is Good: Faith in the Midst of Suffering and Evil by Randy Alcorn (Kindle edition)
- When God Weeps by Joni Eareckson Tada (Kindle edition)
- Suffering and the Sovereignty of God by John Piper and Justin Taylor (Kindle edition)
- Kindle edition)
- O Love That Will Not Let Me Go: Facing Death with Courageous Confidence in God by David Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Richard Baxter, Nancy Guthrie and John Piper
- A Lifetime of Wisdom: Embracing the Way God Heals You by Joni Eareckson Tada (Kindle edition)
- Why, O God?: Suffering and Disability in the Bible and the Church by Larry J. Waters, Roy B. Zuck, Randy Alcorn and Joni Eareckson Tada (Kindle edition)
- Disability and the Gospel: How God Uses Our Brokenness to Display His Grace by Michael S. Beates and Joni Eareckson Tada (Kindle edition)
- The God I Love: A Lifetime of Walking with Jesus by Joni Eareckson Tada (Kindle edition)
- Glorious Intruder: God’s Presence in Life’s Chaos by Joni Eareckson Tada (Kindle edition)
Do you have other books and resources? Please share!
Update: 1/15/2013
Don’t You Dare Be Caught Rejoicing with Those Who Weep, an interview with Joni Eareckson Tada and Marvin Olasky.