Finding Purpose Beyond Our Pain by Paul Meier, MD and David L Henderson, MD

This book helps people understand and act on the potential for growth through seven common sources of pain in life. Biblically based but with practical approaches to dealing with injustice, rejection, loneliness, loss, discipline, failure, and death, the authors challenge us to discover the lessons a loving God is teaching. Readers can grow in appreciation of how God works in their lives, drawing closer to Him through the unpleasant and sometimes devastating circumstances we all suffer because of our fallen nature.

The application of Bible stories themselves along with a discussion of the central character’s behaviors as they relate to a particular kind of pain shows that nothing has really changed in human nature over the centuries. Elijah endured great suffering and much adversity. An ordinary man with the same faults and failures many of us have today, Elijah is a true inspiration. The authors show how God used him to accomplish wonders for the salvation of souls even to this day, which can give hope to the most frail. Especially important is the linking of our human suffering to the suffering of Christ, placing our circumstances in perspective.

Smoothly written and logically composed, it offers the flexibility of going directly to sections of interest, losing nothing when bypassing previous sections. Moreover, the “Finding Purpose Beyond…” suggestions and challenges at the end of each section help to focus on moving toward real happiness through the suffering we cannot escape.

An example of how the authors do this is at the end of the section on failure, question five:

“What are the most important desires you have in life (the desire for love, the desire for acceptance, the desire for comfort, the desire for significance)? What have you been using to satisfy those desires? Is it working for you? How might Christ’s presence provide more lasting fulfillment for you?”

I found the content of this feature very thought-provoking and helpful.

Engaging stories of individuals the authors have treated in their practices also illustrate their points and enliven the writing along with appropriate Biblical quotes. I highly recommend this book to people looking for answers to circumstances troubling them, wondering where God is in all of it, and how life can be better.

Finding Purpose Beyond Our Pain by Paul Meier, MD and David L Henderson, MD