Biblical Hope During Life’s Greatest Trials
One thing is certain in this life: We will all experience hardship and pain. But with God as our caring Father, we can also be certain the trials we face are not simply mysteries beyond understanding, but opportunities to be shaped for a glory beyond imagination.
When we learn why God allows suffering, our pain is given meaning. How Does God Use Suffering for Our Good? is a powerful and encouraging look at how God can use life’s difficulties for His grand plans for us. You will discover how Scripture offers far more than a “trust and wait” response to enduring life’s trials—and how you can live with purpose and hope even as you suffer today.
Drawing on their own times of anguish and hardship, Clay and Jean guide you through seven specific, practical, and life-tested truths that can help you experience victory amid afflictions. These timeless truths from Scripture will help calm your heart, equip you to persevere, and help you focus on the glorious inheritance that awaits you in heaven.
About the Author :
Clay Jones (DMin) is a former pastor who for 16 years was a professor in the Master of Arts of Christian Apologetics program at Talbot School of Theology. He’s the author of Why Does God Allow Evil? and Immortal. www.ClayJones.net
Jean E. Jones is co-author of five books, including Discovering Joy in Philippians. She’s a member of Women in Apologetics and a Bible teacher. She's published with Crosswalk.com, Today's Christian Woman, and HomeLife Magazine. www.JeanEJones.net
Review :
“How Does God Use Suffering for Our Good? is a rare blend of biblical insight and real-world wisdom from two thoughtful authors who have firsthand experience with the topic. Clay and Jean Jones tackle one of life’s toughest questions with the investigative rigor and clarity I value as a detective. Their seven practical truths offer not just answers, but genuine hope for anyone navigating hardship.”
—J. Warner Wallace, Dateline-featured cold-case detective and author of Cold-Case Christianity and The Truth in True Crime
“Clay and Jean E. have provided such a gift to the church with this book. In transparently sharing their own journey of suffering, they model a theologically robust and God-glorifying faith that will bring readers both comfort and strength for the darkest times. Every one of us will endure dark times—the only question is how we’ll respond. The powerful insights in this book offer answers that will bring you peace no matter the trial.”
—Natasha Crain, speaker, podcaster, and author of five books, including When Culture Hates You
“Here is a profound and intensely practical book that looks unflinchingly at our struggles and provides a biblical pathway toward victory. My friends Clay and Jean E. Jones speak from personal experience about how we can find hope and meaning through the valleys of life. Take an eye-opening and heart-enlarging journey with them, and you’ll emerge encouraged, uplifted, and—though it may seem counterintuitive—ever more grateful to God.”
—Lee Strobel, bestselling author of The Case for Christ and Seeing the Supernatural
“There are a lot of books on God and suffering, but How Does God Use Our Suffering for Good? stands out for a few reasons. First, it is rooted in firsthand experience. Both Clay and Jean share personal hurt and suffering that frames the entire book. Second, it is biblical. Scripture is the authoritative source for all the wisdom and advice that flows from this book. Third, it is deeply honest. The Joneses do not shy away from difficult questions about suffering. They lean into them, and yet they offer wisdom to face them with hope and joy. I could not recommend it more highly.”
—Sean McDowell, PhD, is a professor of apologetics at Talbot School of Theology, the author or editor of more than 20 books, and a popular YouTuber
“When you’re struggling, it’s easy for people to whisper sweet lies full of cherry-picked Scriptures with ‘scriptural promises.’ And that may make you feel good for a little while…until real life comes crashing down, demolishing all these simplistic notions of how life is supposed to be for a Christian. When that happens, you need real answers and real comfort. That is what this book provides. The Christian life is full of suffering—which is exactly what God promised us! There is no plan B for the Christian. In How Does God Use Our Suffering for Good?, Clay and Jean E. Jones provide biblical comfort with biblical encouragement (i.e., infusing courage!) in the face of life’s toughest problems. And they don’t lob these truth bombs from afar; they walk with them daily in their lives. I have seen it firsthand. If you as a Christian want to know how to honor God and have joy within suffering, then this is the book for you.”
—Hillary Morgan Ferrer, founder/president of Mama Bear Apologetics®. Primary author/editor of Mama Bear Apologetics®: Empowering Your Kids to Challenge Cultural Lies and Mama Bear Apologetics® Guide to Gender and Sexuality: Empowering Your Kids to Understand and Live Out God’s Design
“What does a ministry-minded Christian couple do when they experience five miscarriages, numerous disappointments, doubts, unanswered prayer, and incurable cancer? They praise God and write a comforting and brilliant new book that will help thousands of others experiencing pain and suffering. Clay and Jean E. Jones reveal from their own lives and the Scriptures how God uses even the most devastating events for good both now and in eternity. This is as real as it gets, folks. Read and be encouraged!”
—Frank Turek, author and speaker
