Suffering Is Never for Nothing

Hard times come for all in life, with no real explanation. When we walk through suffering, it has the potential to devastate and destroy, or to be the gateway to gratitude and joy. Elisabeth Elliot was no stranger to suffering. Her first husband, Jim, was murdered by the Waoroni people in Ecuador moments after he arrived in hopes of sharing the gospel. Her second husband was lost to cancer. Yet, it was in her deepest suffering that she learned the deepest lessons about God. Why doesn’t God do something about suffering? He has, He did, He is, and He will. Suffering and love are inexplicably linked, as God’s love for His people is evidenced in His sending Jesus to carry our sins, griefs, and sufferings on the cross, sacrificially taking what was not His on Himself so that we would not be required to carry it. He has walked the ultimate path of suffering, and He has won victory on our behalf. This truth led Elisabeth to say, “Whatever is in the cup that God is offering to me, whether it be pain and sorrow and suffering and grief along with the many more joys, I’m willing to take it because I trust Him.” Because suffering is never for nothing.

Publisher: B & H
Type: Paperback
ISBN: 9781535914154

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Elisabeth Elliot (1926-2015) was a missionary and a critically acclaimed author and speaker. For over half a century, her life of obedience, timeless teachings, and best-selling books have influenced both believers and seekers of the Christian faith. Elisabeth life work was to share these deep things: the trustworthiness of God, the blessings of obedience, the hope of joy in the midst of sorrow, the call to love one’s enemy, the priceless treasure of purity, and the true meaning of Biblical womanhood and manhood. Having written over twenty books, some of her most distinguished writings include, Passion and Purity, Let Me Be a Woman, Shadow of the Almighty, Through Gates of Splendor, and The Savage My Kinsman. The latter three chronicle Elliot’s missionary work and the life and martyrdom of her husband Jim Elliot.

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‘I have read Elisabeth Elliot’s books now for over 20 years. I consider her a true mentor. I have also attended her talks. However, this book is different. Since it is a transcription of her talk it has a unique flow. There is a gentleness to it that I didn’t find in her other books as much, a relatability filled with much grace as she does not make suffering at all formulaic or explainable. However she gives us some practical encouragement for how to go through it with the Lord.’ Cameron Germann