Let's Read: Suffering is Never for Nothing by Elisabeth Elliot
march Book Pick
For March we will be reading Suffering is Never for Nothing by Elisabeth Elliot. A short, easy read created from a talk Elisabeth Elliot gave some years ago on the topic of suffering. Words of hope and perspective from a woman who experienced tremendous suffering — I can’t wait to read this with you this month.
Suffering is Never for Nothing
by Elisabeth Elliot
“This book is tender, compassionate, clear, honest... and practical.”
Paul David Tripp
Quick Summary
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.
Description via Amazon
About The Author
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’s 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. Author bio via Amazon
From The morning team
Why we chose this book
meg walker
Elisabeth Elliot faced immense grief throughout her life and yet continued to seek God through it. I love how she is straightforward, brief, and yet powerfully encouraging in her wisdom regarding suffering. This book left me feeling grounded in truth and reminded where hope is found in the midst of even my darkest days.
Ashlee Proffitt
This book is like listening to an older, wiser friend share their experience and their encouragement. Elisabeth shares truths about the reality of suffering that are trustworthy simply because she’s speaking from a place of knowing. She has walked through suffering and her words are not just an idea, but truths she has experienced and lived out. I find that so encouraging.
the morning
book club
LEARNING, GROWING & HEALING TOGETHER
The Morning Book Club is here to provide support and thoughtful conversation about what we are reading and learning. We’re here for the books that will offer insight on navigating grief, life after loss and finding hope.
We will do so in a super simple way — because as fellow grieving moms, we know how hard it can be to read more than a few words at a time. We’re here for you and can’t wait to learn, grow and heal together.
xo,
ashlee