We often hold out for God to alleviate our circumstantial suffering or pain. But what about those who suffer and fall between the cracks of conventional Christian teaching? Those that don’t have that luxury to have the horrific circumstance removed or reversed that has caused their hardship? These people aren’t able to hold out hope that the Lord will alleviate their circumstances because their circumstances are not transformable within the rules of life that the Lord has set up. The Lord will not reasonably reattach the legs of a person who has had both of their legs amputated, nor will God bring a women’s husband of fifty years back from the dead: so does this mean that these people have no hope? The answer to this question is there is hope! There is a solution to suffering that doesn’t depend on the transformation or relief of our circumstances. “To Those Who Suffer” proves that the Lord’s hope is not primarily found in the relief of our condition but in the actions of Christ on the Cross. The Lord will come through for us even if He doesn’t change our circumstances. This doesn’t mean that there isn’t circumstantial blessing and relief to be had in our lives. It simply means that such things are a secondary solution to our suffering compared to the spiritual solution that our Savior sends to all who seek to understand suffering from His standpoint. This truth is best displayed by the actions of Christ at the Cross. If Jesus had the circumstantial pain that He was in immediately alleviated, then the greatest gift and most wonderful thing that the world has ever seen would not have come to pass. The same is true for us. “To Those Who Suffer” helps you to understand that the Lord is not ‘short changing’ you by allowing pain and suffering in your life. The best and most wonderful thing that the Lord brings to pass in the lives of His children is not the protection of their personal pleasure but the process of being conformed into the image of His Son. In Chapter 10 author Sean Nolan explains that Paul understood that the highest calling and greatest gift God gives to His children is not comfortable circumstances but a Christ-like character. Paul realized that suffering fueled and propelled his relationship with God. Through this he came to understand something more fulfilling and valuable than a pain free existence. Paul learned that his physical pain had produced spiritual prosperity. He may have been suffering in his physical earthly circumstances but he was abounding spiritually. His relationship with the Lord had flourished and he had an abundance of Christ-like characteristics that had been cultivated through the removal of his comfort. It is the purpose of this book to help you understand that the Lord takes the same tree and changes its fruit. Instead of suffering giving birth to misery, despondency, anger, hate and pain, the Lord prunes and works in our lives so that we bear different fruit from the same tree or circumstances. Instead of negative bitter fruit, our suffering can yield fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. The Lord may not bring relief of your pain but instead He’ll use it as a breeding ground for Godly character traits such as: love, joy and purpose. It is the message of the Cross, and the message of this book to “To Those Who Suffer,” that a seemingly hopeless circumstance can give birth to the most powerful victory and wonderful blessing!
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Editorial Reviews
About the Author
Sean Nolan lives in Sydney, Australia with his family and is a Pastor at Glorious Hope Baptist Church.
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Sean Nolan is an ordained minister of Glorious Hope Baptist Church in western Sydney, which reaches out to some of the most marginalized members of the community. Sean completed his studies in Theology at Emmaus Bible College - Sydney.
Sean's first book, "To Those Who Suffer", is being released across North America on the 1st of May. Sean also works as a Christian political consultant and has spoken and Federal and State Parliament.
Sean believes that laughter is a wonderful medicine and that humor is a ministry workers best friend! He desperately wants God to allow Him to reach out to people who live near the beach, because then he will live near the beach! Sean enjoys rugby, cricket and sci-fi and has a passion for people in pain.
Sean's first book, "To Those Who Suffer", is being released across North America on the 1st of May. Sean also works as a Christian political consultant and has spoken and Federal and State Parliament.
Sean believes that laughter is a wonderful medicine and that humor is a ministry workers best friend! He desperately wants God to allow Him to reach out to people who live near the beach, because then he will live near the beach! Sean enjoys rugby, cricket and sci-fi and has a passion for people in pain.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A choice read that shouldn't be missed,
By Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: To Those Who Suffer: Understanding God's Purpose and Pathway Through Pain (Paperback)
Suffering is only temporary for those who know the way away. "To Those Who Suffer: Understanding God's Purpose and Pathway Through Pain" discusses suffering through faith, discussing why God does not simply end the painful things that happen in our lives, that bring them down. Sean Nolan also discusses why these people should not simply despair, and has much to give them hope for a better day. "To Those Who Suffer" is a choice read that shouldn't be missed by those faced with dread.
4.0 out of 5 stars
"To Those Who Suffer: Understanding God's Purpose and Pathway Through Pain" by Sean Nolan,
This review is from: To Those Who Suffer: Understanding God's Purpose and Pathway Through Pain (Paperback)
Sean Nolan's book, "To Those Who Suffer: Understanding God's Purpose and Pathway Through Pain," opened my eyes to look for God's purpose in our suffering, be it physical, mental, financial, or spiritual suffering, etc.--whether it comes from in the form of innocent suffering (caused by others), self-imposed suffering, and suffering spiritually (which to me is suffering for the sake of the Gospel).In no way does Sean disclose the great 'fix-it plan' to solve all suffering, but he guides us into contemplating God's work behind the scenes of our lives. Sometimes we see His plan, other times we don't. Throughout the book it's clear that God's love and mercy for us are always there, He cares about us, and He has not forsaken us at any time. I do believe that God heals and restores people today out of their suffering like in Biblical times, but not always. Sean is clear that God's foremost goal for sending His Son was to reconcile us back to God, giving us a relationship with Him, and to conform us into Christ's image. His message is that God uses suffering to make that change in us. After all, who changes when things are going great? I also found that about the time I wanted to argue Sean's point, he came up with Scriptural insights I hadn't thought of. He did this chapter after chapter, surprising me and broadening my knowledge of God's ways. Sean's book is one of those books you need to read more than once or twice to get the meat of the book and apply it to your life. I highly recommend this one for spiritual growth in your life despite life's circumstances. And since he suffers from chronic pain himself, it makes this book that much more real and personal. Will you let your suffering make you bitter or better? It's your choice. **Special thanks to Audra Jennings of The B&B Media Group for sending me a review copy.***
4.0 out of 5 stars
Loved it!,
By
This review is from: To Those Who Suffer: Understanding God's Purpose and Pathway Through Pain (Paperback)
I do not have an illness, but when the opportunity to review this book arose, I took it. In my mind, you don't have to have an illness to be suffering and in pain and in need of God and His love. There is all kinds of pain and suffering in the world today. This book is full of Sean Nolan's kind and compassionate words as he uses scripture verses and an understanding that God can help you overcome the pain and suffering of anything.I really think this book is worthy of 4 stars. A I said above, I don't have an illness, but I benefited from it just the same. I have a deeper understanding of God's will and His love for me even in the most difficult of times. Please, no matter what your suffering from, give this amazing book by Sean Nolan a chance! You will benefit from it, too!
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