When God Weeps: Why Our Sufferings Matter to the Almighty [Hardcover]

Joni Eareckson Tada (Author), Steve Estes (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 10, 1997

It's easy to trust God when things are going our way and the world makes sense. But when suffering strikes--especially seemingly senseless suffering--we are filled with doubt and stunned by events spiraling beyond our control. In the midst of suffering, we often question the very foundation of our faith--our belief in the God who says he loves us. Since our trust and obedience rest on God's character, the questions that life's tragedies force us to face are difficult, even frightening. Who is God? Can he really be trusted? What are his purposes in the face of suffering? If he can stop suffering, why doesn't he? Joni Eareckson Tada, a woman who has lived in a wheelchair for more than thirty years, and Steve Estes, a pastor and one of Joni's closest friends, explore the answers. When God Weeps is not so much a book about suffering as it is about God. It tackles tough questions about heaven and hell, horrors and hardships, and why God allows suffering in this life. Through a panoramic overview of what the Bible says about suffering, the authors make clear who God is, why he permits so much heartache and pain, and how it is we can trust him. With both a practical edge and heartfelt warmth, When God Weeps offers dependence on his love and mercy in spite of our doubts, fears, longings, and questions. It's a message much needed. Despair and discouragement are rampant. At the same time, fewer people are able to balance God's purposes and his mercies. Instead, attempting to avoid tragedy and suffering, many Christians confuse simple formulas for faith. But where does that leave the family who loses a son on a military mission? Or the young mother who isn't healed of cancer? When God Weeps is for people like these . . . and for thousands more who need more -- much more -- than answers.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'The Tada-Estes team gives us a God-centered analysis of God's purposes in the pains and grief's of his human creatures. This book packs a tremendous punch, and you do not have to be in distress when you read it to be mightily enriched and encouraged.' -- J.I. Packer <br><br>

From the Publisher

It's easy to trust God when things are going our way and the world makes sense. But when suffering strikes--especially seemingly senseless suffering--we are filled with doubt and stunned by events spiraling beyond our control. In the midst of suffering, we often question the very foundation of our faith--our belief in the God who says he loves us.

Since our trust and obedience rest on God's character, the questions that life's tragedies force us to face are difficult, even frightening. Who is God? Can he really be trusted? What are his purposes in the face of suffering? If he can stop suffering, why doesn't he?

Joni Eareckson Tada, a woman who has lived in a wheelchair for more than thirty years, and Steve Estes, a pastor and one of Joni's closest friends, explore the answers. When God Weeps is not so much a book about suffering as it is about God. It tackles tough questions about heaven and hell, horrors and hardships, and why God allows suffering in this life.

Through a panoramic overview of what the Bible says about suffering, the authors make clear who God is, why he permits so much heartache and pain, and how it is we can trust him. With both a practical edge and heartfelt warmth, When God Weeps offers a message of deep reliance on God--and keys to a radical, life-transforming dependence on his love and mercy in spite of our doubts, fears, longings, and questions.

It's a message much needed. Despair and discouragement are rampant. At the same time, fewer people are able to balance God's purposes and his mercies. Instead, attempting to avoid tragedy and suffering, many Christians confuse simple formulas for faith. But where does that leave the family who loses a son on a military mission? Or the young mother who isn't healed of cancer?

When God Weeps is for people like these . . . and for thousands more who need more--much more--than answers.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan Publishing; book club ed edition (October 10, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310211867
• ISBN-13: 978-0310211860
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (49 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #507,776 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Joni Eareckson Tada is the founder of Joni and Friends, an organization accelerating Christian outreach in the disability community that numbers 610 million people worldwide. This organization operates out of the new Joni and Friends International Disability Center located in Agoura Hills, California. Joni is not only an international disability advocate but an artist and the author of numerous bestselling books, including Pearls of Great Price, Diamonds in the Dust, More Precious Than Silver, the Platinum award-winning Joni, Heaven: Your Real Home, When God Weeps, and The God I Love.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

45 of 45 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars This book saved my life. July 18, 2006

By Lori K. Bowen

Format:Paperback

Less than a month ago, I had a miscarriage. After the Dr's appointment when we found out the baby had died, The father drove me home, kissed me goodbye and told me he would be back after work to be with me. It is the last time I ever saw or heard from him. Within a week of that horrible day, my very best friend in the world abandoned me without explanation, ignoring my calls and emails to this day. At my very lowest, contemplating suicide, I went home to visit my parents, and picked up this book next to my mother's chair. I hate to read, but God had other plans for me that day. I could not put this book down, and thank goodness I couldn't. This book made evrything so clear to me. My whole sky opened back up. Life seemed worth living again, so that I could serve God. This book truly saved my life, and I would recommend, no, insist that anyone struggling through a hopeless situation read this. Joni is a true messenger of God and His word.

49 of 51 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best "Why do we Suffer?" books ever written! August 17, 2001

By E. M. Holderman

Format:Hardcover

"When God Weeps: Why Our Sufferings Matter to the Almighty" is one of the absolute best books I've read concerning the issue of "Why do we suffer?!?" and "Does it really matter to God?" A friend recommended this book to me, as I have struggled with my own chronic illness and the whole 'Why?' 'For what?' 'How come?' mentality. Plainly put, suffering is hard. There is nothing "glorious" about it. Since dealing with my disease and after reading this book, I've come to see that suffering takes us to a whole new level of God's grace. It accomplishes things we may not truly understand in this life. It is a teacher, albeit a difficult one alot of times, but it draws us closer to God. It produces endurance and sharpens our character. Joni Eareckson Tada co-wrote this book with her pastor friend, Steven Estes, although Tada wrote the majority of it. I receive so well from her, because of all she has endured. She is an inspriation to me. This book is scripturely based and the firm, honest, yet compassionate approach to this painful issue was very well articulated. Sometimes, that can be a difficult feat to accomplish in the face of tragedy. I think so often, we as Christians may view "suffering" as something that involoves only religious issues, when in fact, it permeates through every facet of our lives. This is another topic they touch on. She talks a little bit about some of her own struggles and gained insights over the years, and introduces us to alot of people she's met along the way, who also endure suffering. Endure meaning to live with, to cope with. She asks the hard questions, but doesn't give 'pat answers.' This book is really more about the truths of God regarding suffering, than just 'suffering,' itself. There is a difference.

"When God Weeps" has been such a huge help to me. I have read it through twice and I often refer back to it a chapter here or a chapter there, especially when I'm struggling with something. And let's be honest...when you're suffering, you need compassionate & loving direction, not stern judgmental opinion. Tada/Estes provide just what I was needing. They don't pretend to have all the scrupulous answers, but direct you to the One who does. One thing I really liked was that they include a section (at the end of the book) devoted totally to scriptures on God's purpose in our sufferings. Sometimes, when you're the one trying to 'endure,' it can be difficult to even find the motivation to search the Bible for related scripture. It's layed right out here for you.

Now listen, if you're so heartbroken and feel really shattered and very fragile, you may not be ready to start reading books about "WHY?" just yet. Instead, you may need to go to a trusted friend and pour your heart out to them and to God through prayer. I tried to read a "WHY?" book once before I was really ready, and it just frustrated me all the more. God will let you know when the time is right. If you feel that you are ready, then this is a really wonderful book! It gave me alot of direction, reminded me that God is still in control, and that He really does care about me and my life, regardless of how I may sometimes "feel." *There's also a Large print addition and audio cassette version of this book available.*

40 of 42 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book, very moving, extremely solid Biblically November 17, 1999

By A Customer

Format:Hardcover

Being no stranger to struggles and pain, i sought to read this book. What i got through this book is far more than i expected: i expected a warm, fluffy book full of inspirational stories and sympathy. The book does have that, but it has something else, too: DOCTRINE. Joni shows us popular opinions of God's role in suffering, and then she picks up the sledgehammer of Doctrine and skillfully smashes the false notion into pieces. She masterfully backs up everything she says with references in the Holy Bible (there's even an entire appendix delegated to giving an outline of concepts expressed in the book and detailed Biblical verses to back it up). I heartily reccommend this book, it really blew me away. (I also bought "Chicken Soup for the Christian Soul". While that book was ok, it was nothing compared to "When God Weeps.")