Finding Purpose Beyond Our Pain: Uncover the Hidden Potential Beyond Our Pain,” by Paul Meier, MD and David L. Henderson, MD, was written to teach readers how to confidently face painful struggles in a way that allows growth as well as emotional and spiritual maturity. The book explores the seven most common life challenges: injustice, rejection, loneliness, loss, discipline, failure and death.
Honestly, I had difficulty getting through this book because it seemed a little too preachy for me. However, I could see the purpose and how it would help someone who 1) is easy to reach through these authors’ style of writing, and 2) is thinking that they’ve lost all hope and has nothing else to lose.
Despite my initial impressions of the book there were definite areas and passages that stuck out for me. From the introduction, “It is not easy to find purpose beyond our pain in such trails, but God assures us it is there. Over and over the Bible reveals a good and loving God who allows our pain as part of His greater plan of redemption and new creations. Through the prophet Isaiah, God assures His people, ‘I will not cause pain without allowing something new to be born’ If you focus on Him during your pain, it will be worth the wait.”
This book, I believe, definitely offers truth, necessary Biblical references, examples and tangible steps to take. I simply did not find it interesting. It could be because I don’t believe it’s relevant for me at this time, however, it is one that I will keep on my bookshelf for reference and later reading.
