Hope When It Hurts

Kathleen B. Nielson

Kristen and Sarah have let us in to listen to their meditations in the midst of pain and limitation. They've opened up their hearts, their stories, and their Word-filled words. From our various contexts, we will all learn as we listen. I'm grateful for this book's faithful call to lift up our eyes to a God of mercy who loves and saves.

Barbara Sherwood

It’s great to have a book written by people who know protracted suffering and are still in the thick of it, which shows us how to apply the gospel to our suffering so that we can persevere and also grow through it. Honest but not self-focused, the authors faithfully explain and direct us to Scripture throughout, give us words to pray based on Scripture, and encourage further reflection on biblical truth. This will be an invaluable resource to those in the midst of suffering and to those who seek to support and encourage them. I thoroughly recommend it.

"So many words to encourage my aching heart"

As I turned the pages of the book I thought ‘Yes! They really get suffering…’ They ‘get’ suffering because both the authors ‘are’ suffering. Present tense. They are writing it in the storm.... continue reading

A gem of a book

It is easy to read, conversational and yet deeply theological, and the genuiness of their faith, scarred and battle-weary though it is, drips through every sentence with raw honesty.... continue reading

“Good though could be improved”

This book is written by two American women who both suffer primarily physical conditions. It’s worth bearing in mind it is American in tone and that their experience of suffering is relatively narrow, though deep.
The font size is very small for a book - it has made it difficult to give to more elderly people.
The italic font of the sub-headings is difficult to read.
It would be improved by making it cheaper as a soft not hard cover and removing all of the floral aspects - I think stereotypical unnecessary gendering of books is unhelpful.
Having said all of that, I find it theologically helpful and return to it but would prefer the points I’ve made above to be addressed in future reprints.

“Like a soothing balm to my aching heart...”

I wish I could give this book 10 stars. I I cannot even begin to tell you how helpful and encouraging this book has been for me. If you’re hurting or suffering in any way or are walking through something painful with someone you love, I highly recommend this book. It was, and still is, like a soothing balm to an aching heart. Sarah and Kristen point to Jesus and the gospel over and over and over as they share honestly about their own struggles with suffering. This book truly is chock full of HOPE for those who are hurting. Apart from the Bible, it has been the most helpful book I’ve read on suffering.

“Pure Gold”

This book is liquid gold. There are no sufficient words really that better describe it except to say that, importantly, it is theologically astute and the application of the bible to our situation of suffering and hurt is balm for a weary soul. I will be forever grateful and could not recommend this highly enough.

“Fantastic!”

I got this book as something that I could use as a devotional and it was worth every penny. Regardless of where you're at there is so much to learn from this book. The journal section at the end of each chapter, along with the reflect section help to sum up what you have learned. I couldn't recommend this book enough!

“Keep on re-reading and meditating on its treasures”

A beautifully presented hardback book, though the flowery exterior might put men off from reading it! That would be a shame as all could benefit from the biblical truths shared and applied in these pages. It's not a book to hurry through but to read a chapter at a time, praying for the Spirit to apply the truths of God's Word to yourself and taking time to meditate on them. There is space for writing your own reflections, which is great. If you are feeling particularly low and negative about everything when you're reading,as I sometimes was, I'd recommend revisiting it when you are more able to benefit from its wisdom. A lovely book to give to others, though a less flowery cover might be better for the men!

“Excellent!”

Both authors really know what it is to suffer, and also know their Bibles well. That makes this book an invaluable resource for those who are going through suffering. The trials are deep and real, but so is the consolation and encouragement obtained from the Bible. Utterly realistic but also faithful to God's word. Strongly recommended!

“Thank you so much for your honesty”

I'm so happy you shared this plan finally someone was honest to say they deal with heart ache over and over I was really starting to doubt God and myself thank you so much

“Beautiful!”

This is an amazing book! I am suffering the loss of my beloved mother. This resource has become invaluable to me. I found the authors’ application of Biblical truths in their personal struggles a balm for my own soul. It helped me to focus my eyes on the only one who can heal my sorrows- Jesus! I thank my sisters in Christ, Kristen and Sarah, for sharing their pain so openly and honestly. You are helping countess others to carry their burdens with Resurrection hope! God bless you!!

“Awesome”

It gives hope to the hopeless