To be honest this isn't a book i'd have singled out and purchased, though i recommend that others would consider doing just that. I won it on a book giveaway from Zondervan. And i'm glad i did.
Dr. Hutcherson talks openly and honestly about his own struggle with cancer. He encourages us to trust God through sufferings and corrects many of the false beliefs that God would not bring/permit His children to suffer.
The book sometimes felt a bit repetitive, but it was doctrines and Biblical truth that oft' times needs drummed into our heads, so in this case repetitive is good!
On the back page we read what is a great summary of what Ken believes the Bible teaches about suffering:
". . . But are we willing to pray for anything that will bring us closer to Christ? Even if it includes suffering? Author and pastor Dr. Ken Hutcherson's hope is that we would never miss out on an opportunity to understand the sufferings of Christ so we can be chiseled for eternity, to grow in maturity and perseverance and to sympathize with those around us who are also suffering."
A short blurb but one worth spending much time considering. To be honest i guess none of us really have a heart to embrace sufferings (especially not before the fact). But we must wiegh our safety against the surpassing joys of knowing Christ more fully, even if that means pain.
One thing negative stands out in my mind; This is Ken's use of 'snuffed out' on page 89 while dealing with a serious illustration about loss of a loved one. I'm not sure it's a very sensitive way of talking to people who may be in this or similar circumstances.
