I had not finished reading the introduction to this book before I was making a mental list of friends that I knew would find it a balm to their weary hearts. Kristen and Sarah minister to fellow travelers on the road of suffering, out of the resources they have received on their own journey, from the God of all comfort, grace, and hope. -- Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth (Author, host/teacher of Revive Our Hearts)
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. -- Kathleen Nielson (Director of Women's Initiatives, The Gospel Coalition)
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. -- Ruth Clemence
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. -- Clarina's Contemplations
In this broken world, we should expect to suffer. That’s why I want to recommend this book to you, Hope When it Hurts. It’s a series of short chapters meditating on 2 Corinthians Chapters 4 and 5. You could read one a day, or read big chunks at a time. Either way, I think it’s a really precious resource. -- Catherine Brookes
This is a wonderful, vulnerable and honest book, and I highly recommend it to anyone who needs the good news of Jesus in a difficult time. Kristen and Sarah have suffered immensely, but both of them know that our only hope is found in Jesus. In Hope When It Hurts, they have labored to encourage our souls with the gospel, give us space to grieve our loss, and turn to the only source of real hope. I'm praying God uses this book in extraordinary ways! -- Dave Furman (Senior Pastor of Redeemer Church of Dubai; author of Being There: How to Love Those Who are Hurting)
We have been told that we can do anything, to dream big, because women are strong and capable. But what happens when you are confronted with your limitations in the form of suffering? When you no longer feel strong and capable, but weak and weary? Kristen and Sarah provide hope in your desperation. They uniquely, as women from the "I can do anything" generation, speak to the discouragement that suffering can bring, and they drive us to the cross of Christ, where all of our suffering makes sense. There is much hope in this book for any weary Christian. And there is much wisdom for anyone seeking to love those who are weary and broken. -- Courtney Reissig (Author of The Accidental Feminist and Glory in the Ordinary)
Kristen and Sarah speak with fresh voices formed by their love of Scripture and their experience of walking with God through suffering. The faith and courage I’ve seen in them will overflow on you as you read this soothing and insightful book, giving you strength to stay the course even when you are tired of the battle. -- Colin Smith (Senior Pastor, The Orchard Church, IL; President, Unlocking the Bible)
Hurt is guaranteed. Hope isn't always. In a style as comforting as a hand-delivered casserole, on pages as beautiful as the message you'll find written on each page, this book will drive you to the Gospel again and again, lifting your eyes toward the only source of lasting hope. Keep your copy close—you'll find yourself running to it again and again. -- Erin Davis (Author of Connected and Beyond Bath Time)
Pain is a place where hope grows best and this book will convince you of that. From beginning to end, Hope when it Hurts invites you to see the light of Jesus in the darkest times. I hope this book catches fire. As you turn each new page, listen for the voice of God, and you'll hear him cheering for you. -- Karl Clauson (Radio host at WMBI; author of Thrill: When Normal Is Not Enough)
If you are in the midst of suffering, or someday will be (and that means us all) you will do well to read this book. I found myself moved, reflected, and re-engaged with the truth of the gospel in the context of my own suffering—and then elevated out of it to focus on what is truly important: Christ, the gospel, eternity, and pleasing him. The whole book is full of empathy, a “coming-alongside” tone, and insight for your soul. -- Josh Moody (Senior Pastor, College Church, Wheaton; author of 7 Days to Change Your Life)
Hope When it Hurts isn't a collection of slogans and Christian jargon. It's biblical reflections from the heart of two women who have trusted Jesus in the hurts of their own lives. With refreshing honesty and clarity they talk about how the gospel looks from the trenches of life; never condescending, never canned, and always gospel-focused. -- Dan DeWitt (Director of the Center for Biblical Apologetics and Public Christianity, Cedarville University; author of Jesus or Nothing)
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. -- Barbara Sherwood (London Women's Convention Committee member)
