Why?

We normally think of pain and suffering as bad, and we do our best to avoid them. But since they are inevitable parts of life, maybe we should adjust our thinking. Instead of grumbling about our problems or blaming someone else, let’s look to the Bible to see how God uses our trials to draw us closer to Him. Why? Seeing God in Our Pain shows the root causes of our pain and suffering and allows us to see Him more clearly as a God who really does care.

Contents include:

  1. The Problem of Pain
  2. Why Do We Suffer?
  3. The Consequences of Choice
  4. Where is God?
  5. The End of Suffering

 

Bill Crowder joined the Our Daily Bread Ministries staff after more than 20 years in the pastorate. Bill works closely with Mart DeHaan as vice president of teaching content. Bill is heard regularly on the Discover the Word radio program and spends much of his time in a Bible-teaching ministry for Christian leaders around the world.

When God Says No

The wilderness of broken dreams can be a harsh place to dwell. Thank God there’s more to it than disappointment and suffering. The wilderness for Sheridan Voysey and his wife, Merryn, was infertility. He writes candidly about the sadness and identity loss they felt through this long time period as well as the examination of their hearts and trust in God to provide a new beginning. Using the Jews’ biblical wilderness journey as a comparison, Sheridan steers you through the emptiness and emotions that come with a broken dream and offers practical steps to see the good God is doing.

Contents Include:

  1. The Wilderness of Broken Dreams
  2. Navigating the Wilderness
  3. Starting Again

Click here for a study guide for this booklet: When God Says No Study Guide.

 

Sheridan Voysey is a writer, speaker, and broadcaster based in Oxford, England. Sheridan has authored several books was the host of a live talk show in Australia exploring life, faith, and culture. Sheridan speaks regularly at conferences and holds degrees in theology and communication.

When Tears Remain

Sooner or later, grief touches us all. In 2006 it pierced Luke and Jodi Veldt with the sudden death of their 13-year-old daughter. The loss shook his faith, yet drove Luke to the Scriptures for answers. This excerpt from Written in Tears and the material from counselor Jeff Olson share comfort and wisdom for grieving hearts from Psalm 103. The honest cries and biblical wisdom found within these pages will benefit anyone who has lost a loved one.

Contents Include:

  1. A Parent’s Worst Nightmare
  2. Perspectives on Grief
  3. A Hopeful Invitation

 

Luke Veldt is a church planting missionary in Pamplona, Spain. He and his wife, Jodi, have six children.

Jeff Olson is a licensed counselor and a regular writer for Discovery Series, Our Daily Journey and Questions.org.

Life After Loss

“Grief is a journey that sooner or later we all must take,” writes counselor Tim Jackson. Sharing his personal experience and pointing us to the cross and the power of Christ’s resurrection, Jackson shows us how we can take that journey with hope. In the pages of this booklet, he walks with us through the grieving process and reminds us to “lean on our Creator and each other” for comfort.

Contents Include:

  1. The Journey Through Loss
  2. Grieving Well
  3. Lament and Faith: Reassurance of Hope in Sorrow

 

Tim Jackson is married to his college sweetheart, Cole. They share life with their 3 adult children and a rambunctious Golden Retriever, Sheba. Tim is the producer for the HelpForMyLife.org website, writes Discover Series booklets on a variety of counseling issues and hosts webinars for Our Daily Bread Ministries.

Out of the Ashes

During hardship and trouble, tough questions often arise: Where is God? How do I respond to difficulties? Is God both good and all-powerful? In the Discovery Series booklet Out of the Ashes by Bill Crowder, you’ll explore Job’s struggle with the problem of suffering. Through Job’s story, discover how you can trust God despite unanswered questions and gain a fresh perspective on the cross as God’s answer to suffering.

Contents Include:

  1. Hard Questions, Elusive Answers
  2. A Heart Torn in Pieces
  3. A War on Two Fronts
  4. A Wisdom Gained through Pain
  5. Life Lessons

 

Bill Crowder joined the Our Daily Bread Ministries staff after more than 20 years in the pastorate. Bill works closely with Mart DeHaan as vice president of teaching content. Bill is heard regularly on the Discover the Word radio program and spends much of his time in a Bible-teaching ministry for Christian leaders around the world.

Change: Following God Through Life’s Crossroads

No matter how you view change, it’s an inevitable part of life—you can’t experience anything new without it. In Change: Following God through Life’s Crossroads, Bill Crowder examines the life of the apostle Paul and offers insights to help you overcome fears, doubts, and resistance to change. Discover how you can draw closer to God and experience His peace, follow His lead and move into a new season of purpose, and impact the world around you for His glory.

Bill Crowder joined the Our Daily Bread Ministries staff after more than 20 years in the pastorate. Bill works closely with Mart DeHaan as vice president of teaching content. Bill is heard regularly on the Discover the Word radio program and spends much of his time in a Bible-teaching ministry for Christian leaders around the world.

God’s Protection of Women

Physical, emotional, and verbal abuse can leave life-long scars for those involved. In this booklet, author Herb Vander Lugt shares insight from Scripture to reveal God’s compassion for and protection of women who are involved in abusive marriage relationships. You’ll discover that Moses, Jesus, and Paul all recognized that some marital conditions are worse than divorce.

How Can I Find Satisfaction In My Work?

Find out what the Bible has to say about work and your attitude toward it. With wisdom from the Word, Kurt De Haan shares four principles to help you better understand God’s blueprint for your work life. You’ll discover how you can experience a sense of fulfillment when you follow the “job description” God designed just for you.

Judas Son Of Darkness

Although you may be shining your light for Jesus, the darkness of sin is always battling to emerge from behind. In this study of the life of Judas, author Dennis Fisher increases your awareness of human nature and the danger of its willingness to promote self-interest at the expense of others. Discover how you can win the battle when you allow God’s light to expose the dark places in your heart.

When You Don’t Know What To Say

How do you comfort someone who is hurting? What can you say that will make a difference? Author Roy Clark examines the story of  Job and shares wisdom from the Word to help you reach out with the compassion and care of Christ to those who are suffering. Discover how you can reflect hope and encouragement through your presence and willingness to listen.

When You Feel Like Running Away

The desire to run away from difficult situations in life is almost inevitable. In this booklet, Pastor Roy Clark shares insight from the life of King David and his own experiences to help you better understand your desire to escape. Discover how God wants you to act in response to your feelings. Find out how you can keep moving in the right direction and experience relief from your burdens when you cast them on the Lord—the great burden bearer.

Poor Choices and Missed Opportunities

How can a life full of potential be ultimately unraveled to a tragic end? In this booklet, author Bill Crowder examines the life of King Saul and the series of bad choices he made in life to help you recognize the importance of making wise decisions. Find out how to develop your potential for good when you make choices that will honor God and fulfill His purpose in your life.

Bill Crowder joined the Our Daily Bread Ministries staff after more than 20 years in the pastorate. Bill works closely with Mart DeHaan as vice president of teaching content. Bill is heard regularly on the Discover the Word radio program and spends much of his time in a Bible-teaching ministry for Christian leaders around the world.

Anchors In The Storm

Where can you find stability when the winds and waves of life are raging? In this excerpt of The Upside of Down, author Joe Stowell shares the truths of 1Corinthians 10:13 and Romans 8:28 as key elements in holding you steady through the storms of life. Find out how you can have confidence in knowing that God will keep you secure during the stormy seasons and fulfill His purpose for good in your life.

Dr. Joseph M. Stowell serves as the President of Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Joe also works with RBC Ministries, partnering in media productions, outreach to pastors, writing, and a web ministry called Strength for the Journey.

After The Hurricane: A Biblical Response to Calamity

Every disaster is a call to action for Christians—an opportunity to share Christ.  This booklet written by Ajith Fernando, national director of Sri Lanka Youth For Christ, and revised by Mart De Haan, offers encouragement to those who are struggling as a result of calamity and provides biblical principles to guide those who are reaching out to help.

 

Overcoming Worry

Worry can either bring us to the Father in heaven, or it can drive us away from Him.  The challenge is how we choose to deal with it.  Overcoming Worry shares Joanie Yoder’s intense struggle with fear and worry, and how she realized that total dependence on God – not self-sufficiency – brought her out of darkness.  Author David Egner also offers a biblical and practical perspective on how we can put our worries to work for us, rather than allow them to consume us.  He spells out how we can actively trust God with the unknown and experience the beauty of His peace.

Contents Include:

  1. What Worry Can Do to You
  2. How Should We Deal with Worry
  3. How Can We Put Our Worries to Work for Us
  4. What Worry Can Do for You

 

Why Christians Doubt?

Trusting God in every area of life can sometimes be easier said than done. In this study, author Herb Vander Lugt examines some of the factors that can lead to times of doubt,a s he shares insights from Scripture, his own experiences, and the experiences of  others who have struggles with spiritual doubt. Discover how you can regain your trust in God when you are honest with Him about your feelings of disbelief.

It’s Not Fair

Overwhelming stresses in life can sometimes lead you to the point of walking away from your faith, especially when it appears that those who don’t trust God are prospering. In this discussion of Psalm 73, Bill Crowder examines Asaph’s story of pain, tears, loss, and disappointment. Encouraging you to focus on the condition of your heart rather than the perception of your eyes, It’s Not Fair shows how you can restore your confidence in God and trust Him by focusing on His goodness rather than your circumstances.

Contents Include:

  1. Hard Questions
  2. A Troubled Response
  3. Big Answers

 

Bill Crowder joined the Our Daily Bread Ministries staff after more than 20 years in the pastorate. Bill works closely with Mart DeHaan as vice president of teaching content. Bill is heard regularly on the Discover the Word radio program and spends much of his time in a Bible-teaching ministry for Christian leaders around the world.

 

When The Going Gets Tough

How can you survive the ride through the ups and downs of life? In this excerpt of his book The Upside Of Down, author Joe Stowell shares wisdom from James 1:2 to help you gain understanding and healing in the midst of trials. Find out how you can build your faith with a new perspective on the hope and joy God gives to bring you through when the going gets tough.

Simon Peter

When the ground under your feet is shaken, your perspective on life may no longer seem the same. In this booklet, author Bill Crowder examines a series of unexpected events that changed Simon Peter’s life and his view of the world. Discover how Jesus can use the core-shaking experiences in your life to strengthen you and give you victory over failures.

Bill Crowder joined the Our Daily Bread Ministries staff after more than 20 years in the pastorate. Bill works closely with Mart DeHaan as vice president of teaching content. Bill is heard regularly on the Discover the Word radio program and spends much of his time in a Bible-teaching ministry for Christian leaders around the world.

Why In The World Am I Here?

Many people are searching for answers to life’s issues—looking for fulfillment and finding frustration, emptiness, despair, and hopelessness. In this booklet, Kurt De Haan takes a look at life from a different point of view as he shares insight from the book of Ecclesiastes. Find answers to some of the deepest and most troubling questions and discover Solomon’s conclusion about the only way to live a truly fulfilling life.

Self-Esteem: What Does The Bible Say?

Having a healthy and realistic opinion of yourself is a key element in your ability to succeed in life. In this booklet, author Mart De Haan shares a biblical perspective on the importance of self-esteem to help you gain a better understanding of whose opinion really counts in life. Discover what it means to trust the counsel, love, and power of God—the most significant Person in life.

 

Mart DeHaan, grandson of Our Daily Bread Ministries founder, Dr. M. R. DeHaan, and son of former president, Richard W. DeHaan, has served with the ministry for more than 30 years. Mart is heard regularly on the Discover the Word radio program and is seen on Day of Discovery television.

Now What? A Healing Journey Through Job Loss

Unemployment can be a stressful and difficult experience, especially when it is unexpected. In this booklet, RBC Ministries staff Chuck Fridsma shares his personal journey of employment, job loss, and faith. Find hope and encouragement from his story, as he offers biblical insight and practical principles to help you respond in a way that can keep you moving forward in life.

When Fear Seems Overwhelming: Finding Courage & Hope

In a world filled with danger and uncertainty, one thing is sure—you cannot escape fear. However, understanding where fear comes from can help you push your way through to the other side of challenges. Join counselor Tim Jackson as he takes you on a journey beyond your fear to discover courage and hope in God. Gain a better understanding of the source of fear, its affects on your life, and how you can overcome it.

When You’re Left Behind

Every 30 seconds, someone somewhere in the world makes the tragic decision to end his or her own life, leaving behind loved ones and friends to wrestle with the aftermath. This booklet will help you get a better understanding of the turbulent emotions and agonizing questions that survivors face after a loved one’s suicide. Discover how you can move on in life with faith, hope, and love.

When A Man’s Eye Wanders: Breaking The Power Of Pornography

Many men around the world are giving in to the pull of pornography—even Christian men, young and old, from all walks of life. Find help in the pages of this booklet as counselor Jeff Olson sheds light on the dangers of false intimacy and offers hope for escape from its devastating grip. Discover how you can break through and move toward freedom when you recognize God’s unique purpose for your life.