Several friends have recently had their close loved ones die. I appreciate these five points from Vaneetha Rendall Risner, a dear sister who has experienced much suffering, on how to minister to others in need. 

Earlier this year I read through Joni Eareckson Tada’s book When Is It Right to Die?: A Comforting and Surprising Look at Death and Dying, which has been revised and updated to examine the current events, trending issues, and the rising acceptance of assisted suicide in this country. I can't say enough about this book.

Jesus suffered the same trials and temptations we do. God understands our worst losses and heartbreaks, even our temptations: “Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted” (Hebrews 2:18).

We first got to know our dear friend Tami Yeager when she was a part of our EPM staff. She is a dear sister with a big heart for the Lord and for people. May her words encourage all of us, especially those of us who are experiencing suffering, to “love one another deeply, from the heart” (1 Peter 1:22, NIV).

أما إن كنتَ قد قبلتَ بالفعل دعوة الله للخلاص، فهو سيخلصك من الألم الأبدي، بل واليوم أيضًا سيعطيك عربونًا مُبهجًا من الحياة في محضره.

Sin and death, the Fall and the Curse, Satan and his demons, the Hell we deserve—what powerful obstacles for God to overcome. But the biggest obstacle was the satisfaction of His own holiness. For God to demonstrate His greatness, He had to overcome all these obstacles.

A friend shared this story and blog with me, about a precious family, the Simaos, who lost their son Isaiah last year after a tragic horseback riding accident. Isaiah’s oldest sister Sydney has written about their family’s experience and grief.

Why do God’s children undergo pressures, suffering, and deadly peril? Paul answers clearly: “that we might not rely on ourselves but on God” (2 Corinthians 1:11).

Seeing positive outcomes of some suffering should lead us to trust that God can bring good from all suffering. Consider three people who through suffering became extraordinary.