Where is God when it Hurts? (by Philip Yancey)

(Amazon UK link)

I’ve very much appreciated all the books I’ve read by Philip Yancey, so I’m currently - slowly - re-reading them. He’s an American Christian writer who grew out of fundamentalist roots into an insightful, balanced and clear author. He does a lot of research, and has met some extremely interesting people in the course of his writing. 

I last read ‘Where is God when it Hurts’ in 2008, so although I recalled the general gist I had entirely forgotten the detail and the stories he tells. I’ve read a chapter or two each day over the past ten days or so, and found it interesting, thought-provoking in places - and yet ultimately I’m not entirely sure that the question is answered. Maybe it can’t be.

The early chapters look at reasons why pain can be a good thing. As in several of his books, Philip Yancey references his friendship with Dr Paul Brand who worked for many years with leprosy sufferers. Leprosy - or Hansen’s Disease, as it’s apparently now known - leaves nerves unable to feel anything. This means that sufferers are unable to tell when they are damaging their hands or feet; lack of pain can lead to loss of digits or even limbs. In other ways, the author points out, pain and discomfort alert us to necessary lifestyle changes. 

I had recalled this general principle, and have no problem accepting it; the world is a dangerous place and pain has an important role to play in protecting us from serious injury or disease. However, as the author acknowledges, it’s not that simple. People with incurable or progressive diseases may know exactly what’s wrong, and may take every precaution they can, adjusting their diets or way of living to no avail. And there are many who suffer through no fault of their own - emotionally as well as physically.

Other chapters look at people who have overcome terrible accidents or genetic abnormalities to live tremendous lives of courage and creativity. Yancey meets some Christians whose faith has grown, and who help others by their attitudes and understanding. Again, this is good to know, and encouraging… to a degree. The people described are exceptional, in my view, and seeing the way they grow in faith and strength can be daunting to those who are newer to suffering, or tired of it. 

Since this is a Christian book, there are also sections about the way God suffers with us; he doesn’t necessarily cause the suffering directly, and won’t always heal it (though it sometimes happens). But Jesus suffered for our sakes, and God weeps with us when we hurt, holding us in his arms. This section was really the most helpful, and is the one section that begins to address the question in the title. Of course the question doesn’t just mean ‘where?’ in the locational sense; God is with the sufferer, and everywhere else too. But it may give at least a  modicum of comfort and assurance. 

The style of Yancey’s writing is, as ever, very readable, describing his experiences and the conversations he had with a variety of people. He quotes Scripture, of course, and gives his own opinion based on his research and reading, but he does so in a way that invites the reader to consider his point of view rather than insisting it’s correct. He admits that he doesn’t know all the answers;  he looks to eternity, pointing out that our time on earth is but a dot in the scheme of eternal life,although to someone in pain for many years it might not seem like a very encouraging perspective. 

Recommended if you’re a Christian, or on the fringe of the church, and would like to know what some church leaders and popular writers believe about this difficult topic. Yancey quotes other writers whose work is also worth reading on this subject.

Review copyright 2022 Sue's Book Reviews