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When God Breaks Your Heart: Choosing Hope in the Midst of Faith-Shattering Circumstances
Why is God letting this happen to me?
If you have never asked this question, you someday will.
There is perhaps no greater challenge to our faith than personal suffering. For pastor Ed Underwood this challenge came in the form of chronic leukemia. Though he prayed for and believed in God's healing, as the days slipped by and his pain became unbearable, Ed's heart was broken by a simple realization: The God who could do anything was not helping him. Yet a revelation from God's Word changed his heart and life forever.
In this poignant journey from tragedy to hope, Ed takes a fresh look at the story of Lazarus and his sisters—a story that explores suffering through the eyes of our Lord and His people. You'll find comfort during difficulty, be inspired to ask for the impossible, and discover a God whose heart breaks with yours.
If you have never asked this question, you someday will.
There is perhaps no greater challenge to our faith than personal suffering. For pastor Ed Underwood this challenge came in the form of chronic leukemia. Though he prayed for and believed in God's healing, as the days slipped by and his pain became unbearable, Ed's heart was broken by a simple realization: The God who could do anything was not helping him. Yet a revelation from God's Word changed his heart and life forever.
In this poignant journey from tragedy to hope, Ed takes a fresh look at the story of Lazarus and his sisters—a story that explores suffering through the eyes of our Lord and His people. You'll find comfort during difficulty, be inspired to ask for the impossible, and discover a God whose heart breaks with yours.
225 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2008
About the author
Ed Underwood
8 books7 followersEd Underwood is a pastor, author, and speaker. In addition to leading Church of the Open Door, Ed has taught Bible school students, seminarians, spoken to packed conferences, and written numerous articles and books. When Ed is not studying, leading, discipling, writing, or speaking, he loves spending time with his wife, Judy, their children, and grandchildren. He enjoys backpacking, and still tries to surf some.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 27, 2013
Am glad I came across this book on amazon. from the heart of a pastor, this is a great read. just when you think you are the only one going tbrough pain and misery,either physically ,emotionally,financially,mentally. this book is from someone who has been there and going through also. he is a servant of God, it is not what you did or did not do. God has a purpose for every situation. if you are disappointed in life in any way, let this book minister to you and renew your confidence in God.
August 13, 2013
This is an excellent read for anyone or for someone you know who is suffering from illness as well as from personal loss of any kind.
July 19, 2024
I'm finding that a lot of books by this publisher are similar in this: They are not enough personal story to really feel personal but not enough of a deep dive into the scripture to feel like a solid study.
This book was the same.
I wish that more of the biblical insight had been framed by Underwood's personal story and what it meant to him in the moment. As it was, I don't feel like I have a good grasp on his personal journey and there were some sections of where he pulled more out of the scripture than was there or twisted it to make it say something. especially, some of his comments about Martha had me lifting a brow and why this guy hated her so much.
I still think if you are overwhelmed by pain, this book might have some value for you, but I also think there are better books out there.
This book was the same.
I wish that more of the biblical insight had been framed by Underwood's personal story and what it meant to him in the moment. As it was, I don't feel like I have a good grasp on his personal journey and there were some sections of where he pulled more out of the scripture than was there or twisted it to make it say something. especially, some of his comments about Martha had me lifting a brow and why this guy hated her so much.
I still think if you are overwhelmed by pain, this book might have some value for you, but I also think there are better books out there.
July 4, 2021
Excellent book about spiritual healing
The teaching in this book helped me heal from a great loss. Thank you Ed Underwood for sharing your story and for writing this book.
The teaching in this book helped me heal from a great loss. Thank you Ed Underwood for sharing your story and for writing this book.
May 9, 2016
Drawing on his own experiences and the story of Mary, Martha and Lazarus, Ed Underwood offers raw and honest comfort for the suffering and broken-hearted. It was a blessing to read it.
October 15, 2013
I like the subtitle of this book. Choosing Hope in the Midst of Faith-Shattering Circumstances. Hope was my word for 2012, but God knew I needed this book this year, not last year.
I will not belittle the author, or the books impact on me, by saying I understand the pain he was going through. I will only say the circumstances we are going through prove the thoughts he has on pain, suffering and how to think about them and God in the midst of it all, can apply to many problems. And our pain and suffering is COMPLETELY different from anything he went through. But the basic principles he talked about, and the things God's word says, apply to us all.
If you are suffering, were suffering, or know someone who is suffering faith-shattering circumstances, they you/they need this book. Buy this book. Buy it for your friend(s). I highly recommend it! It is a book every Christian should read because either they, or a family member will be in need of this book. It will help you to be a better Christian, a better friend, a better loved one. It will help you understand and it will help you avoid many mistakes we make when dealing with suffering in others close to us.
Ed Underwood speaks the truth about suffering and how to deal with it and how to be mad at God and still be a Christian. He is a pastor of a large church and he even had days when his suffering caused him to turn his back on God. As he says in the dedication, this book is “For all who – like Mary and Martha – look at the tragedy in their lives and wonder why Jesus doesn't show up... but still look for Him with broken hearts...”
That is us. My family. My hubby and I. We are suffering and we wonder why. I have had times when I have cried out and yelled at God. I have wept over our situation. I have had times when I felt I could not take any more. I highlighted this book in hundred's of places. There is hardly a page without some part highlighted. I hope this gives you a glimpse into this most WONDERFUL book.
“Somewhere in the mystery of God wrapping Himself in human skin, Jesus, the God-man, expressed His godly anger against the pain of sin and death through intense human emotions. Jesus could not and did not suppress His rage against the impact of all that is wrong with life.” pg. 132
““Go ahead, scream at the pain, shed your tears, and ask your questions. But do it in the presence of Jesus, because He knows exactly how you feel.”
Not intellectually, but viscerally.
No one hates your pain more than Jesus.
No one hurts for you more than Jesus.
Jesus, God-in-the-flesh, raged at the tears of His friends and wept at their graveside.
God felt grief as a man... all of it.
One thing I know: God is not trifling with you. I can't tell you that He will fix this, but I can tell that he hates it and that it breaks His heart.” pg. 134
Another quote... a very good one.
(referring to Gal.6:1-5 that he just quoted)
“Though this applies specifically to Christians who have fallen into sin, Paul's words offer sound advice to any believer trying to encourage those whose affliction is not spiritual, but physical or emotional. As I read this paragraph, a few guiding principles jump out of the text:
-Restore in a spirit of gentleness.
-Restore with humility of a fellow follower of Christ on this sin-stained and hurtful planet.
-Restore by performing physical deeds of kindness that take some of the weight of this tragedy off their back as you shoulder part of the road.
-Restore after you have thoroughly examined your own motives, weaknesses, and absolute need for the strength only Christ can give you.
-Restore with the confidence that you are not trafficking in unlived truth but offering counsel that you know you either have lived or would live when your dark days come.” pg 203 (Bold words my addition.)"
These are things I want to remember when I am comforting/encouraging others.
The following is what I want to remember when others do not do so good a job of trying to comfort me and my family.
“Christians tell me they don't know what to say, and then they open their mouths and prove it.” pg 200
grin :-)
And.... I may have found my most favorite quote for the whole book. Here it is. Ready???
“Hurting people are petty people.” pg 201
This is what he says just before and after this quote.
“I think it would also help you if you knew the sentence I repeat to myself over and over when I am offering advice to those who are so overwhelmed by the circumstances of their lives that their patience is paper-thin:
“Hurting people are petty people.”
By the way, I include myself if this category. My most petty and self-centered times have occurred during the weeks and months of intense suffering.” pg 200-201
Ed said that. He said he was petty. And yes, sometimes I am self-centered and petty. But Ed says it like it is normal. It is a human thing to be self-centered when you are in a time of intense suffering. It is not a Godly thing, to be sure, but it is a human thing. Mostly, I want to remember what it felt like when I was suffering and focused on me and my family, so I can forgive others for feeling and acting the same way when they are suffering.
This loooooong 3 ½ year trial of unemployment for my husband (though we really count the trial as 9 years from the time my hubby hurt his back and things have not been good since) has been really hard. Some days and weeks are harder than others. But I am learning and growing through this experience. I thank the Lord for books like this one that have helped me on this journey. And yes, I pray DAILY for an end to this trial.
I thank my husband and kids who put up with me on my bad days, as I put up with them on their bad days. We are learning to love each other even more through this hard trial. I appreciate the prayers of extended family and friends. If you want to pray for us, pray for our finances to be more secure, but mostly pray for God to receive the glory for all he has, is, and will do in our lives. He has left us here on earth so He has a purpose for us yet. Pray we would find that purpose, embrace it, not be afraid of it, and live for God.
I will not belittle the author, or the books impact on me, by saying I understand the pain he was going through. I will only say the circumstances we are going through prove the thoughts he has on pain, suffering and how to think about them and God in the midst of it all, can apply to many problems. And our pain and suffering is COMPLETELY different from anything he went through. But the basic principles he talked about, and the things God's word says, apply to us all.
If you are suffering, were suffering, or know someone who is suffering faith-shattering circumstances, they you/they need this book. Buy this book. Buy it for your friend(s). I highly recommend it! It is a book every Christian should read because either they, or a family member will be in need of this book. It will help you to be a better Christian, a better friend, a better loved one. It will help you understand and it will help you avoid many mistakes we make when dealing with suffering in others close to us.
Ed Underwood speaks the truth about suffering and how to deal with it and how to be mad at God and still be a Christian. He is a pastor of a large church and he even had days when his suffering caused him to turn his back on God. As he says in the dedication, this book is “For all who – like Mary and Martha – look at the tragedy in their lives and wonder why Jesus doesn't show up... but still look for Him with broken hearts...”
That is us. My family. My hubby and I. We are suffering and we wonder why. I have had times when I have cried out and yelled at God. I have wept over our situation. I have had times when I felt I could not take any more. I highlighted this book in hundred's of places. There is hardly a page without some part highlighted. I hope this gives you a glimpse into this most WONDERFUL book.
“Somewhere in the mystery of God wrapping Himself in human skin, Jesus, the God-man, expressed His godly anger against the pain of sin and death through intense human emotions. Jesus could not and did not suppress His rage against the impact of all that is wrong with life.” pg. 132
““Go ahead, scream at the pain, shed your tears, and ask your questions. But do it in the presence of Jesus, because He knows exactly how you feel.”
Not intellectually, but viscerally.
No one hates your pain more than Jesus.
No one hurts for you more than Jesus.
Jesus, God-in-the-flesh, raged at the tears of His friends and wept at their graveside.
God felt grief as a man... all of it.
One thing I know: God is not trifling with you. I can't tell you that He will fix this, but I can tell that he hates it and that it breaks His heart.” pg. 134
Another quote... a very good one.
(referring to Gal.6:1-5 that he just quoted)
“Though this applies specifically to Christians who have fallen into sin, Paul's words offer sound advice to any believer trying to encourage those whose affliction is not spiritual, but physical or emotional. As I read this paragraph, a few guiding principles jump out of the text:
-Restore in a spirit of gentleness.
-Restore with humility of a fellow follower of Christ on this sin-stained and hurtful planet.
-Restore by performing physical deeds of kindness that take some of the weight of this tragedy off their back as you shoulder part of the road.
-Restore after you have thoroughly examined your own motives, weaknesses, and absolute need for the strength only Christ can give you.
-Restore with the confidence that you are not trafficking in unlived truth but offering counsel that you know you either have lived or would live when your dark days come.” pg 203 (Bold words my addition.)"
These are things I want to remember when I am comforting/encouraging others.
The following is what I want to remember when others do not do so good a job of trying to comfort me and my family.
“Christians tell me they don't know what to say, and then they open their mouths and prove it.” pg 200
grin :-)
And.... I may have found my most favorite quote for the whole book. Here it is. Ready???
“Hurting people are petty people.” pg 201
This is what he says just before and after this quote.
“I think it would also help you if you knew the sentence I repeat to myself over and over when I am offering advice to those who are so overwhelmed by the circumstances of their lives that their patience is paper-thin:
“Hurting people are petty people.”
By the way, I include myself if this category. My most petty and self-centered times have occurred during the weeks and months of intense suffering.” pg 200-201
Ed said that. He said he was petty. And yes, sometimes I am self-centered and petty. But Ed says it like it is normal. It is a human thing to be self-centered when you are in a time of intense suffering. It is not a Godly thing, to be sure, but it is a human thing. Mostly, I want to remember what it felt like when I was suffering and focused on me and my family, so I can forgive others for feeling and acting the same way when they are suffering.
This loooooong 3 ½ year trial of unemployment for my husband (though we really count the trial as 9 years from the time my hubby hurt his back and things have not been good since) has been really hard. Some days and weeks are harder than others. But I am learning and growing through this experience. I thank the Lord for books like this one that have helped me on this journey. And yes, I pray DAILY for an end to this trial.
I thank my husband and kids who put up with me on my bad days, as I put up with them on their bad days. We are learning to love each other even more through this hard trial. I appreciate the prayers of extended family and friends. If you want to pray for us, pray for our finances to be more secure, but mostly pray for God to receive the glory for all he has, is, and will do in our lives. He has left us here on earth so He has a purpose for us yet. Pray we would find that purpose, embrace it, not be afraid of it, and live for God.
May 19, 2018
The title says it all from a pastor who has been down to the darkness of despair. He gives wisdom on coming through with faith intact (even if it seems shattered, torn and barely there.) You feel Jesus love come to you even in the most difficult circumstances. This book isn't full of typical cliches or Pollyanna theology. This is real life, hard knocks and a God who is going to be glorified in an amazing way through whatever your are going through. The author brings out the story of Martha, Mary and Lazarus in a way that hits home. He asks questions most "good" Christians would feel embarrassed or ashamed to ask, but most struggling Christians have been brought to the point of. This book may not give you the answers you are looking for, but it will show you where to get the strength you need.
July 13, 2018
Priceless.
What balm can soothe the heart when you wake to find yourself in a living nightmare of the worst suffering you could not have imagined? Where turn for help when all resources are exhausted and seem to have failed? Only that from someone who has been there. Ed has. Thank you, Ed. Insight that has been refined through fires as hot as this is more priceless than any diamonds.
What balm can soothe the heart when you wake to find yourself in a living nightmare of the worst suffering you could not have imagined? Where turn for help when all resources are exhausted and seem to have failed? Only that from someone who has been there. Ed has. Thank you, Ed. Insight that has been refined through fires as hot as this is more priceless than any diamonds.
March 4, 2018
From the heart of a pastor, this book gives encouragement no matter the circumstance you are going through. The author shares honestly about his struggle to hold onto his faith while enduring the pain and suffering from cancer. He gives hope that God really does care and it is possible to find joy in the midst of pain.
June 17, 2017
Thought provoking read
This book really made me think extra hard on the things he's was saying. Using the story of Martha, Mary and Lazarus put into perspective for me my feelings I've had of being let down by God.
This book really made me think extra hard on the things he's was saying. Using the story of Martha, Mary and Lazarus put into perspective for me my feelings I've had of being let down by God.
May 17, 2019
A must read for Christians
For anyone going through a difficult time and is questioning their faith, this is a must read. Five stars 🤩
For anyone going through a difficult time and is questioning their faith, this is a must read. Five stars 🤩
September 13, 2019
Great book of encouragement for anyone on how to live with hope in your heart through trouble times.
January 10, 2017
Ed Underwood is a remarkable man, dealing with severe lymphoma causing his skin to fall off, leaving raw, oozing sores reminiscent of the trials of Job. Those of us who have experienced faith-shattering trials know the depth of spiritual trauma ongoing crisis can cause. Ed gives an unvarnished glimpse into the depths of his despair and how God lifted him above his circumstances to a life of renewed meaning and purpose.
Pastor Underwood shared the moment he announced he wasn’t going to pray to God anymore. And yet God prompted him to look at the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. That’s where he discovered his “aha” moment and saw a biblical truth that helped him move forward. I’m not going to unpack all of the goodness here because, if you are experiencing faith-shattering trials, I want you to read the book.
This is a much-needed message shared by a man who has experienced pain so deeply, he can empathize with your pain and pour it out on the pages you read in this book. Thank you, Pastor Underwood.
This review, with additional book quotes, first appeared on my blog, ChristyBower.com.
Pastor Underwood shared the moment he announced he wasn’t going to pray to God anymore. And yet God prompted him to look at the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. That’s where he discovered his “aha” moment and saw a biblical truth that helped him move forward. I’m not going to unpack all of the goodness here because, if you are experiencing faith-shattering trials, I want you to read the book.
This is a much-needed message shared by a man who has experienced pain so deeply, he can empathize with your pain and pour it out on the pages you read in this book. Thank you, Pastor Underwood.
This review, with additional book quotes, first appeared on my blog, ChristyBower.com.
August 30, 2013
Extreme pain requires extreme prayers. If you have gone through great suffering are or are currently suffering like you never thought possible, it would be good for you to pick up Ed Underwood's thoughtful book. No book you read will undo what has happened to you, but you can learn to think about your tragedy differently. If you are a Christian, most important you can learn to pray about it differently. I know I did. Underwood's book has given me a key to a new way at looking at the loss of my child. I'm still in the healing stage, but the book has helped.
When God Breaks Your Heart is a study of the biblical story of two sisters, Martha and Mary, and their brother Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead. Jesus knew Lazarus was dying but delayed his return to the siblings' hometown; therefore Lazarus died for lack of Jesus' healing touch. So Lazarus died, but God was glorified. Is there glory to be had from your unspeakable suffering? Read and find out.
When God Breaks Your Heart is a study of the biblical story of two sisters, Martha and Mary, and their brother Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead. Jesus knew Lazarus was dying but delayed his return to the siblings' hometown; therefore Lazarus died for lack of Jesus' healing touch. So Lazarus died, but God was glorified. Is there glory to be had from your unspeakable suffering? Read and find out.
May 8, 2016
Very good book that can help you and encourage you regardless of whether you're going through something now or not. This is a great book that everyone should read because sooner or later we will all either need this teaching, or we will know someone else who needs it. The author shares his own journey which ultimately brought him even closer to the Lord. He shares what he found in scripture that gave him the strength to keep going. He enables you to see the story of Jesus and Lazarus in a much more personal way. I highly recommend it.
August 31, 2013
If you or someone you know is hurting or suffering, if you or someone you know is asking, "Why, God?", then this book is for you. Ed Underwood uses his personal experiences to offer hope and inspiration. He presents an amazing interpretation of John's Biblical story of Mary, Martha, and Jesus' miraculous raising of Lazarus that brings the reader to an intimate relationship with God. It's a book that is definitely worth your time.
September 9, 2013
Although it still doesn’t answer the ultimate question of why God lets us suffer, it does provide some help in understanding what you can do for yourself as well as others in times of need. Ed Sherman lets us glipse into his personal agony and through it, gives us real life examples that we can relate to. The pain doesn’t have to be physical in order for the lessons of this book to apply.
May 29, 2016
How Great Thou Art
What a testimony. I feel like a whiner complaining about trivial things. Here was a man who really trusted the Lord. And His glory is just as real for each of us individually.
What a testimony. I feel like a whiner complaining about trivial things. Here was a man who really trusted the Lord. And His glory is just as real for each of us individually.
January 17, 2010
Just started this tonight -- thanks, Dawn.
November 9, 2014
Very inspiring.
November 18, 2013
This book would make an excellent group study project.
January 16, 2015
Quite a lot of meaty reading here. Important to read slowly and reflect on. I think this is a book I'll return to from time to time - particularly to the 2nd section called 'The Dark abroad to Glory'
April 28, 2014
Helpful and encouraging as we ask why God has allowed tragic suffering in our lives
August 14, 2014
An amazing book. God speaks clearly
April 16, 2016
Wow! Podría decir tantas cosas, pero me quedo corto de palabras. Simplemente puedo recomendar este libro.
July 29, 2014
This has been a good book. Has been good for dealing with grief of losing my sister recently.
Read
April 2, 2019I liked most aspects of this book but it takes a lot of work to put this in play. Good book for working on your faith.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews