"[A] sober, encouraging book. . . . The two sides of the author, the biblical scholar who reads, thinks, and misses no detail and the pastoral teacher who understands people, feels with them, and cares for them, combine here to give us a treatment of suffering under God's sovereignty which is outstandingly accurate, wise, and helpful. All who follow the author's fast-flowing argument will find their heads cleared and their hearts strengthened."
- J. I. Packer, Regent College

"Covers a wealth of biblical material with carefully reasoned clarity and umbrella-like relevance to help us prepare for whatever difficulties life may bring. This volume represents important and profoundly useful reading for pastors and counselors and for every Christian willing to think about life as it really happens."
- Larry J. Crabb, New Way Ministries

"The author writes, with Bible in hand, less as philosopher than as a devout and battered pilgrim. His meditations on suffering and evil and the questions they raise and address are solid study-group materials conducive to faith, joy, and hope."
- Carl F. H. Henry, founding editor of Christianity Today

"In 1990 I read this book and found it to be thoughtful and helpful in both theological insight and pastoral concern. In 2007 I read it again, and delightfully found it no less thoughtful and helpful. . . . I have given the book to people who are suffering grief; I have read it in times of my own grief, and not only does Carson administer preventative medicine, he administers active and healing medicine as he carefully and boldly addresses the real issues of suffering and evil, and in doing so defends the existence of God, and provides thoughtful, if not quick, answers. . . . He gives some pastoral suggestions as a way forward that are sensible, biblical and God centered. Carson has updated the book from 1990 and has included the recent discussions on the openness of God, terrorism and the war on terror, various views on hell, and the recent tendencies in western (American) Christianity not only to politicize the kingdom of God in terms of present governmental rule, but historicize it to a triumphal realization of hedonism and pleasure. . . . He has included a complete appendix on AIDS and speaks to the horror of this pandemic with compassion, theological integrity, and prophetic challenge to the Church. . . . The book is aptly named in that it boldly acknowledges the reality of suffering and its sources, but in the end gives a source of confidence and trust in a God of compassion, goodness and hope."
- David G. Barker, Eusebeia

"The book offers sound biblical exposition of key biblical passages, along with valuable theological reflection and pastoral application. . . . The second edition has been updated throughout, including an appendix entitled 'Reflections on AIDS.' This is a book to read and reread--and to pass on to friends who need it."
- Mark R. Stevenson, Emmaus Journal