Hope when life unravels: Finding God when it hurts

Reviewed by:

Ceil Carey, retired public librarian and long-time book discussion leader

REVIEW INTRODUCTION

Title:

Hope when life unravels: Finding God when it hurts

Author:

Adam B. Dooley

Publisher:

Zondervan

Date:

2020

Format:

Paperback

Length:

192 pages

OVERVIEW

Dr. Adam Dooley writes of his pain and God’s working in his life in Hope when life unravels, a book written for times like these when many feel that life has unraveled, there is no hope and are also asking the question of “where is God”.

Dooley’s young son is diagnosed with leukemia and although long term there is hope, several years of weekly treatments stretch in front of them with no promise of success at the end. The author not only relates his struggles: physical, emotional, and spiritual through this trial but connects it to the story of Job in the Old Testament.

Dr. Dooley clings “to the truth that God is often most active in our lives during times we have the most trouble seeing Him.” Although this might seem counterproductive at first, it is real truth and the author’s explanation and use of Scripture convince the reader and answer many of the questions that Christians have during suffering times of our lives.

ASSESSMENT

Rating (1 to 5):

5

Suggested Audience:

Anyone looking for hope in what seems like a hopeless situation or world

Christian Impact:

Although this was not written with Covid-19 in mind, the author’s own serious situation with a son ill with leukemia, speaks to the times we are currently living in.

Other Notes:

-includes discussion questions at the end of each chapter

-a scattering of photos is included throughout the book