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 PrintableVersion A thorn in the fleshFinding strength and hope amid sufferingRead and lendA THORN IN THE FLESH In my experience, there are two types of books: the type you read, or part-read, and then leave on your shelf, and the type you read and then lend to others. This book is of the latter type. Based on the apostle Paul’s deeply painful experience, it has been written for people enduring a ‘thorn in the flesh’. Such thorns are defined with maximum breadth to cover all situations of chronic suffering, whether longer term illness, personality traits or relationship difficulties. The author, Pablo Martinez, is a church leader and psychiatrist, both of which are immediately obvious when you begin reading. The book has been written to be profoundly biblical, and the serious attention to God’s word combined with clinical insight gives the book a special blend of principle and application. Its particular strength is that it is immensely practical, and guides the reader through the process of accepting suffering, then adapting to suffering with new perspectives and changed attitudes. It is worth reading for the treatment of grace alone in Chapter 5, because this is no ‘self help’ book! Always the reader is urged to faith in our sufficient God and Saviour. As a side note about the author, Pablo is someone who is no stranger to personal suffering, and this reality gives the book an empathy and poignancy that is vital in any book on suffering. Whereas it is at times clinical, and even philosophical, it is never theoretical. In my opinion it is not a casual read. The chapters are of considerable length, and the way in which the treatment of the subject progresses means the thoughtful reader will want to make notes along the way, and perhaps re-read chapters or sections to ensure understanding before moving on. But, as with all good things, this book rewards careful consideration. It is ideally suited to a sufferer who has reached the point of asking serious questions about how to respond to suffering, and who is able to think through the answers given. I will also be lending it to those intimately associated with suffering people — perhaps family members, close friends, or church members who might be involved in supporting roles, and who share the suffering experiences and the questions. Thank you, Pablo, for a great addition to the existing literature that helps us in this important area. Chris Bulled, © Evangelicals Now - June 2008 |
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