Hope in the Dark: Believing God Is Good When Life Is Not

I bought this book years ago, and put it on the shelf, recently I needed hope since I had none, and this book changed my whole life. Glory to God that gave me the book for the exact moment I needed it the most. I have never read anything that described exactly how I felt. This book speaks volumes to me in a real way, that says it's okay to feel sad about the reality, but knowing life doesn't end like that, God doesn't end there, He's still at work even when it doesn't feel like, and He's not afraid or angry at us for feeling that way. Thank you Pastor Craig for being the instrument to bring this book to life!

This book is one of my favorites. Sometimes one has to remember that others go through situations as well. The content inside brings out in several ways beautiful reminders to continue to have faith despite circumstances. ❤️

Two years ago I started having severe neurological issues that doctors haven't been able to diagnose. So severe in fact that I have lost everything in my life. Much of my ability to move, or grip things, or work, or keep my house clean. This has been made worse by the fact that I can't take pain meds of any kind except for organic herbal remedies. I don't know if this has been a blessing or a curse, but either way, there have been far too many days where I lack the grace or dignity to suffer as I think I'm supposed to, and instead, I stare out the windows at trees on which I've practically memorized the branches, and wish to not be alive. Every day is impossible. Every day is dark. And yet even as I type this I know I have it easier than so many tortured and battered souls, whose paths are darker, and whose lives are filled with more pain, and who are far braver and stronger than I am.I really do know this, which is why I can only sit here and pray with everything in me that as many of them as possible find this book. This book that was so very difficult to read, and yet so soothing to my soul. Slowly, EVER so slowly, I am making progress, and I know what I've suffered for, and I know where my future lies... and yet still, I seem to take five steps backward for every one forward. If I am at the end, then why am I still suffering? Why do the days still drag, and my pain still come and go, and why haven't I had the last of my health miraculously restored?Well what I know today is that the answer to my prayers wasn't a miraculous restoration of my health, or a lighter pathway, or a quick journey forward with suddenly easy fixes. The answer to my prayers was this book, that delves so deeply into human suffering, and the reality of God's time. It was hard, and yet beautiful. So peaceful and soothing. I marked so many passages it would be nearly impossible for me to say which one I liked the most, but I finally settled on this one:"But when we really retreat and refuse to feel the pain of our disappointment, then we're not REALLY trusting him. We're using him. And maybe missing greater opportunities for growth. Peaks are nice, but you don't see many farms on mountaintops. Why? Because things grow better in valleys. Your time in the valley might not be pleasant, but it's in the valleys of life that you grow closer to God and stronger in your faith."That passage couldn't have hit me harder today. I have been longing for the mountaintops again. I want to understand. I want to hear God. I want to feel as close as I once did, since where I am now is farther away, and darker, and harder. But how true that is, that farms can't grow on mountaintops.Please, if you are suffering, and waiting, and the path ahead of you is so dark you lack the ability to see, then read this book. It helped me, SO much, and I believe with all my heart that it will help you!

This book speaks to me. Not in a pandering, "it's all gonna be alright!" way. In a real, "it's okay that things suck and you're wondering where the heck God is and why He is letting this happen" way. In the past few months, I was unexpectedly broken up with by my long-term boyfriend (whose life is still very intertwined with mine). I then moved in with his family for my summer job (college student here). Then, I had a mystery health issue start which forced me to leave the job. In that same week, I found out and communicated family drama that lead to my parents decided to divorce.In short, it's been hard, sad, gut-wrenching, and just all-around sucky. Pastor Craig's sermons and this book have helped me begin to process all of this, and to understand why God allows it to happen.This is the kind of book I would lend to any friend in a low place if I hadn't covered it with highlights and notes. If you're in a tough place, get the book. If you know someone, give them the book.

I cannot possibly recommend this book enough. Other than the Bible, no other book has spoken the right words at the right moment of time like this book.I’ve been trying to get a business off the ground for more than a year. It’s way, way harder than I ever expected. Through this, I’ve had a real crisis of faith. Is God there? Does He really exist? If he’s listening, why isn’t He answering?I was ready to throw in the towel this week. But God, in His grace, revealed Romans 5:3-5 on two separate occasions. Okay, I’m listening.And then as I’m finishing up Hope in the Dark - on page 148 - what do I find? Romans 5:3-5 AGAIN. Three times, three days, three completely separate sources.I bought this book because I’ve been in the valley for three years. I needed some hope. Somehow, some way, I found it. Glory be to God for that but the entire book that Mr Groeschel penned here was so wonderfully written that I firmly believe it “prepared the soil” for God to speak this passage from Romans into my life.Here’s what I found out. Worry about the success or failure of my business was never the real issue. All this time in the valley all I really wanted was some tangible “proof” that God is really there. That my faith and belief in God wasn’t in vain. Through God and this book, I’ve gotten the answer I’ve been waiting for these three years.

Hands down one of my favorite books. I ordered this for a friend and she couldn’t put it down either. We both read it in 1 day.

This book is a quick yet deep read. There is also a portion of it on the Bible App to support while reading.

I have enjoyed all of Craig’s books. This one really got to me where I am in my walk with Jesus.

I love the book the way it is written, and because the author is a Minister it shows.

Great book with clear and honest thinking! Really has brought hope in to dark times... :)

This is an incredible book from an incredible heart! Walking through the valleys seems to be the way of life for me these days. But to know there's something I can learn, grow through and apply is a great gift!! I love the statement, '...you don't see many farms on mountain tops. Why? Because things grow better in valleys'. I think we're all hoping to stay on the mountain top, drinking our rich, mountaintop grown coffee when in truth we need the nutrient rich foods that can only grow in the valley! Thank you Pastor Craig. This has been a life changing book for me! Thank you!

We lost two of our three teenagers within two years. Hope is what keeps us going and that is what this book is about. I find that many times the help we get is how to live in the darkness as if that is just going to be a part of life now but this book portrays hope and although there is a time of waiting for the darkness to pass there is hope and the darkness will end. I find that many people decide to take up residence in the darkness rather then journeying through it. If that’s you read this book and let it encourage you to get up and journey through there truly is hope.

When you are in the darkest valley questioning can you still trust God because you feel like God was the one led you here, you know that you can. Ps Craig book helps to reassure that I am not alone in this, you are not alone in this. There are so many people experiencing or had experienced this. Pain and suffering is inevitable because we live in a fallen world. But hope and assurance is available because we have a Saviour who empathise with us and conquered all.