Book Reviews

To some, the title Suffering Redeemed may seem dichotomously unresolvable. But to others who have wrestled with God in their suffering and have been formed by it, God shows how even suffering can be redeemed by Him. Suffering Redeemed is a scripturally rich word tapestry woven together by personal stories and biblical truths that reveal how good can come from hard. Karis says, “Miracles are born out of problems.” God revealed himself throughout the Bible in suffering, so why should we expect any less today? When the sufferer finds God’s good gifts in suffering, miracles indeed are born. This volume is a testimony of God’s power made perfect in weakness. It is the story of a powerful and loving God revealing himself to a woman fully devoted to seeing his goodness in difficult places. Not one of us can suffer well without the truths Karis points us toward. This book is for you if you are suffering. It will help you suffer better, providing you with strength, purpose, and hope for your journey.

Darci Steiner

Suffering Redeemed has something in it for everyone. If you are a young person struggling with your identity in Christ or parents who love them, even those who dare to question God in difficult times, you will find hope and encouragement in the pages of this book. This powerful testimony of God’s amazing love, grace, and sovereignty is expressed on every page, confirmed by a wealth of Scripture that puts the suffering of this current life into perspective.

Felicia Brown

As a fellow disciple of Jesus and a sufferer with a disabling disease, I deeply appreciate Karis’ Biblical approach to suffering. She has an honest, compassionate, and realistic perspective on the trials and tribulations we all encounter. It is a must-read for those currently suffering and those who will suffer in the future.

Chuck Wood

Karis has written honestly of a journey into the valley, crying out to God and seeing Him carry her. The book is full of Biblical truth that Karis has wrestled with in raw life circumstances- and found to be sure. A must-read for anyone who has suffered- and those who want to walk alongside others in the valley.

Sarah Rinkenberger

Suffering Redeemed was such a godsend to me! Though I’ve read many books on the subject, I’ve never felt so seen or encouraged. Through her life-long pursuit of Jesus and a Job-like experience, Karis grapples with some of the hardest, faith-shaking questions we all have about suffering. Reading her words helped articulate my own pain and reveal the misbeliefs I had developed about God. She dives right into the brokenness of suffering, the shame, doubt, guilt, anger, and fear that threaten while walking the reader toward the beauty of faith-filled surrender and actionable faith in the God who is over every circumstance and heartbreak. Simple in writing and profound in wisdom, this compelling book will be a bedside favorite when I need realignment with Truth amid my questions, courage to face my hidden fears, and reassurance of God’s loving power to redeem even my darkest moments. I cannot wait to get this into the hands of my friends who need these inspired words!

Amy Iannacone

Throughout this book, the quote that came to my mind was, “It’s better to go through life with a scarred-up body than a scarred-up soul” (MLK). Karis has endured this journey of suffering with a soul that isn’t scarred but is still tender because she’s turned to Jesus repeatedly. This book offers hope to those wanting real, honest, and applicable steps that one can take to cling to Jesus while suffering. Having Karis as a friend has been an honor and has brought joy to my soul on my darkest days.

Lindsay Fones

How can an all-loving and all-powerful God allow, yes even ordain, suffering for His children? Karis affirms from many years of experience that while we know not all the answers, vigorous faith, stronger dependence, and joyful intimacy with God can be the results of our weaknesses and pain. She provides a testimony to God’s miraculous, transforming goodness in a fallen world.

Dr. James Backstrom

Wow! What a powerful and inspirational book. As a person with a Christian foundation, it has only increased my desire to dig deeper into my faith and reach out to those around me. For those unsure of their faith and journey in life, this will give you some guidance as you go through life’s ups and downs. Very well written and excited to see what Karis has in store next.

Erik Westrum

Karis Meier has walked a long road of suffering, experiencing a wide range of nearly continual painful, serious, and even life-threatening, health problems along with the accompanying fears and emotional distresses. She gives no pat answers. She acknowledges the struggle. And she lets God shine through. He is the source of life, love, and hope. At one of her desperate low points, God reminded Karis in a dream of a verse he had impressed upon her a few years before. Psalm 118:17 says, “You shall not die, but you shall live and recount the deeds of the Lord.” And that is what she does.

Beth Van Loon