The expanded story: Movies, books, and music about suffering

In case you haven’t picked up on it in this month’s devotions or the ec cover story, suffering is a big theme in this issue. That’s why we asked Anna McKenzie to help us find some movies about true suffering that also point to the hope only our God can give. Want your faith to be encouraged? Check out her picks!

Amazing Grace
2006/Four Boys Films
Starring Ioan Gruffudd
An engaging and heartfelt drama, Amazing Grace tells the story of William Wilberforce, a strong Christian and a member of British parliament who took on the mission of abolishing the slave trade in the United Kingdom in the early 1800s. He endured a great deal of criticism and opposition and suffered from a chronic illness which hindered his progress. This modern classic depicts Wilberforce’s persistence and reliance on God’s strength, which ­carried him through the seemingly insurmountable obstacles that stood in his way.

End of the Spear
2005/Every Tribe Entertainment
This is the story of Jim Elliot and fellow missionaries who brought the gospel to a violent tribe in Ecuador. Doing so cost five of the missionaries their lives. It’s sad, but also hopeful.

“It is Well with my Soul”
written by Horatio Spafford, composed by Philip Bliss
Horatio Spafford underwent a great deal of suffering prior to writing this well-known hymn. His 4 year-old son died, then he lost a lot of property investments in the Chicago Fire of 1871. Two years later, in 1873, his wife and four daughters were on a ship that sank; his wife alone survived. In the midst of his grief over the loss of his children, Spafford found comfort in God’s grace and salvation. He knew that despite all that might happen to him on earth, it was well with his soul.

“Oh My God”
Jars of Clay (Good Monsters, 2006)
This powerful song describes all the kinds of people who call out to God, whether genuinely or taking His name in vain—from “liars and fools,” to “pilgrim saints and lonely widows.” It probes the depths of doubt that can accompany suffering, unabashedly questioning hope and wondering how God will respond. The song finishes with the ultimate cry of humanity, “Oh my God,” which leaves all eyes on God, our only hope of restoration in a broken world.
Also check out:
• “Faith Enough,” by Jars of Clay (Who We Are Instead, 2003)
• “Blessed Be Your Name,” by Matt Redman (Blessed Be Your Name, 2005)

The Problem of Pain
C.S. Lewis
In this book, C.S. Lewis tackles the great question of why God allows suffering in the world and what that means for humanity. He approaches this difficult subject logically and honestly, without trying to gloss over the issue. Instead, he addresses pain head-on with a theological and philosophical viewpoint, while his straightforward style remains accessible to the modern reader.

The Hiding Place
Corrie ten Boom
During World War II, Corrie ten Boom and her Christian family hid Jews until they were taken away to concentration camps themselves. In The Hiding Place, Corrie recounts her experiences of Nazi brutality and how she was able to keep her faith during even the bleakest of circumstances. Through the darkness and cruelty that she felt and witnessed, Corrie found that God was still present with her—and it gave her hope and a hard-won peace even in light of intense personal and global suffering.  Also check out:
• If God Is Good by Randy Alcorn
• Where Is God When It Hurts? by Philip Yancey