Strength through Adversity: Why Bad Things Happen to Good People

Why did this happen to me? Why now? What did I do to deserve this? It seems so unfair! These expressions are familiar; the suffering and trials that prompt such sentiments are universal human experiences. But where are the answers? The wounds of the soul require more than the Band-Aid philosophies offered by the world; they call for a source of healing that only God can provide.

Strength through Adversity explores the healing principles that God has given to help us understand and endure adversity. Addressing the universal Why? questions, Bent L. Top discusses three main causes of suffering man's agency, natural law, and authentic acts of God and their relationship to the plan of salvation. Perhaps even more important, this book deals with the universal What? question What can I do to find peace and consolation? With insights from scriptures and modern-day prophets many of whom have known great personal suffering in their own lives you will find powerful insights for overcoming setbacks and experiencing genuine growth in adversity.

Brent L. Top is the dean of Religious Education and professor of Church History and Doctrine at Brigham Young University. Prior to joining the BYU Religious Education faculty in 1987, he worked for the Church Educational System as a released-time seminary teacher, an institute teacher, and an administrator. He is the author of more than a dozen LDS books and scores of articles on historical, religious, sociological and educational subjects. He is married to his high school sweetheart, the former Wendy Cope, from Idaho Falls, Idaho. They are the parents of four children(and grandparents of seventeen) and reside in Pleasant Grove, Utah, where Brother Top currently serves as the president of the Pleasant Grove East Stake.