Draw Near: How Painful Experiences Become the Birthplace of Blessings, by my friend and fellow Life Changing Stories contributing author Hadassah Treu, is a must-read for anyone wondering if God is still at work amid turbulent trials and struggling to understand how to interpret their suffering biblically.

 Treu beautifully illustrates how suffering can be a catalyst for transformational growth as she vulnerably shares how tragic, soul-crushing circumstances in her own life became a “birthplace of blessings” that drew her closer to God and bolstered her faith.

Rather than offering up tired Christian platitudes, Treu provides a front-row seat to her honest struggles to trust God while facing adversity, discouragement, betrayal, sadness, failure, infertility, grief, and other heart-wrenching experiences, while also pointing to the transforming truths of scripture that ignite hope and healing. She also shares the practical application of these truths as she experienced them, allowing the reader to follow her transformative journey on the path to personal healing.

I particularly enjoyed the format of each chapter, which provided a clear path from her personal stories and relatable biblical examples to the scriptures that affirm God’s goodness and the gifts that can be gained. At the close of each chapter, Treu provides declarations that make the biblical principles personal, as well as reflection questions, relevant scripture to meditate on, recognition of the losses experienced alongside the gains to be grateful for, and a guided prayer.

Whether you are currently struggling to survive devastating circumstances, trying to make sense of the shattered remnants of your past, or you know someone in need of candid, hope-filled encouragement, you’ll want to add this book to your nightstand reading stack.