You have been diagnosed with a condition that involves chronic pain. What now? Why did God let this happen to you? How will you cope? What do you do when a flare-up takes hold of you? How do you build a new future? In this book, Gerhard helps you understand the practical and theological implications of being diagnosed with a condition that includes chronic pain. In the final chapter, he discusses the letters of the apostle Paul and other inspiring writings on victory over suffering, and ends the book on the soaring song of victory by Paul in Romans 8:38-39: " . . . neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Some comments: "A rare find In this searingly honest theological and existential tour-de-force, Venter reveals that conquering chronic pain is not about winning a war; it's about accepting grace right smack in the middle of the worst life can hand a person. Anyone who has endured an acute physical injury or a life-changing medical diagnosis should read this book. You won't find a better companion to take along the journey than Venter, who, page after page, faithfully and with abundant good humor, reminds us that grace still abounds." - Stacia Brown, Ph.D., novelist and author of "Accidents of Providence." "With this bold contribution to the genre of disabilities theology, Gerhard Venter through sensitive readings of scripture, especially the Psalms, forges new interpretive paths for those who suffer from chronic pain. Deftly avoiding Pollyannaish formulae, Venter argues courageously for the capacity to discern, in the midst of suffering, the gifts of the day. This book is important reading for those who would live into life, rather than surrender to its compromises." - David S. Pacini, Professor of Historical Theology, Candler School of Theology at Emory University. "Having spent 41 years as a nurse in various areas of medicine I have seen my share of pain of all types. I also suffer from chronic back pain caused by degenerative disc disease resulting in a lumbar area herniated disc. Gerhard's book was a great source of comfort and encouragement while I was recently in the hospital having a left hip replacement revision, then a month long stay at a rehabilitation facility for Physical Therapy." - Patricia K., nurse, friend and fellow sufferer.