The Furnace of Affliction:How God Uses Our Pain and Suffering for His Purpose

by Horace Williams Jr.

Pain is inevitable. But did you know there is a divine purpose for suffering? The Furnace of Affliction will help those who are struggling with the "why" of pain find hope. This book will encourage readers to look to God, who is bigger and higher than any affliction. Horace Williams, Jr., a stroke survivor, is well-acquainted with pain, The Furnace of Affliction blends real stories, practical advice, with biblical and spiritual truth. Together these elements create a salve that is intended to change how you view pain and re-evaluate your response to it.

110 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 22, 2020

Reviews

[Quirkyreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this ARC from BookSirens for an honest review.

I first head of Horace Williams Jr. when I had the chance to read a sampling of his award winning book “Unleash The Power of Prayer”. So when the opportunity came to read this one I took it.

This book will not be an easy read, so be prepared. Also make sure you have your NASB translation of The Bible at your side when you read this book.

Pain in the main topic of this writing. Our pain come from many things and we all deal with it differently. Read the authors biography and you can see where some of his comes from.

I don’t want to spoil the learning experience that you will have, but the main idea I took away from this book was ENDURANCE.

[Lila Diller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will be recommending to all my books clubs and Bible study groups!

I really enjoyed this almost devotional, inspirational book. It's filled with personal stories from a man who has obviously lived this message out in real life and speaks with empathy and experience. I appreciated the balanced view of God's sovereignty with man's free will. This wasn't a book all about how every affliction is ultimately from God and therefore unavoidable. Some trials are tests from God to grow our faith. But some are self-inflicted, consequences of our own disobedience.

I especially loved how each chapter is not only organized into sections but also is filled with Scripture. This book is definitely based on the Word of God, and it points to the Scriptures time and time again.

Favorite quotes:
“British author C.S. Lewis states in The Problem of Pain, 'We can ignore even pleasure. But pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.' / Does God seem to be shouting at you through pain and suffering? Have you been listening or have you been hard of hearing in your walk with Him?” (intro, p. 5)

“The furnace of affliction is a constant tool God uses while we are here on earth. We will experience pain and suffering until He takes us to heaven to live with Him. How long we spend in the furnace has a lot to do with how we respond to God's onging attempts to make us more like Him.” (p. 14)

“My dear brother or sister in Christ, God wants to use us for His glory, and He cannot use us if we continue to live in sin. Period.” (p. 15)

“Faith takes time to develop, so prepare yourself to spend time in the furnace throughout your life. God is always at work on your transformation from a sinner headed to hell to a sainted vessel that He can use for His glory.” (p. 23)

“Serve, surrender, and submit. Why do words like these make us feel so uncomfortable? It is about pride.” (p. 35)

“Humility does not require that we walk around with our heads hung in shame. No, God instructs us to have joy in the midst of our trials and tribulation (James 1:2).” (p. 38)

“One way we can easily disobey God is by refusing to wait. I know, one of our favorite words, right? I have struggled with patience for as long as I can remember... I believe God has had me in a season of waiting for several years (and counting). He is teaching me patience and reminding me to put my complete trust in Him.” (p. 80)

“It takes courageous faith to wait on God, especially during painfully confusing and difficult circumstances.” (p. 82)

“His plan for us is not to always live comfortably but to live intentionally for Him.” (p. 92)

“We may never understand all that God is taking us through, but we are not supposed to grasp every little thing. If we knew it all, why would we need God?” (p. 96)

(I received this book for free from the author. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions are my own, as was my decision to write a review.)

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I had to use three words to describe The Furnace of Affliction they would be honest, humble, and truth. Horace Williams, Jr. writes with such honesty while showing his humility and speaking truth. His words are as a soothing oil.

The Furnace of Affliction is easy to read and understand. It is full of gentle reminders of why we may be in a furnace of affliction and how we are to respond to it.

Sometimes we are the reason our life is a mess. Horace shares truths in how to know if we are the reason and what to do about it. Then, there are the other times God wants to grow us. Again, there are truths to ponder.

Horace Williams, Jr. reminds the reader, “Each stage of our life has a purpose.” We can either wallow in self-pity or we can get up and make the best of each stage and live like we love the Lord and want to bring Him glory.

“It takes courageous faith to wait on God, especially during painfully confusing and difficult circumstances. When we are seeking to do His will, we might not understand why God’s schedule is not the same as ours. We wonder if He has forgotten about us and our situation. I assure you that this is not the case. God is concerned about every minute detail of our lives.”

I received a free advanced copy of The Furnace of Affliction from the author in return for my honest opinion.

[Lisa Oddo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was able to obtain a free copy of this book by assisting on the launch team for its release. What a privilege! We've been chosen to be the light in a dark time. God takes corrective measures through our trials/pain to help us grow in faith and in our personal relationship with Him. The outcome is always teachable and brings strength. Ultimately our pain leads us to joy! Horace Williams, Jr. shares of some some his toughest life moments of pain-physical, emotional, spiritual. I highly recommend this book for all-those who've heard of Christ but may not yet know Him, those who are at the start of their walk or for those who've been on this journey for quite some time. You will be able to relate to the author in many ways, even if your circumstances are quite different. God loves each of us unconditionally and all that happens is for our greater good and to benefit His kingdom.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book for anyone who may be struggling with God's purpose for pain in their lives.

With grace and insight, Horace artfully weaves his personal journey of being in the furnace of affliction with biblical truth.

As someone who suffers from a variety of chronic illnesses, I could relate to Horace's story and found hope, encouragement, and inspiration from his perspective. This book embodies the promise to all believers found in Romans 8:28. God can and does us the fiery furnaces of this life for our good and His glory!

(I was privileged to receive this book for free from the author. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions are my own, as was my decision to write a review.)

[Crystal Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found myself profoundly moved by Horace's view of suffering and God's sovereignty. After experiencing suffering in his life, Horace allowed God to use that to shape and teach him important truths that he shares with us in this book. Truths we need to hear when we find ourselves experiencing pain in our lives. His book has been a great encouragement to me personally in my season of suffering. I highly recommend picking up a copy for yourself! The important lessons and truths in this book will never go out of date and serve as encouragement and hope when we need it most.

(I received this book for free from the author and was not compensated for this review. All opinions are my own, as was my decision to write a review.)

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set against the bleak backdrop of 2020, this new book from Horace Williams is like a great lighthouse sitting high on the rocky shores.

Combining his own tragic life story, biblical principles, and practical truths, the author inspires both hope and courage.

I highly recommend this book, believing every reader will be deeply moved and encouraged by what they read.

Melanie Redd, Author of Live in Light: 5-Minute Devotions for Teen Girls


(I received a free advance copy from the author in exchange for my review! Great job, Horace Williams!)

[Glen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple and Basic

I'm disappointed. I guess I was expecting something like C S Lewis' "The Problem With Pain". This book lays out basic theology, belief that was woken by a stroke the author suffered. If you are already a committed Christian, this book won't feed you.

[Cheryl Burr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where to begin...
God gets our attention one way or another when we set Him aside, become lackadaisical in our faith and the mission and purpose God has set before us. This book is one man's continuing journey through pain, suffering and healing and how God is using him to help others.
In an instant a devastating stroke changed Horace's life forever. Instead of wallowing in self pity, his faith and passion for God has and is continuing to grow.

This is an inspiring story that tells us God is with us always, through the good, the bad and the pain for He never promised an easy life.

John 16:33 In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

Through scriptures and his personal struggles, Horace shows us how God uses our pain to refine us
to be used by Him.

Horace's prayer is that God will use his testimony to give hope and encouragement to the reader that no matter the circumstances or trying times, God will bring you through it.

No matter what your Furnace of Affliction is, this book will give you encouragement and hope.

[Deb Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, it is full of hope and the reminder that God can use even the worst of circumstances for our good and His glory. He is able to give us what we need always . . . even during times of affliction and pain. Horace's humble honesty in sharing his story is so encouraging and helpful. This is definitely not a "preach at you" book. You will walk with Horace through his story as you grow to understand how the Lord is walking with you through yours.

[Lori Schumaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Horace Williams writes from a place of hope for those who are in the middle of pain and suffering. When times are hard, we can't help but cry out and wonder "why". This book gives us a deeper look into the answers to our questions. Horace understands this place of desperation as a man who suffered a life-changing stroke at the height of career and at only 40 years old. Using a wealth of Scripture, he walks us toward a deeper understanding of those times in furnace while at the same time giving us hope and strength to keep going. I highly recommend this book for not only those currently in the fire, but for anyone. We all have faced or will face affliction in our lifetime. This book will help to understand and prepare.

I was given a free copy of this book for my honest opinion.

[Hayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dealing with pain whether physical or emotional God has a plan. Furnace of Affliction gives insight and wonderful points of reference from Horace's own experiences. Whether you are just finding Jesus and dealing with pain or you have been suffering while battling through your Christian walk..... This book will give you great wisdom. It is full of scripture and Horace does all amazing job of using scripture that fits each situation; some devotions or books about Christianity are full of the 'same old verses' - this is not the case here and I found that to be even more of the reason this book stands out to me on all levels. Horace's honesty and transparency about his own struggles and pain help the reader understand this is not just a book of preaching but a book he has lived. I received an early copy of this book from the publisher and these are my own opinions and thoughts.

[Debbie Chatley · Rating 4 out of 5]

As Christians we will face affliction at various points in our Christian walk. So whether you are in hard circumstances now or will likely endure them in the future, this book will build your hope, draw your gear to God and encourage you. A quote from the book sums it up nicely: “Let’s refuse to allow our painful circumstances to define us; instead let’s allow them to develop us.” I love how the author integrated their story with both learned wisdom and Scripture to create this helpful guide for us.

The parts that God used to speak into my heart was the destructive sins that interfere with our relationship with God and the part about waiting on God. This quote jumped off the page for me. “When we refuse to wait on Him, we are saying that we know better than God does and that we don’t trust Him”.

[Horace Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have experienced a lot of pain in my life to varying degrees. In writing this book, I hope to encourage and challenge the reader to re-evaluate their responses to painful circumstances. God has a unique purpose specifically designed for you to accomplish His will in your life. Lord-willing, this book will also give you some joy while motivating and inspiring you to draw nearer to God. God has not abandoned you. He is at work in you, refining, restoring, and renewing you for your good and His glory.

[Shannan Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Affliction. Something the Bible tells us will come to us in life, but do we really understand. Through stories of his own personal afflictions, from having a stroke at a young age, to a wedding engagement that ended up not coming to pass, Mr. Williams shows us how we are to depend on God, not only on a daily basis, but also during troubling times. The book includes Practical advice as well as Biblical truths. A great read that I will refer to often.

I received a copy of this book Via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Rocky Henriques · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who has ever experienced pain ...

...and that is everyone...would benefit from reading this challenging and encouraging book. This is not just theory! Mr. Williams combines personal experience with a generous use of Scripture to point is to The Father Who loves us too much to leave us to our own devices.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good!

I got the book for free, but the review is my own. This was an open and honest summary (testimony) of the author’s life and journey back to God in the course of a stroke. Read and be encouraged in the end planned by the Lord!

[Mary Geisen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Furnace of Affliction by Horace Williams Jr. takes the reader on a journey through the fire of pain and suffering laced with the hope of God. Mr. Williams shares personal stories and practical applications to teach the reader the importance of suffering and how God uses it for His glory. I loved the strong foundation of biblical truth portrayed throughout every page. The challenge that was presented at the end of the book sums up the main message and provides the perfect way to move forward. Mr. Williams says it like this:

“Let’s live in a way that glorifies God and does not force Him to use pain to get our attention. Let’s refuse to allow our painful circumstances to define us; instead, let’s allow them to develop us.”

This book will point your life to God every step of the way.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

In times of suffering, we don’t need to hear clichés; we need to hear the truth. Through the lessons he’s learned through difficult times, Horace is able to draw from God’s Word and use the truth of scripture to speak into your pain and bring encouragement and hope.

My favorite quote so far... "Exquisite faith is living in obedience without any doubting—a faith with full confidence in God, no matter our circumstances or our feelings. When we give ourselves over to our feelings and follow them, we usually end up in trouble. It is a constant battle for me to not live according to my desires."

[Avril · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. You could feel the intensity of the message with every word the work penned in the book and can sense his urgency in communicating a truth that most Christians don't want to face today.

The writer shares in clear language the importance of suffering drawing from his experience and backing it up with scriptures. It's an important reminder for every Christian today.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Chelsea Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Encouraging!

I really enjoyed this book. If you or someone you know has experienced any type of suffering this book is an encouragement and points to a lot of scriptural truths to change your mindset to see and find the joy in Christ in those moments! I loved all Of the scripture references and personal stories he shared! Great read!

[Anne Bester · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a must-read for anyone who suffers or suffered any form of pain; physical or emotional. It is well written and includes many Bible verses that will help to strengthen you as you go through difficulties in life. I definitely recommend reading this book.

[Clinton Sites · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I began reading this book I was somewhat distracted by the method of the authors writing style. While my first impression was that of an autobiographical novel of his life and interactions with the Lord - I found it devolved into more a justification of "sola scriptura" and private revalation.

I do not deny that private revalation is a critical part of our relationship with the Lord, but Church Teachings and Traditions play a very important part in discerning that relationship.

Having made that statement you may well sense that I am Roman Catholic, but I still found statements and verses that resonated in my heart and soul.

There are questions and reflections at the end of each chapter that are of use to anyone trying to navigate the furnance.