An important principle in the business world is to be prepared. When it comes to suffering in the Christian life, being prepared is eminently more important. Why? In Luke 14, Jesus gives two easily understood scenarios to emphasize this point: going out to battle and building a tower. Unpreparedness in either realm can prove disastrous. To be unprepared in a business deal may cost the loss of a sale or revenue. But to be unprepared in the Christian life has eternal consequences.

This book, Be Prepared: Developing and Implementing a Theology of Suffering, is a call to all believers to not be caught off guard as it relates to suffering. Despite what many preachers are saying, suffering is not the abnormal experience of a child of God. Suffering is a "normal part of the Christian life." Jesus, Paul, James, and Peter all make this abundantly clear.

As you read this book, may the Lord equip you to develop and maintain this reality in your own life. Philippians 1:29 tells us that a precious gift from our Savior is both to believe in His name and to suffer for His sake. It's a package deal. Let's be careful how we use His gift.