When Your Days Are Dark, God Is Still Good
Biblical Advice to Help You Trust in Difficult Times
by Gary Zimak
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Pub Date 5 May 2023 | Archive Date 8 Jun 2023
Description
“We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
It’s easy to see the work of God’s hands when things are going right—a promotion, a new baby, or a financial windfall. But what about when things go wrong? How could God possibly make good out of illness, death, or betrayal?
In his letter to the Romans, St. Paul boldly asserts that God uses all the circumstances of our lives—good and bad—to express his love for us. In When Your Days Are Dark, God Is Still Good, Gary Zimak—author of the bestselling and award-winning Give Up Worry for Lent!—shares personal stories and scripture narratives to show you that God is not only present in your pain but also uses your pain to transform you into a holier, more compassionate person.
St. Paul’s confidence was born of conviction as one who had endured great suffering for the Gospel—and had found God faithful. Zimak looks at the story of Paul and other biblical figures in both the Old and New Testaments to show how God used their painful circumstances to bring about good, including:
- Adam and Eve eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil—God didn’t abandon them, but sent his Son to undo their disobedience;
- The death of Lazarus—Jesus’s miracle of raising Lazarus brought many to believe in him;
- The disciples on the road to Emmaus were lamenting the death of Jesus—they met the risen Lord, whom they did not know until he broke bread and gave it to them;
- Hagar, the maid of Abraham’s wife Sarah, is used to give Abraham a son—though she was cast out by Sarah, God made her son the founder of a great nation;
- Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who suffered religious persecution at the hand of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon—God kept them unharmed when they were thrown into a fire for not bowing to a golden image. Their safety caused the conversion of the king; and
- The apostles in the upper room in fear after Jesus’s death and Resurrection—Jesus visited them in the locked room and brought the gift of peace through the Holy Spirit.
Each chapter includes questions for reflection and a prayer.
A Note From the Publisher
He is the host of The Gary Zimak Show and the podcast Following the Truth. He previously served as director of parish services at Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Catholic Church in North Wales, Pennsylvania, and as the host of Spirit in the Morning on Holy Spirit Radio in Philadelphia. He is a frequent speaker and retreat leader at Catholic parishes and conferences across the country.
His work has appeared in Catholic Digest, the National Catholic Register, Catholic Exchange, Catholic Philly, and Catholic Answers Magazine. Zimak has been a guest on numerous television and radio programs, including EWTN’s Bookmark and Women of Grace, Catholic Answers Live, Morning Air, and the Son Rise Morning Show.
Zimak earned a bachelor of science degree in business administration from Drexel University.
Advance Praise
“This book offers hope, not pat answers. Looking at the suffering people endured in stories from scripture, it will spark your imagination to consider how God was present then—and how God is present now in the midst of your own suffering. This book reminds us that we are never alone.”
Deacon Ed Shoener
Coeditor of When a Loved One Dies by Suicide
“This book is a powerful reminder that, even in the depths of suffering, God is good, all the time.”
Maria Morera Johnson
Author of My Badass Book of Saints
“This book is a timely resource for us all. If times are good, it can help prepare us. If times are dark, it can help us persevere. I strongly recommend this book!”
Fr. Jeffrey Kirby
Author of Be Not Troubled
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781646801886 |
| PRICE | US$15.95 (USD) |
| PAGES | 192 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Line L, Reviewer
Thanks to NetGalley and Ave Maria Press for the review copy!
“When Your Days Are Dark, God Is Still Good - Biblical Advice to Help You Trust in Difficult Times” by Gary Zimak is a book about exactly what you expect. The title is long and descriptive, but it is very true to what the book is actually about.
I love the title of the book. When your days are dark, God is still good. This is so true. And it is very important to remember. This book explains just how important it is, and just how to remember that. This is done through examples and verses from the Bible.
Also, there prayers throughout the book as well as discussion questions which can help you reflect on the chapters.
The book is well written. And even more importantly, the book is written with a great purpose. We all know just how hard life can feel sometimes, but even on our darkest days, we have to keep on fighting and trusting that there is purpose in our pain.
Janet P, Reviewer
We all face difficulties. In this excellent book, Zimak looks at more than a dozen Biblical people who faced difficulties. He retells each story, tells us why it matters, and relates it to circumstances in his own life. Each chapter ends with a prayer and. questions for discussion. It's an excellent book for those who are suffering
Robin D, Reviewer
This book is not what I expected. It’s really good for new believers or those wondering why there is suffering and how God wants to use that. It was a short read, but enjoyable.
Amy K, Reviewer
This is a great bible study. The stores and questions align well with scripture. I enjoyed reading through this.
Daileen R, Reviewer
I really love this bible study!! I think it would be a great addition to anyone's daily devotional and study time. Each chapter ends with a prayer and questions perfect to self-reflect but I think also it would be great for discussions in a book club setting at church.
Patricia H, Reviewer
Si loved this book! It reminds me that we are all not perfect that we were not mean t to not suffer because even those who knew God and loved him suffered but that there is hope and love in his mercy it’s clearly shows no matter what the circumstance is there’s is a way out and by faith love and sacrifice all thing happened for a reason and will be ok because he walks with us and will not leave us in bad times as well.
Maria G, Reviewer
When Your Days are Dark, God Is Still Good is such a consoling read. Author Gary Zimak has a definite gift for helping the reader put anxiety at bay.
His Scriptural references point out the abiding goodness of God, at all times and in all circumstances. In this way, He leads the reader on a journey of discovery about the Almighty and His bountiful love.
So often times, in the midst of trials, it can be difficult to feel God's presence. Zimak lifts the veil and points out the Lord's mercy even during the most challenging of circumstances.
This book is highly recommended for anyone who has ever questioned the devotion God has for each and every one of us. It is through His love and boundless kindness that we can weather the storms of life.
Kimberly P, Reviewer
Thank you to NetGalley and Ave Maria Press for the opportunity to read an advanced reader's copy of this book for an honest review. (Publish Date: 05 May 2023)
“When Your Days Are Dark, God Is Still Good” is a book that can be used time and time again whenever shadow and darkness fall over someone’s life.
The author explains his reasoning for writing this book is to offer something in addition to seeking consolation in the Bible to those who are grieving or distraught. I was brought to tears when the author said that when someone has just suffered a devastating loss, that individual needs somethings more than a Bible verse hanging on a wall – they need proof that the words are true. For those people like me who still feel a terrible hollowness after losing a loved one, sometimes a Bible verse really isn’t enough to stop the hurt and fill the void.
I really enjoyed the layout of the book as the author examines several biblical examples of God working in dark situations, personal insight from the author’s life, prayers, and questions for self-reflection and discussion.
I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to strengthen their Christian faith. If you’re currently experiencing darkness or can’t seem to move on from a tragic event, this book is for you. If you know someone who is experiencing a trail in their life that needs support and encouragement, this book is for you to share with them. This book has examples of circumstances that can span a person’s entire life, so I see readers picking up this book again and again for help and comfort.
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