What They Meant For Evil

What They Meant For Evil: How a Lost Girl of Sudan Found Healing, Peace, and Purpose in the Midst of Suffering
By: Rebecca Deng

Rebecca's story is a powerful testament to how God works in the midst of suffering. I was aware of the civil war in Sudan that displaced so many refugees, but I hadn't really heard someone's full story who lived it.

Rebecca's hardship begins at the tender age of 4 when her village was attacked. As she recounts the events throughout her childhood she maintains childlike innocence in her writing voice which I found very effective in understanding the world through her eyes. She lost so much, but her faith was strong and she didn't allow her pain and suffering to taint her view of God. We can learn much from her.

While I have not experienced the trauma of war or loss to the degree Rebecca has, I have grieved the loss of a baby, and I know, as I think we all have, the pull of the question 'Why?' And like Rebecca, I don't find that question helpful because we don't always get to know. But Rebecca says, "Though Joseph's story is of an Israelite boy and mine is of a Dinka girl, our stories are the same in that they communicate the stories of suffering; but they also communicate that nothing is wasted in God's world. He redeems everything to himself." I love that. Even in the midst of pain we know that God does not waste it. He is in the business of redeeming all things.

She goes on, "What brings healing is honoring the pain, acknowledging its impact, trusting God to secure lasting justice, and forgiving those who have caused our suffering." Rebecca's strength is admirable. Her story encourages and challenges us to resist despair and to serve others. Read this book and you will have a new heart for refugees and a broadened perspective on suffering.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**