Counted Worthy

A Father's Perspective on the Theology of Suffering

By: Connor Bales

Narrated by: Connor Bales

A.W. Tozer once said, "It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until he has hurt him deeply."

As a pastor, Dr. Connor Bales has tackled tough questions about suffering for years:

• How should Christ-followers respond to suffering?
• What if our calling is to suffer?
• How do we respond when our loved ones suffer?

But it's his own experience as a father and fellow sufferer that has equipped him to pen this book. In Counted Worthy, Connor Bales shares the unique calling he and his wife, Mary, have been counted worthy of stewarding in raising two children with a rare genetic disorder. From the initial confusion and questions of "why"—to the practical exhaustion resulting from endless tests, treatments, and visits to the emergency room—to the emotional, physical and spiritual toll they've experienced as a family, Bales leaves nothing off the table.

But, standing tall above the brokenness, disappointment, and hurt, Counted Worthy illuminates a practical theology promising hope, supernatural comfort, and a closeness to God that Connor and Mary have experienced first-hand. Listeners will grow close to the Bales family, but more importantly, they will draw closer to their Savior through their life's story.

©2021, 2022, 2023 Connor Bales (P)2023 Connor Bales

Trusting God's Sovereignty & Intentionality

Connor is a high school friend of mine, but post his 1995 graduation (I was a year later), I have not kept up with him. So it was a delightful surprise to come across his book. I also have two daughters and I was floored when I heard about his daughters and their condition, because my youngest daughter has almost the same, rare, identical condition. Statically, based on how rare a condition of our daughters, Connor and I shouldn't know one another. But being our daughters' are so close in diagnosis, I was drawn into his story. So many things he said I can relate to...spot on. God has shown me His divine sovereignty and intentionality with my daughter's life and it has taught me so much about the heart of the Father. I loved "Counted Worthy" and it ministered to me greatly. Highly recommended.

Beautifully written!

I love that the author and his wife read this book! They did a wonderful job, and it made listening to this extraordinary story and message all the more powerful!