With two in seven American families affected by disability, the body of Christ has a great opportunity. As we're called to minister to those walking through deep suffering, we need to learn to do so with wisdom and sensitivity.

Joni Eareckson Tada and others with disabilities, as well as seminary professors, ministry leaders, and medical professionals, do more than offer a biblical perspective on suffering and disability; they draw from very personal experiences to explore Christians' responsibility toward those who suffer--all the while reminding us that as we seek to help the hurting, they will minister to us in return.

Larry J. Waters (PhD, Dallas Theological Seminary) is professor of Bible exposition at Dallas Theological Seminary and the lead editor of the journal Bibliotheca Sacra. He served as a missionary in the Philippines from 1973 to 1999, and is now a missionary with Biblical Education by Extension, representing the Philippines. Larry also serves as a member of the Bibliotheca Sacra Editorial Advisory Committee. He and his wife, Mary, have two daughters and five grandchildren.