Cameron Cole on the Value of Pain and Suffering- Rooted 2020

In this timely talk from our Rooted 2020 micro conference, Cameron Cole examines the value of pain and suffering in the lives of teenagers. Taking Isaiah 61:1-4 as his central text, Cole assures parents and youth pastors that in his own suffering, the gospel of grace landed on his heart for the first time. In painful times, the word of God’s grace can set our teens free and heal them. We do not have to fear; “there is hope, there is redemption, there is sanctification in suffering.”

The Gospel is rest.

The Gospel means Jesus carries the burden of your life.

The Gospel means you will never have to prove yourself again.

Cameron Cole is the founding chairman of Rooted Ministry. In addition to serving the local church for nearly twenty years in youth and family ministry, he is the co-editor of Gospel-Centered Youth Ministry: A Practical Guide (Crossway, 2016). Cameron is the author of Therefore I Have Hope: 12 Truths that Comfort, Sustain, and Redeem in Tragedy (Crossway, 2018), which won World Magazine’s 2018 Book of the Year (Accessible Theology) and was runner up for The Gospel Coalition’s Book of the Year (First-Time Author). He is also the co-editor of The Jesus I Wish I Knew in High School (New Growth Press) and the author of Heavenward: How Eternity Can Change Your Life on Earth (Crossway, 2024). Cameron holds an undergraduate degree and an M.A. in Education from Wake Forest, as well as an M.Div from Reformed Theological Seminary. Cameron is married to Lauren and together they have four children, one of whom lives in heaven.

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