Everybody walks with a limp. Some may hide their limp better than others. Nevertheless, the limp is there. From cradle to casket, we sooner or later encounter physical, mental, or emotional pain. Suffering is no respecter of persons.
While suffering afflicts our bodies and emotions, the problem of suffering afflicts the mind. When confronted by tragedy, one may ask: How can I survive this pain?
But eventually, the more abstract questions occupy the mind: Why did God let this happen? How can I trust a God who would let my child die?
In Life with a Limp, I offer a robust, biblical reflection on these and other questions such as:
How do I handle my grief?
How can I grow through suffering?
How do I reconcile suffering with belief in an all-good God?
Do all things really work together for good for those who love God?
This book is a book for “limpers” by one who limps. Throughout, I share my story of limping through doubt, loss, and grief following the death of my firstborn son. But more importantly, I explore how our limp in life can help us grow more in love with our suffering Savior.
Through their patience and prayers, my family members have participated in the writing of this book. My adult children, Rebecca Blumhardt, Mary Lynne McCulloch, and Justin Stevens, have inspired me with their persevering faith in
the face of loss and doubt. My wife, Mary Alice, has been my closest companion in grief. As I have written, we have wept . . . and worshipped. Thank you for your honest, insightful feedback on every paragraph of this work.
Life with a Limp is scheduled to be published by June 15, 2020 and will be available on Amazon and at major online bookstores.
Here's what others are saying:
Birthed in ongoing grief . . . this personal immersion in Scripture, theology and experience will provide pastoral comfort to any in pain and anguish. Missionary-pastor-friend David Stevens takes the reader to the philosophical edge of a God limited by human choices and actions. And yet divine providence in both purpose and process finally prevails. Valuable exegeses of relevant Scriptures filled with powerful illustrations from history, geography and literature will strengthen any soul. Read it slowly, humbly and eagerly . . .
Ramesh Richard PhD, ThD
President, RREACH|Professor, Dallas Theological Seminary
David Stevens has chosen an age-old topic, perhaps the most thorny issue in the history of human relationship with the Judeo Christian God: How can a loving God tolerate rampant injustice in so many areas of our beautiful but savage world and still expect us to love and trust him? With solid biblical theology, the author carefully navigates the common and a few uncommon theological and psychological perspectives. This book can serve as devotional reading, or in pastoral or therapeutic counseling, especially for grieving parents.
Dr. Lois Svoboda, M.D.
Physician and Marriage & Family Therapist
This is an honest, heartfelt, and heaven-calling look into the unbearable suffering caused by the death of a child. Can any suffering be deeper or more unthinkable? I’ve known the author and his family for many years. I had the privilege of speaking at his son’s memorial service. I know firsthand the authenticity of his words and of his life.
This is a much-needed resource and offers real help to anyone who is suffering or who’s seeking to help those who are.
Rev. James Burgess, Senior Pastor
Fellowship Church
Dubai, UAE
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