When I first saw Sheila Walsh's new book, God Loves Broken People (And Those Who Pretend They're Not), I knew I had to read it. It's a book that deals with real issues facing people today. It doesn't give fluff answers to life's serious questions, but instead offers hope in the midst of pain.
If you've been reading this blog for very long, you know my story. Three miscarriages in one year led me to a deeper feeling of brokenness than I've ever experienced before. One of the primary questions I kept coming back to was this: "If God really loves me, why does he seem to be ignoring my prayers?"
I believed that God was capable of changing my circumstances. I knew he was able. So why didn't he? Why didn't he step in and do something? I didn't doubt God's power. I doubted his love. I assumed that if he were able to do something (but chose not to), then he must not love me as much as he said he did.
God used Sheila to help me understand that God does love me. Despite what my circumstances might suggest.
Here's what really got to me. In chapter 8, Sheila asked the question: Does God love Jesus? Now, I don't know about you, but I've always assumed God does love Jesus. That's kind of the whole point of John 3:16. God loved us so much that he gave his one and only Son (whom he adored). The verse just wouldn't mean much if God didn't care about Jesus. It's God's love for his Son that makes the sacrifice so great.
What I hadn't thought about was this: Even though God adored his only child, he still allowed Jesus to die. God's love for Jesus didn't make him step in and stop the crucifixion. And His love for us might not make him step in and fix everything that's wrong in our lives. Somewhere along the way, we've gotten everything all mixed up. "A life of faith does not mean a life without pain" (83). Sometimes it just means that God is working on something we can't see yet.
So does God love broken people? Absolutely. He adores us.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Good focus on the point of her book, Lindsey. I totally understand this feeling: "I didn't doubt God's power. I doubted his love."
ReplyDeleteI reviewed this book as well, and I'm very glad to have read it!
Thank you, Caroline. I read your review a few weeks ago. That's actually why I wanted to read this book:) So thank you for the recommendation.
DeleteOh, wow. That's pretty cool! BookSneeze is such an awesome program, isn't it? :-)
DeleteThanks for this blog. I just had a miscarriage and this gave me peace. :)
ReplyDeleteKristi, I'm so sorry to hear about your great loss. Thank you for sharing. I'm honored that my blog has helped you.
DeleteThings like miscarriage really bring these issues home, don't they? It would be so nice if following God always meant a happy life, but it doesn't.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I think God has made things so hard so that no one would choose Him just to get the earthly life He could provide.
I've done a lot of thinking about Jesus' pain and I often cling to His human prayer in Gethsemane when I hurt the most.
Thank God, this isn't the only life there is and God DOES love us. :-)