Everybody walks with a limp. From cradle to casket, life is filled with physical, mental, and emotional pain. Some may hide their limp better than others. Nevertheless, the limp is there. 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 philosophical questions occupy the mind: Why did God let this happen? or How can I trust a God who would let my child die?
In Life with a Limp, David Stevens provides a robust, biblical reflection on these and other questions such as:
- How do I handle my grief?
- What is the role of suffering in the Christian life?
- How do I reconcile my suffering with belief in an all-good God?
- Do all things really work together for good for those who love God?
This book is for "limpers" by one who limps. Throughout, the author shares his story of limping through doubt, loss, and grief following the death of his firstborn son. But more importantly, he explores how our limp in life can help us grow more in love with our suffering Savior.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. David E. Stevens is a pastor, theologian, and missionary who has ministered extensively in the United States, Europe, and Africa. A graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M., 1982) and the Faculté Libre de Théologie Evangélique (Th.D. 1999) near Paris, France, he has pastored churches in Texas, Oregon, and Belgium. He is presently engaged in pastoral training in West Africa. He is also the author of God's New Humanity: A Biblical Theology of Multiethnicity for the Church (Wipf & Stock, 2011). Visit his website at www.davidearlestevens.com.
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. 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 and Professor, Dallas Theological Seminary
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
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
Travel with my friend, David Stevens, on a journey that is both emotional and philosophical, touching both raw human emotions and deep theological issues. This is not a typical grief story. It is ideologically deep and at the same time biblical and warmly encouraging.
– Jeff Townsend
Former Pastor and currently National Director of Field Development, International Students, Inc.
David Stevens uses his gift of making Scripture come to life to lay the foundation of hope for anyone walking through the pain of loss. He shows how God’s redemptive love gently leads us to the point of facing our real selves, guiding us towards deep happiness that glorifies God and satisfies our soul.
– Ray Sanford
Vice President, One Challenge
