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If today you find yourself in the furnace
of suffering, take heart. You don’t have to burn. You can walk away
untouched by the flames.
The author, Mary J. Nelson wrote these
words in the preface to her book, Grace for Tough Times. Not only has
she been there, but she tells about her experience. She shares
testimonies of other people that have faced the fire and come out of it
in one piece. She describes life as resting comfortably on a four
legged stool, then the legs begin to fall and your seat crumbles
beneath you. It is a test of faith, and you soul is laid bare. Your
character is exposed. But take heart she says. The testing that follows
can teach perseverance and strengthen your endurance, so you are better
prepared for the next time the stool crumbles.
Ms. Nelson takes you through her testing
from job loss to breast cancer, a fall, physical therapy, knee surgery,
and to job loss again. With each surge of the fire she offers wonderful
lessons from God’s word to get you through. At the end of each chapter
is a wonderful prayer to heighten your awareness and lift you up in
God’s word. Throughout the book she goes through every emotion that can
be faced , and tells how only God gets her through it all. The
testimonies from others only strengthens the fact that faith will get
you through your own test of fire.
This book offers devotions for everyday
use. Ms. Nelson uses the Word of God to give strength to anyone that
reads this book and faces their everyday trials.
I was touched most by the truth she wrote:
“All I could do was trust God. In His mercy, he healed my cancer. But
he left a thorn deep within my soul. It keeps me on my knees at the
feet of Christ. It is a constant reminder that I can do nothing on my
own strength. In this place of weakness, His power works best.”
I highly recommend this book to everyone as
they face their own trial in the fire. When live seems to knock you
aside and it seems hopeless, remember that you are not alone, God walks
with you, carrying you at times. This book renewed my own faith in the
Lord and His mighty works. If looking for the right words to say to
someone you know that is suffering, this book can say everything and
help sooth a fevered soul. Anyone from teens to older adults will gain
encouragement from the wonderfully written book.
Rev. Sharon Ward
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