I hadn't heard anything about Polishing God's Monuments and to be honest I most likely would have never read it apart from being asked to review it here; and I am so glad I did.Bruce Ware says in his endorsement "A true story so gripping and moving and inspiring that one cannot put the book down." And how true this is!
Jim Andrews tells us the story of his daughter who has faced a lifetime of mysterious diseases & illnesses. Reading the book I cannot stop comparing this girls suffering with Job. And through the opening chapters I found myself filling with emotion & often tears.
Andrews gives a flavour of this book when he writes:
"So how do we keep the faith, sunny side up, in the face of this maddening mystery side of God? And how can we “recommend” a walk with God when, frankly, he seems to have abandoned us to wallow in our pain, to have shut his ears to our pleas, and to have heartlessly left the scene of the accident? What is an honest saint to do when God appears either indifferent or impotent?
This book confronts these issues head-on and offers believers in despair biblical perspective and practical direction that should reinvigorate the spirit of all who will regularly heed and apply them. It is about walking with God in times of trouble, about being tested to our socks, about what to do when extreme pressure threatens our very faith. And for illustrative purposes, it is about the multi-layered afflictions of a young woman, my younger daughter, and her devoted husband, who have faced it all (and then some) as a baffling, mind-boggling illness hijacked their youth and shattered their dreams."
Juli Andrews contracted mononucleosis when she was a senior at Wheaton Conservatory of Music. Though not usually a terrible or long-lasting illness, in Juli’s case it brought about a bizarre series of events that culminated in her being diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (now referred to as Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome) and then an even worse disease called Multiple Chemical Sensitivities. This is has caused Juli to become extremely sensitive to normal, everyday chemicals. Paul, Juli’s husband, also contracted mono and then CFS at the same time as his wife.
The young family was devastated and Jim (Juli's father), commented that watching Paul care for Juli was like 'watching the dead caring for the dead' as Juli's condition worsened to devastating degrees.
Jim gives us an overview of their families difficulties when he writes:
"Over the past eighteen years, we have been far more intimate with darkness than light, felt far more pain than pleasure, and seen more mysteries than miracles."
As Jim Andrews, who is a Pastor tells us the story of his daughter & her husband he carefully weaves in straight-to-the-point theology & biblical reflections on suffering, & the character of God. And encourages us to look to God's gracious work in the past to remind us of His faithfulness in present or future circumstances. This is what Jim calls "Polishing God’s Monuments."
I cannot recommend this book highly enough, And I know that anyone who reads it will come away having been affected by the story of Juli, but also, and more importantly,with better hope in Christ for those dark days that may lie ahead for any of us. Readers will not only be faced with hard questions, but with Biblical answers with which they may be helped or may be able to help others. And I am sure that many lives already have & will change as a result of Polishing God's Monuments.
Special Offer from Inspire Books & Gifts
If you are interested in purchasing 'Polishing God's Monuments' from Inspire Books & Gifts use the code 'homileo01' & they will kindly give you discount from the normal price of £8.95 (This offer is valid untill 28th February or while stocks last)
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Product details
Paperback: 286 pages
Publisher: Shepherd Press (Jun 2007)
Language English
ISBN-10: 097675827X
ISBN-13: 978-0976758273
Product Dimensions: 21.6 x 14 x 2 cm
