A Steadfast Heart: Experiencing God's Comfort in Life's Storms

by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick

Book Overview

Although never our personal choice, it is frequently God's plan that his children walk through storms and difficulties. Using the picture presented in Psalm 57, readers will discover the secret of experiencing God's presence and comfort in trial and will grow in their appreciation of his purposes in their lives.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0875527477
• ISBN13: 9780875527475
• Release Date: September 2006
• Publisher: P & R Publishing
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.5" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

Great book for our Women’s study. Has questions at the end of each chapter. They were all in great

Any women who would like a Godly, easy to read book with thought-provoking questions at the end of each chapter. A good study book for a group of women!

Biblical encouragement for trials and suffering

We will suffer. Jesus said, "In this life you will have trouble." Elsewhere the scriptures admonish us not to be surprised when various trials come upon us. Rather, we ought to be prepared. A Steadfast Heart: Experiencing God's Comfort in Life's Storms by Elyse Fitzpatrick is for all women, whether in the midst of a trial or not. Fitzpatrick is a biblical counselor and popular speaker at women's conferences. Though they did not keep her immune to pain, her years of Bible study and counseling did help prepare her for her most difficult days. Mrs. Fitzpatrick shares how God ministered to her through His word during years of suffering and how women can ready their hearts for their own trials and afflictions. Following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, the Fitzpatricks found themselves in the middle of a financial struggle that left Elyse feeling uncertain of her family's well-being, helpless, and, at times, angry. She shares that for the first time in her life she began to question God and His character. Though Mrs. Fitzpatrick does not go into specifics regarding their situation, she does share how she was feeling. Being that I'm a woman, I like to know the details of any situation; however, Fitzpatrick only shares enough to let the reader understand that she was indeed suffering. She explains the wisdom of this approach: "In writing about our suffering, I want to make clear one reality: I know that what we've gone through is nothing in comparison with what others endure on a daily basis. Our trial was fashioned for us by a wise God who knew exactly what kind of suffering we needed. The trials we endure are meant to get at the idolatry, self-love, and independent unbelief that God desires to purge from our life. They're also meant to cause us to love Jesus Christ more and more, and sometimes they're not discipline at all, but rather part of God's mysterious plan to glorify himself. So, please, as you read through this book, don't compare my suffering with yours or wonder how you could endure what I've gone through or vice versa. Just recognize that God brings to each of us what will best glorify Himself." Using Psalm 57 (because that is the psalm God used to comfort her), Fitzpatrick explains that we can cry out to God for mercy, just as David did; we can look to God's suffering Son and find hope in the knowledge that because Jesus was forsaken, God will never forsake His children; and we can rest in the knowledge that our suffering will not last forever. Indeed, there are sufferings we will never experience because of Christ's sufferings. Fitzpatrick also holds forth Job, the faithful of Hebrews 11, and a few more recent suffering saints whom we would do well to emulate, namely Lady Jane Kenmure, Amy Carmichael, and Richard Wurmbrand. It is helpful to examine the lives of saints who have gone before in order to see how to suffer well. Unlike those men and women Fitzpatrick profiles in this book, many women feel as thou

a must-read during trials!

i held off reading this and i regretted it! i was facing a trial that lasted for a couple years and didn't get to read this until toward the end of the trial. it was SUCH a blessing and pointed me to God and His Word, His promises, and reminded me of God's goodness in times of trial. i loved especially being reminded that each trial is sovereignly and perfectly designed for each person. i cried many tears during my reading, but it was such refreshment and encouragement to my soul.

Gospel compassion

Elyse spells out how to live in light of the Gospel during times of suffering. This book is real, insightful, full of real-life examples and compassion for those enduring hardship.

a must read

I can't thank Elyse enough for writing this book. It is helpful to me in my life certainly but will be immensely helpful to the women that I counsel. The book flows with the message of the Cross! Thanks again, Elyse.

A Gospel-Centered book and CD for those facing difficulties

As an author, I don't usually review my own work, but I did want you to know that this book is accompanied by a free CD that includes original music written by Steve and Vikki Cook who wrote "Before The Throne". Along with this music there are readings from Scripture and other devotional material meant to draw your heart toward the Lord during times of difficulty.