The Wind That Destroys and Heals: Trusting the God of Sorrow and Joy

By Stephen E. Broyles

Why would a loving, all-powerful God allow so much pain and suffering? It's a question everyone asks-from skeptics to spiritual seekers to confirmed believers. In The Wind That Destroys and Heals,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1578566533
• ISBN13: 9781578566532
• Release Date: April 2003
• Publisher: Shaw Books
• Length: 144 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.5" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

A Powerful/No BS Testimony of God's Covenental Faithfulness

While many who have suffered the loss of a friend, child, or spouse will no doubt appreciate Stephen's willingness to come alongside them as friend and caretaker (which is extremely hard to do on paper), I read this book after having suffered the death of a relationship with my girlfriend. He helped me to see that I am not alone, that I was protected and sheltered even in the midst of the greatest storm I had yet faced. He imparts the hope, truth, and person of the God revealed in Jesus Christ that I cling to as I face larger trials ahead. The book blends narrative and theological exposition seamlessly, showing clearly that our theology and our daily life, our God and our self, walk together hand in hand because of God's promise to never leave us or forsake us. While it is somewhat cliche to say that something is "real," even powerful testimonies can get sucked into the vortex of what other reviewers have already noted as "Christian Cheese-ball Techniques and Easy-Answers." The Wind That Destroys and Heals simply blows it all away (forgive the pun). Furthermore, Stephen's tactful biblical-linguistic scholarship offers readers a chance to see their stories in the light of those who came before them (the Psalmists especially). As such, he brings us to the Lord in humility, seeking understanding and to be understood, undergoing transformation through it all. I can only say thanks to Stephen for his courage to give me a window into his life, to speak of his personal agony with wisdom and patience, and for teaching me how to wrestle and embrace our Lord at once, never separating the God of wrath from the God who defines grace and forgiveness for us.

A gentle compassionate companion as you grieve

Stephen Broyles book is like a quiet, gentle friend's presence in a time of grief. He shares the story of his wife's death and his own journey through grief not so that you can enter into his grief, but so that he can walk beside you in yours. His vulnerability, honesty, and willingness to enter into the most difficult of feelings and questions are a refreshing balm to the soul. He also takes on the difficult questions of faith that arise in grief with a respect for the complexity of our feelings, God and our faith in God. There are no quick fixes or easy answers or platitudes. Instead you will find a companion for the dark days and nights of grief and the road markers pointing to healing and joy for when the time is right. This book is beautifully written and truly a work of art.

Authentic Faith In the Midst of Real Grief

Where do faith and tragic loss meet? In this incredible book, the author takes us to such a place in his own life and that of a wife and mother of two young children whose life was taken by cancer. Broyles powerfully demonstrates that faith and despair can coexist by inviting us into his story, and into the biblical story of a God who is mysteriously and graciously present not only in the joys of life, but also in the depths of tragedy and brokenness. I highly recommend this to any reader who looks for faith beyond quick fixes or easy answers.

Well written, thoughtful, honest, NOT sentimental

This powerful book, beautifully written, speaks to the question of suffering - what answer can a Christian find? Broyles leads us through his own suffering (and his wife's and children's); she is diagnosed with cancer and will die from it early Christmas Day. He evokes the anguish carefully,and his questions are not answered quickly and easily. The path through this is relayed to us with feeling and strength. Psalms, Job, Gospel are portions of the pain-lined tunnel through which he is brought before he reaches a newer affirmation of trusting God.

Oh a Marvelous Discovery

This is undoubtedly Sheldon VanAuken (A Severe Mercy) for this generation.Thanks Stephen for the pain and hope of this book. For anyone in a situation of grief and loss, an author who can be your trusted companion.