BOOK REVIEW: BROKENNESS - How God Redeems Pain & Suffering

This is another "God-thing" as I say, when I KNOW without a doubt, God worked out the details, so I read this book. This is a book I received from Mind & Media for free,to in turn, write a review on it. For me, the author could have inserted my name throughout it, as though it was written just for me.

Brokenness is written by Pastor Lon Solomon, and published by Red Door Press. He's been a pastor for 37 years and knows about brokenness from the personal experience of the severe illness of their daughter, Jill, whom he dedicates the book to. There are so many things I would love to write about this book, but I'd be quoting the whole book, so I will share a few things that hit me, and hope that you will want to pick up a copy for yourself.

Throughout my blog, I have shared about how I can relate to the book of Job, and how much of his yearnings for God and understanding, seem so many of our questions of our trials. Pastor Solomon shares about Job throughout this book, and gives new insights, which I appreciated. Here is one thing that Pastor Solomon spoke about of his trial that he went through:

"Don't fret. God is simply preparing you so that He can use you the way you asked Him to.

The preparation is nasty, but it's a necessary part of God's answer to our prayer. Nobody likes, wants or understands these early steps . . . here is the good news. At the end of the tunnel there is a great light - the light of spiritual power and anointing, of usefulness to God and spiritual impact for Christ on our world.

Like all of God's servant's I had to learn this lesson the hard way. I won't lie and say it was easy . . . He knew that more than anything, I wanted my life to count for Christ. Because of that, God ignored my complaints and kept going.

Almost thirteen years later, I'm still standing, thanks to God's amazing grace. During this time I've seen God answer my prayer in greater and greater measure. As I look back, I'm thankful I didn't bail out on the process. I'd never want to endure it again, but I'm honestly glad God put me through it. . . God will use your life for His glory if that's your true desire - but it will cost you something." [emphasis mine]

Throughout the book, Pastor Solomon shares how brokenness can be used for God, if we allow Him. How often do we struggle with the trials we are going through, and blame God, get angry at Him, and/or reject Him? Here are a few quotes about brokenness, and the growth from it:

". . . spiritual usefulness without spiritual brokenness is a spiritual impossibility."

" . . . the more broken we are, the more God can and will use us. Brokenness and usefulness are directly proportional."

" . . . Brokenness is not a curse. It is a blessing that every follower of Christ needs desperately. Perhaps the fact that it is so seldom spoken of in modern Christianity helps explain why our modern brand of Christianity is so insipid and powerless."

Not only does Dr. Solomon relate to his own personal struggles with his seizure stricken daughter, but brings examples from those in Scripture and in history. One of my favorite stories he related to was with D.L. Moody, who had the largest congregations in Chicago and yet, felt he did not have "power" - spiritual power and cried out for it. God allowed him to lose everything in the Great Chicago Fire. He moved to New York, surrendered himself completely to God, and as the author said, "Crazy Moody became 'Broken Moody, the Man of God' who went on to shake two continents for Jesus Christ."

Pastor Solomon shares how "asking" for brokenness, can terrify us, and what it could require of us.

"We're scared of the cost of being broken. Parents fear that it will cost them their child. Business people fear that it will cost them their careers. Some fear it will cost them their health and wealth. . . We must remember that God will never ask anything of us unless He is prepared to walk with us hand in hand. He will sustain us every step of the way. As has been said, the will of God will never lead us where the grace of God will not keep us." (similar to a poem I posted awhile ago - emphasis added, mine).

Pastor Solomon shares a lot on forgiveness too, which is many times a big part of the picture of brokenness, because God has allowed people who have hurt us, said unkind things to us, to be His instruments in working in our lives. It's when we get to the place of forgiving, and not holding grudges, that the brokenness can be fulfilled.

For people who have been Christians for a long time, and yet feel they have not done much for God, or are too old, Pastor Solomon reminds us that Moses' first 80 years of life held no lasting spiritual value. Yes, he allowed brokenness in his life, and his last 40 years showed God's power, from the opening of the Red Sea, to the Ten Commandments. Though we may not live 120 years, God still can do a mighty work in us, if we allow Him.

After each chapter, Pastor Solomon has "discussion points" which would make this a great book for a group, couple or personal Bible study. I recommend this for any Christian to read, especially if you have been struggling with trials, and hardships, and/or deep pains. I would also recommend having an extra copy to give to a friend or donating to your church library.

NOTE: As a Mind & Media Reviewer, I was not compensated for providing this review. I received a complimentary copy of this book in order to review it and am thankful for this opportunity.