“Why the pain, Lord?”
I love it when a book begins with a question and then
proceeds writing straight-forward, honest answers about resolutions and tactics
to handle some of life’s hardest issues. Dr. Murrell did not disappoint.
A loaded question, but one that is fully examined.
“God can heal in many different ways, including
through His word. My prayer is that as you read His word through my message,
your heart will be touched, and healing will take place in those areas where
you have hurt for such a long time. As God heals you, I ask that you, in turn,
minister comfort and healing to others.” Dr. Arvis Murrell
All of us have stood against adversity, resentment,
bitterness, anger, loss, and pain. We’ve wondered who we are in the midst of
life’s struggles. Can we conquer and overcome? Arvis breaks down these complex
issues and wraps God’s word around them like a salve, a healing balm, to
readjust our thinking, and encourage us to make our plans with God and move
forward.
Page to page, I picked up valuable gems on how to face
issues and circumstances, pain and misery, along with doubt and stress. The
author achieves this with relatable, engaging commentary about her own
struggles and how she reached deep into God’s word to heal.
Truthfully, how do you adequately review a book that
is so chocked-full of inspiration and truth about human frailty and God’s love,
grace, and mercy? Maybe it’s by sharing some of Dr. Murrell’s own words from her
book.
“We often give our
circumstances too much power. Rather than take control of our situations, we
allow our circumstances to control how we think and act . . . I had to learn how to keep myself calm by not
putting so much attention on small stuff, rather to focus on kingdom things and
let the main thing be the main thing.”
“Paul put it this
way: ‘If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where
Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. S
et your affection on things above,
not on things on the earth’. (Col. 3:1-2)"
"Here we are
encouraged to ‘set our affections on things above’. We are to put our attention
on what God is doing, not on what others are doing. Focusing on others can
cause feelings of outrage as people are not capable of satisfying us. But
focusing on God has a calming effect."
“Thou wilt keep
him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in
thee.’” (Isaiah 26:3)"
“God wants to
bring us out of bondage and make us vessels of honor. For it is not His will
for us to perish.”
“I could not quit
on God because He did not quit on me. Even when the road got tough, I had to
keep traveling. God has a plan for my life, and He has one for you, too”
“Remember, your
setback is God’s setup for your comeback!”
Beautiful reminders of God’s mighty love for us. He
can use every circumstance we face to His glory.”
Hopeful words from the back cover of the book, “If
your painful past is holding you back, It Doesn’t Hurt Anymore
will shed light on deeply rooted scars. Start anew today. Be relieved from the
pain, break free from the shadows, and move forward to reclaim the life God has
chosen for you.”
Rev. Steve Baran, President-National Christian
Counselors Association, states, “The pathway to Freedom, Forgiveness and
Fullness of Life is found through a personal relationship with Jesus! The
necessary steps one takes on this journey are eloquently outlined in this book
as the author shares God’s amazing transformational experience in her life.”
It Doesn’t Hurt Anymore: Release the Past
and Embrace Your Future encouraged me to live life beyond
circumstances, beyond everyday chaos and disappointment in order to live fully
and empowered in Jesus Christ.
God bless you,
Angela
Beach Silverthorne
Living
Life Through Faith
