This book is for you if you’re reeling from life’s disappointments, and trying to reconcile your Christian faith, and the reality of your daily life. Somewhere along the way, many Christian believers picked up the idea that if they followed God they would be blessed in all ways. That poor health, broken marriages, the death of a loved one, or estranged family only happens to unbelievers.
This misunderstanding is not Biblical, because Jesus told His disciples before He Left this earth that they would have trouble in this world, but to be of good cheer, because He had overcome the world.
John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
I believe that this misunderstanding is just another lie of satan to lead us away from God during hard times. “It’s Not Supposed To Be This Way: Finding Unexpected Strength When Disappointments Leave You Shattered” by Lysa Terkeurst is a Biblical guide to navigating life when bad things happen to us.
This book is deep, thought provoking, and sometimes anger-inducing. Read it slowly, and take time to digest each chapter. It helps if you have someone to discuss the chapters with. Other people’s perspectives, and observations of the faith-in-Jesus life are a really important part of healing.
Also, this book, comes with a workbook if writing, and drawing help you process emotions and concepts. I’ve found it helpful as I worked my way through the book.
God has used this book, and a wonderful Christian therapist to help me heal from the trauma of my abusive marriage and divorce.
Gems From The First Two Chapters
Chapter 1 is called “Between Two Gardens.” In this chapter, Lysa talks about how we were created for the perfection of the Garden of Eden. She says we were wired for perfection. This explains why we feel so much disappointment when things go wrong.
Also as believers, we live between the perfection of the first garden, and the perfection of heaven. Nothing is perfect here, so our disappointment in the painful imperfections of life can majorly sidetrack us. Lysa encourages us to come to Jesus with our disappointments, because He can use them for our benefit.
“The disappointment that is exhausting and frustrating you? It holds the potential for so much good. But we’ll only see it as good if we trust the heart of the Giver.”
Chapter 2 is called “Dust.” In this chapter, she tells us how potters use the fine dust from broken pottery to make new pottery stronger.
“We think the shattering in our lives could not possibly be for any good. But what if shattering is the only way to get dust back to its basic form so that something new can be made? We can see dust as a result of an unfair breaking. Or we can see dust as a crucial ingredient.”
My Thoughts
The remaining nine chapters go into the nitty gritty detail of living with our disappointments, and learning to see them through God’s eyes.
If you’re looking for quick fixes there aren’t any here. Lysa encourages us to feel our feelings, and walk with Jesus every step of the way.
Each chapter is full of Scripture passages, so it’s not just her thoughts on an issue. I find her to be very much grounded in the Bible. This is not pop psychology with a smattering of scripture. It’s real meat, and honest raw experiences by the author, and others she’s known.
I highly recommend this book!
Wrap Up
If you’d like to read my review of a similar book about disappointment called, When God Doesn’t Fix it by Laura Story click here. https://www.upbeatliving.net/review-when-god-doesnt-fix-it/
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