Polishing God's Monuments

This week I finished reading Polishing God's Monuments by Jim Andrews. Andrews is a pastor whose daughter and son-in-law have suffered terribly through one trial after another (mostly related to several serious health problems that they have faced). The chapters of the book alternate between letters to his congregation that describe the suffering his family endured and a discussion about how his family has learned to deal biblically with the suffering that they have faced.


Here are a few encouraging quotes:

"Whenever the mystery of our present experience of God obliterates any sign on our immediate horizon that God is who he claims to be, we need to hunker down under the umbrella of those trophies in our past. A "monumental" faith is able to look forward with confidence because it looks backward to the past. It discounts the baffling mysteries of present circumstances because it finds reassurance in his historical works, his uncompromising character, and his unchanging promises."


"Monumental faith is a faith trained to look away from the confusion of the moment to find security and confidence in the past evidences of God's character and faithfulness."


As I read this book I was reminded of Psalm 77. In it the author reflects on how he has chosen to deal with God's temporary silence to his cry for help. Here is what he concludes:


10 Then I said, “I will appeal to this, to the years of the right hand of the Most High.”
11 I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old.
12 I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds.
13 Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God?
14 You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples.
15 You with your arm redeemed your people,the children of Jacob and Joseph. Selah

--Psalm 77:10-15

May we look back at God's past faithfulness as we wait patiently for Him to act according to His divine plan in our lives.



--Mark