Readability: 1
Length: 194 pp
Author: Michael Horton
With multitudes of Osteens infecting the masses with a fuzzy message of nothing-but-sunshine-and-smiles the need for something solid to stand on is dire. Lambs are being told that they are being fed, true, but for the slaughter. They are fed full; full of artery-clogging, fat-rich lies. Out of shape, and vulnerable, Satan roars and prowls on such weak one. Suffering strikes and such sheep are soft. and sickly.
John Piper wrote “the antidote for wimpy Christians is weighty doctrine.” Horton, puts strong truth under your feet in a gracious way. Sufferings presence in this life is not made light of, the gospel of the dark sky and the risen Christ is made much of. The time to prepare for suffering is before the suffering strikes. Christian, read books on suffering, even if you’re not suffering, read them. A Place for Weakness would be an excellent one to start with.
Understanding who God is, who we are, and God’s ways in creation, providence, and redemption-at least as much as Scripture reveals to us-is to the trials of life what preparing for the LSAT is to the practice of law. Theology is the most serious business. Preparing for this exam is not just a head game or a prerequisite for a temporal vocation, but it’s a matter of life and death. It is about our heavenly vocation and its implications for each day here and now. It’s about living, and dying, well.
In times of crisis, the most important thing we can do is go to church. Chiefly, this is where God’s herald announces that “external Word” that contradicts our private judgments. Working against the tide of our inner experience and thoughts, this announcement comes rushing toward us like water from the Himalayas: “You are forgiven; go in peace.” It is also where Christ gives himself to us anew, sealing his fidelity to our salvation in his Supper, joining us with his saints fellowship in invocation of his merciful presence, confession, prayer, and praise. Here we take our place, despite our misgivings, doubts, fears, and temptations, not with the scornful and proud, but with our fellow pilgrims.
No Other Boast 