Life with a limp

This book is a book for “limpers” by one who limps. I believe you will find it pastorally helpful and theologically insightful in your own ministry within an international context.

Everybody walks with a limp. Some may hide their limp better than others. Nevertheless, the limp is there. From cradle to casket, we sooner or later encounter physical, mental, or emotional pain. Suffering is no respecter of persons.

While suffering afflicts our bodies and emotions, the problem of suffering afflicts the mind. When confronted by tragedy, one may ask: How can I survive this pain? But eventually, the more abstract questions occupy the mind: Why did God let this happen? How can I trust a God who would let my child die?

In Life with a Limp, I offer a robust, biblical reflection on these and other questions such as:

How do I handle my grief?
How can I grow through suffering?
How do I reconcile suffering with belief in an all-good God?
Do all things really work together for good for those who love God?

Throughout, I share my story of limping through doubt, loss, and grief following the death of my firstborn son. But more importantly, I explore how our limp in life can help us grow more in love with our suffering Savior.

Here’s what others are saying:

Birthed in ongoing grief . . . this personal immersion in Scripture, theology and experience will provide pastoral comfort to any in pain and anguish. Missionary-pastor-friend David Stevens takes the reader to the philosophical edge of a God limited by human choices and actions. And yet divine providence in both purpose and process finally prevails. Valuable exegeses of relevant Scriptures filled with powerful illustrations from history, geography and literature will strengthen any soul. Read it slowly, humbly and eagerly . . .
Ramesh Richard PhD, ThD
President, RREACH|Professor, Dallas Theological Seminary

David Stevens has chosen an age-old topic, perhaps the most thorny issue in the history of human relationship with the Judeo Christian God: How can a loving God tolerate rampant injustice in so many areas of our beautiful but savage world and still expect us to love and trust him? With solid biblical theology, the author carefully navigates the common and a few uncommon theological and psychological perspectives. This book can serve as devotional reading, or in pastoral or therapeutic counseling, especially for grieving parents.
Dr. Lois Svoboda, M.D.
Physician and Marriage & Family Therapist

This is an honest, heartfelt, and heaven-calling look into the unbearable suffering caused by the death of a child. Can any suffering be deeper or more unthinkable? This is a much-needed resource and offers real help to anyone who is suffering or who’s seeking to help those who are.
Rev. James Burgess, Senior Pastor
Fellowship Church
Dubai, UAE

Travel with my friend, David Stevens, on a journey that is both emotional and philosophical, touching both raw human emotions and deep theological issues. This is not a typical grief story. It is ideologically deep and at the same time biblical and warmly encouraging.
Jeff Townsend

Former pastor and currently National Director of Field Development, International Students, Inc.

DAVID E. STEVENS is a pastor, theologian, and missionary who has ministered extensively in the United States, Europe, and Africa. A graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M.) and the Faculté Libre de Théologie Evangélique (Th.D.) near Paris, France, he most recently pastored the International Bible Church (IBC) in Jurbise, Belgium (2015-2019). He is presently engaged in pastoral training in West Africa. Visit his website at www.davidearlestevens.com

Life With a Limp: Discovering God’s Purpose in Your Pain is now available wherever books are sold.