Christ and Calamity: Grace and Gratitude in the Darkest Valley

Contact Your Elected Officials

Lord, do you not care if we perish?

That’s what the frightened disciples shouted to Jesus as he slept in the stern of a storm-tossed boat. In the midst of suffering and uncertainty, we’re all prone to think that God has forgotten us, he doesn’t care, or he’s powerless to do anything.

And that’s true of us in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In Christ and Calamity, Harold L. Senkbeil speaks pastorally to our suffering and uncertainty. Senkbeil shows God’s constant and faithful grace to us. With Paul he encourages us: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thess 5:16–18).

Calamities come in many different sizes, and God addresses them all in his Word and by his Spirit. Even when we don’t see or feel it, God is always faithful.

“If I dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me” (Ps 139:9–10).

The disciples’ faith in the midst of the storm may have been weak, but Jesus was mighty to save. And he will save you, too. No matter how small your faith, you can count on him to hear your anguished cry and to answer.

Review

“The ‘Great Exchange’―my rags for Christ’s righteousness―is not just a doctrine. Nor is it just an experience in the past. It’s the objective truth. Harold Senkbeil doesn’t just tell us this truth again but applies the salve to our anxious hearts. The book is a gem!”
―Michael Horton, professor at Westminster Seminary California, author of The Christian Faith

“Hal Senkbeil has stared the problem of suffering in the face and hewn from the pages of the divine Scriptures, the sweetest cross-filled consolations.”
―Matthew C. Harrison, president of the Lutheran Church―Missouri Synod

“This is a book to read and to read again whenever we need it, a book to give away to people who are hurting. This book will be a classic.”
―Gene Edward Veith, provost emeritus of Patrick Henry College, author of The Spirituality of the Cross

“As we live out our lives in this broken world, we are never far from pain, never far from calamity. Each of us passes through the dark valley not one time, but again and again. The Christian tradition has many trustworthy guides for those difficult times, and I’m glad to commend Christ and Calamity as another that will serve God’s people as we endure this calamity, or that one, or the inevitable ones to come.”
―Tim Challies

“In this excellent little book, Harold Senkbeil reminds us that in the midst of calamity, God is where he’s always been: near to us in the Christ given to us in the gospel. … While there have been a spate of recent, ‘timely’ corona-books focused on the immediate pandemic that shut down the globe, Senkbeil has given us a timeless book, born out of years of pastoral ministry, ready to speak a word of comfort to every valley we may walk in one day. I’m happy to commend it to you.”
―Derek Rishmawy, RUF Campus Minister at UC Irvine, Columnist at Christianity Today

About the Author

Harold L. Senkbeil is author of the award-winning book The Care of Souls: Cultivating a Pastor’s Heart (Lexham Press). He is executive director emeritus of Doxology: The Lutheran Center for Spiritual Care. His pastoral experience of nearly five decades includes parish ministry, the seminary classroom, and parachurch leadership.

Book Knowledge
Book Knowledgehttps://www.thethinkingconservative.com/previews/books-magazines/
Book Knowledge shares books, magazines and other sources that help us grow in our knowledge of conservatism and help us make a difference in our country.

Tylenol’s Headache

When President Trump, RFK Jr., and Dr. Mehmet Oz called for pregnant women to avoid using acetaminophen, Tylenol got the headache.

American Restaurants Are Going Broke

U.S. restaurant bankruptcies surged to 22% in 2020 amid COVID-19 and stayed elevated at 14% last year due to Biden’s “Build Back Better” policy.

A Few Fun Alternatives to the”Gory Stuff” at Halloween

Halloween has gone off the rails with gore through the decades.  But there are ways to enjoy the "scary stuff" without giving into darker, pagan alliances.  

Germany Stands To Lose & Poland To Gain From The EU’s Latest Energy Move

The US is geostrategically re-engineering Europe at Germany’s expense in order to facilitate Russia’s post-Ukraine containment.

EBT Serfs Threaten Violent Mass-Shoplifting Spree if Food Stamps Cut

The EBT serfs of the underclass may be in for a rough ride come November, when mommy government is slated to wean them off the teat of state.

White House Releases Donor List for $300 Million Ballroom Project

The Trump admin has released a list of the private donors contributing funds to the new ballroom being constructed on the White House grounds.

Alleged Chinese Fentanyl Kingpin Recaptured in Cuba Following Mexico Escape

A Chinese fugitive wanted on suspicion of trafficking huge quantities of fentanyl and cocaine into the United States has been recaptured in Cuba.

Walmart Brings Back Thanksgiving Basket, Turkey at Lowest Price Since 2019

Walmart brings back its popular Thanksgiving Basket meal, offering turkey and fixings to feed 10 people for under $4 each.

Prominent Personalities Sign Letter Seeking Ban on ‘Development of Superintelligence’

Hundreds of people, from conservative commentators to tech executives, have signed a letter seeking a ban on “the development of superintelligence.”

Trump Pardons Convicted Binance Founder Changpeng Zhao, White House Confirms

Trump pardoned Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, convicted of money laundering two years ago while leading the global cryptocurrency exchange.

Trump Calls off Meeting With Putin, White House Says

White House says Secretary Rubio and Russia’s Lavrov had a productive call; no further meetings or Trump-Putin talks are planned soon.

President Signs Rare Earth Agreement With Australia’s PM

President Trump hosted Australian PM Albanese at the White House, where both leaders signed a new agreement on rare earth mineral cooperation.

Trump Says Insurrection Act Is ‘Strongest Power a President Has’

President Trump detailed plans to invoke the Insurrection Act to address rampant crime, calling it the “strongest power a president has.”
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

MAGA Business Central