I Didn't Ask to Be Gold was born out of one family's experience of pain and faith, to encourage all who suffer and struggle to both keep and grow their faith through the storms of life. In this book you will find honest answers to questions such as: Why doesn't God seem to answer me? Why does He allow physical and emotional suffering in my family? Is it possible to overcome trials? Can I overcome a crisis of faith? Where will I find comfort? Is there power in prayer? Is spiritual warfare real? This book will help you discover that when you suffer, there are people around you whom God uses to help you feel His embrace. «I cried when I read Patty's story, because I know it is true. That's how Patty is… and I'd like to be like her, putting bitterness aside. The Bible puts it this way: „Keep a sharp eye out for weeds of bitter discontent.“ (Heb. 12:15, MSG) I want to have Patty's attitude. In suffering, she chose to give thanks, turn to God, and find strength in Him». Kim A. Pettit
Оглавление
Patricia Adrianzén de Vergara. I didn´t ask to be gold
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FOREWORD
Chapter I. ON THE EDGE OF THE CRUCIBLE
I DIDN´T ASK TO BE GOLD
THE GLASS CANEL
THE CALL
THE LITTLE MEDICINE SPOON DID NOT STOP
SERVANT LEADER
DIE AND THEN REVIVE
SUFFERING BEGINS
STAINLESS-STEEL FAITH
A FLOOD OF TEARS
DIVINE SOVEREIGNTY
SEEKING AN ESCAPE
THE ESCAPE
A BEGGAR’S LAMP
Chapter II. IN THE CRUCIBLE
THE MESSAGE OF THE VOLCANO
THE TALL LADY
WEARINESS AND GRATITUDE
SISTER LOVE
SUFFICIENT GRACE
LEARNING TO CARRY ON
TENDERNESS AND JOYS
THE TESTIMONY
HARD PRESSED ON EVERY SIDE
A PRAYER OF FAITH
A PLASTER OF PARIS CHRISTMAS
A SPRING THAT NEVER FAILS
DILIGENT LOVE
BROKENNESS AND COMFORT
A LASTING COVENANT
A FENCE OF DARKNESS
VASE OR VESSEL
THE FACE OF PAIN
ON THE EDGE OF HOPELESSNESS
A TANGIBLE EMBRACE
HUGGED
BE SEPARATE
THE SMILE OF FRIENDSHIP
MISSIONARY HEART
A FAITH UNHARMED
HEART OF HONEY
STRUGGLING IN THE SHADOWS
THE SOLID FRIENDSHIP OF THE FRAGILE LADY
A TREMULOUS FAREWELL
THE ROUTE TO PERFECTION
AN EARTHLY ANGEL
I WILL NOT DIE BUT LIVE
Chapter III. VICTORY IN THE CRUCIBLE
SHINING FAITH WATERED BY RAIN
THE SCARS OF MINISTRY
EIGHTY WISE YEARS
A HEAVENLY FENCE
BEYOND PAIN
A PITCHED BATTLE
CHASING THE SHADOWS AWAY
“REMAIN HERE”
THE SOUND OF LOVE
NEW GRAIN IN THE FIELDS
MY LITTLE GIRL’S SHEPHERD
MUSIC IN THE STORM
THE GREAT STORM
ONLY GOLD IN THE ROUGH
LETTER TO THE READER
AUTHOR’S DATA
PATRICIA ADRIANZÉN DE VERGARA Ph. D
Отрывок из книги
I dedicate this book to Roger Vergara Vargas, my husband, a dedicated and courageous pastor, tender companion and lover, best friend, and sweet father.
To my little children Rogger, Nataly, and Stephanie, key players in this story of faith, to their tender consciences that are beginning to understand the spiritual truths, because I love them dearly and because they are our crown.
.....
I felt my husband praying beside me. I whispered in his ear: “The Lord is calling me.” Then, to my surprise, I saw his expression was like mine. I heard him reply: “He is calling me, too.”
We stood up and dedicated our lives and our family to His work once again. We chose to obey His call and to go wherever He would send us.
