It's Not Supposed to Be This Way

Starred review from September 24, 2018
Challenging the platitude that “God will never give you more than you can handle,” TerKeurst (Uninvited) shares the deeply personal stories of her husband’s infidelity and her battle with breast cancer to help readers rethink how to define disappointment. In tackling these tough topics and the themes of unanswered prayers and being hurt by the people one counts on for support, TerKeurst illustrates how disappointment can be essential to drawing closer to God—particularly when God feels distant or silent. Though the book is Scripture-heavy, TerKeurst’s breezy style allows for easy summations of her core points: “Eve’s disobedience seems to point to the same struggle I have when I don’t like God’s plan: surely I can do this better than God.” TerKeurst is now recovering, cancer free, after a double mastectomy and also working through her marital problems. For those dealing with life-shattering circumstances, Bible verses and chapter-ending “Going to the Well” sections (which include additional Scripture quotes, questions for discussion, and a prayer) will be a handy resource at a time when readers might be less inclined to pick up their own bible. Her transparency, wit, and spiritual insight make this skillfully crafted volume feel like time spent in honest conversation with a trusted friend.