The Rope of Faith: Holding Fast Through the Storms of Life

Coming straight out of the author's heart of pain, this book also gives strong testimony to the faith which sustained him. Interestingly, the writing is much more than his story. Out of his experience as a pastor, he has shared the faith journey of many others who have walked down this well traveled path. This is as much their story as it is his. This book is for seekers as well as for those whose faith has wobbled. If trouble and sorrow have not yet found the reader, they will. Jackson says there is no bypass around pain as we sojourn through life. When it comes, readers will discover that the rope of faith holds fast when it is tied to Jesus. Jackson writes: "Dates of national and international tragedy stand out in our memory. Likewise, personal and family dates of tragedy and loss can be even more impressionable for the individual involved. Going through the refiner's fire forges us into stronger persons of faith. It is not what happens to us that counts, ultimately, but the way we respond to what has happened." His thoughts continue: "When fears and doubts assail, when the storms rage, when health fails, when earthly relationships deteriorate, when all manner of unexpected things come to bring distress to our souls, we need already to be well anchored. We do not want to be careless in the nurture of faith, thereby tying a slipknot around the body of our beliefs." One of the many passages of Scripture shared is from Psalms: "Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper.They were glad when it grew calm, and He guided them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love" (107:28-31).