Dave Furman - Kiss the Wave

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If you want a book that promises you a life of instant healing and happy endings, give this book a miss. Youll be better off with the many books that specialize in empty promises. But if you want a book that is realistic about years of chronic pain and debilitating depression, yet drives you toward the comforts of Christ and his gospel, read this book. Dave Furman does not provide us with an abstract dissertation; rather, out of his own experience he shows us what it means to kiss the wave that throws you onto the Rock of Ages.

D. A. Carson, Research Professor of New Testament, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School; Cofounder, The Gospel Coalition

Dave so gently reminds us that God doesnt expect us to call the hardest parts of life good, but instead desires for us to hold fast to his immeasurable, never-ending goodness in the midst of our suffering.

Jennie Allen, author, Nothing to Prove ; Founder, IF:Gathering

Kiss the Wave was not simply written by Dave Furman. Dave lives these words. He knows what it is to gasp for air in the churning place where wave smashes stone. With faithful endurance and Scripture-seasoned words, Dave compels us to think of our inevitable suffering theologically, not theoretically. With a courageous heart, he loves his family, serves his flock, and champions the cause of our sovereign God with a vigorous joy that belies his constant chronic pain. Jesus is the hero of his story. Dave Furman is eminently qualified to shepherd us in the matter of suffering, for not only is he a herald of Gods Word, but he is also a man who is learning, over and over, to kiss the wave.

Colin Buchanan, singer; songwriter

Dave Furman not only offers a careful exegesis of the Word of God for those who are suffering, but also shares his own story of constant pain and weakness in light of a God who loves. This is not a detached theological examination of suffering in Gods world, but rather the testimony of a man who loves God and desires to live according to Gods call on his life despite being unable to button his own shirt. If youre suffering, you need to read this book. If you love other sufferers, share it with them.

Elyse Fitzpatrick, author, Home: How Heaven and the New Earth Satisfy Our Deepest Longings

This is a remarkable booksearingly honest, genuinely funny, relentlessly grounded, and, above all, saturated with the gospel. Dave Furman has succeeded in equipping us to face the suffering that eventually comes to all of us in a way that flows from who we are in Christ. He has provided us with a rich and moving exposition of what the Christian life looks like in real time. Let me put this simply: read this book!

Gary Millar, Principal, Queensland Theological College, Australia; author, Calling on the Name of the Lord and Now Choose Life ; coauthor, Saving Eutychus

Dave Furman knows suffering and trials better than most men I know. Suffering and trials are not mere theoretical constructs in his life, but everyday realities that propel him into the arms of a loving Savior. With a pastors heart and a fellow sufferers empathy, Dave guides us with his characteristic lucidity, warmth, and clear-mindedness. He reminds us that in times of trial and trouble, far from being absent, the Fathers pruning hand is closest to us. Dont read this book to merely gain knowledge or a quick fix, but to truly understand and live out the psalmists cry, It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.

Jonathan Holmes, Pastor of Counseling, Parkside Church; Executive Director, Fieldstone Counseling; Council Member, Biblical Counseling Coalition

I was deeply encouraged by this book! It is great for anyone, but just right for someone in the midst of suffering. Few can achieve the delicate balance between biblical truth, empathy, and understanding of the struggle, while also pointing toward hope in the Lord. Dave has done this well. His meditations on Scripture comfort and encourage us to see joy in Gods good plans for even the hardest trials of our life. Stories from his personal struggles and those of others add a sense of camaraderie and bring to life the fight for joy in the middle of great trials. A great resource!

Connie Dever, author, He Will Hold Me Fast ; Curriculum and Music Writer, The Praise Factory

Kiss the Wave

Kiss the Wave

Embracing God in Your Trials

Dave Furman

Kiss the Wave: Embracing God in Your Trials

Copyright 2018 Dave Furman

Published by Crossway
1300 Crescent Street
Wheaton, Illinois 60187

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher, except as provided for by USA copyright law. Crossway is a registered trademark in the United States of America.

Published in association with the literary agency of Wolgemuth & Associates, Inc.

Cover design: Tim Green, Faceout Studios

Cover image: Catherine Macbride, Stocksy

Typeset by Inspirio Design

First printing 2018

Printed in the United States of America

Scripture quotations are from the ESV Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

All emphases in Scripture quotations have been added by the author.

Trade paperback ISBN: -1-4335-5645
ePub ISBN: -1-4335-5648
PDF ISBN: -1-4335-5646
Mobipocket ISBN: -1-4335-5647

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Furman, Dave, 1979 author.

Title: Kiss the wave : embracing God in your trials / Dave Furman.

Description: Wheaton : Crossway, 2018. | Includes bibliographical references and index.

Identifiers: LCCN 2017026234 (print) | LCCN 2017047968 (ebook) | ISBN 9781433556463 (pdf) | ISBN 9781433556470 (mobi) | ISBN 9781433556487 (epub) | ISBN 9781433556456 (tp)

Subjects: LCSH: SufferingReligious aspectsChristianity. | PainReligious aspectsChristianity.

Classification: LCC BV4909 (ebook) | LCC BV4909 .F87 2018 (print) | DDC 248.8/6dc23

LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2017026234

Crossway is a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

2018-01-31 09:59:04 AM

Contents

To my sister Sarah:

you are my hero.

Thank you to all the saints in my life who have embraced God in their trials and pointed me to Christ in their suffering.

Gabe and Monica DeGarmeaux, I am grateful for your friendship. Ill never forget where I was standing on Capitol Hill when I received the news that tragedy had struck your family. My heart ached that day and still hurts when I remember you and pray for you. This book is what I have seen you live out every day. You have embraced God in your trials, and your faith has impacted me in a million ways. I wish I could list each one here. Thank you, dear friends.

Larry and Mary Waters, your perseverance encourages me deeply. Thanks for fighting for joy through headaches (literal and spiritual). You have suffered much, and yet you always look to Jesus as your comfort. Your example of lifelong ministry in the Philippines, your challenge to us to press on in seminary, your excitement for our ministry, and your support along the way have kept us going.