Jimmy Evans - When Life Hurts: Finding Hope and Healing from the Pain You Carry

2013 by Jimmy Evans

Published by Baker Books

a division of Baker Publishing Group

P.O. Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287

www.bakerbooks.com

Ebook edition created 2013

Ebook corrections 02.26.2014

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meansfor example, electronic, photocopy, recordingwithout the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

ISBN 978-1-4412-4457-4

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com

Scripture quotations labeled ESV are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. ESV Text Edition: 2007

Scripture quotations labeled NASB are from the New American Standard Bible, copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. www.lockman.org

Scripture quotations labeled NKJV are from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Published in association with the literary agency of Alive Communications, Inc., 7680 Goddard Street, Suite 200, Colorado Springs, CO 80920, www.alivecommunications.com.

To protect the privacy of those who have shared their stories with the author, some details and names have been changed.

Pain is a natural part of human existence. But some wounds are so deep they impact how we live and who we are. Jimmy Evans shines a light on those dark, unhealthy placesall while pointing readers toward God, the source of true healing.

Dr. Tony Evans , senior pastor, Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship; president, The Urban Alternative

Jimmy Evans teaches us the power of surrender in his new book When Life Hurts . His biblical and honest approach will help free us from past hurts and struggles as well as serve as an important tool to help others who have experienced wounding from their past. A must-read for everyone!

Joni Lamb , cofounder, Daystar Television Network

Life hurts and past wounds are sensitive topics. When Im struggling with personal pain, I want to receive advice only from someone trustworthy who truly understands Gods heart. I cant imagine anyone more trustworthy and more qualified than Jimmy to handle such a tender issue. When Life Hurts lovingly deals with all types of scarring experiences and speaks Gods truth into each and every one. Read this book with an open heart and receive his healing.

Debbie Morris , executive pastor, Gateway Church in Dallas/Fort Worth; bestselling author, The Blessed Marriage and The Blessed Woman

There is so much pain in this world. All of us have been affected by it in some way. Whether its loss, hurt, or rejection, the pain we experience is often unresolved. Jimmy Evans is a true father in the faith. He has written a powerful book that will bring you from a place of hurting to true healing in God.

Stovall Weems , lead pastor, Celebration Church

During our lifetime on this earth, every one of us will experience hurt, and sometimes we are hurt deeply. My husband, James, and I have felt this on occasions when people misunderstood our journey with Christ, the stands we have taken, and strong beliefs we hold. Never, however, have we encountered such anguish as with the recent passing of our youngest daughter, Robin. Our very close friend Jimmy Evans offers meaningful help to every one of us who has endured the indescribable pain of unexpected, deep hurt. In this book you will find help and healing for the deepest wounds in your heart. Thank you, Jimmy, for helping bind up broken hearts.

Betty Robison , cohost, LIFE Today

To a culture that says you can do and be anything if you set your mind to it, Jimmy Evans suggests a different path: that some hurts are impossible to escape by simply gritting your teeth and pressing on. Sometimes you need the healing hand of God. That hope is evident on every page of this book.

Christine Caine , founder, The A21 Campaign; bestselling author, Undaunted

To my precious wife, Karen. You have been my best friend and devoted partner for over forty years. You have been long-suffering and faithful in the good times and bad. You have walked the pathway of healing with me as God has used you more than any other person to help heal the hurts of my past and minister his love to me. This book would not be possible without you.