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Polishing God's Monuments: Pillars of Hope for Punishing Times

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Polishing God's Monuments was an unexpected surprise. A book that arrived (as do so many others) without any fanfare, I quickly skimmed the four endorsements and paused only when I saw Bruce Ware's name and his claim that this title is "so gripping and moving and inspiring that one cannot put the book down." Based on my respect for Bruce Ware, on the enthusiasm of his endorsement and on the track record of the publisher, Shepherd Press, I decided I should at least give the book a try. Am I ever glad I did!

Polishing God's Monuments is the story of a young woman and her devoted husband who have faced a lifetime of mysterious, devastating illness. Written by Jim Andrews, the young woman's father, the book intersperses narrative with teaching, experience with theology.

When she was young, just a senior at Wheaton Conservatory of Music, Juli Andrews contracted mononucleosis. Though mono is not usually a devastating or long-lasting illness, in Juli's case it set in motion a bizarre series of events that culminated in her being diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (now referred to as Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome) and eventually a horrifying accompanying disease known as Multiple Chemical Sensitivities. This is an affliction that causes some patients, and Juli among them, to become extremely sensitive to chemicals that do not bother most other people. Paul, Juli's husband, contracted mononucleosis and then CFS at around the same time as his new wife. The young family was devastated.

Juli's condition left her in terrible condition, unable to care for herself and often unable to do even the simplest things. Her chemical sensitivities rendered her unable to handle even the fainest smell of perfume or the chemicals used in inks and fabrics. Eventually she even developed extreme sensitivity to light, to the chlorine in water and even to the presence of electricity, leaving her lying day after day in the cold and the dark. Her disease left her unable to live even a semblance of a normal life for year after year. But through it all her husband tended to her, cared for her, and searched far and wide for something, anything, that might alleviate her condition.

This is the story Andrews tells in this book. A pastor for the last seventeen years and a seminary professor before that, the bulk of the narrative comes in the form of letters he wrote to his congregation to keep them updated on the drama of Juli's life. But woven between these touching letters is straightforward theology--biblical reflections on the nature of suffering, the character of God, and the important discipline of looking to what God has done in the past to remind us of His faithfulness in the present and the future. That discipline, which Andrews refers to as "Polishing God's Monuments," gives title to the book.

Andrews writes about suffering from the perspective of one who has seen suffering in a close and personal way and one who has suffered by watching and participating in the afflictions of the ones he loves. He writes well and in a way that equally affects the heart and the mind. The following is drawn from the web site of Lake Bible Church where Andrews is pastor:

"Though some think of Jim as a cerebral preacher, he is not your typical academic. True to his down-to-earth "country roots," he comes to the pulpit with a dead-on, look-you-in-the-eye, tell-it-like-it is prophetic style that never hesitates to go toe-to-toe with the conscience. As he himself describes his preaching philosophy, he strives in the pulpit "to herd biblical truth and the issues of life into violent collision at the intersections of the mind and heart." Jim models that old adage that sees the preacher's job as "comforting the afflicted and afflicting the comfortable." He candidly explains that his ministry is not for "navel gazers, but for star gazers.""

Those collisions between truth and life at the intersections of the mind and heart are evident throughout the book. He constantly shows how truth must prevail even when it seems impossible. And he writes the book in such a way that it must bring comfort to those who are suffering while at the same time afflicting the hearts and consciences of those who are far too comfortable.

As long as the Lord tarries we will all suffer. Whether we suffer through disease or persecution or just the difficult situations that come with this life, suffering is inevitable and unavoidable. Though we do all we can to alleviate and avoid it, we know it is always lurking, always waiting to show it's ugly face. It does us good to be prepared and to arm ourselves in advance with good theology regarding sin, suffering and the sovereignty of God. Though our doctrine will always be perfected in the midst of the battle, it is nevertheless wise to be prepared. This book brought me face-to-face with the sovereignty of God not despite suffering, but in the very midst of heart-rending suffering, arming me for the suffering that I know must come. I learned from the faith of this family that God has allowed to suffer--I learned that God is faithful to His promises, that He is sovereign, that He is sufficient, and that He can bring joy through even the greatest pain.

There are at least two potential dangers in writing a book in this format, alternating between narrative and theology. The first is that the story may so overshadow the teaching that the teaching gets lost in the narrative. Alternatively, the teaching can so overshadow the story that the narrative seems to be little more than a desperate attempt to lend credibility to what is taught. Andrews strikes a near-perfect balance between these, using the narrative to springboard useful, biblical discussion of serious issues.

As I closed the cover on this book, 294 pages (yet only one day) after beginning, it struck me that this is undoubtedly one of the best books I've read so far this year. I skimmed back through my files to see how many other books I've read in 2007 and can see that it is at least sixty or seventy. So it's no small thing to realize that this is one of the best. I simply can't recommend Polishing God's Monuments too highly. I wholeheartedly agree with Bruce Ware who writes, "To enter into this theological reflection on suffering is to accept the challenge to grow deeply in Christ, and to cherish the sure and certain promise of the gospel." This book gripped my heart and helped me cherish the promises of the gospel like few books I've read recently. I commend it to you, trusting you will benefit from it as I have. Perhaps the greatest tribute I can render Polishing God's Monuments is this: I read almost 300 pages about suffering and pain, yet closed the book with tears of joy in my eyes, rejoicing at the greatness of our sovereign and gracious God.

While at a conference to hear Tedd Tripp (Shepherding a Child's Heart) speak, I visited Mr. Tripp's book table. I was about to walk away when this book caught my eye. I asked my husband to buy it for me. I was intrigued by the title. I read this "work of the heart" in 3 days and I'll have to read it again because there is so much in it. It's not only a reminder of God's wisdom and power. It's the proof, the evidence of it in one family's life. It is written by a pastor who happens to be the dad of a very special daughter (and son-in-law). He also happens to be a wonderful teacher of God's truth. The book is interesting in that the chapters alternate from letters to his church regarding the health of his daughter and chapters which read like sermons--get your highlighter, Bible and tissue out! The insight into the scriptures and people of the bible in the "sermon" chapters are amazing and deep, yet still clear to most readers. All Christians would benefit from reading this "work of the heart". Get a copy for yourself and extras to share with others--especially those who have any type of affliction. (Most of us Christians do!)

This book gives answers and attitudes necessary to survive emotionally
and keep your faith intact during times of suffering and grief. Do any
of us enjoy pain? Have your dreams for a fulfilling life turned into
disappointment? This story is gripping in how a young couple face
much suffering and disappointment with courage. The author indicates
various ways we as humans will inevitably face suffering and how the
Scripture, as well as our past experiences can enable us at that time.

There are few books that have impacted me like this one has. In a time when so many churches preach prosperity, happiness without an end and a life with no problems, Pastor Jim Andrews reminds us that God's purpose in life is not to make us happy, but to make us holy. As he relates the story of his daughter and son-in-law, who seem to know no end to their "sorrows", he teaches that even in the hard times, we must look to what God has done in the past . We may look to our own experiences, to what the Bible teaches and to the experiences of others. This is what he calls "polishing God's monuments". Certainly this book has provided me with more monuments to polish. Because I am married to a preacher and truly love to hear God's word preached, I especially enjoyed his writing style. As I read, I could almost hear his voice preaching from the pulpit. It is a book I will re-read and share with many others.

When Jim Andrew's daughter, Juli, was in college, she contracted mononucleosis. Although they didn't realize it at the time, this would be the first in a cascade of baffling, debilitating medical problems.

In Polishing God's Monuments, the author writes honestly of his daughter's struggles and how it impacted the entire family. Alternating between chapters describing Juli's heartbreaking struggles and theology, the author helps us to understand the importance of relying on God even when the trials seem overwhelming.

This book is not a collection of platitudes. This is an honest look at true suffering, and all the emotions and feelings of hopelessness that it sometimes entails. Mr. Andrews and his family have endured unimaginable trials, but yet emerged with their faith intact. His careful handling and application of the Bible is a reflection of the kind of wisdom that comes when faith is thoroughly tested.

Why many will appreciate the author's colorful, country metaphors, I found them at times to be distracting. But the message in this book has far to great an impact to be missed. This book will be a great help to those in the midst of trials. I will probably be buying extra copies to give away.

Pastor Jim Andrew's book is a treasure, as he is too. He gives solid biblical teaching, wisdom, and insight into dealing with very tough times in our lives. This book is solid and beautifully written. His use of language is unique and descriptive, and interjects wry humor when you would otherwise just be in amazement that he could continue to preach and teach so faithfully throughout years of family ordeals. Christians who do more than just skim the surface of the bible will appreciate his depth and biblical references. This is a book that I will give to my friends who are hurting, and is one that I hold in highest regard. I have purchased several copies.

Journey with a family that has been in a furnace of almost unimaginable affliction for twenty years. When Pastor Andrews' daughter and her husband came down with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in 1987, neither they nor their parents had any idea that this would be the first in a rash of cruel diseases. Juli and Paul, the daughter and son-in-law, were subjected to so many limitations by Juli's illness that they could not even lead normal lives. Juli could not read a book or be near Paul after he had been out in public - at some points, she could not even set foot on the floor to get out of bed. And their promising lives as young, brilliant college graduates took a devastating turnaround.

Against the backdrop of this grievous tale, Jim paints a picture of trust in God's faithfulness and simple, day-to-day faithfulness. His image of "polishing God's monuments" is one I will not soon forget. He says that when we are in the depths of suffering, unable to grasp what God is doing, we must rely on the great things God has done in the past, both for us and for others - thus, polishing His monuments of faithfulness. Jim extends this metaphor in numerous helpful ways, discussing honestly and forthrightly the struggles of suffering saints, and giving compassionate, pastorly advice learned in the trenches of pain. He was a Bible and hermeneutics professor for a number of years, and his pastoral advice is deeply rooted in unshaken biblical principles.

Though the writing itself is not particularly spectacular, this story is one many Christians should read. The pageant of faithfulness played out on the pages - both God's faithfulness, and the family's faithfulness - is yet another monument to polish and remember.

Somehow I tend to believe more the preaching about suffering from those who actually have such a testimony. One example is Jim Andrews here in the account of the faithfulness of God in the trials of his daughter Juli and her husband, Paul. Jim explains the theology of suffering in a most interesting and humane way. It's neither all Bible expositions nor all stories, but both and. The former includes the definition of the love of God in answering the question why God seemed to act the contrary in the Old Testament; specifically in the account of the slaughter of the Amalekites; even today in an attempt to address the problem of evil and suffering. A particular section that I thoroughly appreciate was when he brings up Lamentation 3. Perhaps it is just because I haven't read this passage thoroughly before but I sense Jim expounds with power and I was blessed much as a result (p.125-133). He also takes a jab at Opentheism, defines what it is, and why it is unbiblical and destructive. For a more rigorous treatment on this important subject, however, I suggest "Beyond the Bounds" (Ed., John Piper and Justin Taylor). But the meat of the message Jim tries to convey is his personal counsels on how to respond to adversity founded on the reality (and the beauty, I should say), of the mystery and monuments of God. Here are a few memorable quotes in this regard,

"[Polishing God's monuments] ... is the active memory of those demonstrations and confirmations of God's goodness, wisdom and power and faithfulness what we have stored up from our past... Whenever you pray, polish your personal monuments" (p.44).

"We live in an intentional world where the providence of God reigns. The hand of God is in all things, not usually perceptibly or loudly, but silently, mysteriously, and so effectively that he maintains control of the course of history. We can think of history as the working out of his promises" (p. 183).

"Providence is [quoting Berkhof]... that continued exercise of the divine energy whereby the Creator preserves all his creatures, is operative in all that comes to pass in the world, and directs all things to their appointed end... Even the small and most unsuspecting details of life lead toward a rendezvous with his sometimes secret, but always wise and just result" (p. 185).

"I will not demand that God explain himself to me at any time, for this is characteristic of the unregenerate man. I must be willing to let God be unreasonable, in my view, if necessary, because he is not concerned with my understanding, but with my faith. The unregenerate man sees contradiction in the world and demands that God justify himself before him; the believing man makes no such demand, but believes God supremely" (p.51).

Now the stories are mostly told in the letter form written to his congregation since Jim is a pastor. He relates the providence of God in his family to theology; an anthropo-sensitive theology, I should say. The book opens with an account of Juli's childhood tragedy which was too painful to read and imagine that such an event could happen to any little girl. Her struggles with medical issues turned even more painful when she reached adulthood after she was married. The conditions she went through were so excruciating and numerous, not only in terms of the intensity and the unpredictability of her pains, but also by the jargons of medical terms that are foreign to me because they are so rare and bizarre, though not all of them. If there were a stellar example of what "for better or worse, in sickness and health and till death do us part" means, one should look no further than Juli and Paul. Jim is someone who understands people, even more so through the furnace experience of his daughter. Here is an example why I commend the humane-ness of his treatments, counsels and strategies on how to respond rightly to afflictions. And the humane-ness is often displayed in great humors. Laughter is indeed a good, not the best medicine.

"Most men and women of God will experience passion surges when misused, misunderstood, and misrepresented. It's okay to acknowledge (not to say `approve) every blip on our emotional radar, from wells of anger to bitterness, resentment, grief, and despondency. Let's cut ourselves a little slack here and be human. Grace just means we're urban renewal projects in process.

Lord, deliver us from those `saints' who pretend to live in a passion-free zone, who always convey the impression they walk through these emotional mine fields with perfect equanimity. I'm sorry, but those `saints' are `aints.' Such folks are either liars or zombies" (p.69).

When struggling with faith in the midst of afflictions, what one needs is a solid theology of suffering in plain language, an unshakable shelter of the Most High; a strong tower to dwell and abide in the midst of seemingly incessant and merciless storms of life. This is what Jim Andrews offers; to quote Joni Aerekson Tada, that this book "... hits head-on the hardest questions we have about the goodness of God and the problem of suffering." And if there were any visible purpose one can be confident of behind suffering, I believe is this; to quote Bruce Ware, "to grow deeply in Christ, and to cherish the sure and certain promise of the gospel."

An excerpt from a letter by Shirley Dominik: I believe this book is a brilliantly-written major work that should be brought to the attention of everyone.