Finding Stability in Times of Change Richard Frost (Endulini Publishing, October, 2022) 105pp, paperback, RRP £6.99
Richard Frost is a licensed lay minister in the Church of England who has worked with people who have disabilities or other health conditions, particularly mental ill-health. This is a short book which is very well described by the title. It is built around the story of Jesus calming the storm on Galilee and written out of the Benedictine tradition, which he explains as listening to God, conversion of life (or change) and stability.
It has some helpful insights. Jesus saying ‘Do not be afraid’ is not the same as saying, ‘There is nothing to be afraid of.’ The question ‘Where is your faith?’ can be seen as an invitation to build up one’s faith rather than an expression of disappointment.
Frost looks at what other Bible characters have to bring, too; plenty of others who met Jesus were ‘in the same boat’, and Jesus’ encounters with them were very instructive. He has also collected stories of people who have been through their own storms, and who testify to the presence of God with them at these times.
He takes us through events in the life of Jesus, using them to illustrate how Jesus found stability. There’s lots of good practical advice about dealing with negative thoughts and making progress towards being more effective and integrated people, and a valuable section on how to pray. He concludes with a sensible warning – just because one storm is over, it doesn’t mean that another isn’t on the way.
There’s much to be grateful for in this book. I was not entirely convinced that ‘stability’ was quite as valuable as he thinks it is – Jesus did not come to bring peace, after all, but a sword – but then I am not a Benedictine. I wondered whether all his illustrations really illustrated what he says they do. These are quibbles, though; there are plenty of insights here for the preacher and this is a worthwhile read.
Richard Frost blogs at workrestpray.com.
