 February 2006
Growing God's Way
by Verna Foster Harvey
In times like these, where iniquity and apostasy is part of the world’s fast paced destiny to destruction, many have sought solutions to give words of encouraging value. There have been a plethora of books, sermons, workshops, conferences, and crusades to admonish and cajole us to righteous ways. Now comes author Verna Foster Harvey with yet another ‘plan’, entitled GROWING GOD’S WAY . Suffice it to say, it’s so easy to take things for granted, continue to adhere to status quo, and readily judge a book by its cover, but I caution you to eschew these notions and give this book a chance. I did, and I’m glad that I’ve done so!
In order to understand the author’s interpretive analysis of the subject matter, one first must be positioned to know the nuances of pain and suffering, especially if it has been the harbingers of any malaise you may have experienced. From the Introduction to the Afterward, the author gives timely homilies for ways and means to a different lifestyle – all through exposing how pain and suffering are part of the process to restoration and contentment. This book is proof positive that one can overcome the drudgery of sin by adhering to a higher order, and simply endeavoring to do the right thing. But is this an easy thing to do, with our penchant to backslide and allow Satan to dwell within? Why do we falter with all of the things that the Lord has provided us with, still? How long must we continue to allow pain to wrack our bodies and souls before we make elections and callings part of our redemptive initiation?
These questions will not go away, and must be answered. We do a great job of procrastination, and we start out on well-meaning missions, but when obstacles get in the way we falter badly and give up. This is NOT God’s way! I attempt to understand the book’s premise by giving you my assessment based on the author’s experience. I read the book with an open mind, and after reading the first few chapters I knew I was onto something. I fathomed that she was adamant in assessing that salvation should be taken serious…. so much so that do so would have to start with knowing who you are, where you are, and what must be done in order to be where God intend for you to stay. Inasmuch as Jesus suffered on Calvary, He did not quit, and it’s this objective that Ms Harvey states so eloquently throughout this book. It’s all about giving valid reasons to use God’s way of preparing us for the next stage of growth with perseverance being the key. We must grow with grace by allowing pain in the form of challenges, roadblocks, and other trials and tribulations to stay the course.
I love this book! The author did a superb job of giving us insight and reasons why change is eminent. As mentioned earlier, the chapters are laid out well and each has good information laced with scripture for easy reference. From establishing identity, to the need to remain faithful, while growing in the process, the desired goal is for spirituality to manifest heaven as the end of the pathway to salvation. The book was written in a way where one can get more and still be committed toward change dealing with pain. My family used the book as our morning devotion, and can attest to the value within. This is a serious set of precepts using salvation as the end result to end old ways and position for a new lease on life. Verna Foster Harvey has illuminated a path with pastoral signs and the promise of redemption. In order to get there, you must GROW GOD’S WAY! I look forward with other good things from this author in the future. Read this book and be enlightened.
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