Shattered Prayers by Kenneth Ching

When Ching and his wife had their baby boy, Joshua was born with Pierre Robin Sequence, an abnormally small jaw causing the baby's tongue to be pressed into the back of the mouth. Joshua was taken to NICU as he had difficulty breathing. Then the flight to a children's hospital and the possibility of additional disorders.

Ching has given us an account of his life during that trying time. He is very honest in his messy feelings. His hope is that others going through trials will see that they are not alone. He also shows that God can meet us when we are at our worst.

This is a moving book. Ching is very open about his experiences. He struggled with his faith, at times wondering if God had caused his son's troubles, wondering if he could trust God, wondering if God would help Joshua. “And, yet, I keep praying. I pray angrily. I pray cursing. But I keep praying.” (45) He came to the realization that God did not give the disease to Joshua. “God is waging a holy war through these people and things, and he's warring to save Joshua's life.” (53)

Ching shares many of his spiritual insights, especially those that can be gained only through suffering. He writes about the experience being a marathon, having to have strength for the long period of tests, surgeries, therapists, and feeding tubes.

He has insights for visitors, too. He writes of his feelings when a local pastor told him the “Remember, God is sovereign” platitude. For those coming alongside, Ching writes, “They have permission not to say anything at all.” (89) “Showing up is good enough.” (119) Those ministering to others in need would benefit from reading this book and paying attention to the insights it contains.

I highly recommend this book to those who are suffering. Reading this book will help you realize you are not alone in your struggles to trust God. Like Ching, you will realize that you can come through the experience still loving and trusting God. You may not have many answers. God did not promise to answer all your questions but He did promise to save you and ultimately wipe away every tear.

You can request a sample chapter here.

My rating: 5/5 stars.

Kenneth Ching is an attorney in Reno, Nevada. He has worked as a journalist and law professor and held positions at organizations such as World Vision and Regent University. You can find out more at http://www.kennethching.com/.

Kirkdale Press, 166 pages.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.