Here is an intriguing book. A Christian Doctor looks at suffering and success in the lives of a number of key figures in church history. There are case studies of Martyn Lloyd Jones, C.S. Lewis, Amy Carmichael, Martin Luther, William Cowper and others. This book celebrates God’s grace in the lives of gifted, troubled Christians. Usually biography avoids being too frank about the failings of gifted Christians. The book shows that each of these Christian leaders had their particular trial. In one it was anxiety, in another guilt, in another depression and doubt were present. The finest Christian lives contending with personal things which troubled them which they kept hidden from all but those closest to them. As well as defining these trials there is much space given to the way that grace operated in each one transforming human weakness into a realm in which the knowledge of God was increased in their lives and their service was enhanced. There are no slick remedies advocated in these pages, instead the fact that God uses people who have painful handicaps and disabilities, who may be eccentric and even neurotic and in them verifies again the word ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness”. When he wrote this book the author was one of Britain’s most senior psychiatrists with over forty five years of medical experience. The book helps to teach us that we should not be afraid to face the fact that such things can be present in a totally committed Christian and run alongside a life of dedicated service. We are not talking here about any continuance in sin, but character flaws, congenital weaknesses, propensities towards morbid self examination and the like. This book celebrates God’s grace and so encourages us in Him.
