The grand paradox : the messiness of life, the mystery of God, and the necessity of faith

**If we were made for relationship with God, why do we often feel lost and distant from Him**? The life of Christian faith is and always has been a beautifully awkward reality. Following Jesus is done—can only be done—in the messiness of this world into which we were all born. Yet many Christians expect the walk of faith to be easier, neater, and relatively devoid of hassles. So perhaps it’s time for a frank conversation about the true nature of Christian faith. Maybe there are many desperately in need of a clear dialogue about how—despite living in a turbulent, chaotic world—our greatest joy is found in our pursuit of God. In __The Grand Paradox,__Ken Wytsma seeks to help readers understand that although God can be mysterious, He is in no way absent. * God’s ways are contradictory and counter to the way the world tells us to pursue happiness. * Doubt is okay, it will accompany in the life of faith. * What looks like struggle can actually be the most important and meaningful season of our lives. This book is an exploration of the art of living by faith. It is a book for all those wrestling with the paradoxes that confront those who seek to walk with Christ. It’s an honest look at how faith works, here and now, in our culture, our time—and how to put down real roots and flourish in the midst of our messy lives. If we were made for relationship with God, why do we often feel lost and distant from Him ? The life of Christian faith is and always has been a beautifully awkward reality. Following Jesus is done—can only be done—in the messiness of this world into which we were all born. Yet many Christians expect the walk of faith to be easier, neater, and relatively devoid of hassles. So perhaps it’s time for a frank conversation about the true nature of Christian faith. Maybe there are many desperately in need of a clear dialogue about how—despite living in a turbulent, chaotic world—our greatest joy is found in our pursuit of God. In The Grand Paradox, Ken Wytsma seeks to help readers understand that although God can be mysterious, He is in no way absent. God’s ways are contradictory and counter to the way the world tells us to pursue happiness. Doubt is okay, it will accompany in the life of faith. What looks like struggle can actually be the most important and meaningful season of our lives. This book is an exploration of the art of living by faith. It is a book for all those wrestling with the paradoxes that confront those who seek to walk with Christ. It’s an honest look at how faith works, here and now, in our culture, our time—and how to put down real roots and flourish in the midst of our messy lives. Following Jesus Can Only Be Done In The Messiness Of This World Into Which We Were All Born. Yet Many Christians Expect The Walk Of Faith To Be Easier, Neater, And Relatively Devoid Of Hassles. Wytsma Gives Us A Frank Conversation About The True Nature Of Christian Faith. He Seeks To Help Readers Understand That Although God Can Be Mysterious, He Is In No Way Absent. Introduction: This Beautiful Mess -- Jericho -- Paradox -- What Kierkegaard Knew -- Wisdom's Folly -- A World Made Right -- Virtue, The Greeks, And The Meaning Of Happiness -- Doubt -- Personal Calling And Mission -- Love Is Never Wrong -- Complexity And The Limits Of Human Understanding -- Cultural Landscapes -- Mother Kirk -- Outside Looking In -- Spiritual Fatigue (or, The Dark Night Of The Soul) -- Blessing Come Late -- Between The Gardens. Ken Wytsma. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.