Help for Handling Divine Disruptions…
Friends! How would you say you handle unexpected circumstances? For example, how do you handle a sudden death, a cancer diagnosis, health challenges, an upcoming surgery, a broken relationship, being the caregiver of a loved one, the arrival of a new baby which equals no sleep, aging parents, and the list goes on and on…
I’ve got GOOD NEWS! A friend told me about the Evans’ family’s new book called, Divine Disruption: Holding on to Faith When Life Breaks Your Heart.
You probably know one or more of the Evans’ family: Tony Evans, Chrystal Evans Hurst, Priscilla Shirer, Anthony Evans, and Jonathan Evans.
My guess is many of you’ve heard Tony speak before. He’s nothing short of legendary, having pastored his church, Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, for over 40 years and having authored over 125 books (!!!). His children are hugely following in his footsteps, each with their own ministries as well as doing ministry together.
I’ve been blessed to hear Tony’s daughter, Priscilla, speak at various women’s events and have taken several of her Bible studies, my favorite of which is Elijah.
I also was blessed to hear Chrystal speak at a conference plus I had an opportunity to hear their beloved Mother, Lois, speak who was as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside.
I’m not as familiar with the boys, Anthony and Jonathan, although they have their own ministries as well. Anthony’s a worship leader, songwriter, etc. and Jonathan, a former NFL fullback, is now the Chaplain for the Dallas Cowboys:
The children’s Mother, Lois, passed away after battling cancer in 2019. She and Tony were married 50 years. Before she died, she challenged her children with this: “I want you to be doing ministry together.” Thence the impetus of this book, Divine Disruption. They also started “Kingdom Legacy,” (“Living a life that honors God, walking it out in the small things day by day.”) which is their way of “paying tribute to Lois’ strength, her legacy, her faithfulness in raising them to impact people for the Kingdom and to glorify God.”
One of the Evans’ family’s favorite quotes from Lois is:
The Evans family not only went thru’ the death of Lois, but the children’s cousin and Tony’s niece, Wynter, died suddenly at the young age of 38, leaving behind her husband and four young daughters. Tony also lost his baby brother six months before Wynter died.
Only six months after Wynter’s death, Tony lost his sister, Aunt Bev and then her husband, Uncle James, and then Tony’s Dad, a most beloved grandparent. Can you imagine so many deaths? PLUS, one week after burying their Mother, Priscilla had lung surgery to remove part of her lung that had cancer in it. Another “divine disruption!”
Lois, always the encourager, told the family, “Keep going. The Enemy would take too much pleasure in our discouragement and defeat.”
Anthony said of his Mother, “She was the woman who made sure we kept the Gospel going.”
The Evans children, crushed over the death of their cousin, Wynter, said, “First cousins are like another sibling—honest to goodness best friends.” This hit home with me after we just had our family vacation recently with all the grand angels who are so close in age, and who we pray will also be best friends.
Early on, the Evans family poses some tough questions:
1 - Is it stage faith or is it real?
2 - What beauty can come from ashes?
3 - What does it mean to dig deep as life has broken our hearts?
4 - How can we reconcile the kindness of God when He allows such difficult things?
5 - What do you do when you are disappointed with God?
These questions and many more are answered in the book, plus each of the Evans’ children and their Dad, Tony, share their thoughts with us. They’re completely vulnerable and you think from beginning to end, “Well, if they can endure these crises, we surely can.”
Priscilla shared, “In the midst of tragedy, there was trust.” She led them in a song, Victory in Jesus, in the hospital while still with their cousin who had just died.
This book is faith building and causes us readers to want to keep building our faith. The children went to their Dad that night after losing Wynter, knowing they needed to speak to their congregation for the Wednesday night service. They all went up on stage and just spoke from the heart. (If you’ve not seen this service, go to: The Evans Family Discusses Faith and Loss to see it—you’ll be beyond blessed.)
Anthony said, “It’s okay to be mad as long as it doesn’t turn your heart against God.” He added, “We need to go straight to Scripture and begin quoting Bible verses to fill our minds with His truth.”
Lois always said, “The man who kneels to God can stand up to anything.” And Tony adds, “Love God, love each other, and help people. Do this and your living will never be in vain.”
Chrystal said, “What happens when you pray and nothing happens? I choose to believe God’s heart is one I can trust. Choose to believe in God who gives us hope.”
The Evans all bless us with countless Scripture to back up their questions and comments. Tony chimes in, “True faith praises thru’ the storm and living water flows persistently.” Often, they all talk about fully trusting in the Sovereignty of God.
If you’re wondering WHY something has happened, Tony suggests, “Always go back to the character of God.” He paraphrases Habakkuk 3:18 as one verse to turn to:
One of many favorite quotes comes from Tony in Chapter 14, Faith Over Fear:
“Emotion has to be the caboose rather than the engine.” He adds, “Emotion must follow faith.”
One more tidbit so as not to give too much away (!!!), Tony shares a beautiful prayer in Chapter 18, Divine Reset:
Now you know how I like to close, “Run, don’t walk to your nearest bookstore and grab Divine Disruptions: Holding on to Faith When Life Breaks Your Heart.” This would make a great gift for anyone going thru’ tough circumstances. (I just ordered a copy for a friend whose Father died suddenly.) While these friends may not feel like reading immediately, the book will be there for them when they’re ready.
‘Til next time!
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the page above are “affiliate links.”