Glimpses of Grace:Treasuring the Gospel in Your Home releases on Amazon today and I am excited to welcome its author, Gloria Furman, to the site. Gloria is a mom of three with one on the way in six short weeks. She is the wife of Dave Furman, church planter and pastor in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. When asked what her book is about Gloria responded, “That God is good enough and powerful enough to use the mundane moments in our lives in the homes to grow us into the likeness of his Son Jesus.”
Learn more about Glimpses of Grace in this Q&A and some news from her publisher.
Why did you decide to write this book?
Furman: I need to be reminded of the power of the gospel for salvation and growth in Christ every single day. Meditating on God’s word regarding this subject was a tremendously helpful discipline for me, and writing it down helped me to process my thoughts better. I figured that if I needed to be reminded of the truths of the gospel then perhaps other women might benefit, too!
Why do you think we don’t see these glimpses of grace in our homes?
Furman: I think it’s easy for us to be distracted by two main things—when things in our home don’t go as we hoped and when things go so well that we forget that we need the Lord. When I’m fixated on my temporary circumstances (good or not-so-good), I tend to forget the greatest permanent circumstance in my life: Because of Christ’s work on the cross, I now belong to him and am found in him forever and ever. My life is not my own, but his, joyfully and marvelously his for all time
You share real stories about the struggles to see glimpses of grace—how do you do it? Is there something that you remind yourself when the going gets tough?
Furman: If I sat down to write a book about how “perfect” my life is then I would surely be interrupted by thoughts, feelings, and circumstances that were not perfect. The book would be very, very short.
Instead, I’ve attempted to write a book about the God who declares the end from the beginning (Isa. 46:10) and has ordered all things to the praise of his glory—including our ordinary lives in the home. Though my way is marred by my sin and my plans are thwarted by life in a fallen world, this God’s way is perfect and his word proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him (2 Sam. 22:31). When the going gets tough (or awesome) at any part of my day or night, I want to remember that Christ alone is the beginning and the end and he freely gives from the spring of the water of life (Rev. 21:6). My home and my life are by no means “perfect,” but this fact serves to remind me to look forward with joy-filled anticipation of when the truly perfect comes and the partial passes away (1 Cor. 13:10
How would you encourage a young mom who is miserable? They are really struggling to find joy and contentment in their current circumstance during the everyday grind.
Furman: In the words of junior-high-me, I’d say, “I, like, totally get that.” A dear friend of mine likes to remind me of Paul’s words from 1 Corinthians 10 when we’re sharing about our temptation to be discontent. This passage serves as a warning to those who think we’re beyond being tempted to discontentment (“therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall”), and as an encouragement to those who feel as though they are all alone in their struggles (“no temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man”). The passage goes on to highlight God’s faithfulness as our great hope. God’s word does not point us to any “get contentment quick” gimmick, but it points us to Jesus, the everlasting One, who gave his life that he might make us his everlasting possession.
Do you touch on how husbands can help their wives find these glimpses of grace?
Furman: I don’t speak directly to husbands in the book, but if a husband read it then perhaps he could he could perhaps read into it. I’ve written directly to husbands once on Desiring God. (What Every Husband Should Know About Stay-at-Home Moms)
More about Gloria:
Gloria Furman is a wife, mother of four young children, doula, and blogger. In 2008 her family moved to the Middle East to plant Redeemer Church of Dubai where her husband, Dave, serves as the pastor. She blogs regularly at The Gospel Coalition, Domestic Kingdom, and Desiring God, and is the author of the forthcoming book Treasuring Christ When Your Hands Are Full: Gospel Meditations for Busy Moms.
From Crossway: Purchase a copy of Glimpses of Grace from your favorite local or online retailer from June 3-7 and receive a free copy of the ebook as well as one of Gloria’s favorite resources—the ESV Study Bible Online (ESVBible.org Web App & Ebook)!
To redeem your free extras, simply scan and email your receipt to [email protected] before 11:59am on Friday, June 7.*
*Any receipts that are not legible, not included, or believed to be fraudulent will be disqualified. Limited to one promotion per person.
You, too, can help support the ministry of CBMW. We are a non-profit organization that is fully-funded by individual gifts and ministry partnerships. Your contribution will go directly toward the production of more gospel-centered, church-equipping resources.
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