Having Nothing, Lacking Nothing

by Melanie DeKruyter

Moving to Jerusalem with her husband and children to study the land and history of the Bible seemed like a safe enough endeavor for Melanie DeKruyter, but the Lord had other plans . . .Melanie found herself in a dry and harsh desert—literally and figuratively—with only the Lord to rely on. In this season of desperation, Melanie began to question her understanding of who God was and is. It seemed the Lord had drawn her into the desert to experience true need, and, finally, empty handed, she could accept His invitation to draw from the only Source of true provision.Daily struggles as a cultural outsider, full-time graduate student, and new mom tested Melanie’s resolve to believe as she always had and to be obedient to the Lord’s will. Life-shattering losses forced her to stand at the crossroads found in every desert and ask, “Do I walk by faith or by sight? Do I believe God is who He says He is? Can I ever feel whole again?” If you have experienced loss, loneliness, or unwarranted hardships and asked, “Where is my God now?”, then walk the road beside Melanie and hear for yourself His invitation within your most desperate questions.

96 pages, Paperback

First published August 28, 2009

Reviews

[Aussch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful, diary style reflections on the authors personal revelations during her family’s time living in Jerusalem.

I was really moved by the part about God taking us from healing faith to resurrection faith.

quotes:
“The Lord is a great deal more interested in who we are becoming than in what we know or accomplish.”

“...When my path brings me to the desert I have learned that I will face the evil one. The enemy knows that I will either desperately seek my own way or choose to draw near to the Lord.”

“I am beginning to understand that powerlessness is the way to real strength. It brings genuine dependence and ultimately true intimacy with my Lord.”

“Though this is home, it is different because I am different.”

“I can find no promises in Scripture that God will prevent all of our pain, but everywhere are the promises and proofs that He can and will redeem it.”

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm almost finished reading through this book. I recently found Having Nothing, Lacking Nothing in a used book store shortly after running into Melanie in a shop on Mackinaw Island where we were getting lotion for our dry hands of all things! I'm glad to have found her book.

I have been in my own 'desert' the past months, and was at the place similar to when the Israelites and Moses were blocked by the Egyptians on all sides before God led them through the waters safely. I am not safely through yet, but am finding comfort in the words in this book.

Though our circumstances were different, Melanie's book was one that helped me to remember we can trust God in difficult times and have faith in him rather than allow our fears to take over when we are in the desert, and that these times of sorrow and tragedies are when we are being trained to depend on God and when we feel closest to him.

The words were comforting in this book for anyone going through trials. It was well-written and encouraging.

I appreciate Melanie's pictures of the Holy land and her thoughts on the dry and difficult places in our lives. There is no doubt God is at work in her writings.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful testimony to the blessings and growth experienced while living overseas.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how Melanie writes, and I appreciate her honesty in all things. I have learned much about myself, my faith, and my God, both in reading this book and in her other writings. Truly a gifted and inspired author.

[Anne Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crushingly honest, deceptively concise. This is a woman who truly desires the Living God.