Strength in Weakness: Healing Sexual and Relational Brokenness

by Andrew Comiskey

Help and hope for men . . . Help and hope for women . . . Andrew Comiskey sees our weakness as "a threshold for holy power"--the point at which God can meet us for healing and equip us for service. He has seen it happen again and again. During many years of ministry, Comiskey, his wife, Annette, and their fellow "strugglers" have accompanied hundreds of wounded men and women to transformation at the cross of Christ. Telling real-life stories of despair, hope and lasting change, Comiskey lays out the foundations for healing from relational and sexual sin. With chapters focusing on particular areas of vulnerability for men and women, on the battle over homosexuality in church and culture, and on the essential role of the church in ongoing healing, Strength in Weakness makes clear the way to the cross--God's sufficient answer to our deepest needs.

Genres: Sexuality, Christian

224 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2003

Reviews

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was written by the founder of Desert Stream Ministries, a group that helps men and women who are coming out of homosexuality. The book did discuss topics related to that but also incorporated relational brokenness. Starting out I thought, oh, I don't know about this. And in the end there are parts that I definitely did not agree with and some theological differences (I think he comes from a charismatic, mega-church background). But, other parts were very thought-provoking and helpful. One section regarding Christ's death on the cross compared with the Father's suffering was particularly helpful, as were sections where he brought up life application based both on the Gospel and personality theory.

He appears to fear the 'gay gene' coming out of modern science for what it will do to their ministry and removing people's responsibility to struggle against the inclination (and I'm sure that is what culture would use it for). I remember, however, when Dr. White led a discussion in our Psych and Christianity class where he pointed out that having a genetic link to alcoholism does not negate the responsibility of a person to drink responsibly or not at all as a precaution. Or a man with particularly high testosterone is not given free reign to be more violent than another man. Simply because a person is born with a gene-induced tendency to be a particular way, this does not give them the freedom (particularly if he/she is a Christian) to give in and let nature have its way. Anyway, I could go on. There were some poignant parts that made the book totally worth the read, but I'll leave it at that.

[Tyler Collins · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book as a part of the Desert Stream Ministries Living Waters program.

[Kevin Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book for someone considering coming out of homosexuality. But beyond that there is a wonderful section dealing with hardening of the heart and its consequences. It has appropriate material for parents, women, men, and the church.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for anyone struggling with or curious about relational and sexual identity.

[Savanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Understanding the differences of men and women and how we are prone to act when we are hurt. Very valuable reading that gives insight and practical ways to change.

[Rivkah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Comiskey's insight on inner healing from God into our "dark places" and how it inties with our purpose in God's kingdom. A must read.