Best Books
“Spending time in the crucible of illness can be a blessing if you have godly hope.” This is part of the inspiring message presented in Dr. Robert D. Marks and Dr. Dana Daniel Blake’s new book, The Crucible of Illness. Developed through the authors’ religious journeys, experiences working with patients and their families, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the book is made up of eight chapters worth of medical-based parables. Emphasizing the religious journeys that occur alongside the struggles of illnesses and physical ailments, each page tells amazing true stories of miracles, spiritual warfare, and Christian awakenings.
Throughout the course of the book, readers meet patients and learn about their experiences with healthcare and the Lord. John and Debra are a couple who face the trials and tribulations of injuries, cancer, and separation before the Lord changes their lives. 12-year-old Colby experiences a life-threatening accident surrounded by several devout Christian men. Thomas learns to put his trust in God amidst a multitude of life-altering scenarios. Married healthcare professionals Holle and Noah witness miracles firsthand during the COVID-19 pandemic and several near-fatal attacks of cardiac arrest lead to an out of body experience for James.
In addition to sharing eye-opening and sometimes even miraculous true events with its readers, The Crucible of Illness features supplementary material to further engage with audiences. Each section offers detailed medical explanations and terminology, relevant Bible verses and worship songs applicable to each parable, and discussion questions that lead readers to reflect on the content in the book, as well as their own walks with Christ. “At the end of the book, we have another section that helps you apply the entire book,” Dr. Blake says, adding that the book is an encouragement for the individual reader and anyone walking through a trial. Woven throughout the book is Dr. Marks’ spiritual journey—a testimony of faith refined and of hope forged in The Crucible of Illness.
Although Dr. Marks and Dr. Blake are the authors, the book has ultimately become a widespread group endeavor to ensure that these harrowing stories are successfully told. “There was a whole community of believers who helped bring it to this point,” Dr. Marks said. “We’ve had other physicians, healthcare providers, pastors, and lay leaders really help to shape and morph this thing as it came along.” Picking up a copy of this heartfelt book is a worthwhile decision for any groups or individuals interested in hearing how God works wonders through their fellow man. You won’t want to put it down! To order the book, please click here. For more information or to order the book in bulk, please email [email protected].
-Nicholas Wetzel
Birmingham Christian Family Publisher Laurie Franklin sat down with Dr. Marks and Dr. Blake to discuss The Crucible of Illness. Watch the video below.
