Leaning Into God When Life Is Pushing You Away

Dan Wooding : Dec 14, 2009
ASSIST Ministries

Robert A. Schuller and his wife Donna talk frankly about their recent challenges.

(Laguna Beach, CA)—Robert A. Schuller, the son of Dr. Robert Schuller, founder of the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, California, was sailing high with his life. He was the senior pastor of the magnificent church and was seen by millions around the world on the Hour of Power television program.

But then, just over a year ago, it all came crashing down, when he [left] the pulpit he was raised and groomed to take over, and went through a time of deep reflection that has resulted in his latest book, Leaning Into God When Life Is Pushing You Away with William Kruidenier (FaithWords).

In this newly-released book, he writes about the painful experiences of his life which also have included his failed first marriage, the near loss of a child and the newer wound of leaving the Crystal Cathedral. Schuller maintains that he can identify with the problems faced by most readers, saying that even though he is a preacher, he has proved that he is not immune to rejection, pain, and despair and offers readers some steps to get by their hurts.

Recently, I went over to Robert A. Schuller's home which overlooks the Pacific Ocean in Laguna Beach and talked with him and his wife Donna about the book and especially about the drama of what happened at the Crystal Cathedral.

"I was told that the Hour of Power would have a longer vitality or something if they had guest preachers every Sunday and so that's the direction they wanted to go," Schuller said.

"It was very painful. I was hurt and angry. I was disappointed and sad and it was a very difficult time. I had to really question God; question His sovereignty; and ask Him, 'What in the world are You doing? Why are You doing this to me?' and 'Why are You doing this to Crystal Cathedral and to the lives of all the people that are involved in this?

"I really wrestled with that, but at the same time I lived with the Prayer of Jabez which has two portions to it. The first portion is what most people pray and it's what I didn't really focus on which is 'enlarge my territory and bless me.' I didn't focus on that part of the prayer at all. The reason I prayed it is I have a piece of art in my house and every morning I'd sit there and stare at this piece of art and read the prayer, but what I focused on was the second half of the prayer which is 'keep me from evil that I may not cause pain.' That was my focus. In light of everything that had taken place I just didn't want to cause any pain to anyone.

"…When I left the Cathedral I had no idea what I was going to do. And since, I've actually had quite a productive year. Not only have I written this book, I've also acquired two television networks; American Life TV and Family Net. I've also acquired Sirius radio station 161, and I've also started my new show—it's a scripted radio drama called Everyday Life. It's available on our network American Life TV."

[Schuller added that he's coming through this challenge, though some hurt still remains.] "The good news is that we're never left in our pain," Schuller notes. "We always go through it. That's one of the promises of God. 'Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.' So I hold onto those promises and realize that it's a finite situation—that the feelings come and go."

To read the full article and interview, follow the source link provided.