Description
When loss causes great pain, how do you find strength in Jesus?
Learning to move from one life chapter to the next is vital—especially when chaos destroys our plans. Being thoughtful and intentional during these crucial turning points gives meaning to the next life chapter. The author shares the raw emotions and pain he experienced in his own devastating experience with change. Better still, he shows how to move forward with practical steps and helpful advice. His story will remind you to trust that Jesus still has a plan and purpose and that He is always working for your good.
CHAOS and change seem to last forever. Then HOPE comes. And finally, HEALING.
During my 15 years as a parish pastor, I was spared the experience Walt Waiser describes. The closest I’ve come to it was being unelected after nine years of difficult and challenging, but meaningful and fulfilling, service as president of a national church body. How I wish I had been able to read then what my longtime friend has now written. With skill, precision, sensitivity, candor, transparency, grace, and faithfulness, Walt takes the reader along on his emotional and spiritual journey of dealing with what he calls, “My Greatest Chaos.” In the process, he shares how a painful experience has deepened his relationship with and trust in Jesus, Savior of the world and Lord of the universe.
Rev. Dr. Gerald B. Kieschnick
President Emeritus, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
Chief Executive Officer, Legacy Deo
Few of us pray for the sort of pain and loss that brings real growth, but it comes nonetheless. Those who are willing to trust God completely during these wrenching seasons will find themselves led to a new place of peace, hope, love, joy, and freedom. Walt Waiser is one such pilgrim. Even as he discovers for himself the healing power of silence, solitude, prayer, and song, he is teaching us all where the Spirit of the Living God is to be found. Ultimately, Walt tells the eternal story of how, in our surrender, we come to Wisdom.
Heather Choate Davis
Writer, Speaker, Theologian
Walt invites us into his painful but redemptive journey with Jesus. The details of the journey may be uniquely Walt’s, but the process he introduces is for each of us who have had our worlds turned upside-down. You can follow Walt because he is following Jesus.
Dr. Donald Christian
President and CEO, Concordia University Texas
With vulnerability and transparency, Walt Waiser shares how Jesus provided grace and guidance through turbulence and change. Chaos to Hope to Healing provides practical pathways and actions to meet personal chaos and see it transformed into hope.
Rev. Michael Newman
President-Elect, Texas District LCMS
Missions, Area C
Walt Waiser takes his readers with him on his personal journey to the desert and back, as he struggles to come to terms with a low blow that changes everything in his life. He points readers to specific tools the Lord provides to help us respond to the bad news headlines of everyday life in ways that keep us aligned with Jesus, caring for those around us, and growing new spiritual muscles.
John R Denninger
President, Southeastern District – LCMS
What does a person do when surprises or disappointments take the wind out of their sails…especially if you’re a pastor? Walt Waiser experienced a major crisis in his ministry and life. This book shares what happened and how it affected his faith walk and his family. He invites the reader to join him on this journey of regaining joy, peace, and an excitement about the future. Practical advice is given from a seasoned wilderness traveler that can be helpful to others experiencing their own crisis.
Rev. Ken Hennings
One can respond to adversity, learn, and move forward in life—or react to adversity and move backwards in life and wallow in self-pity. This book is the story of how Walt responded to intense adversity in his life. We all are faced with adversity…how we deal with it is the key. We should learn from Walt on how God used him in different venues to grow the Kingdom. An excellent read.
Craig Faubel
Executive Coach
I’m delighted to recommend Walt’s book to anyone who has been confronted with a traumatic change in life. As you read through it, you’ll learn of the transformative power of God’s grace and mercy—to change your heart from shock and anger to a new openness of joy and renewed mission. Join him in that journey, and the blessings of his transformation will bless you.
Pastor Jim Otte, LPC
Anger. Betrayal. Bitterness. Resentment. You won’t find those between the covers of this book. What you will find is a heart-soothing meditation on clinging to Christ when a life crisis hits. If you walk with Christ long enough, you will endure moments where life doesn’t make sense, answers are few, and friends seem in short supply. This book devotionally guides the reader towards a cross-centered approach to crisis—trusting that Jesus has an ultimate plan through His own suffering and betrayal on the cross. Walt shows us how to experience healing in the midst of your pain and forgiveness in your betrayals and also how to grow in a deeper relationship with Jesus in your darkest hours.
Rance Settle
Senior Pastor, Lamb of God Lutheran Church
Flower Mound, Texas