Divine Disruption: Holding on to Faith When Life Breaks Your Heart

By Dr. Tony Evans, Chrystal Evans Hurst, Priscilla Shirer, Anthony Evans, and Jonathan Evans (with Jamie Blaine)

Have you ever had a moment when you encounter someone or something (like a song, a sunset, the right word said at the right time) and you just know it was meant to be?

I like to think of these occurrences as little glimpses of Heaven, a wink from God, or a sign of love from above that reminds me I am not alone – I am seen, heard, and known. I am cared for. I am loved. 

I had all these thoughts and feelings when I began reading Divine Disruption: Holding on to Faith When Life Breaks Your Heart by Dr. Tony Evans, Chrystal Evans Hurst, Priscilla Shirer, Anthony Evans, and Jonathan Evans (with Jamie Blaine). In fact, I had goosebumps creep onto my arms and am pretty sure I was nodding along from the very introduction. 

Divine Disruption is a collaborative book by the renown Evans family in response to the deep loss and hardships they faced over a short span of time prior to the pandemic. Written during the pandemic and through the unique perspectives of five individuals who are in various fields of ministry, Divine Disruption is unlike any other book I’ve ever read. 

Divine Disruption explores the ever-trying question, how can a good God allow bad things to happen? through the vulnerable reflections, honest questions, and raw emotions experienced by each member of the Evans family. Divine Disruption details their unique reactions to the multitude of heartache they each faced as well as their responses to the many curve balls that were thrown their way. 

In case you aren’t familiar with their situation, the Evans family lost six loved ones, including their matriarch, within two years’ time. As they were grieving the devastating loss of their beloved mother, Dr. Lois Evans, the Covid-19 pandemic was making its way towards North America. 

While reading this book I found myself smiling, laughing, and at several times, crying. It is a book that is as real as real can get – comfortable in the uncomfortable, showing up and moving forward even when you’d prefer to hide or shrink back, laying it all on the table, and the game-changing effect when you choose to prioritize faith over fear. In a word – relatable.

I especially enjoyed how this book was written as a conversation, almost as if the reader was witnessing this intimate dialogue first-hand. As well, I appreciated the vulnerability, humility, and honesty expressed throughout each page of this book. It was refreshing to read respected ministry leaders sharing their heart without any of the “churchy” fluff that is often glossed over raw pain and real-life struggles.

I also found value in the construction of the book’s flow. Part One detailed the tragedy, heartache, persistent prayer, and hope the family experienced (by sharing stories they’ve not previously disclosed or discussed in the public sphere) while Part Two was more of a devotional that included biblical teaching and practical application.

Throughout Divine Disruption the reader is offered a safe place to open up their own heart and just be. As well, in true Evans fashion, there is preaching, ministering, and encouragement woven throughout with multiple messages conveyed to help the reader navigate any type of loss, uncertainty, or setback all the while pointing the reader back to the steady Rock and source of Truth. Topics addressed include health scares, marriage and relational issues, parenting problems, the pandemic, and even political unrest and racial tension. 

I’ve been a fan of the Evans family for several years now and even had the opportunity to meet Chrystal Evans Hurst at the Proverbs 31 Ministries She Speaks conference in 2017 (talk about a divine appointment – the words she communicated that day spoke directly to my heart!). In particular, Dr. Tony Evans’ Kingdom Kids ministry plus Priscilla Shirer’s numerous Bible studies and Chrystal Evans Hurst’s book, She’s Still There, have had a big influence on my spiritual life. And now I’m grateful to add Divine Disruption to that list!

Divine Disruption honors Dr. Lois Evans’ wish prior to her passing – continue the ministry…together. Divine Disruptionis one of the first pieces of work in the family’s Kingdom Legacy partnership and I hope it is a preview of coming attractions for all of the incredible things God has planned for this family’s ministry and legacy! 

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is currently facing some trials or who is seeking a spiritual pick-me-up. Divine Disruption is a book that will ignite, reignite, or fan the flame of your faith despite whatever tribulation you are experiencing.

For more information on the Kingdom Legacy ministry and to purchase a copy of Divine Disruption: Holding on to Faith When Life Breaks Your Heart, click here!  

*I received this book from FrontGate Media in exchange for promotion and my honest review.