Official Review: The Wait, the Wildernes, and the Captivi...

Renu G · Post by **Renu G** » 30 Aug 2019, 09:03

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Wait, the Wildernes, and the Captivity: A handbook for staying in the Way" by Ronald J McCowan.]

4 out of 4 stars

Share This Review

The Wait, the Wilderness, and the Captivity: A Handbook for Staying in the Way is authored by Ronald J. McCowan. I was keen to read what he has to say about this aspect of biblical spirituality. He seems to have researched the topic thoroughly and prayed about it. As a palliative care physician, he seems to be gifted with deep insight. With great wisdom, he takes you through the wilderness journey of the Israelites in the Bible and all that it implies. It also symbolizes the spiritual journey of an individual believer.

I think the author has deliberately written the main text in only 40 pages because the Bible describes how the Israelites suffered from bondage in Egypt and spent 40 years in the wilderness of the desert before reaching the promised land. The Wait, the Wilderness, and the Captivity: A Handbook for Staying in the Way is a short read, but the journey it describes is long and implies waiting on God. The subtitle seems to be inspired by the story of the blind man who was healed by Jesus and followed him “in the way” (Mk 10:52).

I appreciate how McCowan offers various aspects of waiting, wilderness, and captivity. Although I’ve read many books on these themes, I found some new reflections on how one can cope with problems encountered on the way without quitting discipleship. The author begins with the story of Moses on the mount (Ex 24:12). These insights are also unique and intriguing, e.g., he describes how he waited obediently for six days in prayer, emphasizing that he was in God’s presence all the time. God had a plan and blessed him on the seventh day. Moses did not complain during the period of waiting. This reflection on Moses’ experience is a paradigm for those who need encouragement to endure the pain of having to wait.

The author is very creative in another chapter as he describes the waiting room of a doctor’s clinic to explain this spirituality. It has a purpose, and God is the “Great Physician.” According to McCowan, wilderness experiences often involve the experience of losses such as “time, money, material possessions, job, health, friends, relationships.” This is stressful, humbling, and may help us to redefine our priorities. We must decide whether our identity depends on them or our relationship with God. I like his suggestions about how to overcome feelings of bitterness and shorten the duration of waiting. After each chapter, the author summarizes his advice.

Similarly, the writer deals with the theme of captivity and the experience of impasse due to various reasons. This is my favorite part of the book. God often prepares these individuals for advanced leadership roles as found in the Bible. These experiences transform them and create a paradigm shift in their approach to life by making them wise and compassionate towards others who are suffering. It is a thought-provoking read. My only complaint is that the author did not give many examples from the New Testament. He could have also included a biblical timeline for readers who are not so familiar with salvation history.

After critical analysis and reflection on the contents, I am very happy to rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. It seems to have been professionally edited, and I found only one typo. I did not give it a lower rating because many of the reflections are original and may not be found in any other book. Only a jeweler can see the difference between an ordinary stone and a rare diamond. Readers who are genuinely interested have much to learn from it. I won’t be surprised if this book becomes a classic in spirituality, although it may take time for the author and his work to be increasingly known and appreciated. I recommend it to spiritually inclined Christians. It may appeal to spiritual guides, counselors, healthcare professionals, pastors, and all those who are going through a wilderness experience in their own lives.

******
The Wait, the Wildernes, and the Captivity: A handbook for staying in the Way
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

mmm17 · Post by **mmm17** » 01 Sep 2019, 11:30

Thinking about identity issues is fascinating. What do we become when we lose some of our moorings? Thanks for a great review.

kdstrack · Post by **kdstrack** » 03 Sep 2019, 20:06

The author does seem to express a certain type of wisdom that he generously shares with his readers. The length of the book is interesting, and I like the themes of captivity and waiting. Great review.

MsH2k · Post by **MsH2k** » 09 Sep 2019, 14:14

“Only a jeweler can see the difference between an ordinary stone and a rare diamond.” Well said. I am an apprentice jeweler searching the scriptures for gems of wisdom. I look forward to reading this book. Thank you for such a thoughtful review.