GraceQuest

In this fascinating spiritual-theological autobiography, Robert Rakestraw tells of his lifelong, unceasing search for God. After a troubled and unconventional childhood, he came to know the grace and freedom of God in a personal way during his college years. He then embarked on an unwavering intellectual and spiritual quest for truth and meaning in life. Without technical language, Rakestraw highlights significant developments and revisions in his understanding of God and God's ways of interacting with the world. In striking and sometimes intimate detail he relates compellingly his experiences as a student, pastor, professor, sufferer, heart-transplant recipient, and above all, seeker of God. Dr. Rakestraw's gripping portrayal of his difficulties and sufferings, especially with regard to health issues, does not come across as depressing. Rather, it presents the sustaining love and goodness of God in such a way that will pull readers in to investigate the remarkable and freely-offered grace of God extolled by the author. ""GraceQuest does not sentimentalize the lifelong journey through suffering and disability. But its rawness mediates the divine grace sure to touch and transform the hearts of many readers, even as its authenticity will encourage those who find themselves in similar circumstances."" --Amos Yong, Faculty of Theology, Fuller Theological Seminary ""Rakestraw tells the story of his life, his response to God's call and empowerment, and his preparation for the perilous journey of dependence on another's heart beating in his chest. He writes well, with candor and solid self-reflection . . . It is a compelling read, even for those who do not know this gentle man characterized by wisdom, grace, and purpose."" --George K. Brushaber, President Emeritus, Bethel University ""This is a book for everyone who says 'Where is God in the midst of my suffering?' Bob Rakestraw knows. He pulls no punches, is not superficially pious, and is amazingly honest about his own suffering. It is ironic that Rakestraw has always been known for his huge heart of compassion and yet this is where he has been afflicted. Perhaps that is why Bob's story is so powerful. It shows how, in the shelter of God's love, even the most serious of problems can be transformed into deep wells of grace."" --Linda Mercadante, B. Robert Straker Professor of Historical Theology, Methodist Theological School in Ohio ""In this wonderful spiritual narrative from his own life, Rakestraw shines a light on the grace and presence of God. This is narrative Christian theology, to be sure, but more as well. It is a moving story of faith in the midst of struggle, prayer that never lets go of the Holy Spirit, and one man's heart for Christ Jesus in the midst of pain."" --Alan Padgett, Professor of Systematic Theology, Luther Seminary ""GraceQuest is a gripping story of one man's (and his family's) struggle with tremendous weakness and pain, but it is also a narrative theodicy--defense of God's goodness in spite of the undeniable reality of evil. . . . This is an honest and hard-hitting book about God's grace in and through tremendous loss of health and strength. Readers will find hope and help here if they are open to its message about the God-given 'strength to suffer well.'"" --Roger E. Olson, Foy Valentine Professor of Christian Theology and Ethics, George W. Truett Theological Seminary (From the Foreword) ""[This work] by Dr. Rakestraw is important for pastors, church leaders, and professors who often succumb to the temptation to be one person in their public roles while functioning quite differently in private . . . Bob offers us a different model of wholeness and holiness . . . [and] an example of healthy personal self-reflection that is honest and open . . . What