He Will Hold Me Fast: A Journey with Grace through Cancer

by Connie Dever

'Then came cancer - I was terrified.'
Life was about to get very difficult for Connie Dever. Her soul echoed her body's turbulence. Everything felt so desperately out of control. 'Fears seized me and sometimes evil felt palpably close. At times I couldn't even open my Bible - only hold it. I was at the end of myself. "God, hold on to me! I can't do anything"'
And hold on to her, He did.

Genres: Christian Living, Christian

256 pages, Paperback

Published June 2, 2017

Reviews

[Sophie Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing. These are the raw, unedited diary/blog entries through Connie’s first three years of dealing with cancer and they are a GIFT. What beauty is found in the entrusting of one’s story to another and what encouragement and consolation is found through the reading of a saint’s fight to believe God is as good as He says.

I’ve never read something that reminded me so much of Susannah Spurgeon’s writings. Connie’s word pictures, imagery, and illustrations are so helpful, encouraging, full of wisdom, and, again, reminiscent of Susannah Spurgeon.

I highly, highly, highly recommend this to all believers and am sad I didn’t know this existed before I found it at a used bookstore. More people should be reading and talking about this gem.

[Lexi Zuo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this in one day and it was truly beautiful!! I LOVE Connie’s bare honesty (especially about her anxiety and fear for the future) as she walks the journey of thyroid cancer. As she continually preaches to herself God’s truth, she ministers to the heart of her reader. I was so encouraged by her example to keep looking to her Savior! He truly has held her fast and that is a testimony all other believers can cling to and rejoice over in our own trials. He WILL hold us fast! Highly recommend!!


Update: 2.5 weeks after I first read this, I was diagnosed with skin cancer. This book has continued to be a source of encouragement to me as I walk through this new journey. I keep rereading various passages that were spot on before, but have even sweeter meaning to me now. Connie, thank you for writing this!!

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second time reading (and buying!). I read this book a few years ago, let a friend borrow and never got it back! I never forgot it though so recently bought another copy.

This is a very helpful book for anyone walking a hard path. The honesty of the author is a real aid to taking on board the biblical advice. The number of quotes and references from other recommended books is a plus too.

I really think this book is an excellent resource but I do wonder if it has been promoted for a smaller audience than necessary. Connie Dever's journey is cancer but I feel that no matter what your trial the wisdom of this book will encourage/help/challenge you.

[Megan Revis · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you need to borrow some faith from someone, Connie is your gal.

[Megan Triplett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot recommend this enough! I was so practically encouraged in my own trials and sufferings. Connie Dever has helped teach me how to walk through pain and difficulty in a very practical way. The highs and lows of her battle with cancer remained anchored in the the truth of God’s word and the reader is able to see first hand, how God brings beauty and growth through some of our deepest and most difficult of times. I’m only sad that this sat on my shelf as long as it did. What a help Connie’s book is!