Publisher's Synopsis
Experiencing life as a victim of an abusive relationship, whether that be physical or emotional abuse or the frustration of co-dependency, can inevitably lead to two pathways; to give up and sink, or fight and swim. Which one, depends upon a realization of our identity in the one who created us. As a result of overcoming a seemingly no-win situation in my own life, and experiencing visions of Jesus, dreams and miracles of healing, I decided to write this book to encourage those in difficult circumstances to never give up, even when there seems to be no hope. When all we appear to be left with are shattered dreams and a broken heart, so many unanswered questions begin to cloud our mind. Fighting through life's battles in our own strength can leave us echoing a cry of many before us of "there must be more than this." O there is, so much more... "He has also set eternity in the human heart..." (Ecclesiastes 3:11). The beginning to the end of the search for our identity and for the meaning of life itself, is in a revelation of the key to eternity. Religion will try to put God in a box but He is uncontainable! His power works miracles when He begins to flourish in broken, repentant hearts and it is in our weakness that His strength is perfected. God can and will use the foolish things of this world to shame the intelligence of man. He isn't bothered about our knowledge of worldly affairs as these things will perish. God has designed our identity to be found in Him and our heart only to be satisfied by the depths of the Cross of Jesus Christ. The subject of the Cross can never be worn out...it's the power of God! The key to God's heart, to eternity and to our identity, is found at the Cross. All our questions can be answered when we delve deep into the heart of scripture. The fulfilment of every longing and desire can be found when the depth of our inmost being, cries out to the immensity of the sovereign heart of creator God. The continually tried and tested pleasures and interventions of this world, can never fill the Cross-shaped void that God has carved deep into the heart of mankind. Mental health awareness and depression are issues that are being pushed to the forefront of our awareness. From my experience, it is my belief, that the power of knowing who we are in Jesus and a deep heart revelation of God's immense love for us, can restore a strong foundation of the truth and of the power of the Cross at the heart of our being. The source of the spiritual peace that comes from knowing the truth of our identity, as it is based upon a revelation of the Cross (being the power of God), can destroy the negative effects of the lies of the enemy and line our thoughts up with the greatest power of all. "By The Rivers of Babylon" helps to give an understanding of just how relevant and powerful the Cross is, for today and forevermore!"This book reflects a life of learning about God and His ways through the disciplines of life, suffering hardships and a dedication to the Word and to worship. Tanya writes as someone who knows from experience the power of the Cross of Jesus in enabling her to turn burdens into blessings. Each chapter is soaked in Scripture, revealing a deep love for the Word of God and a profound grasp of its teaching. There are lessons interspersed with examples from life, all liberally peppered with follow-up Scriptures for further study. Although each chapter is relatively short there is much upon which to meditate and the reader will benefit from ongoing reflection. I particularly valued the prayers at the end of each chapter that enabled me to root what I had read and embed it in my heart." - Graham Poland, Pastor.
