Review by Leslie Cree -- Grace Revealed
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Leslie Cree
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- Latest Review: Grace Revealed by Frederick J. Sievert
Review by Leslie Cree -- Grace Revealed
[Following is a volunteer review of "Grace Revealed" by Frederick J. Sievert.]
Grace Revealed: Finding God’s Strength in Any Crisis
In times of crisis, people ask --why would a good, loving God allow this to happen? For some, they may be experiencing crisis for the first time during the isolation of COVID-19, but according to statistics presented in this book many people are living with the long-term effects of abuse, loss, or addiction.
Divided into chapters that address different situations, from long-term effects of sexual, emotional, or physical abuse, to job losses, loss of a child or spouse, unfair accusation, addiction, or incarceration, these stories will capture your heart and inspire hope. It is never too late to call upon Jesus and redirect your life.
The author shares his reason for writing this book, “The stories of real people have always moved me most of all.” He steps back and lets the individuals tell their story. From Mary, “Simply put, if we hide things, we fester. But if we want Jesus to uncage us, we have to tell the truth. It does hurt when we acknowledge the pain from the past. Thankfully Jesus comes to our rescue…”
Reading testimonies from real people and how they overcame their situations provides reassurance of a way out. The challenges we face may be different in nature, but the answer is the same, faith in Jesus Christ. Even for those who do not consider themselves “religious” or Christian, this book will provide a perspective that is often overlooked. For the believer, reading these testimonies is an affirmation that despite the things we cannot control, we are never alone in our struggles. Kia shared what she learned in rehab, “During the program I found out that deep down my insecurities kept me from fully loving myself…”
The concept of the benefits of repentance and forgiveness may be unfamiliar to some, but as each story unfolds, the power of engaging in those behaviors and the grace that follows is an inspiration and a call to action. The power of grace allows a person to overcome, and for many their restored life revolves around sharing their experience and giving back to people and communities in need. From Coss, (while incarcerated) “…I read the bible from front to back while I was in there. I really began to understand what I was doing. For the first time, I understood the wrongdoing I was causing…”
The power of grace allows even those stricken with physical ailments such as cancer, chronic illness, or pain to find relief and a new purpose for their lives. “I read, I fought, I tried what I could. Nothing helped except turning to God again and asking for help. I prayed in tears, at night all alone, revealed naked before the Lord, stripped clean of my sense of control,” wrote Steve, who has been afflicted with nerve pain and physical injury that robbed him of mobility.
Each of the storytellers shares scripture verses that have sustained them. At the end of each personal story, the author offers a brief discussion with explanation of the chosen verses, and a sample prayer. A verse frequently quoted by those in this book is Psalm 91. In my area a local company has sponsored a billboard to encourage us during the shutdown that reads, simply, “Psalm 91”. Jane wrote, “I’d heard countless times that God becomes more real to us during suffering. I found it to be true. The more I ran to Jesus, the more grace He poured out. He prepared my heart for my dad’s passing. Six weeks later, Mike and I sat with our son when he took his last breath.”
A 3 out of 4 star read, Grace Revealed: Finding God’s Strength in Any Crisis is tightly written and can be relevant whether read front-to-back or by skipping to chapters with a specific topic for special insights. I agree with the author, stories of real people can move us.
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Grace Revealed
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Grace Revealed: Finding God’s Strength in Any Crisis
In times of crisis, people ask --why would a good, loving God allow this to happen? For some, they may be experiencing crisis for the first time during the isolation of COVID-19, but according to statistics presented in this book many people are living with the long-term effects of abuse, loss, or addiction.
Divided into chapters that address different situations, from long-term effects of sexual, emotional, or physical abuse, to job losses, loss of a child or spouse, unfair accusation, addiction, or incarceration, these stories will capture your heart and inspire hope. It is never too late to call upon Jesus and redirect your life.
The author shares his reason for writing this book, “The stories of real people have always moved me most of all.” He steps back and lets the individuals tell their story. From Mary, “Simply put, if we hide things, we fester. But if we want Jesus to uncage us, we have to tell the truth. It does hurt when we acknowledge the pain from the past. Thankfully Jesus comes to our rescue…”
Reading testimonies from real people and how they overcame their situations provides reassurance of a way out. The challenges we face may be different in nature, but the answer is the same, faith in Jesus Christ. Even for those who do not consider themselves “religious” or Christian, this book will provide a perspective that is often overlooked. For the believer, reading these testimonies is an affirmation that despite the things we cannot control, we are never alone in our struggles. Kia shared what she learned in rehab, “During the program I found out that deep down my insecurities kept me from fully loving myself…”
The concept of the benefits of repentance and forgiveness may be unfamiliar to some, but as each story unfolds, the power of engaging in those behaviors and the grace that follows is an inspiration and a call to action. The power of grace allows a person to overcome, and for many their restored life revolves around sharing their experience and giving back to people and communities in need. From Coss, (while incarcerated) “…I read the bible from front to back while I was in there. I really began to understand what I was doing. For the first time, I understood the wrongdoing I was causing…”
The power of grace allows even those stricken with physical ailments such as cancer, chronic illness, or pain to find relief and a new purpose for their lives. “I read, I fought, I tried what I could. Nothing helped except turning to God again and asking for help. I prayed in tears, at night all alone, revealed naked before the Lord, stripped clean of my sense of control,” wrote Steve, who has been afflicted with nerve pain and physical injury that robbed him of mobility.
Each of the storytellers shares scripture verses that have sustained them. At the end of each personal story, the author offers a brief discussion with explanation of the chosen verses, and a sample prayer. A verse frequently quoted by those in this book is Psalm 91. In my area a local company has sponsored a billboard to encourage us during the shutdown that reads, simply, “Psalm 91”. Jane wrote, “I’d heard countless times that God becomes more real to us during suffering. I found it to be true. The more I ran to Jesus, the more grace He poured out. He prepared my heart for my dad’s passing. Six weeks later, Mike and I sat with our son when he took his last breath.”
A 3 out of 4 star read, Grace Revealed: Finding God’s Strength in Any Crisis is tightly written and can be relevant whether read front-to-back or by skipping to chapters with a specific topic for special insights. I agree with the author, stories of real people can move us.
###
******
Grace Revealed
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Grace Revealed by Frederick J. Sievert
