Review by JessieHartness -- Grace Revealed
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Review by JessieHartness -- Grace Revealed
Have you ever wondered why some people who have undergone severe and painful trials managed to stay afloat, and maybe even used their bad experiences to help others? Well, according to Fred Sievert’s Grace Revealed, God’s grace can be experienced in the worst of situations, helping those in desperate need not only survive but ultimately leading them to purpose and joy.
In the first chapter, Sievert describes the importance, power, and different types of grace one may experience through varying times in their life. He uses the Bible to support his claims and provides examples that are applicable to this day. He also explains the reasons for grace, and how it can lead those to the purpose God has called them to. The rest of the book is organized into chapters relating to specific crises-physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, addiction, emotional and physical issues, career-related challenges, family issues, and grief. At the beginning of each section, he provides information on each topic and equips the reader with helpful insights and bible verses to help them if they, or someone they know, are experiencing a similar crisis. Stories, in the form of first-person accounts, are provided to describe the hardships faced, and how God has displayed His redemptive power to those who call on Him. At the end of each story, Sievert provides his thoughts and the specific bible verses the writer found most helpful during their trials. The author provides questions for personal reflection to invite the reader to take a deeper look into their own lives. There is a prayer at the end of each section to help provide comfort to those in need.
What I liked most about this book was the intentionality of the author. Sievert does an excellent job of explaining the different types of crises and provides insightful (and sometimes heart-wrenching) statistics, facts, and personal experience before the reader even arrives at the first-person accounts. These accounts are actually written by the person, so each story is unique and reflects the different personalities of each individual. I felt as if I wasn’t just reading about their various hardships from a distant and clinical view, but actually experiencing it with them. Although my heart felt heavy, I rejoiced at the end of each story because they were able to use their struggles to find joy and purpose, usually in the form of helping others. So that being said, although this book speaks on many unpleasant subjects, I never felt depressed, but instead hopeful.
There was only one thing I didn’t particularly like about this book. There weren’t any references to the specific bible translations at the end of each provided bible verse. I’m someone that very much enjoys comparing and reading different bible translations, so it makes it a little easier for me to navigate when I know which translation the verse is referenced to. However, this is a very minimal thing in light of how much I enjoyed and appreciated this book. There were only a few minor errors, and this book was obviously professionally edited. Overall, I give this book a 4 out of 4 stars.
Although profanity isn’t present, this book does touch on subjects of sexual abuse, trauma, and drug use, so I feel it’s directed more towards a mature audience. Sievert’s main theme throughout his book places God’s redemptive power at the center of every trial, however, I believe both Christians and non-Christians can benefit from reading this book.
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Grace Revealed
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