Book Review: REMARKABLE FAITH by Shauna Letellier

Hebrews 11:1 

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

PUBLISHERS DESCRIPTION

This book will draw you into the
Word of God where you
will find rest for your
weary soul.

This collection of inspirational vignettes, based on eight of the Bible's unlikely examples of faith, will give readers a fresh intimacy with Jesus.

REMARKABLE FAITH tells the stories of people whose faith was of such quality that Jesus himself marveled at it-people who were broken, needy, and dependent. These eight inspiring vignettes weave history, theology, and fictional detail into their biblical accounts to bring relief and a new perspective to those whose faith feels unremarkable. Written to encourage and relieve discouraged Christians who wonder if their faith is a disappointment to God, this book will demonstrate that remarkable faith-the kind Jesus marveled about-isn't about achieving or performing. Readers will discover they can exchange their performance-based evaluation of their faith with a fresh, life-giving intimacy with the Jesus who delights in transforming inadequacies into irrepressible affection.

MY PERSONAL REVIEW

Remarkable Faith by Shauna Letellier is a touching book filled with Biblical truths and written with deep conviction. It's an encouraging read for both the Christian and non-Christian alike.

As described in the previous publisher's description, Remarkable Faith highlights eight unnamed figures in the Bible whom the Lord defines as having amazing faith. At first glance, these people may appear to have an insignificant part of the Bible story, but Letellier contends that their lives are marked by an outstanding belief in Christ that sends them running to Him with open arms. After reading and pondering each of their stories, I would absolutely agree.

The book is very thought provoking in that it makes the reader stop and analyze each of the actions and presumed motives of the chosen characters. As your imagination flows thinking about each day that the characters come in contact with the Lord, much is revealed within their hearts, as well as our own. 

Each chapter is devoted to the story of these individuals and ends with a meaningful prayer that begs reflection. The author is continually thankful throughout the book for Christ and the gift of worship, the ability of the Lord to hear us, and His exchange on the cross for us to be given new life. The assertion that "remarkable faith is often grown in the broken soil of desperation," is made clear by her eight illustrations. 

This is truly a wonderful read filled with hope and encouragement, in addition to the word of God. Remarkable Faith is a must read for anyone who is searching their heart for the true meaning of Christianity or struggling with their sense of significance. Letellier doesn't shy away from tough questions as it relates to suffering or rejection and the role each of these play in our lives as Christians. As is stated within the pages, "Remarkable faith is not an archaic memory. It is a present reality. Will Jesus find faith when He comes again? Yes, He will."

Remarkable Faith by Shauna Letellier will be released July 11, 2017. This great book can be pre-ordered by clicking here. Thank you to FaithWords a division of Hachette Book Group Inc for this review copy of Remarkable Faith. I was not required to write a favorable review, but only to give my honest opinion of this work. 

What Are You Waiting For....and How Long Have You Been Waiting?

Psalm 119:74(MSG)
When they see me waiting, expecting Your Word, those who fear You will take heart and be glad.

Don't Give Up!  Wait on Him!

Waiting.  It's so difficult isn't it?  Webster's dictionary defines waiting in this way:  The act of "remaining" until something expected happens.  I pondered this idea last week, as I found myself sitting in a "waiting" room at our local hospital while my sweet mother was in the operating room having her hip replaced.  Yes, our family was gathered there in anticipation for a successful surgery without incident...and...to God be the glory, within a few short hours, we had exactly that.  But, what if the thing you are waiting on in your life doesn't happen quite according to your planned timeline?  What then?  
In church this past Sunday, our Pastor preached on this very subject.  (If you would like to hear this particular message in it's entirety, feel free to  click here.)  It was the third message in the Noah Series by  Pastor John Lindell entitled: God's Grace In A Deadly Place.

I always find it so interesting that each person can hear the same message and The Lord, through His gracious Holy Spirit, will illuminate exactly what you need to hear for that season in your life.  For me, the takeaway was simple.  First, I was reassured that sometimes we might have to wait a lot longer for something we have been praying for than we had anticipated.  Secondly, I was reminded that how we "wait" really does matter, because other people are watching us "wait", as today's verse mentions..."When they see me waiting, expecting Your Word, those who fear you will take heart and be glad."  

Noah was a great example of a man who had heard from the Lord and obeyed.  He built an ark for safety from the destructive flood precisely according to the directions given from God.  Did it take Noah longer to build it than he expected it to?  I'm pretty sure it must have, sense it took him anywhere from 55-120 years, depending on what theological reference you choose.  Either way, that is a very loooonnnnggg time for a project to be completed!  And then, after boarding the Ark, Noah didn't disembark for a total 375 days!!  What?!  God said 40 days of rain, so, if I had been Noah, I would have thought, 40 days of rain and then we get off of the boat.  But, alas, it did not happen that way.  I'm pretty sure that on day 41, I probably would have been questioning God, whining about my "stinking situation" (as Pastor John described it), and trying to rework a better plan, but not Noah!  

No, Noah was not wailing.  Instead he was worshipping!  He chose not to move out of the boat until he had heard from the Lord!  After the rain stopped, minutes drug on into days....days into weeks...weeks into months...but Noah still remained...expecting God's word to direct him.  When they finally did walk out of that boat, I'm pretty sure that his wife, son's and their wife's were thrilled that Noah was so faithful!  They learned from their husband, father, and father-in-law what it truly looked like to be patient and filled with trust to a loving God.  When it was all said and done, I know they were glad they waited with Noah.  Whoa...talk about leaving an amazing legacy!  

So, I guess I just want to encourage someone who might be reading this today, as I was encouraged, that you need not give up!  Whatever you have heard from the Lord, through His word for your life, it will definitely come to pass!  You can count on Him!!  If He said it...it will happen.  And, if you are still waiting to hear from Him for direction and leading, He will respond.  In our present world order where "high speed" is better and slow is bad, it is difficult to imagine having to "wait" on anything.  However, His timing is not always easily understood.  Wait on Him...and worship while you're waiting!!  God is definitely up to something good!! 

God,
I am so encouraged by the faithfulness of Noah in this season of His life.  His story teaches me so much about persevering through difficult situations and trusting that You are NEVER early or late!  It helps me to be mindful that you are not a God of disorder...but a God of peace (I Corinthians 14:33) and that You have established an order for each life You have created!  What a gift!!  
May Your name be exalted in all the earth~
Amen

 

Giving Thanks

Psalm 119:7(MSG)
I thank You for speaking straight from Your heart;  I learn the pattern of Your righteous ways.

It has been a simply gorgeous fall here!  The trees are taking on their brightest colors and the crisp breeze brings a chill to the air.  A walk was most certainly in order!  As I meandered along a winding trail with my husband, daughter, and son, I became overwhelmed with thankfulness for all that the Lord has blessed me with! 

It is always a perfect day to praise the Lord for He is so loving, gracious and kind.  The blessings of health, family, and friends are just a few of the things that come to my mind.  I am also so thankful for His Word that, as the verse says, speaks  to us straight from His heart, so that we have a pattern to model our life after. 

I saw a bumper sticker again today.....you know I am drawn to reading these if you've read very many of my posts.  This one said....."JESUS IS".  That's it.  That's all there was.  Nothing more.  Nothing less.  I like that bumper sticker....enjoy the rest of your day or night...with a voice of praise and thankfulness to the Lord...because...He is! 

A day can hold a lot of things.....but we know who holds the day!!
Lord,
I am not always as thankful as I should be.  I am sorry about that.  Please help my mind, heart, body, spirit, and soul to take on a stance of praise and worship to You throughout each and every moment that You allow me to have down here on Your earth. 
Praises to Your name~
Amen

His Love Never Quits

Psalm 136:1(MSG)
Thank God!  He deserves your thanks.  His love never quits.

Psalm 136 has found it's way into my heart and life right now, as I search for His strength to carry me through a new and challenging season in my life.  In every verse of this chapter, I am told that "His love never quits!"  In the NIV and ESV, it is "His love endures forever!"  The chapter reads like a love letter listing item by item ways that the Lord God has shown His love to His people.....seriously fascinating. 

As we continue our Bible study by Kelly Minter titled No Other Gods, I am reminded that one of the things we are constantly searching for in our lives is love and acceptance.  That sense of complete fulfillment can only come from God our Father.  If we purpose to look to someone or something to fill that void, it will only end in disappointment and possibly disaster, because we set up an idolatry scenario with this action.   

I am serving a God who truly does deserve all of my thanks!  I am worshipping the real God who offers me true love that NEVER QUITS!  Now that is something to be thankful for indeed!!  I am choosing to live in an attitude of gratitude toward the one who gives me life.  Over the next twenty~six days (verses), I will be reminded of all the different ways He has shown me His unfailing love!

God,

You truly are worthy of my thankful heart and words of unending praise.  Open my eyes to Your presence and love in my day today and help me to share that love with others.

Amen