Monday, November 29, 2010

Book Review: Living Victoriously in Difficult Times


book cover


Living Victoriously in Difficult Times
by Kay Arthur, Bob & Diane Vereen


ISBN: 1-57856-907-9
Trade Paperback: 80 pages
Publisher: Waterbrook Press
First Released: 2004


Source: Bought through Half.com.

Book Description from Back Cover:
When painful or frustrating circumstances invade your life, it’s easy to wonder why. Why does life so often seem unfair? Why doesn’t our all-powerful God stop the pain and suffering–not just for you–but for all His children

The truth is, we live in a fallen world filled with fallen people, and we cannot escape hardship and pain. Somehow difficult times are a part of God’s plan and they serve His purposes.

In this six week study you’ll examine what the Bible says about suffering and why God allows it. Through the stories of many who persevered through times of testing, you’ll discover how to find joy even when life seems unfair. You’ll learn how to handle loss while glorifying God in the midst of your pain. And you’ll find the peace that comes from trusting in the One whose strength is made perfect in your weakness.


My Review:
Living Victoriously in Difficult Times is a no homework, 6-week-long Bible study. It's designed for small groups to do together once a week in a 40 minute period. The Bible study pretty much let Scripture speak for itself. It examined the lives of several people in the Bible who suffered (like Job and Paul) and what Scripture says about the reason and purpose of suffering and how we should react to it.

The study had people read several verses (which were included in the book along with information about the context of the verses), mark/highlight certain words, then answer several questions about what was just read. Insight boxes were included with historical information that helped make a verse or point more understandable.

The questions were helpful in focusing attention on all the points that needed to be looked at. In case you missed a point, the "wrap up" section at the end of each week's lesson summarized what was learned that week.

I enjoyed this study and thought it was well-written and made good points. Overall, I'd recommend this Bible study to new Christian believers or those who don't understand why a good God would allow his people to suffer.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.


Excerpt:
Read an excerpt.

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