Book Review: Lessons in Faith–Learned the Hard Way

Maybe it’s because I’m often pulled in many different directions, but rarely do I find a book that holds my attention long enough for me to finish. Lessons in Faith–Learned the Hard Way by C. Aaron Russell not only held my attention, but made me think about my own walk of faith.

[image error] Lessons in Faith – Book Description

Tired of the trendy unbalanced Christian teaching more focused on self-help and positive thinking, or overactive good works doctrine? Get the book that separates itself from the pack and brings a refreshing perspective that gets to the heart of the Gospel.

Lessons In Faith—Learned the Hard Way weaves lessons from biblical stories and modern illustrations, detailing the many ways that man has always been determined to ‘help God out’ through our own perceived wisdom and strength. In essence, we are the creation trying to help the Creator. This book chronicles our follies, such as pride, impatience, and temptation—all leading to mistakes, sometimes big ones. But the book is also about redemption, designed to give us a better understanding of what it is to be changed from a being made of flesh, led by desire, into a new creation formed from Spirit and led by faith.

Lessons In Faith breaks away from the current popular, overactive versions of discipleship teaching circulating among Christian readers. If the modern popular teachings are a bit overzealous and unrealistic, emphasizing an (unscriptural) attitude of, “God helps those who help themselves,” this book will outline a model that will help readers gain a more mature understanding that, “God helps those who patiently seek, trust and obey Him.” Lessons In Faith—Learned the Hard Way provokes both thought and spirit and paints a more complete picture of what it takes to grow substantial faith.

Lessons in Faith – About the Author, C. Aaron Russell

[image error]C. Aaron Russell lives in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. He and his wife Brenda are parents to four wonderful, feisty children.

Aaron has a B.S. in Communication from Lamar University in Beaumont, TX. His writing is published and regularly featured at the Christian Post, Examiner.com, and the Dallas Morning News, as well as showcased at his blog, Men of Mind.

Aaron is a missionary, web administrator, and speaker with Echos of Calvary Missions of Eastern Mexico. Aaron is also a member of Gideons International.

Lessons in Faith – My Thoughts

First and foremost, I commend Mr. Russell for so courageously voicing his thoughts about controversial subjects on both sides of the aisle. He’s not afraid to tackle tough issues like homosexuality and the cavalier approach the entertainment industry has toward God and Jesus. On the other hand, he’s also not afraid to call down those who position themselves as Christian leaders but focus their teaching on isolated scripture verses taken out of context.

In short, this is a book about living a life of faith in trying times, despite those who would have us believe the Christian life is more about works. I believe Mr. Russell is on to something. Yes, we’re to serve God, our faith lived out by our actions, but too many times we jump into action without waiting patiently for God to direct us.

I think that’s why this book resonated with me. I’m a doer, a list-maker, a take-the-bull-by-the-horns kinda gal. I want results and I want them now (if not yesterday). But I must remember to place all things before God and consider His thoughts on the matter.

Although I felt like the book tended to wander a bit from topic to topic without the cohesion needed to the overall subject matter, I still appreciate Lessons in Faith–Learned the Hard Way and the author’s courage in writing it. I would highly recommend it to those of you who are bedraggled, weary, and battle-scarred. This book will help you take the time to reflect. Most importantly, it will lead you to God’s presence as you re-evaluate your own walk of faith.

Disclaimer: I downloaded this book when it was marked as free from my own decision to do so. The opinions expressed are mine, and I received no remuneration for my review.
 

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