I don’t know which grabbed my attention the most, the intriguing title or the chapter titles that explode the imagination. I know this. It’s easy for me to gravitate to a book that resonates with a desire already stirring in my heart. I’m excited to see books like this in the marketplace. As the world continues its push against the light of Jesus, nominal Christianity is being swallowed up by it. Even churches with all the glitz and glitter are being filled with followers who are there for the show more than for perfecting the image of Christ for the lost to see.
Blackaby enters the ring swinging. Before starting into his teaching on experiencing greater nearness, power, joy; his introduction establishes that the fault for lacking in these areas does not lie with God. When we say we want more of Jesus in our lives, that is God’s very heart and purpose. So why doesn’t it happen? We have things we aren’t willing to give up to make room for him. (Now don’t think for a moment that I have given you a spoiler. That is just one general statement. Blackaby excels in getting much more personal.) I know I must put this on my read-again list. Life pressures had me reading with the mindset to just get through it at times, but those times when I felt challenged or released assure me there’s more I can gain by going back. If you feel there’s something missing in your walk with Jesus, if you feel you’ve reached a plateau—or worse, stagnant—in experiencing the wellspring of life, the joy, the abundant life that Jesus promised; then read this book. It will open doors in your heart.