Lost and Found: How Jesus Helped Us Discover Our True Selves

by Collin Hansen, Joni Eareckson Tada, Sam Allberry

There are many paths to lose your way. And only one way to find it.

So said Jesus of Nazareth, the most compelling and controversial teacher of all time. This book aims to make sense of his counterintuitive claim: Unless we lose our lives for his sake, we will never discover our true selves.

Writers from around the world tell their stories of healing and hope amid many hardships. Joni Eareckson Tada, Sam Allberry, Christopher Yuan, Aixa de López, and many other contributors share how God found them amid many dangers, toils, and snares.

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Biography, Nonfiction

160 pages, Paperback

Published April 2, 2019

About the author

Collin Hansen is editorial director for The Gospel Coalition and was previously an associate editor for Christianity Today. He has written for Books & Culture, Leadership, and Christian History & Biography, and is the author of Young, Restless, and Reformed.

Reviews

[Sarah Chappell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for explaining the gospel clearly and how it relates to our lives. Simple but not too simple

[Ivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a culture that encourages us to be “true to ourselves,” it’s refreshing to read these stories of those who lose themselves and discover their true selves in Jesus. Every testimony—every sinner turned from self and to God—is a miracle of grace. And it should never get old.

[Andy Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book contains the life stories of several Christians from different backgrounds. This is really a great book for graduates as it helps you think about what is important in life and how we should live. Good for me to as I move past the middle of my life. I always love what Joni Eareckson Tada has to say. I think most everyone will find someone to connect with in this book.

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this look at the testimonies of the authors. I'm coming away encouraged and with a new list of authors to read in the future!

[Robin Langford · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read a chapter a night before bed. Simple and compelling stories of people’s faith journeys. Very encouraging.

[Jean · Rating 1 out of 5]

I always give a book only 1 star if I can’t finish it for some reason. I thought this book would be a collection of stories about how people had overcome adversity in their lives and become Christians. That’s sort of what it is. But I think the compiler asked them all to give a sermon that applied to their adversity instead of just a testimony. I found it dull. I tried to skip through the chapters just listening to the first part of people’s stories but it didn’t send up with me knowing much about them. So I gave up…

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick reads that give a good sampling of testimonies from individuals whose stories are fleshed out in greater detail in their own personal writings and speaking engagements. I think this book seems targeted toward those who are seeking personal accounts of how people came to living, saving faith in Jesus Christ. It also might help direct believers to explore the transformative life stories of other Christians in other books.

[Adam Bloch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great compilation of testimonies!

There was one testimony that felt out of place, though (the one that unnecessarily talked about the doctrine of Preservation of the Saints). It's not that I don't think it should be discussed in books, but it felt out of character for an evangelistic-type book. It seemed more to give an excuse to professed Christians who aren't living a life of faith than actually pushing forward the cause of Christ.

[Vincent Tee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amalgamation of different stories of how they came to and continued/struggled in their walk with Christ. Every story linked with a biblical passage, in a way that reveals the shared brokenness between us all. Really enjoyed the chapter with Sam Chan - really resonated with me as an Asian Australian.

[Michael Willis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twelve testimonies of Christians from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. Good for Christians to read and be encouraged, and great to give to non-Christians to help them see how faith in Jesus affects everyday life with promise of eternal life.

[Emma Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring and helpful collection of essays providing insights on what Jesus meant when He said that we needed to "lose our life to find it." The unique insights that each person provided based on their life story were so compelling to read.

[Geoff & Deb Safford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sobering and encouraging.

This collection of stories shakes your very soul and what you believe down deep in your soul. It will shake you and still encourage you in your faith walk. Don’t hurry through it, let it marinate in your heart.

[Annie Jeshrun · Rating 4 out of 5]

The testimonies were very encouraging and reminded me of my own lostness and the grace of God that rescued me from it and still does. The Authors do a good job of defining things - simple yet profound.

[Traci Kim Maes · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book. Very encouraging!

[Samuel Kassing · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a collection of conversion stories. I enjoyed it and I recommend it if you are looking to be encouraged in your faith.

[Alex Etheridge · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short and sweet stories about how Jesus found people in their lostness.

[Jared Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

12 stories. 12 perspectives. 1 Jesus that finds us when we’re lost. This was a powerful read because life stories are palpable. It enriched my faith & love for Jesus.

[Michael Schmid · Rating 2 out of 5]

Twelve relatively short testimonies of how people from different backgrounds came to faith in Christ.

[Brandi Breezee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Intriguing stories on coming to faith. It was a nice encouraging read. Thankful for God’s saving grace in their lives.

[Gretchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Encouragement

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very helpful book about what our true identity is. This book made me question whether I am actually living out the truths I say I believe in.

[Stacie · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

[Brandi Mueller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good lil book of short testimonies from differing backgrounds, all pointing to Jesus and his worthiness.

[Nashorn1905 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zaujímavá knižka ponúkajúca pohľad na vieru v praxi z rôznej perspektívy 12 ľudí nezávisle od seba.