What do you think?
Rate this book
Called to the Wild: Biblical Reflections on Faith, Perseverance, and Surrender from one Adventurer to Another
Brave the wild adventure of life with God.
Life is full of unknowns. It's natural to want answers, explanations, and clear directions along the way. But for the Christ-follower, this longing for clarity is met with a mysterious to trust, to surrender, to lay down one’s life.
After his baptism, Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness, where he was tempted, where his identity as "God’s beloved son" was solidified, and where he drew close to God. The wilderness is not only a place to observe the grandeur of God, it’s a place to explore the mysteries of His purposes, His plans, and His relentless love.
Called to the Wild is a 40-day journey filled with thrilling adventure stories and poignant Biblical meditations, through which outdoor guide and Cru campus minister, Chris Lawrence, helps readers overcome fear and self-doubt by learning to follow Jesus as their trustworthy Guide through life’s every adventure.
Perfect for those who love the outdoors, this 40-day “expedition” contains daily devotionals inspired by Lawrence’s firsthand experiences in the wilderness. Connecting these adventures with Scripture passages and insightful questions, this book will inspire the reader
Connect with God’s word in a fresh wayExplore His specific purposesTrust God in the unknownWalk more intimately with Him
Even for the most faithful believer, instability and self-doubt threaten to steal joy, purpose, and passion. Every one of us is called to the wild: to draw near, to walk with, and to trust this Guide who is not tame, but who is always good.
Life is full of unknowns. It's natural to want answers, explanations, and clear directions along the way. But for the Christ-follower, this longing for clarity is met with a mysterious to trust, to surrender, to lay down one’s life.
After his baptism, Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness, where he was tempted, where his identity as "God’s beloved son" was solidified, and where he drew close to God. The wilderness is not only a place to observe the grandeur of God, it’s a place to explore the mysteries of His purposes, His plans, and His relentless love.
Called to the Wild is a 40-day journey filled with thrilling adventure stories and poignant Biblical meditations, through which outdoor guide and Cru campus minister, Chris Lawrence, helps readers overcome fear and self-doubt by learning to follow Jesus as their trustworthy Guide through life’s every adventure.
Perfect for those who love the outdoors, this 40-day “expedition” contains daily devotionals inspired by Lawrence’s firsthand experiences in the wilderness. Connecting these adventures with Scripture passages and insightful questions, this book will inspire the reader
Connect with God’s word in a fresh wayExplore His specific purposesTrust God in the unknownWalk more intimately with Him
Even for the most faithful believer, instability and self-doubt threaten to steal joy, purpose, and passion. Every one of us is called to the wild: to draw near, to walk with, and to trust this Guide who is not tame, but who is always good.
168 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 18, 2023
129 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 23, 2023
A great devotional especially written for the those with an adventurous spirit. Each individual reading uses an adventure story or experience from the authors life as the kicking off point and then draws parallels and relatable bite-sized lessons for our spiritual journey. Makes for a great daily reading to bookend the day or just a daily devotional with each reading taking 5 minutes or less. And each chapter includes a Bible verse, the devotional, a self reflection/ application question and ends with a prayer.
I love that this book calls the reader to step out in faith into the great unknown of walking with God. The question becomes will we answer the call. Too often we would rather stay in our comfort zone as the author mentions in chapter 6 but then we would miss all that life has to offer. Answer your Saviors call to step into the unknown for the adventure of your life. To quote from chapter 6, “Often, we’d rather stay in the Eddie’s of life - the calm, predictable spots where the river seems in our control. Yet, we are called to the wild.”
I love that this book calls the reader to step out in faith into the great unknown of walking with God. The question becomes will we answer the call. Too often we would rather stay in our comfort zone as the author mentions in chapter 6 but then we would miss all that life has to offer. Answer your Saviors call to step into the unknown for the adventure of your life. To quote from chapter 6, “Often, we’d rather stay in the Eddie’s of life - the calm, predictable spots where the river seems in our control. Yet, we are called to the wild.”
July 6, 2023
A Life of Adventure
I love the creativity of this book with the twinning of Scriptures & God’s principles with the adventurous outdoors. Highly recommend
I love the creativity of this book with the twinning of Scriptures & God’s principles with the adventurous outdoors. Highly recommend
September 1, 2023
A Good Sports Analogy About Living Your Life For Christ
I really didn't know what to expect when I got this book. Mainly due to the fact that I didn't participate in any of the sports the author did. My favorite sports all involve some type of ball..
Anyway, as I read, even though I've never, climbed a rock face, skied, kayaked, rafted or surfed, I could still connect with the Apostle Paul's analogy of finishing the race. Lawrence mentioned a chariot race in the last chapter, but I believe Paul was talking about a race for runners. In any event whatever the race, we as Christians are to do as Paul and never give up. No matter what we are faced with but ask God to provide the strength we need to finish the race before us strong.
I got a lot more out of this book than I first thought.
I think you will too if you read a chapter a day and seriously consider the questions Christopher has for each reader at the end of each chapter.
I really didn't know what to expect when I got this book. Mainly due to the fact that I didn't participate in any of the sports the author did. My favorite sports all involve some type of ball..
Anyway, as I read, even though I've never, climbed a rock face, skied, kayaked, rafted or surfed, I could still connect with the Apostle Paul's analogy of finishing the race. Lawrence mentioned a chariot race in the last chapter, but I believe Paul was talking about a race for runners. In any event whatever the race, we as Christians are to do as Paul and never give up. No matter what we are faced with but ask God to provide the strength we need to finish the race before us strong.
I got a lot more out of this book than I first thought.
I think you will too if you read a chapter a day and seriously consider the questions Christopher has for each reader at the end of each chapter.
April 7, 2024
This devotional was very good. I bought copies for my college aged son as well. I know he'll love the stories of adventure in each chapter.
One key practice I began as I read this devo: I asked myself 3 questions at the end of each chapter. 1.) where do I see this sin problem in my life? (Ie, Prayerlessness, I try to solve problems instead), 2.) Where does the cross/grace/Jesus answer this problem? (Ie, the gift of a God who wants me to talk to him even about the minute details of my life.), 3.) What steps can I take to walk in this truth? (Tell God about my day while I do dishes each night.)
Adding those three questions daily helped me walk into each day not saying, "yeah, I'm bad about that. I should do better," but addressing my sin problem specifically, praising God, and preparing to walk more intimately with him.
One key practice I began as I read this devo: I asked myself 3 questions at the end of each chapter. 1.) where do I see this sin problem in my life? (Ie, Prayerlessness, I try to solve problems instead), 2.) Where does the cross/grace/Jesus answer this problem? (Ie, the gift of a God who wants me to talk to him even about the minute details of my life.), 3.) What steps can I take to walk in this truth? (Tell God about my day while I do dishes each night.)
Adding those three questions daily helped me walk into each day not saying, "yeah, I'm bad about that. I should do better," but addressing my sin problem specifically, praising God, and preparing to walk more intimately with him.
August 6, 2023
Mr. Lawrence did a great job connecting his personal experiences to Scripture. An engaging and thought-provoking devotional. Highly recommend.
August 10, 2023
Enjoyable daily read
Blending outdoor adventure with Christ’s principles from the authors personal experiences. I can relate and enjoy. Wish the book was longer.
Blending outdoor adventure with Christ’s principles from the authors personal experiences. I can relate and enjoy. Wish the book was longer.
January 9, 2025
Some of the outdoor stuff was interesting, but I didn't always make the biblical connection.
November 27, 2025
Perfect for active outdoor people.
October 1, 2023
such a great devotional!
My brother and I did this devotional together, sharing takeaways by text.
It was so good for our relationship but most importantly our Walk with God.
Thank you for following the call to write it.
My brother and I did this devotional together, sharing takeaways by text.
It was so good for our relationship but most importantly our Walk with God.
Thank you for following the call to write it.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews