In his second book, President and CEO of Focus on the Family Jim Daly intertwines engaging true stories with Biblical wisdom to show how God can use struggles to strengthen the faith of his followers.
In Stronger, Jim weaves together compelling stories and life principles with his trademark warmth and familiarity. Devoid of formulas but filled with biblical insights, Jim treats us to a feast of self-effacing, yet uplifting stories both about himself and about many others he has worked with through Focus on the Family.
Jim writes about the most formidable and powerful strength—the kind that endures and hopes even when all seems hopeless—the kind that is found in only one source: the Lord of Lords and King of Kings. His is an eternal strength, unchangeable and unbreakable.
Jim Daly (born July 22, 1961) is the head of Focus on the Family, an international Christiancommunications ministry based in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Daly is also the main host of the Focus on the Family radio program.
Daly grew up in Southern California. He was abandoned by his alcoholic father at age 5, and orphaned by his mother's death from cancer when he was 9. He was then placed in a foster home, initially in Morongo Valley California, until he moved in with his older brothers and then with his father, who eventually turned back to alcohol and died. By the time that Daly was a senior in high school, he was living on his own.
Daly experienced a Christian conversion at 15 while attending a camp run by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He went on to study at California State University, San Bernardino, and eventually earned his Master of Business Administration from Regis University.
Daly worked in the paper industry until he was recruited to join Focus on the Family, at one-third of his six-figure private sector pay.
He has served at Focus for 16 years in a variety of positions before ascending to the presidency.
I've listened to Focus on the Family for a few years now and really appreciate their ministry and Jim Daly. This book takes a look at several personal and people's stories following a theme of gaining strength, character and perseverance through brokenness.
Reading, “Stronger” by Jimy Daly, the following scripture kept coming back to me:
33 partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated; 34 for you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven. 35 Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. 36 For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: (Hebrews 10:33-36, New King James Version)
I really connected with not just the personal ancedotes that is shared throughout the book, but the message of hope and perserverance that prevails through out this indeed, “strong” and challenging book that has us look at life’s trials with a heavenly perspective.
As Dale writes,”Daly states, “If we believe in a big God, one who is mighty enough to create the universe and every living creature in it, who is still actively making miracles and involved in our lives today, we possess a powerful hope. No matter how traumatic or tragic our circumstances, we know that anything is possible if it’s in His will. We ask for the Lord’s intervention in the great and minute issues of our lives, understanding that His power is unlimited.”, this is such a powerful reminder that there is nothing too big for our Father in Heaven can handle.
As I read “Stronger” it was difficult not to think in the back of my mind, this would be so great to have a study guide with and this is a great book to recommend to loved ones and friends, particularly in today’s world where tragedy and tribulation seems to be around the corner.
Some of the questions that Jim shares in his book, “Stronger” that he has asked himself are questions that we must have asked ourselves in the dark of the night, while on our knees crying and in prayer, “Is great weakness the essential ingredient to discovering great strength?”,”Have we missed this message somehow?”
In “Stronger” Jim Daly strives and often succeeds in answering these questions while offering stories of hope and encouragement that when life is at its hardest or darkest, our Father is at His strongest for us.
“Stronger” hit close to home for me as there have been days, when I too have asked myself the same questions of “When you wish you didn’t feel more helpess than a bug on your back?” or maybe you have felt like,”When you wish you were Superman or Wonder Woman instead of plain ,ol’ pint sized “me”?”
This book is a reminder of the great faith of Job, when abandon, villify and alone, he held on to his trust and faith in our Father in Heaven and was rewarded, not for being a king, or popular, or anybody, but for being a nobody that held strong.
We’ve all had days like that when we felt, “Why me Lord, why?” and “Stronger” is a reminder that what we feel is broken can be traded for “Unbreakable Strength”.
If you’re having a bad day, maybe you know of someone who feels insignficant or overwhelm by life’s circumstances…this is the book for you to either read or recommend to that person you know.
“Stronger” is a great reminder that we are not forgotten and He will see us through no matter what life throws at us.
In Jim Daly’s book, Stronger, he starts out in China, with a Chinese missionary couple telling him they will pray for us as he is leaving them. Jim felt compelled to asked them how they pray for us. With smiles and apprehension, the man replies, “…for the church in America to get more persecutions, as we see you as rather weak.” I don’t necessarily think we should pray for persecution, as Jesus already promised we’d have trials and temptations, but we are to take courage, as He has overcome the world. (See John 16:33) I would like to think they meant ‘whatever it takes’ to have us trust more deeply in the Lord.
That original prayer, however, evolved into this book, Stronger, by Jim Daly. And what a book! His book is written in three parts. The first is about being weak, troubles, and our choices in the circumstances. Part two covers surrender, God’s invitation, acceptance and trust, and authentic joy. Part three involves perseverance, character, hope, and a vision of strength. “,..for when I am week, them am I strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:10
Jim doesn’t go into whether we should pray that original prayer or not. What he does do, is give us real-life stories of people we can relate to, who suffer tragedy, death, sickness, and loss, and how God uses our problems to draw us closer to the Him. God then provides the strength we need to go through life’s sorrows and woes.
Jim states very clearly that we have a choice in how we want to respond to life’s curve balls, while emphasizing that the Lord wants nothing but the best for us. His answers to your prayers may not necessarily come in the form you pray for, but it is always the best for us in the long-term.
This book brings comfort, hope and encouragement in that Jim tells it like it is, yet shows us how God is always there to comfort and intervene. A doubly good book for anyone in this walk of life, but especially those who are currently in the throes of difficulties. He uses the Word of God to show you what God has to say and His promises to you. A blessedly good book! Definitely a great book for a Bible study group or self-study! I give it a 5 out of 5.
It’s a book I will be keeping for my own shelves for reference and reminders of how to respond to life’s circumstances and to Whom I should look for help. “…From whence comes my help, it comes from the LORD.” Psalms 121:1-2
This book was provided by Karen of The B & B Media Group, Inc. in exchange for my honest review.
Oh my, this was amazing! I will definitely read more by Jim Daly! Of course this was something I listened to via audio book and I do enjoy Focus on the Family, where Jim Daly is the president and is often part of the radio program. This is a great book for those struggling with their faith, their understanding of why bad things happen to good people, and how to cope with life's tragedies and disappointments. Wonderful book!
The book is actually really nice and the imagery tells me that the Jim is serious and wants to get a point across. The book is absolutely fantastic and Jim should be a bestselling author.