Author: Lewis and Sarah Allen

Subtitle:

Learning to Rely on Jesus in the Struggles of Life

Lewis and Sarah Allen Teach Young Christians How to Approach Difficulties and Disappointments Biblically

We all encounter problems and challenges on a daily basis, ranging from small things—traffic, losing your keys, or running late—to much bigger issues—job insecurity, health issues, and relationship struggles. What should a believer in Christ do in the face of such adversities? 

Authors Lewis and Sarah Allen propose that while the world may teach us one way to approach challenges, there is a better way—complete dependence on Christ and pursuit of wise living. With the help of the Holy Spirit, Christians are able to live more joy-filled lives in the midst of adversity. In a conversational and personal tone, the Allens walk through key biblical passages as they relate to challenges and share stories, case studies, and illustrations to encourage us to rely on Christ and commit to his church in the battle of Christian life.  

Table of Contents:

Introduction: The Enduring Gospel 

Part 1: Retreat 
Chapter 1: Where Troubles Take Us: Learning to Retreat Like Jesus
Chapter 2: The All-Seeing, All-Caring Lord: Secure in the Savior
Chapter 3: Step Out: Forward with Jesus Is Always the Right Direction

Part 2: You Can Stop Now! 
Chapter 4: One Day: The Sunday Gift
Chapter 5: Every Day: The Rest That Restores

Part 3: Hope-Full 
Chapter 6: Those Who Hope in the Lord: Fix Your Hope on Easter Truth
Chapter 7: The Hope of Heaven: Glory Is Waiting for Us
Chapter 8: Hope Today: Living with the Hope of Glory

Part 4: Body Life 
Chapter 9: Appetite: Bringing Our Habits and Desires to Jesus
Chapter 10: Body Work: How Everything We Do Matters to God

Part 5: The Resilient Gospel 
Chapter 11: The Courage of Grace: Think, Feel, Fight
Chapter 12: Facing the Enemy: Our Tempter and Our Shield
Chapter 13: Battle Lines: Confident in Jesus’s Righteousness

Part 6: God’s Word: Prizing the Power 
Chapter 14: The Sharp Edge: Do You Know the Power of God’s Word?   
Chapter 15: Confession Time: Bring Your Heart to the God Who Cares
Chapter 16: Truth Wins: Prizing the Bible

Part 7: God’s Word: Hearts and Habits 
Chapter 17: Hold On! Creating and Keeping Healthy Bible Habits
Chapter 18: Take It to Heart: God’s Word for Our Deep Needs
Chapter 19: Sharing the Word: Learning to Minister Jesus in How We Speak

Part 8: Praying 
Chapter 20: Depend: Discover the Freedom of Relying on the Lord
Chapter 21: The Weak and the Strong: How Grace Changes a Praying Heart
Chapter 22: The Spirit Is Here: Experiencing the Spirit as We Pray

Part 9: The Church
Chapter 23: Sharing Worship: The Church Meets Her Lord
Chapter 24: Leaning In: Enjoying Family Life Together 
Chapter 25: Resilient through Serving: The Spirit Sustains and Grows Jesus’s Servants

Conclusion: And So?
Notes
General Index
Scripture Index

About the authors:

Endorsements:

“Resilience feels like an exotic rarity today. Christians want to be steadfastly joyful and faithful, yet so often we don’t know how. Lewis and Sarah Allen shine the light of the gospel onto our everyday lives, showing how we can grow spiritual muscle amid the practical challenges we face. Here is wisdom and comfort for all who want to endure and thrive in Christ.”  ~Michael Reeves, President and Professor of Theology, Union School of Theology

“Gentle yet firm where it needs to be, practical and biblical, this book is filled with actionable insights for the struggling Christian to (re)discover resilient faith!”  ~Josh Moody, Senior Pastor, College Church, Wheaton, Illinois; President, God Centered Life Ministries

“Such wisdom! Lewis and Sarah Allen will arm you with gospel weaponry to apply to the whole of life, including habits in food, exercise, sleep, relationships, and spiritual discipline—spurring you on to retreat to Christ and thus grow in stamina. This book gave me the gospel backbone to face past hurts, especially those wrapped around the church, and move on to greater resilience, love, and service.”  ~Natalie Brand, Bible teacher; author, Prone to Wander: Grace for the Lukewarm and Apathetic

“Realistic, honest, and saturated in Scripture, Lewis and Sarah Allen gently challenge us to have the courage to defy our culture, deny ourselves, and follow Christ when we would rather stay on the sofa.”  ~Jonty and Linda Allcock, Pastor, The Globe Church, Central London, United Kingdom; author, Impossible Commands; and his wife, Linda, author, Deeper Still and Head Heart Hands