Misfit: Dealing with Our God-Given Discomfort

by Chris Durso, Jim Cymbala and Harvey Carey (Foreword)

Just choosing to follow Jesus isn’t enough. But for many teenagers, the choices that come along with living for Jesus can be unpopular and difficult. Their own doubts, fears, and disbelief often get in the way of the amazing things God wants to do through them. Misfit helps teens see what it means to be a misfit like Jesus was, and gives them tools to make world-changing decisions even when it seems like they’re going the opposite direction of the world around them. In this practical study, teens will discover that they don’t have to conform to the rest of the world, and they’ll recognize that they can actually work to change the things in the world that are wrong. Ultimately, teenagers will realize that if they stop making excuses and get out of the way of their own negativity, God will use them to change the world. With discussion questions after each chapter, readers will walk away from Misfit ready to jump into the world and go against the current so they can do unimaginable things.

Genres: Christian

144 pages, Paperback

First published April 19, 2011

Reviews

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring! I'm a misfit!

Makes you reflect, identify and teaches how to act regarding our discomforts. A great read for the youth, even though I'm a young adult I enjoy it a lot, I know adults can learn from this too.

[Gabby Romero · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book spoke to me personally because I am a Christian. And in high school in can get difficult to remember who you are in Christ and who the world wants you to be. This book reminded me that it is okay to be different than everyone else. I am a strong believer that God made every one of us with a different potential and with different personalities and in that we should feel confident withing ourselves.


Durso used the analogy of trying to fit through a hallway that seems to be getting smaller and smaller to our journey through life getting tougher and tougher. It gave me a firm reminder that life as a Christian is never meant to be easy for us but we were made to be different to encourage others to be themselves and not fall under the pressure that society has placed on us.

Another part of the book that really spoke to me is when he compared us to Jesus. Knowing that Jesus is perfect and we aren't some might have found this analogy strange but I understood it. He walked on this Earth with people exactly like us. Knowing that we made mistakes but forgiving us anyway. He accepted us the way we are which is what I feel we should do with others. Accept them as they are and be content with who we are in the process.

It can be difficult to stand up to the crowd knowing that drinking, doing drugs and going to parties is what's going to help everyone else know that you're "cool". But in the end we were meant to make mistakes and learn from them, and let others learn from them. That's what I took out of the story. Even though we make mistakes all the time and fall under peer pressure sometimes, we need to pick ourselves up move on and remember who we are.

[Connor W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great! I really connected with the way Durso portrays the way Christians are supposed to be misfits. He tells us that being different and going against the grain is okay. I love how he gives two definitions of a misfit; one bad, one good. In this way I was able to realize that point of view can really change someone's way of thinking.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Misfit was a refreshing and encouraging read. Chris Durso reminds us all that we are to stand out in this world as followers of Jesus. "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-His good, pleasing and perfect will."

[Jamie Eichler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chris Durso helps us understand that we are all misfits. He encourages us to accept who we are and use these gifts and talents God has given us to make a difference in the world. We can’t let culture and people's definitions of us stop what God’s has planned for our lives. We can make our lives be an inspirations for others. God loves using the foolish for his glory.

[Sherry Griffin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought it was a good book with a lot of very good parts. I did not love this book though.

[Jax_amillion · Rating 5 out of 5]

gets real in chapter 8 i recommend

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. I read it because I wanted my preteen to read it. She loves God and she's going into middle school. It was a great read and I hope that it helps her because it helped me and im old.

[lyntha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

This book is just perfect for anyone!!! Highly recomend it, it is life changing and inspiring in more ways that i thought possible

[Johny]

some radical thoughts which a is not accepted in the normal.