What do you think?
Rate this book
The Upside of Down: Finding Hope When It Hurts
Like a roller coaster ride, life is filled with stomach-wrenching drops, dips, and sudden curves. But there is an upside to being God, who works in and through our troubles and never abandons us to disaster, provides a well-engineered superstructure and a carefully planned set of tracks and guardrails. Even when the ride is too hectic, unsettling, and twisted for us to sense His support and guidance, He is still there. This book is about learning to trust in God's work and provisions as the divine superstructure underneath every trial. When we understand the ultimate purpose behind our suffering, we will be willing to stay on board.
176 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
12 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Joseph M. Stowell
67 books18 followersDr. Joseph M. Stowell serves as the 11th President of Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Comprised of approximately 2500 undergraduate and graduate students, Cornerstone is a Christ-centered university with a passion for global influence through the transforming power of the gospel. The University is committed to creating an environment where students thrive both spiritually and intellectually as they prepare themselves to influence our world as followers of Jesus.
An internationally recognized conference speaker, Joe has also written numerous books including "The Trouble with Jesus, Simply Jesus and You, The Upside of Down" and "Eternity." Joe also serves with RBC Ministries, partnering in media productions, writing, and outreach to pastors. His "Strength for the Journey" web ministry, www.getmorestrength.org, features daily devotionals, weekly messages and commentary, downloadable Bible study curriculum, and an audio library of his most requested messages. Joe serves on the Board of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Wheaton College, and has a distinguished career in higher education and church leadership.
From 1987-2005, he served as the president of Moody Bible Institute, and as teaching pastor at the 10,000-member Harvest Bible Chapel in suburban Chicago from 2005 to early 2008 prior to assuming the presidency at Cornerstone University. He is a graduate of Cedarville University and Dallas Theological Seminary and was honored with a doctor of divinity degree from The Master's College in 1987. Joe and his wife Martie are the parents of three adult children and ten grandchildren.
An internationally recognized conference speaker, Joe has also written numerous books including "The Trouble with Jesus, Simply Jesus and You, The Upside of Down" and "Eternity." Joe also serves with RBC Ministries, partnering in media productions, writing, and outreach to pastors. His "Strength for the Journey" web ministry, www.getmorestrength.org, features daily devotionals, weekly messages and commentary, downloadable Bible study curriculum, and an audio library of his most requested messages. Joe serves on the Board of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Wheaton College, and has a distinguished career in higher education and church leadership.
From 1987-2005, he served as the president of Moody Bible Institute, and as teaching pastor at the 10,000-member Harvest Bible Chapel in suburban Chicago from 2005 to early 2008 prior to assuming the presidency at Cornerstone University. He is a graduate of Cedarville University and Dallas Theological Seminary and was honored with a doctor of divinity degree from The Master's College in 1987. Joe and his wife Martie are the parents of three adult children and ten grandchildren.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
May 19, 2021
Great
January 12, 2009
There is nothing really new or earth-shattering in 'The Up Side Of Down". Stowell, the former president of Moody Bible Institure and excellent raido bible teacher, re-aquaints us with basic principles that govern the reasons for and the path out of depression.
Most notable are his ideas concerning the placing of blame in ur lives, (not on God or others, but more on a combination of the consequences for our actions, and the general falleness of humanity from the fall.
I did have a bit of trouble with his teachings on Satan, which I felt to err a bit on the side of giving Satan way too much power and credit in direct involvement with the everyday sinfullness of individuals. I tend to see Satan as more of an encourager of the fallen nature, and put much more of a responsibility on individuals to heed God's Word and choose His paths in circumstances.
All in all, Stowell's ideas abut prayer (and LISTENING after prayer!), Bible study, and faith in God's grace are an excellent ant idote to drepression that is not caused by physical/chemical reasons.
Most notable are his ideas concerning the placing of blame in ur lives, (not on God or others, but more on a combination of the consequences for our actions, and the general falleness of humanity from the fall.
I did have a bit of trouble with his teachings on Satan, which I felt to err a bit on the side of giving Satan way too much power and credit in direct involvement with the everyday sinfullness of individuals. I tend to see Satan as more of an encourager of the fallen nature, and put much more of a responsibility on individuals to heed God's Word and choose His paths in circumstances.
All in all, Stowell's ideas abut prayer (and LISTENING after prayer!), Bible study, and faith in God's grace are an excellent ant idote to drepression that is not caused by physical/chemical reasons.
December 30, 2008
i've lost soooo many people this last three years,
this book was a great help, i actually bought it for my mom,,, when she passed away i took it and read it.
helps turn very difficult times into a springboard for healthy focused life.
this book was a great help, i actually bought it for my mom,,, when she passed away i took it and read it.
helps turn very difficult times into a springboard for healthy focused life.
January 29, 2014
This is a tremendous exposition on how to navigate through suffering, grief and pain. There are tons of Biblical references to cling to - and this author points to these in a way that makes a whole lot of sense.
May 2, 2012
1st read and most memorable of Stowell's books..HIGHLY reccommend
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews