Trusting God in Hard Times: Lessons From the Life of Elijah

Discovery

by Bill Crowder, Discovery House Publishers (Editor), Rbc Ministries (Editor)

Contents - Introduction; Average in Greatness; Times in Courage, Training, Faith, Conflict, & Frailty; A Final Word ("The Time It Is Today"); plus Notes for Personal Reflection (blank pages for journaling/note-taking)

Genres: Christian, Christianity

112 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2009

About the author

Bill Crowder, who spent over twenty years in pastoral ministry, is vice president of ministry content at ODB Ministries. He is a contributor to Our Daily Bread and the author of five books, including The Spotlight on Faith, Singing the Songs of the Brokenhearted, and The Path of His Passion. He and his wife, Marlene, have five children.

Reviews

[ホース ・アベベ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Wonderful Book! A very short read with an everlasting lesson by the grace of God from the life of Elijah.. It encourages and inspires us to put our complete trust on God unconditionally regardless of the circumstances, through difficult and uncertain times, we have to put our faith in him and it depicts that in me and as a human being when circumstances worsen, We may not be aware of it, but we have a tendency to focus on problems that are connected to our everyday routine, hectic schedules, and dealing with worry, despair, and unpleasant feelings and We make fruitless attempts and believe we can handle our problems on our own, but we fail to remember that God is always there for us, the owner of our lives and It demonstrates how God can utilize mere humans to engage in incredible feats. We should trust in HIM!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple, clear, thought-provoking book on Elijah who had 'a nature like ours'. Crowder makes it clear that the amazing power that flowed through Elijah into miraculous change for the nation of Israel did not come from him. There are no appeals to 'being like Elijah' except in the matters of faith and prayer. Crowder also explores the way out of despair in a very simple way: get your eyes off of yourself, stop paying attention to your fleshly perception of the world going to hell in a hand basket, and go serve where God tells you to. The section on the widow of Zarephath is illuminating; I've read that chapter in Scripture many times, but hardly gave a thought to the widow's first words ('As the Lord your God lives') except for the assumption that she lived on a border with Israel, and so of course she would have to give a nod to the Israelites' God for survival. Crowder's estimation of both Elijah and the widow as people who believed God but needed to be built up in their daily faith is a better assessment. It's also quite true that pastors/spiritual leaders are often blamed by the people they try to help the most. All in all, a very good read for a Lord's Day afternoon.

[Heather Martinez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great little book. I say little but it was 110pgs. The author tells about the life of Elijah and describes himas a man just like us. He carried the same emotions we do. Although he accomplished incredible things for God he lost himself in despair as he was fleeing from Jezebel. The author takes us on a journey through Elijah's life from causing the heavens to no longer rain (3 1/2 yrs.), 1 year wilderness experience (brook Cherith), his 3 year experience with the widow woman, his encounter with the prophets of Baal and finally fleeing into a cave. While in the cave, Elijah hears from God in a still small voice. The author shows us that Elijah was a man just like we are. Any trials that we go through in our lives can be victorious if we put our full trust in Jehovah.

[Roz Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wasn’t sure what I was getting in this book. It’s interesting and eye opening, you need to get your life together, God works with Elijah and helps him realize he is loved.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lessons of how an ordinary man lived a life of trusting God no matter what situation he found himself in. Illustrates how God is faithful and how He loves us.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book about the life of Elijah. He was a man just like you and me. He followed God and did great things for the Lord. He also became self centered like we do and turned from following the Lord. God had to bring him back to himself not in the wind, storm, earthquake, but with His still small voice. We can learn well lessons from this story of Elijah.

[Heather DeCarlo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an inspirational and comforting read. It helped me get through some of the struggles my family has endured over the course of the last few months. It helped me keep patience, and keep calm when things were grating on my nerves and on my heart. God is so good.

[Scott Draper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. Good job of extracting life lessons out of a fairly short segment of the Bible. Will need to read the story of Elijah again as it will no doubt have more meaning after reading this book. Another plus - this book can be read in an hour and a half.

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting approach to a targeted devotional on the hard times in life.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good insights on the life of Elijah and helping is understand what we can learn from the property in our own lives.

[Kathrynisreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

[Granny Goddard · Rating 2 out of 5]

Struggled to finish

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little book on the life of Elijah - a man who was "human as we are." I read it in about an hour.

[Frederick Nji · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very brief illustration on how The Lord can use ordinary people to achieve extraordinary things. It also shows the power of prayers. Love it, great read.

[Tim Okito · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book.