Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life

by Charles R. Swindoll, Billy Graham (Foreword)

What season of life are you in? Are you experiencing a winter of discouragement blowing like an icy wind through your soul? Or do you feel the exuberance of spring renewal, the lazy warmth of summer rest? Perhaps the winds of change have brought an autumn of reflection in your heart. Chuck Swindoll offers 144 devotional readings that take you through each season of the year, challenging and encouraging you to discover what's truly important in your own life. Take time to deepen your roots in the soil of God's love and grace. Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life is a devotional companion that helps you grow closer to God through every season of life, in every condition of the heart.

Genres: Christian, Devotional, Religion, Christian Living, Christianity, Faith, Nonfiction

448 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1983

About the author

Charles Swindoll has devoted over four decades to two passions: an unwavering commitment to the practical communication and application of God's Word, and an untiring devotion to seeing lives transformed by God's grace. Chuck graduated magna cum laude from Dallas Theological Seminary and has since been honored with four doctorates. For his teaching on Insight for Living, he has received the Program of the Year award and the Hall of Fame award from the National Religious Broadcasters as well as multiple book awards.

Reviews

[Josh Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the better books I have read this year. Incidentally, it was a book I picked up for $1 at a thrift store. It would behoove any Christian to find this book and read it throughout 2014. This book will make you reflect upon your life...it will convict you...it will inspire you...it will motivate you. It was the first Swindoll book I have read; I plan to read more in the future.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spent a year going through this book. It was amazing. I loved how it was set with a Scriptural foundation, and I love the way Chuck writes.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have had this book on my shelf for a long time and decided to finally read it through the year. There are 144 entries in the book. It's recommended to read it 3 days a week and then reflect back on the week with some challenging questions. I was encouraged and challenged by many of the articles included in this devotional. I like the writing style and the honesty with which Chuck Swindoll shares his heart for the Lord. I think I did grow stronger in my faith by reading this book

[Vanessa RC, Ph.D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent devotional! I saw this book in the public library back in the mid 2000s but finally purchased a copy last year. I'm so glad I did! This is everything I wanted in a devotional and so much more!

[Jjean · Rating 4 out of 5]

This not a new book but the message is one that can be read again & again. I like to read this as the "season" is happening....will make you think and learn to live at the same time.

[Ken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Swindoll in Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life helps me slow down and see my own shortcomings. He then gently but firmly applies Scripture to encourage me to follow Jesus more closely. While I'd rather He emphasize the person and work of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit working through the Word, his approach is winsome and biblical. I recommend this book of daily devotions for anyone ready to grow in discipleship.

[Mona Randall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is part devotional, part story telling and part biography. It is a book to read and reflect, to read slowly and think. In it I marked the pages that touched me most and that I can go back to. There are too many to choose a favorite, this book would be great to read along side the Bible. Charles Swindoll is my favorite Christian author. I highly recommend this book for anyone searching for God, searching for himself, or searching to understand why.

[Dawngordon]

Just began this morning, I love the way he started with winter season, comparing it to be frozen in your relationship with God. You know cold seasons. Not noticing miracles or prayers, these sort of situations. I am already enjoying it at page 21. I look forward to how he will compare other seasons.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used this through the year, as you are supposed to. I was challenged in many ways; seemingly small things that would change my attitude and the lives of those around me. I filled out plenty of 3X5 cards to remind me of these truths! Charles Swindoll is a great writer. He uses humor and compassion to point out truth from the Word of God.

[Shena · Rating 3 out of 5]

I use this book as a supplementary devotion book. I bought it used and inside of the jacket were several recipes and articles, some about Catholic events, others must have piqued the former owner's interest.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite all time reread devotional book. Mine is the full volume of the four seasons of life. It is written for both men and women with motivation to apply lessons into personal life (balanced living).

[Daniel Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

While Chuck Swindoll is my favorite non-fiction Christian author, I found it hard to get into this book. Usually his short essays are meaty and full of depth, this one seemed sketchy, jumping from idea to idea without adding details.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my go-to devotional book throughout my high school years. I still find it helpful today.

[Paula Stogner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bought this book long ago, and am still going back to it for devotions. Timeless.

[Jamie Leeper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charles Swindoll is one of my favorite authors. This was great book.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

He lehkhabu hi nei in awm mial em? Ka va han duh ve em...

[Becky Morlok · Rating 5 out of 5]

In top two devotional books ever - have gifted it to tons of high school graduates through the years. Despite it's age, it's still current and spot-on!

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing devotional.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

lots of great insight into the struggles of day to day......just being mortal.

[Drew Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

You are too busy not to read this book. Stress, anxiety, depression and loss of purpose. Pick this up to turn it all around. Audio book is 1 hour 14 minutes, so check it out.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked this book up from the "used" shelf at church. I took its worn condition to be a good indicator as to its effectiveness and was not disappointed. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Swindoll's devotions this past year and benefited greatly from it. Upon completing it, it was held together by a heavy rubber band. Despite being 40+ years old, it does not need to be sitting unused on a shelf. I'll be looking for a soul to pass this gem along for a 2025 read. Newer versions exist, but I really liked this as it was!

[Fenixbird SandS]

Recommended by Tiffany Plett

[Dustin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great thoughts on having God given strength no matter the season or feelings of life

[Terri Jeker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting read

[Karolyn Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably my favorite daily read ever. Insightful, well written and wonderfully challenging. I just read one entry each day so I could meditate on each message fully.

[Elaine Reinhard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written, totally inspiring book.

[Natalija Elijas]

We read this together as a couple in the mornings with my dear husband :) It was good, but a bit outdated for today as well as not always relevant to someone not living in the US.

[Mar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reread in 2024. Some parts are dated, but it was still a good devotional. His challenges to live out faith in everyday life at the end of the devotionals, along with passages to use for a deeper dive into the Bible are helpful if one takes the time to follow up with them.