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Courageous Faith: My Story From a Life of Obedience
As trusted pastor Dr. Charles Stanley comes to the later years of his life, he is ready to share his personal story—on a more intimate level than ever before. As he walks us through his ups and downs, he shares how the biblical principles he’s taught all his life affected the way he’s actually lived.
In this new book from Dr. Charles Stanley, he looks his readers in the eye and says, This is how my faith has worked for me at the most challenging times of my life and how it has led me to the victories God had in store for me. As Dr. Stanley looks back over his long life of ministry, he is now ready to share how his personal faith choices directed his every step. He shares how God walked with him through his most difficult days as a pastor when he faced internal conflict in a church he’d led for years. He bravely shares painful family issues that brought him to his knees and taught him to look to God for answers when life wasn’t simple and trite answers didn’t work. Dr. Stanley reminds us that choosing to follow and obey God when life is hard can be both the toughest and best thing we’ll ever do. As Dr. Stanley reflects on the biblical teachings that have led him through his difficulties and joys, he always comes back to this principle: Do what God says is right and leave the consequences to Him—no matter what that means.
In this new book from Dr. Charles Stanley, he looks his readers in the eye and says, This is how my faith has worked for me at the most challenging times of my life and how it has led me to the victories God had in store for me. As Dr. Stanley looks back over his long life of ministry, he is now ready to share how his personal faith choices directed his every step. He shares how God walked with him through his most difficult days as a pastor when he faced internal conflict in a church he’d led for years. He bravely shares painful family issues that brought him to his knees and taught him to look to God for answers when life wasn’t simple and trite answers didn’t work. Dr. Stanley reminds us that choosing to follow and obey God when life is hard can be both the toughest and best thing we’ll ever do. As Dr. Stanley reflects on the biblical teachings that have led him through his difficulties and joys, he always comes back to this principle: Do what God says is right and leave the consequences to Him—no matter what that means.
240 pages, Paperback
Published September 12, 2017
144 people are currently reading
427 people want to read
About the author
Charles F. Stanley
555 books686 followersDr. Charles F. Stanley is the senior pastor of First Baptist Church Atlanta, founder of In Touch Ministries, and a New York Times best-selling author who has written more than fifty books, and has sold more than nine million copies. He demonstrates a keen awareness of people's needs and provides Christ-centered, biblically-based principles for everyday life.
Charles Frazier Stanley was born September 25, 1932, in the small town of Dry Fork, Virginia. The only child of Charley and Rebecca Stanley, Charles came into the world during a time when the entire nation felt the grip of the Great Depression. To make matters worse, just nine months later, his father Charley died at the young age of 29.
However, Charles refused to let the Great Depression or the difficulties of his life define him. Instead, like his father and grandfather before him, he clung to God’s Word and took up the mantle to preach the gospel to whoever would listen.
Dr. Stanley’s motivation is best represented by the truth found in Acts 20:24, “Life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about God's mighty kindness and love.” This is because, as he says, “It is the Word of God and the work of God that changes people’s lives.”
Dr. Stanley’s teachings can be heard weekly at First Baptist Church Atlanta, daily on “In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley” radio and television broadcasts on more than 2,800 stations around the world, on the Internet at intouch.org, through the In Touch Messenger, and in the monthly, award-winning In Touch magazine.
Charles Frazier Stanley was born September 25, 1932, in the small town of Dry Fork, Virginia. The only child of Charley and Rebecca Stanley, Charles came into the world during a time when the entire nation felt the grip of the Great Depression. To make matters worse, just nine months later, his father Charley died at the young age of 29.
However, Charles refused to let the Great Depression or the difficulties of his life define him. Instead, like his father and grandfather before him, he clung to God’s Word and took up the mantle to preach the gospel to whoever would listen.
Dr. Stanley’s motivation is best represented by the truth found in Acts 20:24, “Life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about God's mighty kindness and love.” This is because, as he says, “It is the Word of God and the work of God that changes people’s lives.”
Dr. Stanley’s teachings can be heard weekly at First Baptist Church Atlanta, daily on “In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley” radio and television broadcasts on more than 2,800 stations around the world, on the Internet at intouch.org, through the In Touch Messenger, and in the monthly, award-winning In Touch magazine.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
June 13, 2017
I loved this autobiography of Dr. Stanley! I have read several of his books and have admired him and his preaching for many years, so when a friend asked if I wanted to borrow her copy of this book, I jumped at the opportunity! I knew I wouldn't be disappointed, and I was right. I was so impressed by his unswerving faith and how he has let God fight his battles for him especially when things looked bleak. I grieved for him during the loss of his marriage because I was going through a divorce at the same time, and I could empathize with him. The love of his life had walked away from him, just as the love of my life had walked away from me. I was sorry to read of the difficulties he had with his son, Andy, but happy that they seemed able to mend their fences.
I could identify with many of the situations he described, and was glad that by giving God complete trust and control, he was able to rise above the strife. And isn't that what God wants from all of us--trust, obedience, and following God's plan for our lives? I'm going to recommend this book to my pastor and all of my friends.
I could identify with many of the situations he described, and was glad that by giving God complete trust and control, he was able to rise above the strife. And isn't that what God wants from all of us--trust, obedience, and following God's plan for our lives? I'm going to recommend this book to my pastor and all of my friends.
April 10, 2022
Took me a long time to read this but I enjoyed so much of Charles Stanley’s “autobiography-ish” story here. We learned so much about how journey to becoming a preacher and the unshakable faith in his life, family and circumstances.
July 4, 2024
What a man of faith from start to finish!
September 21, 2019
This is much more than just an autobiography. It is a personal testimony, a witness for non-believers, guidance for pastors, and practical advice for Christian living. Written in a steady and easy to understand prose Stanley clearly tells his “story from a life of obedience.” Having watched many of Stanley’s sermons on television I was surprised to learn about his many trials and obstacles over his life. Considering the overwhelming success of Stanley’s ministry it is clear that he met the goal of his book that “you can see all that the Savior can do through the life of an ordinary person who serves [faithfully] an extraordinary God.
May 20, 2023
Dr. Stanley shared how his faith choices directed every step of his life. However, the most inspiring part for me was his account of how God walked him through his most difficult days and painful family issues that brought him to his knees and taught him to look to God for answers. A bonus was to read and reflect on Dr. Stanley’s biblical teachings that have led him through his difficulties and to have one of his teachings reinforced as he always comes back to this principle: Do what God says is right and leave the consequences to Him—no matter what that means.
September 4, 2023
I am so thankful to Dr. Stanley for writing this book. It is the story of his life and it is a story well worth telling. From his beginnings, growing up without a father, and his mother struggling to provide for them both on a small salary, Charles learned that getting down on his knees in prayer and trusting God on a daily basis for everything was the only and best way to live.
His emphasis on prayer and obedience to God throughout his life, demonstrates that these are crucial aspects of the Christian walk.
I have listened to and watched Dr. Stanley for over thirty years. His wisdom and insights into scripture and relationship with Christ have helped me to learn and grow as a Christian.
He was a trusted friend to many. He shared Christ’s love with many. And he will be missed by many more. God bless Dr. Stanley! Until we see him again…
His emphasis on prayer and obedience to God throughout his life, demonstrates that these are crucial aspects of the Christian walk.
I have listened to and watched Dr. Stanley for over thirty years. His wisdom and insights into scripture and relationship with Christ have helped me to learn and grow as a Christian.
He was a trusted friend to many. He shared Christ’s love with many. And he will be missed by many more. God bless Dr. Stanley! Until we see him again…
September 27, 2017
Tracing the chronology of his life by showing how faith influenced each turn, Charles Stanley gives a clear portrayal of how a life lived in gratitude, submission, and obedience to God can be used for His glory and encourages the reader to follow his example. Dr. Stanley writes, "I pray that through my life's story, you can see all that the Savior can do through the life of an ordinary person who serves an extraordinary God." Throughout the book, Dr. Stanley's unswerving faith and dependency on God in the face of all kinds of trials is truly inspiring.
August 20, 2020
If you have ever thought that the preacher's life is easy, read this vulnerable account of a man who chose to follow Jesus into ministry. This book opened my eyes to Pastor Stanley's lonely childhood and how he longed for relationship. With clarity from spending time with Jesus, his friend, he shares the journey of pastoring a congregation well and pastoring his own heart towards obedience. What broke my heart was the child who grew up with a deep longing for family, at the end of the book found his very own family torn apart by broken relationship and divorce. Living through scarring circumstances enabled him to better understand the hurt of his flock and the encouragement of God's abiding, unchangeable character.
January 12, 2017
A Birthday present from my mom. Perfect timing. God's will for my life is where I want to be. Other distractions are just that. It seems so simple, but it takes practice. So many things demand our attention, while we run around feeling inadequate to do it all. This book reminded me that God has the strength that I don't. He has a plan and a purpose in all things. I trust Him with everything.
March 16, 2019
It is always interesting to see how God works the pieces of a person's life together in order to bring them where He wants them to be. Stanley has not had an easy road as he explains in this book but he never seems to have lost his faith in the Lord. Any one who serves the Lord in any capacity and has struggles will benefit from Stanley's book which is not an official autobiography but it is an over view of his life. I enjoyed every page of this book.
January 21, 2021
Truly enjoyed reading this book on Charles Stanley’s walk with Christ. It was good to read the struggles he went through and of his dependence on God to carry him through. How he waited to hear from God through the scriptures or listening to that still small voice. What an encouragement for us as believers. This man has walked with the Lord for so many years. I enjoy listening to him too. He teaches practical Christianity for our every day life. We sure need encouragement in these times.
August 30, 2023
Enjoyed this book. Although I had heard some of the stories previously on other (audio) materials from Charles Stanley, the additional material alongside was well worth it. Only issues I had were related to major life changes in his life which seemed to be glanced over with barely a mention, compared to the others in the book where he gave in-depth discussion on how they all fit into God's plans for using him in his obedience.
July 16, 2017
Lean on the Lord, go to Him in prayer for everything, exercise courageous faith always! This is Dr.
Charles Stanley's thesis. Reading about his life, the events that propelled him into ministry and the wonderful ways in which the Lord worked in his life was inspiring. This memoir was a quick read and I hated to finish it and put it down.
Charles Stanley's thesis. Reading about his life, the events that propelled him into ministry and the wonderful ways in which the Lord worked in his life was inspiring. This memoir was a quick read and I hated to finish it and put it down.
January 23, 2018
I don't think I have ever met someone who had a heart for God at a young age and did not waver in his commitment. Charles Stanley tells his story beginning with his childhood to present. Along with the biography, he includes some principles that he followed and learned along the way. His best advice: Do what God says is right and leave the consequences to Him.
June 2, 2018
Courageous Faith is the story of the life of Charles Stanley and his walk with the Lord. His story is very similar to the apostle Paul. There were many hardships in each's life. Charles Stanley also points out things we should be doing in our lives to glorify God. I highly recommend this book for a new Christian and the not so new Christian.
February 20, 2019
Courageous Faith
This book is very practical and well written. It gives insight into every stage of his life and how God has worked in him and through him. I am encouraged in my Christian walk and my relationship with God. I can see how being fully committed to God has such a great reward.
This book is very practical and well written. It gives insight into every stage of his life and how God has worked in him and through him. I am encouraged in my Christian walk and my relationship with God. I can see how being fully committed to God has such a great reward.
January 14, 2022
A solid book that reminds you to have a solid faith in God throughout life. Dr. Stanley is very open about his personal struggles throughout his life and his encouragement in God is still what he faithfully teaches. It is a great book to learn of the faithfulness of God over the course of a man's lifetime.
June 28, 2023
I wish I had know Dr. Charles Stanley personally! His life is such a testimony to the life you can lead by following God's Word and being obedient to His calling or you! There are some people who have such a strong positive impact on your life that you just know they were place there by God. Dr. Charles Stanley was that for many people and will continue to be for generations to come.
July 1, 2023
For years, I have loved watching Dr. Stanley preach the Word of God. After he died this year, I became even more interested in his story. This book provided all the insight I needed into the life of this faithful servant of God. His story is encouraging to all of us walking in the faith daily. A must read for all Christians on a remarkable man of God.
June 23, 2024
Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant
This book should be required reading for every young person that wants to know what God will do in and through their lives. Charles Stanley was, by earthly standards, a great success as a television pastor and author. But his greatest success was a life marked by obedience in his relationship with his creator.
This book should be required reading for every young person that wants to know what God will do in and through their lives. Charles Stanley was, by earthly standards, a great success as a television pastor and author. But his greatest success was a life marked by obedience in his relationship with his creator.
December 27, 2016
Pastor Stanley is an incredible man of faith. I love and admire this man, he has been a blessing to me for many years. Trust and obey, for there is no other way. To be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey.
June 11, 2017
Great book learned a lot about Dr. Stanley.
This is a great read to help Chris's in there walk of faith. If you want to be courageous in your faith this book is for you. This book will help your relationship with Jesus Christ.
This is a great read to help Chris's in there walk of faith. If you want to be courageous in your faith this book is for you. This book will help your relationship with Jesus Christ.
June 14, 2018
This is the life story of Charles Stanley. A very good read. He shares his entire life in this book. All the way from being a little boy through his adult life into ministry. A very good book for a pastor to read. Shares many ups and downs of ministry.
July 6, 2019
Outstanding stories of trusting God
Through reading this book, I’ve gained more respect and admiration for Pastor Stanley. After reading, I’m inspired to find out what God can do in my life if I obey him completely
Through reading this book, I’ve gained more respect and admiration for Pastor Stanley. After reading, I’m inspired to find out what God can do in my life if I obey him completely
February 22, 2020
This book has done a lot for me spiritually. It shows the importance of being obedient to God and encourages developing a relationship with Him; praying to God first for instruction and direction. This book will not go on my shelf because I will be reading it often.
May 3, 2020
One of the best autobiographies I've ever read. It's a look into the whole life of one of my favorite godly men. He invites us to know to get to know him on a more intimate level...this book as helped me to cross bridges of intimacy with God, family, and others.
May 1, 2023
Very encouraging and a quick read
This is very insightful into his life and ministry as well as encouraging to press on towards the goal to win the price for which God has called us heavenward in Christ Jesus Phil.3:14
This is very insightful into his life and ministry as well as encouraging to press on towards the goal to win the price for which God has called us heavenward in Christ Jesus Phil.3:14
June 4, 2023
Good Read
Charles Stanley had a humble beginning faced many trials and never lost his faith in God. He completely gave himself over to the Holy Spirit, and waited for his guidance. Read this book it will inspire you.
Charles Stanley had a humble beginning faced many trials and never lost his faith in God. He completely gave himself over to the Holy Spirit, and waited for his guidance. Read this book it will inspire you.
August 30, 2024
Amazing!!!
I have truly enjoyed this book. Dr. Stanley is a true man of God and reading how God has lead him to do wonderful things really spoke to me. He made me see what a life truly lead by God is like and has inspired me to stay on this walk in a greater way.
I have truly enjoyed this book. Dr. Stanley is a true man of God and reading how God has lead him to do wonderful things really spoke to me. He made me see what a life truly lead by God is like and has inspired me to stay on this walk in a greater way.
June 24, 2017
Powerful stories with spiritual lessons. Powerful stories from the life and ministry of Charles Stanley. Spiritual lessons about our good, wise, strong, and faithful God. A very encouraging read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews