Made for These Times: A Start-Up Guide to Calling, Character, and Work That Matters

by Justin Zoradi, Katelyn Beaty (Foreword)

In fearful, uncertain times, how can we find significance in something greater than ourselves? Award-winning social entrepreneur Justin Zoradi was once haunted by this question as a young person daunted by the world's needs, yet wanting to make a difference. But when some friends from across the world invited him to join them, Justin said yes - and felt a small spark ignite within. That spark led to the founding of These Numbers Have Faces , a social enterprise investing in the next generation of African leaders. Made For These Times is a field guide to help you find your own spark as you remember who you were made to be. Through 26 power-packed microchapters, you will learn how to bolster ambition with character, dig deep to find your grit, and rise up to the challenges of today. Along the way, Justin weaves together compelling narrative, historical anecdotes, practical tips, and a six-part road map to equip you to join God in the work he is already doing. The result is a hope-filled blueprint for fighting back against fear and building a life of purpose. A life of significance isn't about what you are doing, it's about who you are becoming. In these trying times, God is calling you to be brave. Made For These Times is a rallying declaration that we cannot rely on the heroes of the past to engage the challenges of today. It's your turn – let this book be the spark you’ve been waiting for.

Genres: Nonfiction, Faith

224 pages, Paperback

Published August 21, 2018

Reviews

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great exploration of how we are born at this time to do specific work. The focus on character building, growing in grit, focusing on relationships and remembering who the work belongs to was so good. I needed this reminder of not making what I do all about me and how to remember what God has called me to today and how He called people before me and people after me. Justin included many excerpts from books that I have now added to my to read list. I highly recommend this book!

[Milan Homola · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really potent and helpful read. Zoradi lays out, in short punchy chapters, an inspirational journey that speaks to all journeys. It is packed with good stories and inspirational quotes from many famous and some not so famous people. What I found to be most powerful and effective was the authenticity and vulnerability of Zoradi's story, which is woven throughout and should not be missed. A normal guy with desires to do extraordinary things but all the doubts, fears, and anxiety get in the way. Yet character and humility are developed along the way and suddenly you find the definition of success has changed. That is a journey we all need and are meant for. As Zoradi suggests we are meant to be custodians not kings and, paradoxically, being a follower is more powerful than being a solo super hero. "Followers envision the kingdom as it arrives and act like its already here."

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclosure: The author of this book is a friend of mine. Back in high school, Justin was the only person who shared my enthusiasm for the Dutch soccer team during the World Cup, so I'm automatically supportive of all his projects in return. But, it's hard not to be supportive even if you don't know him personally. Since he graduated from college, he has consistently looked for ways to leverage his heartfelt love for humanity to lift people up: out of ignorance, out of conflict, out of poverty. While I do not share his religious views, I respect and applaud the way he is inspired by his faith to find the best in himself and in others. For people of faith, this book offers additional levels of meaning that I am certain they will find supportive to their path. For those of us of a more secular persuasion, Justin's anecdotes from all parts of his journey are just as likely to inspire us to make a positive difference with the limited time we each have in this world.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish this book would have existed 10-15 years ago when I graduated college because it's FULL of wise insights about how we can find significance in something greater than ourselves. I appreciate the authors vulnerability through the book, his practical tips, and his charge to be who you were made to be with the help and guidance of a God who is such much greater than ourselves.

[Roy Goble · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd give it five stars if I were 30-years old and looking for direction. But I'm twice that age and looking less for a "start up guide" and more for a "wind down guide." My situation shouldn't deter anyone from reading this, though. Well done, Zoradi.

[Kesia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was a bit disappointed, I didn't learn much and almost found it a bit boring.
The writing seemed to be jumping from place to place and I found it hard to follow. There were times when there was lots of studies referenced and I didn't find it relevant to the point.

[Via Bella · Rating 3 out of 5]

For how it is marketed-- I give it a 3 out of 5 as it's more a novel than a start up guide. As a novel, I would definitely give it 4 out 5 easily! Read the full review here--> http://bit.ly/2zMzinI

[Claire Rohan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really excited for this book and expected a lot more. I wanted more depth than it offered. But good anecdotes and message overall.

[Rachel | All the RAD Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had an hour between my counseling session and an evening event and was glad I had this one in my bag to read! It’s an inspiring and compelling collection of short and easy to digest chapters about how to find your thing and do it well with what you have and where you are. I found it to be a good blend of personal stories and applicable encouragement, and think anyone with a dream to serve or change the world or make something that matters would find this helpful and motivating!

[Maryann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be very uplifting and inspiring . Every chapter concentrated on a specific trait that will build integrity s d character as we walk in Christian life. Most of the chapters tie a true story to a Christian value. In this day and age it is very gratifying to realize that many others are also attempting to lead of life of moral integrity and honor. I would recommend this novel to all needing a possible reminder of what our life should look like.