A Sometimes Stumbling Life: Making Sense of Our Struggles and God's Grace in the Journey of Faith

by Mike Khandjian

"God didn’t send Jesus to make us perfect but to make us his."This line from Mike Khandjian's A Sometimes Stumbling Life encapsulates the unfolding drama of a faith that is rooted in the delight of a Father who relentlessly pursues his children in spite of themselves. Offering no self-help secrets or empty platitudes, it is an invitation to experience God's welcoming grace in the midst of our brokenness. With fresh glimpses of the biblical story, Mike employs his own experiences and those of others to invite us into a story where we are both fully known and full loved.

Genres: Devotional

212 pages, Paperback

Published March 25, 2018

Reviews

[Michael Philliber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eugene Peterson pictured the Christian life using a phrase from Nietzsche, "The Long Obedience in the Same Direction," which gets a good handle on an important aspect of being a disciple of Jesus. Mike Khandjian, Senior Pastor of Chapelgate Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Baltimore, Maryland, does something similar with the title of his new 212 page paperback, "A Sometimes Stumbling Life: Making Sense of Our Struggles and God's Grace in the Journey of Faith". The title gives out the main thrust of book.

The eleven chapters are packed with stories from Sacred Scripture and real life. They follow a flow from the first steps to the final sojourn, examining and illustrating the often forward stumble of Christians. Each chapter takes up and wobbles it's way through fears, fixations or failures and arrives at a hope-filled conclusion. Every page is packed with encouragement to lift the heart. As an example, "Sin pleads with me to hide in secrecy. The Gospel assures me I don't suffer alone. Sin constantly attempts to convince me I can fix what I have ruined. The Gospel alone leads me, again and again to Jesus, which receives sinners with welcoming Prodigal Son grace. Sin displays what I have lost. The Gospel offers the relentless love of God in Jesus" (68-9). Good news as we stagger and stammer forward!

"A Sometimes Stumbling Life" is a read that will take one to Jesus over and over again. It would make an ideal gift for anyone from graduates to grandparents. The volume can also make a good addition to your church's book table. Grab a copy, and get ready to be encouraged. I highly recommend the book.

Thanks to whiteblackbirdbooks.pub for the copy of the book used for this review. The sentiments and statements are mine. And this review is freely given without any compulsion or coercion by the publisher or any other party.

[Omar · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I heard that Mike had written this book I immediately bought it. A Sometimes Stumbling Life did not disappoint. Mike writes with honesty about his own stumbling as a follower of Jesus. He also gives us a peak into the lives of others who’ve stumbled along the way, and yet found God’s grace. A Sometimes Stumbling Life invites us to be honest about our stumblings as well. In fact that was the recurring theme of the book for me - be honest about your stumbling because “when we live in hiding , we are lying to God, to ourselves, and to everyone else.” (p. 6) And that will be destructive. Mike shows us that we can come out of hiding becase Jesus already knows about our stumbling and will be there to help us regain our footing. This is a wonderfully pastoral book.

[Pete Skillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

You don’t have to be perfect to be loved by God. What an incredible truth. So incredible that I struggle with it daily.

If you sometimes feel the same way - that you’ll never be good enough, that you can’t escape your past, that you couldn’t possibly matter - this book is that light in the dark you’ve been searching for. Mike Khandjian is open and honest about his own struggles, and provides solid Biblical support for the assertion that “it’ll be OK.” This book refreshed my soul.

[James L. Ratledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

EVERYONE SHOULD READ THIS BOOK

We often get frustrated and discouraged in our effort to live our human life as we think He would want us to do. We forget that God loves us just as we are with all our faults and shortcomings. This book will reawakening us to this great gift from God.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this as soon as I heard Mike wrote a book - awesome as expected. There are so many rich points on grace applying to our lives. He writes biblical and personal examples which drive the beauty of grace home in a way that makes sense both in the head & the heart.

[Gloria Serrao · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book on our struggle with guilt, righteousness by faith alone and our struggle to live in the peace and joy of God's forgiveness. A beautiful reminder of the greatness of our God, His love and pursuit of us.

[Sasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the humour

As a baby Christian, I love reading about Jesus and what God has done for me. Pastor Mike writes this book for every one of us who once thought we were not worthy of love.

[Luder Whitlock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope regardless of weaknesses

This is a highly readable and personal account of God’s grace at work in a the author’s life. Once you start you can’t put it down. Great to share with others.