Three Steps Forward Two Steps Back

by Charles R. Swindoll

Chuck Swindoll talks about standing firm when faced with life's deepest problem, growing and finding spiritual help in lonely times of crisis and pain, and walking through setbacks to emerge a stronger person on the other side.

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Self Help, Religion, Faith, Christianity

191 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1980

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

[Will Allen · Rating 2 out of 5]

The idea of perseverance in the Christian life is a topic well worth discussing. Unfortunately, this book offers relatively little commentary on the subject, despite what the subtitle claims.

This book was a mixed bag. On several occasions the author makes good points for the Christian to consider. On a far greater number of occasions however, the author eisegetes various Scriptures to prove what he already wants to say, and that is the most glaring problem with this book. Christians would do well to avoid this work solely because of the lack of any theological rigour in the author's interpretations of biblical passages.

This book seems like a cultural marker of its day more than a useful help for Christians in their daily lives here and now. It seems likely that this book will not outlive the generation of Christians among whom it was penned.

[Mallory · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book like this is hard to find these days. Written in 1980, it addresses the timeless problems faced by all who live on Planet Earth. Not every section was relevant at this point in my life, but many were and I certainly read it at the right time for me. I think the epilogue sums everything up perfectly when Swindoll concludes that life is a task. There are not easy answers here because there are not easy answers anywhere. But there is the hope found in God and in living through all of these storms and trials with Him by your side.

Favorite quotes: "It's easy to miss the things God has to teach us because we cannot imagine Him being involved in the grief or disappointment or heartache brought on by the loss of someone or something dear to us. But some of His choicest deliveries come through the back doors of our lives."

"But waiting when the door is closed doesn't mean you're out of the will of God. You could be right in the center of His will. The open door is the exception. The bursts of green lights happen just a few seconds in life. The rest of the time is filled with a few yellow lights, and mostly red lights that flash, 'Wait, wait, wait!'"

[Merry Johnson Muhsman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book at a difficult point in my life. My mother is fighting dementia and losing. My son was having challenges in school, and I felt my dream of being a writer put on the shelf again. I put myself last in order to put a strong face on and take care of everyone else. This book helped me through that tough time. I am Christian; I know life is not easy, and yet, I was struggling for guidance. This book gave me that guidance, and I might add peace, as I remembered that God was asking me to stay strong as he was refining me into gold. I found courage, strength and most of all love, as I have grown closer to my family and stronger in my faith. There are so many gems in this book. It's not for the faint of heart, as it does give you a good dose of strong reality. But given a chance, it will help you through those moments, those challenges that seem to pop up when we least expect it.

[Bryan Ericson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice counter point to the gospel of prosperity crowd. It is through our struggles that we grow. Pastor Swindoll's book really helped me to gain some much needed insight.

[Tim Duff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book to help you stand firm, grow, learn and walking through setbacks.

[Timothy Ebio · Rating 5 out of 5]

In many ways, February felt like two steps forward, three steps back when it came to my reading goals. It's fitting that my first book this month is on perseverance. The most hard-hitting chapter for me was on self doubt and feeling inferior.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

The main theme of this fine devotional book is persevering during tough times. The author encourages the believer to avoid corrupting his life with fear, anger, and other emotional responses to problems and preaches a message that reminds us to focus on the Lord.

The author doesn't really try to offer an in depth Bible Study, but does properly and contextually cite Scriptures, primarily from the Psalms of David and the book of Job. He points strongly and boldly at Christian values.

In the final chapter (or epilogue) he makes perhaps the most important point of the book. The goal of life is not to seek pleasure--but to live out the task God has called us to. This brings glory to God and thus, pleasure to our lives. Life is a task--

This reminds me of the old Mission Impossible opening segments-- simply put-- We have a mission and need to choose to accept it.

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Charles Swindoll. He is able to take any Christian topic and explain in simple and understandable language what the issues are and what to do about them. Three Steps Forward and Two Steps Back takes on the pressures and stress of our fast-paced and highly technical lives, handling such things as misunderstandings, conflict, temptations, fear and anger both at home and in the workplace. Now if I could only put all these suggestions into practice...

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I had read this book 10 years ago! Wow! Mr. Swindoll hit the nail right on the head! He offers the keys in this book to successful Christian living. To walking confidently and humbly knowing exactly the steps to take when pressures arise! And they will! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for writing this book exactly for me! So grateful for your obedient ministerial passionate heart ♡

[Klunn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book on enduring through problems in Christian life but a vast amount of problems (both external circumstantial and internal issues) are covered so there isn't a lot of depth for each area. Really good final chapter on Defection and a good chapter on the difference between righteous and unrighteous anger.

[Cassie G · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently lost my dad and faced new challenges in God and in ministry. I felt like every time picked up this book, I was reading about the current challenge I was going through. This gave me peace and confirmation for the challenges being for a greater good.

[Ian Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Lord give me patience and I need it right now."

[Jeff Noble]

Three Steps Forward, Two Steps Back by Charles R. Swindoll (?)

[Mike Drinkard · Rating 5 out of 5]

As relevant now as the day it was written, this book is a much needed salve. Great stuff!

[Serge Pierro · Rating 3 out of 5]

Charles Swindoll is a fine Christian writer/teacher, and this book is a good example of each. It covers a broad range of subjects relevant to the Christian's walk.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charles Swindoll is an excellent Christian author and teacher. This book is a good resource to refer to in many areas of the Christian life.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My prior pastor. GREAT book, GREAT lessons.

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for Christians, whether they are in a crisis or want to learn how to handle life's problems.

[T.J. Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book on how to just keep going when you feel like you can't. Dr. Swindoll gives very practical advice in the midst of the pressures of life.

[Rob Sobieck · Rating 3 out of 5]

good book. going through this right now.

[Marcy W · Rating 5 out of 5]

very relevant in 2017 even though copyright is 1980. Blunt and good information.

[Karin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book isn't bad, but for me most of this was review and the writing wasn't as wonderful as his Grace Awakening book which was written later and is much better. Also, now and then he puts things in that really ought to have been left out in a book such as this addressed to a wide Christian audience. In addition, he brings up some good points but a. doesn't tend to have concrete, practical tips and b. e will bring up examples of problems he has to counsel people with and never, not even once, does he show if or how the person or couple resolved the issue with practical application of scripture, so it is lacking enough real illustrations of this being done. In teachings this is a very poor idea to do in Christian homiletics, and the same is true in books such as this.

[Brooke Fradd · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's okay, but I didn't walk away with concrete tips as I had expected to.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t buy books as often but will definitely be getting this one! Full of Godly wisdom!

[Fred R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book. The chapter on misunderstanding was unforgettable.

[Resmy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another very good book by Chuck Swindoll

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book bears reading again.