Resilient Faith: Learning to Rely on Jesus in the Struggles of Life

by Lewis Allen, Sarah Allen

Lewis and Sarah Allen Teach Young Christians How to Approach Difficulties and Disappointments Biblically We all encounter problems and challenges on a daily basis, ranging from small things―traffic, losing your keys, or running late―to much bigger issues―job insecurity, health issues, and relationship struggles. What should a believer in Christ do in the face of such adversities?  Authors Lewis and Sarah Allen propose that while the world may teach us one way to approach challenges, there is a better way―complete dependence on Christ and pursuit of wise living. With the help of the Holy Spirit, Christians are able to live more joy-filled lives in the midst of adversity. In a conversational and personal tone, the Allens walk through key biblical passages as they relate to challenges and share stories, case studies, and illustrations to encourage us to rely on Christ and commit to his church in the battle of Christian life. 

Genres: Christian, Christian Living

240 pages, Paperback

Published March 7, 2023

About the author

Lewis Allen pastored Gunnersbury Baptist Church in London for over twelve years, and in 2010 was called to plant what is now Hope Church in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, where he is now Senior Pastor. Lewis has degrees in Classics and Theology and Historical Theology from Cambridge University and Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, and is pursuing a doctoral degree through Oxford University, researching Henry Venn of Huddersfield and Eighteenth Century Yorkshire Evangelicalism. He has published with Crossway Books as well as with the Banner of Truth. In his spare time Lewis loves fly-fishing and running.

Reviews

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

We all stumble and fall. We all get discouraged. Resilience is required to get back up and continue on the journey of faith. The Allens address many issues facing young people and career age. They cover emotions such as feeling like a failure or feeling rejected. Rather than feeling sorry for ourselves, they encourage us to remember that God has compassion for us. We can share that compassion with others, taking our minds off of ourselves and onto helping others. Some of the topics covered are practical things, like exercise and sleep and our diet. They go through the armor in Ephesians six for instruction, ending with prayer.

The book is rather conversational in style so would appeal to young Christians or those busy with family and career. It is not a deep, theological study. The authors suggest reading a chapter a day. I think that is a bit much. A chapter a week would make for a good study with a trusted group of friends. There are questions for reflection that could be used for discussion. There is also a prayer for each chapter.

This book is good encouragement to remain grounded in trust and faith in the midst of trials. There is an emphasis on the importance of being in God's Word as that is what God uses for our transformation. Practical suggestions are included for getting in the Word and for maintaining a good prayer life.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Dr. David Steele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Resilient Faith: Learning to Rely on Jesus in the Struggles of Life by Lewis & Sarah Allen addresses the highs and lows of the Christian journey. The authors acknowledge that the Christian life can be exhausting. But at the same time, it is also exhilarating.

The aim of the book (as the title suggests) is to encourage followers of Christ to live resilient Christian lives; lives that are focused on the person and work of Jesus. Pastor and Mrs. Allen write, “What’s needed more than anything else is resilience, the ability to weather the storm and keep going.”

Resilience Faith is comprised of nine parts, each focusing on the Christian journey. Each part contains short chapters that lead readers to bank their hope and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and his saving benefits on the cross. The writing is clear and basic and is directed at new and seasoned believers alike. However, new Christian will most likely benefit the most from the material. Each chapter concludes with penetrating questions that urge readers to apply what they’ve learned. A prayer is offered to help readers focus their attention on God and the saving benefits of his Son.

Resilient Faith accomplishes what it sets out to do. Many people will no doubt be greatly encouraged as their faith is challenged and stimulated by this thought-provoking book.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.

[Whitney Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

A concise, helpful book on how to rely on God through the times in life where we are struggling. This book is very practical in nature and explains the basic principles of following God even when times are tough. Easy to read and encouraging!

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am finishing up the reading of Resilient Faith: Learning to Rely on Jesus in the Struggles of Life by Lewis and Sarah Allen. This is a great book for those struggling and needing reminders and encouragement the gospel brings. The truth of God is powerful to help us stay strong in our faith. It was a nice light read, with short chapters, questions and prayer at the end of each chapter to discuss with others or to help you get more out of the reading, by applying it to your own circumstances.

I enjoyed the examples and stories they shared from real-life situations and what the Bible says about being resilient. The book was very encouraging and I saw some areas of challenge for me that I need to work on, so that makes it a good book, something I can learn from and help me grow as a Christian.

Here are a few quotes:

God sees the wickedness of Noah’s day and acts to save; He sees wretched, abandoned Hagar, who is first to name God, calling Him “a God of seeing; He sees the suffering of the enslaved Israelite’s in Egypt and is concerned.
Rest brings us an opportunity to reorder our days and our hearts. Resting can even be painful, but it can also be a relief.
Israel’s Sabbath regulations were not made to be a burden. They were given so that people could be blessed and devote one day every week to joyful restoration. That’s why Jesus taught and healed on the Sabbath.
If we think that discipleship is all about our efforts, we will fail as disciples. There is far better news for us to live by.
The gospel never fails, and as we rest in God’s gospel grace, neither will we.
When the Bible says that “the whole world lies in the power of the evil one”, it’s not calling us to despair, but it is snapping us out of our delusion that the devil is at best nonexistent or, at worst, the harmless memory of a bygone age.
Our dependence on each other binds us together.

I will be holding onto this book to pass onto my children to read and hope for a book study on it with a group, too!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

The practicality of this book is excellent, especially the example stories in each chapter. This is not a book that makes promises about everything being good, but it continually reminds us how to endure in the faith.