Soul Fuel: A Daily Devotional

by Bear Grylls

Bestselling author Bear Grylls has survived a free-fall parachute accident that left him with a broken back, possibly unable to walk again; falling down a mountain in the Rockies, severing a finger in the Vietnam jungle, a broken shoulder in Antarctica. He passed the gruelling training to join the SAS, crossed the North Atlantic in an open inflatable boat, and held the highest ever open-air formal dinner party, in a balloon at 25,000 feet.

But the hardest thing he has ever had to face, he says, is the death of his father. It was then, age 25, that he found what he describes in an interview with the Telegraph as 'a really lovely quiet faith that has been a powerful thing in our lives'.

As he wrote in GQ magazine , 'Faith doesn't mean you have to be especially "religious". But, in a nutshell, my faith tells me that I am known, that I am secure and that I am loved - regardless of the storms I may find myself in from time to time, regardless of how often I fall and fail.'

For the first time, in this open, brave and honest book, Bear reveals the inspiration that helps him to stand strong and find peace each day. These daily readings - exploring themes of friendships, failure, courage, risk, and much more - show us all how to face each day with purpose and power.

'Be brave. Embrace faith wherever you may find it. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.'

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Christianity, Devotional, Faith, Self Help

400 pages, Paperback

First published July 23, 2019

About the author

Bear Grylls has become known around the world as one of the most recognized faces of survival and outdoor adventure. His journey to this acclaim started in the UK on the Isle of Wight, where his late father taught him to climb and sail. Trained from a young age in martial arts, Bear went on to spend three years as a soldier in the British Special Forces, serving with 21 SAS. It was here that he perfected many of the skills that his fans all over the world enjoy watching him pit against mother-nature. Despite a free-fall parachuting accident in Africa, where he broke his back in three places, and after enduring months in military rehabilitation, Bear went on to become one of the youngest ever climbers to reach the summit of Mount Everest. Bear went on to star in Discovery Channel's Emmy nominated Man Vs Wild and Born Survivor TV series, which has become one of the most watched shows on the planet. Off screen, Bear has lead record-breaking expeditions, from Antarctica to the Arctic, which in turn have raised over £2.5million for children around the world. In recognition of his expertise and service, Bear was appointed as the youngest ever Chief Scout to 28 million Scouts worldwide, awarded an honorary commission as a Lieutenant-Commander in the Royal Navy, and has authored 10 books, including To My Sons.

Reviews

[Arcturus · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tisztelem Bear Grylls munkásságát, mindazt, amit elért. Nem volt ez mindig így. Nem kedveltem őt túlzottan - egy kis távolságtartás még mindig van bennem -, de aztán elolvastam az életrajzi könyvét, és az erejét, a kitartását ezáltal megtanultam tisztelni. Ez nem azt jelenti, hogy egyet is értek vele, de tartom, hogy amit csinál, az értékes. Olyan ismeretei vannak, amelyek keveseknek, olyanok, amelyek segíthetnek túlélni egy-egy rizikós helyzetet, hiszen ha nem is veszünk el a dzsungelben, hegyekben, baleset igenis történhet velünk vagy a közelünkben - és erre is képes megtanítani, hogy ezeket hogyan vészeljük át, mire figyeljünk, hogy minél nagyobb eséllyel túléljük vagy megelőzzük a katasztrófát.

Ahhoz, amin ő keresztülment, és ahhoz, amit véghezvitt, szükséges a hit. Nem feltétlen a vallási értelemben vett istenbe vetett hit, lehet az bármi más, de az önmagunkban való hit elengedhetetlen. Erről, a valláshoz való viszonyáról mesél a könyvben, és mindazokról, hogy mi ad neki erőt nap mint nap.

Bevallom, egy kicsit csalódás volt a kötet. Igazából folyamatosan önmagát és másokat ismétel, ehhez nem kellett volna ilyen hosszúság semmiképpen, másrészt pedig a mondandója viszonylag nagy része sajnos üres, közhelyes bölcselkedés. Lehet, hogy valakinek kellenek ezek a "365 gondolat minden napra" típusú... könyvek..., de én nem tartozom közéjük, így sajnos ez a könyv sem nekem szólt. Főleg, hogy nagyrészt bibliai vonatkozásokról elmélkedett - ez pedig bár érdekes lehet, ha még sosem volt a kezedben Biblia, de egyébként elég amatőr - és sok szempontból szerintem téves - elemzése egy-egy tanításnak, és hogy ezt hogyan építette bele az életébe.

Továbbra is tisztelem mindazért, amit elért és amit tett - tényleg ajánlom az életrajzi könyvét, amelynek Tűzön-vízen át a címe -, de ezeket a gondolatokat meghagyhatta volna a nagy (és üres) elmélkedőknek. Nagyon szívesen olvastam volna a tényleges belső gondolatait, hogy egy-egy veszélyes helyzetben mi lendítette tovább - amikor megsérült, amikor az Everesten járt, amikor a kiképzése volt, de akár amikor világhírnévre tett szert, a sok támogatás és a sok támadás megélése -, de sajnos ez a könyv nem erről szól. Ha még sosem volt a kezedben ilyen bölcs idézetekkel és gondolatokkal teli kötet a Bibliára specializálva, akkor akár ez is lehet az első.

[Heather Huston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Go on the journey of a lifetime with TV adventurer, Bear Grylls, in his new book: SOUL FUEL. Whether he’s exploring an ice cave or forging through the jungle, Bear starts each day with a devotion. He says that it’s all about taking the time to remember that GOD is there to “hold us, guide us, strengthen, and rescue us.” Pre-order now and get a free download of the first portion of the book. On sale July 30th wherever books are sold. Learn more at SoulFuelBook.com.

[Matt Heintz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great daily devotional. It speaks for itself.

[Asher Burns · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5, rounded up for charity's sake. Pretty trite stuff overall, with inevitable theological missteps or verses taken out of context. Occasionally something would stand out as genuinely encouraging or insightful. Glad Grylls is a Christian and glad that he's public about his faith, but if you're looking for a devotional you can do better. Go pick up Morning and Evening.

If others find it more edifying than I do, praise God.

[Brian Tooley · Rating 5 out of 5]

My wife gave me this as a gift last October for Sweetest Day. It was the best devotional for men that I have every read. Each day I read Bear's words and felt God's presence on the page. I was encouraged and challenged by God's Word. I am definitely going to reread this again.

[Mia · Rating 3 out of 5]

'To walk out of his will is to walk into nowhere'

I was initially fascinated by this book; not something I'd typically pick up, I was intrigued to see what the infamous Bear Grylls had to say on devotion and 'religion'. In general, I really enjoyed his perspective throughout the book, particularly with regards to his own experiences and influences. Perhaps most prominently, I appreciated the quotes he researched and selected from the likes of C.S Lewis and even early philosophers.
Overall, Soul Fuel was enjoyable enough, but it didn't have anything that stood out to me as marked from other books of a similar genre. I'd recommend it to those who are new in their faith or are in need of encouragement, but little beyond that.

[Cal Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very pleasantly surprised by this book. I originally wanted to listen to it on Audible bc Bear Grylls was reading it, (regrettably he only read the intro but that ended up not bothering me at all bc I liked it so much) but God showed me so much through this little daily devo. It also showed me that simple doesn’t mean shallow. This was simply impactful.

Plus lots of good spiritual nuggets from many giants of the faith from C.S. Lewis to Mother Teresa.

Grylls emphasizes again and again a grace filled daily communion with the Lord instead of a check in the box, guilt laden religion. Refreshing and perfect when you want to get a little “Soul Fuel” and have a moment with the Lord of the universe.

[Eric Bretheim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a great read! This book would be great to hand off as a gift for a new Christian, or any man that loves adventure. It is jam packed full of scripture foremost, including real life applications. It would be a good read for a new believer in Christ, or someone trying to understand their faith or lot in life. It was really easy for me to grasp as a slightly seasoned Christian, it’s at a kindergarten level of Theology. It drawls on and hangs on to concepts to emphasize and strengthen them, which may be hard for the attention deficit type. All in all, a great read, I will read it again some day.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very surprised by this book. I wasn't expecting Bear to be such a spiritual person. I take it back because I knew he was but I guess spiritual enough to write a huge book on it. I loved the daily devotionals. The only reason I didn't give it a five is because he used many different translations of the bible and many times when I would look up the scripture in the King James version I could not see any resemblance to what the other version was saying. But anytime reading about Christ and being closer to God everyday is a great thing and I appreciate this book for that. Bear has taught me never to give up and there are many times I remind myself of his mantra.

[Edwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly good

Bear Grylls is not who I immediately think of as a devotional author, but this book was pretty good. The reflections were practical yet deep, and the scripture selections were almost always related to the topic, something that is, unfortunately, not a given in devotional writing. My one problem with the book was Grylls' frequent use of the Message paraphrase of the Bible. This is perhaps a matter of personal taste, but I absolutely despise that version, as it absolutely destroys the majesty of God's word and most often obscures the meaning found in faithful translations.

[Elaine Darkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommended Read.

Navigation. Would you start a trip with a dream, without a plan? A goal written becomes a plan, then a dream realised. Bear writes to us saying in life we can either have our own plan or pave a way in faith to a better, fulfilling life as a Believer in Christ. I recommend if you feel your soul searching for MORE than Soul Fuel is for you. Thank you Bear, for a truly enjoyable and memorable read.

[Sean Harding · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bear Grylls gives a book of devotions set out in differing categories. Most of them are very good, occasionally they veer into a little more prosperity area, and quoting Joyce Meyers doesn't help. Still very good for what it is, and people could if they wished read these over most of the course of a year.

[Naveen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A page / chapter a day keeps you grounded. And, I'm not even Christian, or Catholic.

Bear has done a brilliant job of simplifying Biblical concepts making it easy to imagine any God or higher power as central to each chapter.

And, the way the book is broken into themes makes it a great reference book - there's something for you regardless of what's weighing on your mind.

[Dakota Banaag · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Devotional I’ve Had

Love the so many lessons I’ve learned daily. I’ve gone through this devotional 4 times now. I’ll probably do it many more times. I learn something new each time. Love, integrity, and faith in a God and Savior who never fails me no matter how many times I fail every day.

[Colin Hayes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bear Grylls is most well known for his survival shows. This is a daily devotional based on his Christian faith. It's not dated and can easily be dipped in and out of. A great read not too deep but very helpful.

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soul Fuel for everyday

I really enjoyed having this devotional in my life. It has been a blessing. A constant reminder about our need to look for God everyday. I’ll start reading it again!

[Csimplot Simplot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book!!!

[Jonathan Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great daily read

Fantastic daily devotional readings. Highly recommend. You can easy add this book into a collection of books you pick up daily!

[Dawn Brotherton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful devotional. Highly recommend.

[Kelli Ballinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I have ever read. Encouraging and inspiring. 5 stars.

[Candace Brennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listen to this on audiobook at bedtime and am on my 3rd relistening. This is a lovely Christian inspirational.

[Bridie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book! It helps me so much.
So happy I bought this.

[Andrew Brady]

really a thought a day book. but I enjoyed going straight through it.

[W.D. Wolfe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good daily devotional.

[Steven Sexauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful!!!

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Started every morning through this tough year (2020) in this fantastic devotional. Will read and reread over the coming years.

[Zareen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful, encouraging & uplifting.

[Richard L. Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this devotional and will probably go back on occasion and read through it. Bear does a great job simplifying a relationship with Jesus. It's inspirational and was something I looked forward to reading every morning before I started my day.

[R. Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just enough to get you started

I used this as my morning devotional for 2020. It has just the right amount of scripture and insight to start the day. Bear Grylls writes in an easy to read style that anyone can understand and get his point.