Measured by Grace: How God Defines Success

by Sharla Fritz

In this Bible study, readers are invited to reevaluate their lives through the lens of God's Word. The world speaks a lot about success, but readers will find peace in the knowledge that God measures them by grace, mercy, and love, not worldly glory.

216 pages, Paperback

Published July 26, 2022

About the author

Sharla Fritz has been described as an amazing eye-opening speaker and author. Her books Divine Directions, Measured by Grace, Enough for Now, Distracted, Waiting, and others have given thousands of women the tools to dig into Scripture and experience a transformation of their attitudes and heart. With light-hearted stories and thought-provoking applications, she makes Bible study fun and uplifting.


Sharla makes her home in the Chicago area where she is also a pastor’s wife, mother, grandmother, musician, and confirmed chocoholic. And if she isn’t sitting at her piano or computer, you might find her stalking fabulous fashion finds at the local resale shop.

Reviews

[Allison Baltzersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love everything Sharla writes, and this book is no exception. Her new book, Measured by Grace, presents several characters from the Bible (Jeremiah, The Samaritan woman at the well, John the Baptist, etc) that from earthly standards appeared to be failures but from God's perspective were critical to (and successful in) sharing the Gospel with others. Sharla's gentle yet vivid writing style always brings the characters to life so they are more relatable. And in turn, the timeless lessons those characters teach become more relatable today. The book's structure offers plenty of scripture, plenty of her personal anecdotes, and plenty of nuggets to think on and discuss so you can either read the devotions alone or in a study group. I highly recommend!

[Abby Bargar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sharla made these 8 well known bible characters come alive as she offered insight and historical background, she walks us through how God views success as compared to the world's view. After finishing the book, I felt great comfort that God could use me in spite of my brokeness.

[Michelle Diercks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sharla Fritz offers a gracious gift in her new study, Measured by Grace, to all those who feel moored down by their mistakes and mess-ups. We are reminded over and over again through this study of God’s Word that our failures do not have the final say over our lives. God steps into our brokenness and redeems our stories—what a comfort to know that God’s grace transforms our lives.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was honored to be allowed to preview this book and delighted to share it.

I have so often felt “less-than,” feeling that I just didn’t measure up. Whether I was judging my own performance or listening to what others thought (or what I thought they thought), I just wasn’t good enough, smart enough, nice enough… just not enough. But Sharla Fritz’ new Bible study about individuals from the Old and New Testaments of the Bible reminded me that God can – and does – work with ordinary people, no matter their situation, to accomplish His plans.
Reading Measured by Grace, I am reassured that my status, worth, or success in life does not depend on others’ opinions, or even my own. Sharla offers a comfortable writing style, clearly showing the humanity of Bible heroes and heroines like Joseph, David, Peter, Paul, and others. I found it easy to identify with the struggles each faced, and encouraging that neither they, nor I, are rejected by God because of what we see as our failures. I also appreciate that there are thought-provoking questions after each chapter, and suggestions to help readers take practical steps to strengthen their faith and trust in God’s plans for them. I’m excited for this book’s upcoming publication date so I can share it with others!

[Afton Rorvik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I eagerly wait for Sharla to release a new Bible study book because I learn so much from her. She consistently and masterfully weaves together a mix of biblical history and wisdom, modern-day stories, dashes of humor, and clear, succinct study questions.

Measured by Grace, her newest book, thoughtfully examines the biblical stories of eight far from perfect men and women including Joseph, Rahab, and Peter. Like us, their lives overflowed with blunders, failures, struggles, and sin. But, remarkably, God stuck with them, nurtured them, forgave them, and even helped them to do His good work.

As Sharla reminds us on page four: “No blunder is too big for His benevolence. No gaffe too huge for His goodness. No slipup too large for His saving power. God can take all of our missteps and make them into miracles.”

The book stands alone as a good, solo read, but it really sings as the foundation of a group discussion.

[Cherie Endrihs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Society has drilled in us fame, fortune, popularity are the definition of success. What does God say? Sharla Fritz takes 8 people from the Bible and answers this question! Truly needed in our get ahead world. The variety in whom she picks for us to study can truly reach each of us even when you think you have studied that one enough! A favorite quote "In reality, our past stories may be exactly what draw people to Jesus." Looking forward to studying this with other ladies.

[Eden Keefe · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was with great anticipation that I said, “yes” to reading an advance copy of Sharla Fritz’s new book, “Measured by Grace: How God Defines Success.” She has an easy-to-read writing style and drops in these wonderful nuggets of information and insight. Those nuggets all along the way make me pause, re-read, reflect, and usually jot myself a note so I don’t forget them. They are that good! This book goes right to the core of how we define ourselves and our successes or failures. It challenges us to look at how GOD defines success and what HE values. We read about eight flawed biblical people. Sharla asks, “Why would God include these stories of mess-ups and mistakes?” The answer, “Because they show us the power of His transformative grace. … God can take all of our missteps and make them into miracles.” I think you will be blessed to be reminded of God’s transformative grace over and over again. Read it for yourself. Share it with a friend. Recommend it to your small group! I did!

[Christie Steffens · Rating 5 out of 5]

What's the score? Who won? We all like to be winners and on the winning team, don't we? That's how the world measures success and because of that, we have a constant battle between our egos and the world. We have a daily "contest" going on in our lives to measure up and succeed. In Measured by Grace, Sharla Fritz takes us through the lives of eight individuals in the Bible. Some, we would say, are very successful, some, not so much. All definitely different and all used by God to show how He can bring good out of their mistakes and true failures. Sharla helps us get to know these Old and New Testament people by using timelines for when they lived, maps to see where they lived, and historical information to learn more about their culture. This Bible study gives us time to Reflect, Dig Deeper, Apply, and then Create a takeaway. As we learn about these individuals, we need to also remember how God sustains and strengthens us when we, so often, fail. Yes, you will be challenged to look at your definition of success. There is no ruler God uses to measure us. In fact, He has destroyed the world's ruler of success and replaced it with His GRACE...and it is free! Take time to read this Bible study by yourself, share with friends, or use in a small group. Living in God's GRACE is a very successful feeling that lasts for eternity.

[Rachel Britton]

What I like about this book is that it shows us that if unlikely people in the Bible are important and used by God to carry out his plans, then we can be too. We would not naturally see them as a success because of their failings, but they are welcomed by God, equipped by God, and used by God.

This is a quote from Measured by Grace that I think sums up the goodness of God and gave me huge encouragement: God doesn’t wait until we’re accomplished, cleaned up, and respectable before He works through us. He uses us in our less-than-perfect state. Even when the world looks down on us, shuns us, or overlooks us, He allows us to be a part of His plan to bring victory to His people and glory to His name.

[Cheryl Hamil · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this Study. I liked how the author personalized the stories of each of these people, where they became real - not just a Bible character. I liked the format of each chapter as I learned about these successful failures that God used to proclaim the Gospel. I liked the Study questions, always looking at common themes and enhancing what was discussed in the chapter. Finally, I enjoyed the suggested song selections and proposed activities.

[Karol Selle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another one of Sharla’s insightful Bible studies. She takes us through familiar characters of the Bible and offers new thoughts and insights. This is a must for all Christians to dig deeper into Scripture, history and personal spiritual growth.

[Judy Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The world measures success by achievement, wealth, status, skill, fame, and influence, but Measured by Grace gives us eight examples of biblical characters who failed in the eyes of the world but were successful when measured by the grace of God. It's easy to forget that success in God's eyes is much different from success by a worldly standard. Measured by Grace reinforces that truth and encourages us to seek to follow God and to remember that everyone from the wealthiest and most influential to the many people who are just scraping by are measured by the grace of God. That's the only success that matters. I highly recommend this book.

[Chris Hinz-Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Sharla Fritz's new Bible study. It can be studied by an individual or as part of a group Bible Study. Sharla shatters every human measuring tool for success and lets in the measureless light of God's Everlasting Love and Grace. Eight notable people from the Bible are highlighted, aas we follow their success stories. Sharla beautifully develops and defines their final success as they turn from earthly goals and instead journey with God to acheive their best. Measured by Grace Bible study is rich with resources, extended activities and reflections. The study will transform you as you delve into the Word of God and His measureless goodness.

[Christina Sinisi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was chosen for our church's women's Bible study.

I missed a meeting (or two) and tried to catch up--then, I was so interested that I finished it. I love a devotional/Bible Study book where the author teaches me things--and I did learn.

I was also challenged because this is an area where I struggle. I have pursued earthly success, I have measured myself by my accomplishments, and I have probably taught my children the same. All the while, I've also pursued good works for the Lord.

Yes, we need some Martha, but we also need some Mary. And then, what we need the most, is a whole lot of Jesus--and then we need to surrender our all to Him.

[Beth Foreman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent study of eight biblical characters whose lives were filled with failings and grace! Our women's group just finished this 8-week study, and we learned new lessons about each of the characters, even characters we thought we knew well! We've done a number of Sharla's studies already, and as the group leader, I appreciate how she adds indepth historical details (cisterns, scarlet cords, first century worship) along with plenty of life application lessons. I was thankful to be reminded of well-known truths about God's grace in the midst of my flawed life.

[Carole Duff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love success—working hard, being rewarded for doing a good job, coming out on top, basking in approval. But God defines success differently. Through the Biblical stories of Joseph, Rahab, David, Jeremiah, John the Baptist, the Samaritan woman, Peter, and Paul, Sharla Fritz explores the concept of success, which often looks like failure to us, but not in the eyes of God. A readable Bible study with chapter-by-chapter guide and answer key. The Women’s Ministry at my church is using this book for their current group study. Highly recommend.

[Linda Koeller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you feel as though you have not done enough, achieved enough, succeeded enough? In this book, author, Sharla Fritz, reveals through God's Word and the lives of 8 people of the Bible, that success has a better definition than you've ever imagined! This is truly a Bible study you will finish knowing, feeling, & understanding God's grace in a new, refreshing way!

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I confess to being a little biased as the author is a friend of mine! :) However, Sharla's studies are always well researched and straight on. Thank you for another journey through defining one of this world's most deceptive concept of Success.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This may be my favorite Sharla Fritz study yet. Sharla always has a such an excellent message delivered in clear, accessible language. This would make a great graduation gift for high-schoolers.

[Sally Knapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great Bible Study.

[Molly Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sharla has carefully done an amazing amount of research that will make biblical characters we already know and love come alive even more as we dig deeper into their stories. Sharla walks the reader through understanding the no-so-pretty sides of these people, while also pointing us to God's grace, love, and forgiveness. God can use our faults in spite of ourselves and draw people closer to Him through the process. Though we fail God, He never fails us. In fact, He uses us in the midst of our failures. To Him be the glory!