#butGod: The Power of Hope When Catastrophe Crashes In

by Jeremy Freeman

"Sir, your sons have been in a car accident. How quickly can you get here?" Join Pastor Jeremy Freeman as he shares how the harrowing phone call that no parent wants to receive would lead to a miraculous outcome that only God could deliver. When Jeremy and Emily Freeman's teenage son Caleb was in a devastating car accident, doctors gave him a 10 percent chance of survival. Fear of losing a child was all too fresh for the Freemans--their seven-year-old son, Trey, had died just four years earlier from a genetic immunodeficiency. But God had other plans. In #butGod , Jeremy shares the incredible story of Caleb's recovery, the darkness that nearly overtook their family in the waiting, and the #butGod movement that captured the prayers of Christians around the world. #butGod includes heartfelt excerpts from Emily's prayer journal and encouragement from Jeremy that goes beyond platitudes to a hard-won trust in God's goodness. The Freeman family's incredible story Whatever sorrow you're walking through, #butGod leads you to the sweetness found in trusting God with suffering--and the deeper faith that comes from seeing His purpose in the pain. Praise for #butGod : "Pastor Jeremy Freeman and his family have endured crushing disappointment and heartbreak, but they've also experienced the redemptive and healing power of God. If you are facing significant challenges, Pastor Jeremy's book #butGod will build your faith and equip you with the strength to overcome." --Craig Groeschel, founder and senior pastor of Life.Church and New York Times bestselling author "There are some books that when you start reading you cannot put them down. #butGod is one of those books. This is an amazing story that will captivate you. You will laugh and cry. You will weep for sorrow and weep for joy. And in it all, you will see the amazing grace of God and His sustaining power and love for His children." --Dr. Daniel L. Akin, President, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, North Carolina

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian

240 pages, Paperback

Published October 18, 2022

Reviews

[Alanna Campos · Rating 5 out of 5]

#but God

This book brings the best reminder that even through suffering #butGod. I am in a deep season of suffering and I needed the hope and faith this book brings through Christ.

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

ButGod
The Power of Hope When Catastrophe Crashes In
by Jeremy Freeman
Pub Date 18 Oct 2022
Nelson Books, Thomas Nelson
Biographies & Memoirs


ButGod was provided to me by Nelson Books, Thomas Nelson, and Netgalley for the purpose of review:


'Sir, your sons have been involved in a car accident. Could you get here as quickly as possible?"


Pastor Jeremy Freeman shares how a harrowing phone call that no parent wants to receive led to a miraculous outcome that only God could accomplish.



When Jeremy and Emily Freeman's teenage son Caleb was in a devastating car accident, doctors gave him a 10 percent chance of survival. Fear of losing a child was all too fresh for the Freemans--their seven-year-old son, Trey, had died just four years earlier from a genetic immunodeficiency disease.ButGod tells the incredible story of Caleb's recovery, the darkness that almost overtook their family during the waiting, and the worldwide #butGod movement that captured Christians' prayers. This book includes heartfelt excerpts from Emily's prayer journal and encouragements from Jeremy that go beyond platitudes to demonstrate a faith in God that is hard earned.


A look at the incredible story of the Freeman family reveals:


Understanding the beauty that God can bring through suffering. How one family overcame grief, tension, and doubt to grow closer together. The power of God's work through the prayers of His people.


Only God can provide the hope we need regardless of the sorrow you're experiencing no matter what sorrows you face, trusting God with suffering leads you to a deeper faith that comes from seeing God's purpose in the suffering.


I give But God five out of five stars!



Happy Reading!

[Patti · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent book! It was an encouraging read watching the parents and the son depend on God’s faithfulness and remember God’s goodness.

The only issue I had with the book was the family’s encouragement by so many people coming to them saying that God had told them that Caleb would live. We are not promised anything except what is in God’s word. Jeremy even said that we are not promised healing here on earth. It actually surprised me a little that they clung so doggedly to the person appropriating the Acts story where Paul is told there will be not loss of life, only the ships will be lost.

Otherwise, the book was excellent. I would highly recommend.

[Leslea Abshire · Rating 5 out of 5]

1000 percent recommend...very inspiring but also challenging

[Addison · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️

I really loved this book. I’ve had the pleasure to meet Caleb and Jeremy at M3 camp 2024. His story is super inspiring. Would recommend!


thank you Amiyah for lending me this book.

[Jamie LaRow · Rating 5 out of 5]

perfect example and reminder of how God’s plan is greater than ours and how God uses our suffering for good

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books shows how God works to change lives even in the midst of incredible hardships.

[Laura A · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to preface this review with the fact that I'm not specifically a "religious" person, but it seemed this book called to me when I read the blurb about it. And, because God works in the way He does, I was able to receive an advance copy edition.
One thing I have learned is ... God has a sense of humor. :)

This book was not what I was expecting. I was expecting some inspirational words and general uplifting stuff. I wasn't expecting the heart-wrenching story of a family going thru a traumatic situation. It was especially personal for me as a mom with a son about the same age as this family.

While there were some parts where I feel the focus was on "only God cam fix this" or the random person "called to tell the family that God told them to tell the family he was going to be healed". But that was more about my personal beliefs on life & religion.

But...the book was timely to be placed in my hands when it was. And when I was finished with it, I passed it on to a friend who was going thru a tough time. That's the kind of book it is...not to be held on to, but shared with those who may need that little bit of extra support. Whether it be to replenish their faith in God, or a reminder that they have family & friends who see them & support them.

Thank you to the author, publisher, & Goodreads for the ARC! All opinions are my own.

[Londyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

#butGod is a story that could be taken two different ways. The way you look at this is going to be based on your paradigm, otherwise known as your perspective. You will either see this as a gut-wrenching story that entails sorrow after sorrow OR as a story that is filled with what the world may view as painful but what God has labeled purposeful. The events that occur throughout the books are something that nobody would dream of wanting to experience but these same events lead to true living, revival, and life changing touches on the lives of many. Proof that God had the final say is the written theme of the story. This book is a testimony of God’s power and ability to transform lives. This book is so incredibly eye opening and leaves a truly lasting impression. To know the outcome is to know a miracle. #butGod

[Christy Dunning · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was going to be about Caleb and how he recovered from his accident instead it was an eye opening reflection of every hurt, every physical pain and every disappointment I’ve ever experienced in my life. Reading the story for the Freeman family set free so many #butGod moments in my heart. I hope everyone reads it and everyone decides that they don’t want to just be but decide to really LIVE! This book takes you on a journey of what led up to that day. I remember it vividly we were on our way to that very same game. The heartache and pain of those days and moments after with flashes of hope but nothing really prepares you for the end. I hope you get a chance to meet Caleb and hear him speak, it will bless your life.

[Shelli Byrnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like to look for the phrase “but God” as I read Scripture. The one and only true God of the universe meets us in very personal ways and that turns everything around. He doesn’t promise physical healing here on earth, actually He states that our bodies will fail us and waste away. But God is real, He is faithful, and it is beautiful to be invited into the Freeman’s story.
(The writing isn’t top notch and there was a logical fallacy used near the end of the book, which made it more of a 3 star book, but the encouragement of their story and how Gos uses it make this book well worth reading!)

[Dennis McIntyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a tremendous story of God’s love, trust, commitment, and discipleship. We always hear how God can find good in any situation and the miracle he performed with Caleb is testament to that. This family has dealt with tremendous adversity, but their love for God has built an amazing relationship of trust, even in the most dire situations. One of the best books I have read in a long while.

[Mh Weyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book to the glory of God! This is what happens when God is at work. Not always easy nor painless but powerful. I was in tears more than once as the author wrestles with life-changing hard. I was in tears as he proclaims God’s goodness, not in spite of but because of. The rawness in the struggles makes this relatable. The joy in God’s faithfulness makes this challenging. What an amazing testimony!

[Leah Roldan · Rating 5 out of 5]

#butGod is the most encouraging book I’ve ever read! I picked it up after hearing Jeremy and Caleb Freeman speak at my church’s revival, and I finished it in just a few days, since I couldn’t put it down! The book gives a lot more background of the Freeman family and their overall story. If you are drowning in loss and tragedy, read this book, and it will definitely encourage you. Even if you aren’t in a time of trial, still read it as it will well prepare you for your own trials in life

[Caleb Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book recounting the story of Caleb Freeman and how God used a tragic accident to completely transform his heart for the Lord! What an encouragement to read, a great reminder that there is absolutely nothing in this world that should keep us from worshiping our Lord and thanking him for his grace and mercy each day. Incredible story, would highly recommend reading!

[Ruth Stitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very powerful story of God’s grace and healing! This book was convicting for me to have more faith in God and deepen and strengthen my relationship with him. I felt like some of the important time periods (hospital/rehab) were skimmed over and only given a few paragraphs but overall they wrote the important stuff. Would definitely recommend.

[Natalie Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been a great testament to the faith of a family even in extreme adversity. Even when things were very bad, they trusted God for a miracle. They knew that God had a plan and His ways are higher than our ways. #butGod

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, but was scared to read it. I had to stop and pray for God to give me the strength to finish it. And He did!! We all face challenges, we just need to always remember to trust God, He never leaves us. Great book.

[Bella Rolofson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so heart-wrenching but so uplifting at the same time. Caleb’s story is filled with so many ups and downs. I love how much Jesus worked through Caleb’s story and how we can see God truly does have a plan for everyone’s lives even if it isn’t anything what you thought or want.

[Tiffany Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing! 100/10 recommend! Not only an amazing story of an amaOng family, but an amazing story of Hope, Faith, and believing!

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thoughtful, thought-provoking, heart-wrenching, heartwarming.

[Suzi Luger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the miraculous working of God in the lives of the Freeman family through loss and tragedy. I HIGHLY recommend this book!!!!

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I followed the Freeman family from the night of the accident. It was good to read what was going on behind the scenes.

[Moriah Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small but Mighty Book

Powerful little book with deep truths about suffering, loss, and God. The Freemans are an astounding family that the Lord has used in a mighty way.

[Pamela Sparks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This family’s testimony is powerful! A quick, but very inspiring read.

[Courtney Gifford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a true testament of the powerful work Christ did in Caleb’s life! Would read again!

[Karon · Rating 5 out of 5]

So enjoyed the positive turn toward the devastating issues the faced.

[Jesse Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional to read as a dad. God can teach us much through tragedy. So grateful to see He isn't done writing Caleb's story!

[Mom Shelton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book!

[Crystal Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is priceless!