What do you think?
Rate this book
Ask the Christian Counselor
I'm Want to Escape: Reaching for Hope When Life Is Too Much
I'm Overwhelmed And Want To Escape
Paperback
Published September 26, 2022
15 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
Rush Witt
4 books5 followersRush Witt is lead pastor of Paramount Church in Bexley, Ohio, and a certified counselor.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 17, 2025
⭐️ 4.5 stars, rounded to 5 ⭐️
A very eye opening, convicting and practical book that points us back to joy and hope in Christ. I cried multiple times reading this book, because there were quite a few things I really needed to hear and be reminded of. If you ever feel like life is too much (and let's be real - we all feel like this at times, right?) and maybe you constantly find yourself feeling the need to escape, I recommend this book to you.
A very eye opening, convicting and practical book that points us back to joy and hope in Christ. I cried multiple times reading this book, because there were quite a few things I really needed to hear and be reminded of. If you ever feel like life is too much (and let's be real - we all feel like this at times, right?) and maybe you constantly find yourself feeling the need to escape, I recommend this book to you.
March 9, 2025
Deeply practical and convicting. This is definitely one of the best books I’ve read and one I suspect I will pick up again! When life is hard or trials come your way, do you ever struggle with trying to escape your problems rather than turning to the Lord? Witt walks through 4 primary ways can we seek to escape: denial, distraction, deflection, and death, and offers a better way - courageous dependence on Christ. This was profoundly helpful for me in identifying sin in my own heart. Highly recommend!
November 4, 2025
Helpful, hopeful, practical, easy to read, concise. The threefold pattern of pray with sincere humility, believe with gospel hope, and act with dependent courage has been a blessing to deploy personally. Also there are good reflections, questions, and applications at the end of each chapter that make this book suitable to be used personally or in counseling setting.
September 29, 2022
When I picked up this book, I didn’t really think of myself as an inner escape artist. But woah! This book opened my eyes to realize that wanting to escape doesn’t have to be as big as literally running away or thinking about death, it can be as small as denial, distraction, and deflection. How often do we just stuff thoughts down and act like everything is fine? How often do we reach for our phones or turn on Netflix to distract ourselves from life’s problems? Are we so busy we don’t have time to stop and think? How often do we blame other people for our problems? All of these can be ways of escaping.
Rush Witt masterfully crafted this book and explored the root cause of our desire to escape. Spoiler alert. This has gone on since the beginning--when Adam and Eve tried to escape God in the Garden of Eden.
Witt didn’t stop there, but went on to help identify many common escape routes. He gave incredibly beautiful and moving imagery of how Jesus is with us in our struggle. Hope infused this book. It’s timely and packed with biblical encouragement and counsel. It’s inviting and pastoral. So take it up and read. I think this will help you personally and in your ministry.
This book came out two days ago on September 26, 2022. Honestly check out the whole series. It been good so far!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rush Witt masterfully crafted this book and explored the root cause of our desire to escape. Spoiler alert. This has gone on since the beginning--when Adam and Eve tried to escape God in the Garden of Eden.
Witt didn’t stop there, but went on to help identify many common escape routes. He gave incredibly beautiful and moving imagery of how Jesus is with us in our struggle. Hope infused this book. It’s timely and packed with biblical encouragement and counsel. It’s inviting and pastoral. So take it up and read. I think this will help you personally and in your ministry.
This book came out two days ago on September 26, 2022. Honestly check out the whole series. It been good so far!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 29, 2022
My Thoughts on I Want to Escape:
I love the start of the book: “From this point on, I want you to intentionally think on the every-present Person of Jesus. Let’s make a habit of knowing he is near.”
Eight chapters are included in this book:
“I’ve Got to Get Outta Here!”
“What Are the Common Escape Routes?”
“The Better Way: Courageous Dependence.”
“Why Doesn’t Denial Work?”
“What’s Wrong with a Little Distraction?”
“What Good Comes from Deflecting and Destroying?”
“What Hope is There If I Just Want to Die?”
“There’s Light after Darkness.”
I’ve heard plenty of people say, “just go to your happy place.” This is an escape. A form of escape to a place in our minds. It is a way to escape from the drudgery, boredom, stress, suffering, and fears in this life. In reality, this is not healthy, and it is not the thought and place to retreat during a time of suffering, etc. To think of Jesus. To think of His Word. To think of His promises. To think of His attributes. These are healthy Christian thoughts.
So much of this book is splendid. And the following are reasons why I believe this:
“Mind renewing change. Romans 12:2. But we can ask for the wind of the Spirit to come and clear our vision and renew our mind. Turning to God for grace and forgiveness is the first step toward a clear mind and a clean heart. Then, Jesus enables us to draw ever closer to him as he changes us over time.”
For a “God-gifted change.” “Our basic plan.” Three steps are given that are concise and applicable.
This is a bullet point, concise type book. Easy to follow. Easy to understand the subject and themes. Great application helps.
From chapter four. “1. Trials Prove the Genuineness of Faith.” “2. Trials Make the Beauty of Faith Appear.” “3. Trials Purify and Increase Affection for Christ.”
I love the illustration of Christ our Savior fighting with and for us.
“Questions for Reflection” at the end of each chapter.
Chapter five is the perfect chapter to address our distracting social media era.
Chapter seven is a hard chapter to read because it is one of unease. It is using death as a form of escape.
A valuable letter written by the author’s wife. This is located in a later chapter. She has written the letter to those in despair.
One of my favorite take-aways from the book. “Rather than isolating from others, engage people with love.” This is from chapter seven.
Source: I received a complimentary e-book copy from New Growth Press. I am not required to write a positive review.
Audience: Readers of Christian growth. Recovery.
Rating: Excellent.
I love the start of the book: “From this point on, I want you to intentionally think on the every-present Person of Jesus. Let’s make a habit of knowing he is near.”
Eight chapters are included in this book:
“I’ve Got to Get Outta Here!”
“What Are the Common Escape Routes?”
“The Better Way: Courageous Dependence.”
“Why Doesn’t Denial Work?”
“What’s Wrong with a Little Distraction?”
“What Good Comes from Deflecting and Destroying?”
“What Hope is There If I Just Want to Die?”
“There’s Light after Darkness.”
I’ve heard plenty of people say, “just go to your happy place.” This is an escape. A form of escape to a place in our minds. It is a way to escape from the drudgery, boredom, stress, suffering, and fears in this life. In reality, this is not healthy, and it is not the thought and place to retreat during a time of suffering, etc. To think of Jesus. To think of His Word. To think of His promises. To think of His attributes. These are healthy Christian thoughts.
So much of this book is splendid. And the following are reasons why I believe this:
“Mind renewing change. Romans 12:2. But we can ask for the wind of the Spirit to come and clear our vision and renew our mind. Turning to God for grace and forgiveness is the first step toward a clear mind and a clean heart. Then, Jesus enables us to draw ever closer to him as he changes us over time.”
For a “God-gifted change.” “Our basic plan.” Three steps are given that are concise and applicable.
This is a bullet point, concise type book. Easy to follow. Easy to understand the subject and themes. Great application helps.
From chapter four. “1. Trials Prove the Genuineness of Faith.” “2. Trials Make the Beauty of Faith Appear.” “3. Trials Purify and Increase Affection for Christ.”
I love the illustration of Christ our Savior fighting with and for us.
“Questions for Reflection” at the end of each chapter.
Chapter five is the perfect chapter to address our distracting social media era.
Chapter seven is a hard chapter to read because it is one of unease. It is using death as a form of escape.
A valuable letter written by the author’s wife. This is located in a later chapter. She has written the letter to those in despair.
One of my favorite take-aways from the book. “Rather than isolating from others, engage people with love.” This is from chapter seven.
Source: I received a complimentary e-book copy from New Growth Press. I am not required to write a positive review.
Audience: Readers of Christian growth. Recovery.
Rating: Excellent.
January 11, 2025
Based on "the way of escape" mentioned in 1 Corinthians 10:13, this book analyzes 4 common ways we pursue escape (denial, distraction, destruction, and death) from adversity, and teaches to instead follow Paul's directive to courageously depend on Christ when we yearn for a way out of our difficulties.
One of my favorite perspectives early in the pages of this one was when the author, Rush Witt, said that "At the very center of Christian courage stands not a principle or system but a Person, and this Person not only created the universe but intimately knows and loves each one of us." As I read that, it helped me visualize that, as a believer, I can go see the manager (so to speak) when things happen that I don't understand. I don't have to come up with a system or follow steps in a man-made program and blindly hope to get to a successful result.
Through a personal relationship with Christ, He's already made a way for me to communicate with Him when life becomes overwhelming from time to time: I can pray with humility, believe with Gospel hope, and act with courageous dependence (Chapter 1). The more I study Scripture and learn what He has promised to me, the easier it becomes for me to put all my faith in the fact that God is who He says He is. I love the quote shared in Chapter 4 from Dane Ortlund: "If you are in Christ, you have a Friend who, in your sorrow, will never lob down a pep talk from Heaven. He cannot bear to hold himself at a distance. Nothing can hold Him back. His heart is too bound up with yours."
This is a good book for anyone to read, because Jesus tells us in John 16:33, that we are going to have trouble. All of us. This book teaches the Biblical ways to escape from it.
One of my favorite perspectives early in the pages of this one was when the author, Rush Witt, said that "At the very center of Christian courage stands not a principle or system but a Person, and this Person not only created the universe but intimately knows and loves each one of us." As I read that, it helped me visualize that, as a believer, I can go see the manager (so to speak) when things happen that I don't understand. I don't have to come up with a system or follow steps in a man-made program and blindly hope to get to a successful result.
Through a personal relationship with Christ, He's already made a way for me to communicate with Him when life becomes overwhelming from time to time: I can pray with humility, believe with Gospel hope, and act with courageous dependence (Chapter 1). The more I study Scripture and learn what He has promised to me, the easier it becomes for me to put all my faith in the fact that God is who He says He is. I love the quote shared in Chapter 4 from Dane Ortlund: "If you are in Christ, you have a Friend who, in your sorrow, will never lob down a pep talk from Heaven. He cannot bear to hold himself at a distance. Nothing can hold Him back. His heart is too bound up with yours."
This is a good book for anyone to read, because Jesus tells us in John 16:33, that we are going to have trouble. All of us. This book teaches the Biblical ways to escape from it.
October 27, 2022
So you want to get away from it all? In Rush Witt’s newest release, I Want to Escape: Reaching Out for Hope When Life Gets Too Much, explores this subject many feel often, but is not really talked about. Part of the Ask the Christian Counselor series from New Growth Press, I Want to Escape delves into the varying levels of wanting to escape from life. From the basic, I just need to get away from life for a little bit to the feeling of wanting to escape permanently, Mr. Witt brings Biblical knowledge and counseling expertise to the subject—as well as personal family experience. Using the theme of “Courageous Dependence” throughout, Mr. Witt takes the reader on the journey through the various levels of wanting to escape and using “Courageous Dependence” on God to get the reader through life. Mr. Witt also lets us know that even though we may want to escape, Jesus is there wanting to go through life with us. The author explains through the term “Courageous Dependence” that when we feel the need to escape or feel that life is too difficult, that is when we need to lean into Jesus the most and depend on Him–that shows courage.
Everyone wants to escape at one point or another and I am thankful that there is a book like I Want to Escape: Reaching Out for Hope When Life Gets Too Much out there. I love how Mr. Witt lets the reader know that it is ok and a normal life experience to want to escape from life. The examples that were given to describe different levels of wanting to escape are realistic to the type of escape being described. I appreciate and am thankful that the Witt family shared their testimony of wanting to escape and how Jesus brings the Witt family through it. I love the Scripture that was used throughout the book and how the way it was written truly does give you Hope through wanting to escape. I appreciate I Want to Escape: Reaching Out for Hope When Life Gets Too Much‘s message and the comfort that is told in the book–that Jesus wants to go through life with us even if we want to escape it at times. I highly recommend I Want to Escape: Reaching Out for Hope When Life Gets Too Much, especially if you are in the mental health field or in Ministry and definitely if at some time in your life you have wanted to escape. It’s definitely worth a second read!
My review is also on my blog, Leslie's Library Escape.
Everyone wants to escape at one point or another and I am thankful that there is a book like I Want to Escape: Reaching Out for Hope When Life Gets Too Much out there. I love how Mr. Witt lets the reader know that it is ok and a normal life experience to want to escape from life. The examples that were given to describe different levels of wanting to escape are realistic to the type of escape being described. I appreciate and am thankful that the Witt family shared their testimony of wanting to escape and how Jesus brings the Witt family through it. I love the Scripture that was used throughout the book and how the way it was written truly does give you Hope through wanting to escape. I appreciate I Want to Escape: Reaching Out for Hope When Life Gets Too Much‘s message and the comfort that is told in the book–that Jesus wants to go through life with us even if we want to escape it at times. I highly recommend I Want to Escape: Reaching Out for Hope When Life Gets Too Much, especially if you are in the mental health field or in Ministry and definitely if at some time in your life you have wanted to escape. It’s definitely worth a second read!
My review is also on my blog, Leslie's Library Escape.
November 7, 2022
We all have a tendency to avoid the challenges of life and to choose what seems to be an easier path. Witt is honest and compassionate as he explores the many reasons and ways we try to escape. Yet, he calls us to a better way - a courageous dependence on God in midst of our challenges.
He proposes a three-fold plan moving forwards: pray with humility, believe with gospel hope, and act with courageous dependence. This plan is applied over following chapters to the four main escape routes that people take: denial, distraction, deflect & destroy, and desiring death.
Witt finishes with the reminder that “after darkness, there is light”. We have hope in Christ, he walks with us, and so we turn to him in prayer, we believe the gospel, and we act, trusting in him to be alongside us as we walk the difficult path.
A gospel-focussed, short and instructive book that helps people to identify their own escapes and avoidances, and encourages a more fruitful path.
For a more detailed review - see https://musingsinadelaide.blogspot.co...
He proposes a three-fold plan moving forwards: pray with humility, believe with gospel hope, and act with courageous dependence. This plan is applied over following chapters to the four main escape routes that people take: denial, distraction, deflect & destroy, and desiring death.
Witt finishes with the reminder that “after darkness, there is light”. We have hope in Christ, he walks with us, and so we turn to him in prayer, we believe the gospel, and we act, trusting in him to be alongside us as we walk the difficult path.
A gospel-focussed, short and instructive book that helps people to identify their own escapes and avoidances, and encourages a more fruitful path.
For a more detailed review - see https://musingsinadelaide.blogspot.co...
July 8, 2023
If you are looking for a quick 8 chapters in a book, leading you to try to find your paths back to Christ, instead of trying to escape when life is too much, try this very small book by Rush Witt, a certified Biblical counselor and lead pastor. It is part of a series “ask the Christian counselor”. Each chapter has a modern example , like Joni Tada, and a no nonsense help to send you back to a full life. I can’t fault the book and it’s content but I didn’t find enough meat in the chapters to lead me to buy the book. Its’s 105 pages for $10 were too short and sweet. I preferred “Safe all along” 254 pages for $22, a memoir and self help also. Both books were scripturally strong. Each chapter ended with 3 questions for reflection and asks you to make a personal application. Good quotes from great Christian authors are sprinkled across the book so if you just want a quick fix, here it is.
December 20, 2022
No matter who we are or what we experience, we’re all tempted toward escape to deal with the hurts and difficulties of life. In this insightful book, Rush Witt gently confronts our errant beliefs and wisely counsels our hearts to look to Jesus, the only truly safe place to hide.
January 15, 2023
Best book I have read on escapism and turning from earthly pleasures and addictions to the only spiritual help in Christ Jesus. Through many examples and quotes and questions and even a couple journaling prompts, Rush Witt explains beautifully and poignantly the necessity of Christ for every need!
September 20, 2025
I loved this little book!
“Sometimes life is just very hard and it seems there is no relief from the pain, stress or trouble. If you are here or know someone who is here, this wonderful little book will be a balm to your soul.”
“Sometimes life is just very hard and it seems there is no relief from the pain, stress or trouble. If you are here or know someone who is here, this wonderful little book will be a balm to your soul.”
October 18, 2022
Helpful little book.
July 22, 2023
Another great counseling resource.
May 4, 2023
4.5 but rounding up to 5 stars.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews