Surrender: a true modern-day Jonah story

by Eliza Edwards, Francis Chan (Foreword)

Eliza takes you on a fascinating journey into the Middle East and into her heart. Laugh, cry, hope and even feel despair in this frank account of a woman's struggle to trust God in a foreign, dangerous, and unpredictable region. Experience her joy as she lets go of the life that she clung onto so tightly, only to receive life more abundantly than she could ever have imagined.

Genres: Christian

303 pages, Paperback

Published December 5, 2021

Reviews

[Heather Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Living surrendered to whatever, wherever, in whatever language, in whatever capacity for His glory is the only way to live.”

What does it mean to live an abundant life? This book is a beautiful example of what the Lord can do when we surrender everything to His will for our lives. I laughed and I cried. It thoroughly encouraged and deeply challenged me! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

[Anna Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is wonderful, a very honest story of a family’s faithfulness in the Middle East. I admire the way that Eliza continuously gave up her life out of love for God, a must read for sure

[Heather Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

READ THIS BOOK!!!!!!! Amazing story that brings glory to our beautiful Savior. You have probably heard me talk about this woman before - so deeply encouraged by her and her family. Thank you @ Mary for this treasure!

[Mary Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone conscious of their own comfort ought to read this book!!!

No fitter title than “surrender” - key theme here of Edwards’ continual laying down of her comforts, deeper and deeper and deeper, from living the American dream to surrendering to living for the lost in the Middle East.

This book is not stuffy, but full of fresh air of honesty. Edwards does not come off as any holier than thou follower of a harder path, but is refreshingly honest. In a way that reads “whoa, if SHE can live like this, maybe I can too”…

The story of this family has changed my life. More deeply than I can say!

[Rachel Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredibly honest account of living a life of surrender. 5 stars!

[Kingslee · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO ENCOURAGING TO ME ! Had me in tears at the end because of the Lord’s faithfulness. Edwards is brutally honest with her fears and hopes and the trials throughout the 20 years in Lebanon. Please read guys. Top 5 favorite books for sure.

[Sarah Schulz · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh my word i loved this book so much. basically this woman who is living the “christian american dream” is presented with the fact that her husband feels God is calling their family to Lebanon. Eliza is so straight up in this book, and just put words to so many feelings i’ve had since moving overseas. the main pulse through the whole book though is the tremendous kindness and deep goodness of God and it’s phenomenal to get to read. eliza writes in a way where you truly feel like you are experiencing life alongside her family. incredible!!!

[Adam Filkowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book. Every Christian with some passion for the lost should read.

[Kaitlin Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing!!!! Eliza is so honest and real and tells it how it is. Her story spurs me on to live a life “abandoned for Jesus” as she calls it.

[Leigh Ann Dunn · Rating 4 out of 5]

My son who is in ministry recommended this book to me and I loved it. Learning about Eliza’s many surrenders throughout the book really made me think about what I need to surrender myself. So much of what she had to lay down of her own flesh in order to be obedient to God as a missionary in the Middle East is exactly what I need to lay down of my own flesh to be obedient to God. I appreciated her honesty and found that I didn’t want to put the book down. I wanted to read more about her life and the miracles and how God spoke to her. Highly recommend.

[Haley Auten · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m struggling to know what to even say besides so good, so rich, so deep. I feel empowered and deeply encouraged getting to read the story of someone on the other side of 20 years in an unreached nation. Only a few years in myself, I relate to so many of the “first few years” of surrender that is shared. Although some may think it’s silly or materialistic, it’s really really real. Praising God for this story - He does incredible things with our “yes” and a life laid down

[Brian Barnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a lot of missionary biographies and this is one of my most favorite!! It’s a current tale of surrendering all to Christ, beautifully written, constantly challenging to the reader, and a wonderful honest insight into the struggle of the heart/mind of Eliza as she surrenders all to Christ. I would recommend this to EVERY Christian to read!

[Emma Orlando · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly a beautiful story with God’s heart all over it. Finished in tears and awe over how good He is. A book that puts surrender and life overseas into perspective. A wonderful read and an easy read. EVERYBODY NEEDS TO READ.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eliza shares a great story of turning an entitled, self driven life into one truly surrendered to God’s will. This is an easy yet thought provoking read. It is encouraging and convicting. Highly recommend.

[Mira Felzien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t put it down!! Eliza’s writing is raw and real. She didn’t sugar coat the hard stuff and she has a great sense of humor. A beautiful story of a woman learning to submit and finding greater joy on the other side of surrender. Challenged my trust in the Lord over and over.

[Blake C Pfaff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible book!! Challenges you to lay down every right you think you have as a follower of Christ.
She writes in a very authentic way as she talks about her thoughts at various points in their story.
100% recommend

[Michael Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring story of God’s faithfulness in producing faithful followers. Eliza’s story is honest, challenging, and humbling. It’s full of deep sorrows and wonderful joy.

[Nathan Brandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super easy read. But really thought-provoking and encouraging!

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Compelling. Challenging. Relatable for anyone who has ever had trouble surrendering to the Lord. Highly recommend this book!

[Katie Filkowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

So inspiring! One of the best books I have ever read !