Overcoming Life's Challenges: Lessons from the Life of Joseph

by Bill Crowder

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Is the theme of this book.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christianity, Christian

72 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Bill Crowder, who spent over twenty years in pastoral ministry, is vice president of ministry content at ODB Ministries. He is a contributor to Our Daily Bread and the author of five books, including The Spotlight on Faith, Singing the Songs of the Brokenhearted, and The Path of His Passion. He and his wife, Marlene, have five children.

Reviews

[Ruthie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book to help remind us that only God is in control and things will happen in His time not ours!

[Tivetshall Media · Rating 4 out of 5]

For me this was a great little refresher book. I am not sure if my assessment is true, however this felt like an expository sermon made into a book. It was laser-focused on the story of Joseph in the Bible. The author gave a wonderful look at how Joseph was dealt a bad hand in life but despite this he managed to keep level-headed and trust in God. It reminded me of an overlooked principle when reading the Bible: Don't read yourself into the story. Instead pull the meaning from the Bible and apply it to your walk with God. The book is great for people new to the faith, as well as seasoned saints.

~ Brother Caz

[Justin Parris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good little book about the life of Joseph. Enjoyed it.

[Kathleen Concannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book out a lot of things

[Dan Mingo · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good little book with some lessons from the life of Joseph. Worth the read.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book for free from Radio Bible Class (RBC's) Our Daily Bread, from one of their flyers. I've enjoyed reading Bill Crowder's devotionals in Our Daily Bread for some time.

This book had several insightful observations about the life of the Old Testament Joseph. My favorite quotes included

"It's interesting to note, however, that although Joseph had been sold into slavery, he is the only one who is not described in the text as being troubled."

"How easy it would have been for him to become embittered and hate-filled (like his brothers). But that didn't happen."

"He didn't mourn his disappointment but became useful where he was."

"These convictions were learned in the presence of God."

"He didn't flirt with sin, argue with it, or reason with it. He fled from it."

"Because he trusted God, he also knew that he was not forgotten."

"He could be consumed with his own grief, or he could become concerned with the suffering of others."

"... making sure they knew that it was God who deserved the credit."

"There is great danger in seeking spiritual answers in the wrong places."

"Godly character is unaffected by the harsh circumstances of life."

"No man can at the same time prove that he is clever and that Jesus Christ is might to save." James Denney

"The ultimate lesson Joseph had learned through slavery, imprisonment, and mistreatment was that God is in control. He had learned to rest in the sovereignty and faithfulness of God."

The only downside to this book was that it didn't include the scripture itself, but paraphrased and referenced it. That made me feel like I wasn't listening to God, but to the author - not a bad thing, but it would have been nice to do both.

[Ika · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really blessed by this book. I thank to God that He accompany me reading this book. Overcoming Life's Challenges describe brieftly how God is working on Joseph's life. He never abandon him. Joseph has the right attitude of following God. Thus makes him loved by God. He is faithful. He trus God more than any man ever do. This book explain what attitude should we show when we face challenges. I give two thumbs up and five star for this book.

[Yazmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life is filled with disappointments and loss . That's just and inescapable fact . But we can be over comers by refusing to become self absorbed and self centered . Instead of wasting our energy in self pity , we can invest our time in meeting the needs of others .

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lessons from the Life of Joseph, son of Jacob, son of Abraham. This book talks of lessons through pain and patience for the good times will eventually come.

[Pete · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent summary of Joseph and the challenges he faced. Remained God-focused throughout difficulties and his maturity grew in accordance with a God-focused direction and life.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great devotional from one of the "Our Daily Bread" contributors

[Sandra Eggleston · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was ok. However, it is based on the lessons of the life of Joseph (Bible). To me, reading that section in the bible would work just as well.

[Kimmie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"One of the great joys -- and challenges -- of life is to look expectantly for the hand of God in all of life's circumstances." "Joseph expressed his faith and gave the glory to God."

[Shelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this short book from Our Daily Bread. While I know the story of Joseph and his brothers really well this book helped me see it in a new light. Joseph may not have gone through as many trials as Job, but we can still learn on how he was able to overcome his challenges to attempt to overcome our own.