Tempered Steel: How God Shaped a Man's Heart Through Adversity

by Steve Farrar

Men's conference speaker and bestselling author Steve Farrar takes readers through the Psalms to see how David endured crushing pressure and fiery trials and emerged a great man, shaped by the hand of God. Men facing difficult challenges in life will relate to chapters on Depression, Betrayal, When Your Family Is Falling Apart, Living With a Bad Decision, Living With Your Critics, and When Your Career Is Interrupted. Farrar encouragingly illustrates how David depended on God to overcome the same sins and trials -- still remaining "a man after God's own heart."

Genres: Audiobook, Faith, Christian

265 pages, Paperback

First published March 2, 2002

About the author

Steve Farrar is the founder of Men’s Leadership Ministries. He holds a Master’s degree from Western Seminary, and an earned doctorate from Dallas Theological Seminary. Steve is the author of the best-selling book, Point Man: How a Man Can Lead His Family, God Built, Battle Ready, and True Courage. Steve Farrar resides in Texas with his family.

Reviews

[Arvin Chandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very wonderful guidebook for Godly men anywhere. It helps me understand the current trial I'm currently in, and the faith that God is 'processing' and shaping me in an incredible way. Although painful, I understand that God's plans is to prosper and bless us, and most importantly, is to conform us into His image.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book for all men to read!

[Schu · Rating 2 out of 5]

Used as a small group discussion book. Some decent lessons to learn and thoughtful insights for men. Main complaint was that it was overly political in arenas which I highly disagreed with the author.

[Jared Donis · Rating 3 out of 5]

The message is obvious, but Farrar’s reminder is important. I enjoyed the lessons from history and the scriptures. The writing styles of Farrar is not that appealing. He gets the job done, true, but his prose is somehow lacks in literary flavor. It doesn’t capture you. Many paragraphs feel like they are just transcriptions of his sermons. Moreover, in many instances, the author provides long and unnecessary commentaries on well-known stories. Typical case in point: the story of David. Another huge concern is his political stance. We could debate about Lincoln, but portraying George W. Bush as he did is just beyond me. I lost him there. Sadly, his political stance and the length he goes to justify it cripples the strength of the book’s message.

Anyway, moving on, this book was published in 2002, so he must have made improvements since then. I haven’t read his recent works. This is my first. Nevertheless, the important thing is that this book, despite the weaknesses I saw, was truly helpful. He’s got very insightful advice presented in very encouraging words. For those who pay attention, this book holds great exhortation. I am thankful for that.

For the rating, 2.5 or 3 stars tops!

[JW van der Merwe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A difficult book to read. But nevertheless a good book. The message basically is that life as you want it might not happen as you want it to be. But there is God and you can go through trouble and it could be as likwe a war - an attitude that God will help you through it and you will become a better person. It uses David's life as well as the American history, politicians and his own life to show that you endure far more as a testimony to God's goodness. It stick with truth and integrity. It ends with the biggest battlefiled for men especially - stay married! Be good to your wife. Be a man. This is war!

[Joseph Pitt · Rating 3 out of 5]

So this book was dated by the time I read it (It is from 2001) and while some principles were very timely some had not aged well or had well past aged. There were a couple of instances of lost cause ideology trying to seep through as righteousness...

Other than that. Solid book on forging faith in trials.

[Brent Soderstrum · Rating 4 out of 5]

My men's Bible study group has gone through this book twice in the last 8 years. The topics hit home for guys and the questions in the back for each chapter opened up the group to talk about things that guys don't normally feel comfortable talking about.

Even if you aren't reading this book as a group it is great for individuals. Good to see that God uses tough times we go through to shape us to be the men He wants us to be.

[Barry Karschner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book on how to be a man and go through the tough times in life when God is working overtime on making you into a real man throuhg adversity

[Glenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent book from Steve Farrar - title sums the book up with lots of helpful information - recommend reading