Reading, “Stronger” by Jimy Daly, the following scripture kept coming back to me:
33 partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated; 34 for you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven. 35 Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. 36 For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:
(Hebrews 10:33-36, New King James Version)
I really connected with not just the personal ancedotes that is shared throughout the book, but the message of hope and perserverance that prevails through out this indeed, “strong” and challenging book that has us look at life’s trials with a heavenly perspective.
As Dale writes,”Daly states, “If we believe in a big God, one who is mighty enough to create the universe and every living creature in it, who is still actively making miracles and involved in our lives today, we possess a powerful hope. No matter how traumatic or tragic our circumstances, we know that anything is possible if it’s in His will. We ask for the Lord’s intervention in the great and minute issues of our lives, understanding that His power is unlimited.”, this is such a powerful reminder that there is nothing too big for our Father in Heaven can handle.
As I read “Stronger” it was difficult not to think in the back of my mind, this would be so great to have a study guide with and this is a great book to recommend to loved ones and friends, particularly in today’s world where tragedy and tribulation seems to be around the corner.
Some of the questions that Jim shares in his book, “Stronger” that he has asked himself are questions that we must have asked ourselves in the dark of the night, while on our knees crying and in prayer, “Is great weakness the essential ingredient to discovering great strength?”,”Have we missed this message somehow?”
In “Stronger” Jim Daly strives and often succeeds in answering these questions while offering stories of hope and encouragement that when life is at its hardest or darkest, our Father is at His strongest for us.
“Stronger” hit close to home for me as there have been days, when I too have asked myself the same questions of “When you wish you didn’t feel more helpess than a bug on your back?” or maybe you have felt like,”When you wish you were Superman or Wonder Woman instead of plain ,ol’ pint sized “me”?”
This book is a reminder of the great faith of Job, when abandon, villify and alone, he held on to his trust and faith in our Father in Heaven and was rewarded, not for being a king, or popular, or anybody, but for being a nobody that held strong.
We’ve all had days like that when we felt, “Why me Lord, why?” and “Stronger” is a reminder that what we feel is broken can be traded for “Unbreakable Strength”.
If you’re having a bad day, maybe you know of someone who feels insignficant or overwhelm by life’s circumstances…this is the book for you to either read or recommend to that person you know.
“Stronger” is a great reminder that we are not forgotten and He will see us through no matter what life throws at us.