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A Resilient Life: You Can Move Ahead No Matter What
“It makes little difference how fast you can run the 100 meters when the race is 400 meters long. Life is not a sprint; it is a distance run, and it demands the kind of conditioning that enables people to go the distance.”—Gordon MacDonald Running Strong Whose heart doesn’t leap at the sight of a beautifullyconditioned runner, effortlessly gliding along, stride-bystride, mile-by-mile? And what runner gets to this place without a thankless—and often lonely—regimen of strategy and self-denial? Isn’t this the perfect metaphor of what your heart is longing for—running life’s race with intentionality and grace? With strength and focus? Well, you can. Veteran pastor and best-selling author Gordon MacDonald says you must develop resilience—the courage and ability to get up when you fall, to keep running when you’re bone-weary, and to keep your eye on the goal even in the murkiest moments. Using the backdrop of his own experiences as a champion runner, MacDonald demonstrates how resilient people Because he has also run many long, punishing laps in the tough race of life, MacDonald is uniquely qualified to coach and encourage you in developing that resilient spirit—to weather adversity, to finish what you start, and to never be satisfied with anything short of God’s best for you.
272 pages, Paperback
First published February 29, 2000
118 people are currently reading
749 people want to read
About the author
Gordon MacDonald
112 books121 followersGordon MacDonald has been a pastor and author for over forty years. For many years he pastored Grace Chapel in Lexington, Massacusetts and continues to serve as Pastor Emertius. He has also provided leadership to influential ministries such as Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, which he served as President for three years, and World Relief, which he currently serves as Chairman. Gordon’s best-selling books include Ordering Your Private World, Mid-Course Correction and, most recently, A Resilient Life. He also writes and serves as Editor-at-Large for Christianity Today’s Leadership Journal. When not writing, leading or speaking at conferences, Gordon and his wife Gail can be found hiking the trails of New England.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
January 10, 2013
I picked up this book during a season of feeling defeated and aimless. I believe this book helped me get back on track after my husband and I resigned from a ministry position. It just so happened that I read it before I learned of a miscarriage and this book helped me to see that difficult time as a season to gain wisdom from, etc. I am a runner, so I really connected to the author because of his memoir entangled in the story of being a competitive runner in his college years. I particularly liked the questions that we ask in each decade of our life. I found this most helpful in examining and analyzing my life where it is at currently and being encouraged to grow as a person.
September 3, 2025
If you are at a turning point in your life, you might find A Resilient Life by Gordon MacDonald helpful. Based on lessons taught to him by a former running coach, MacDonald comes up with several characteristics of resiliency and ways to incorporate them into your life.
It is a thoughtful, helpful, and interesting book using scripture and anecdotes to get his points across. Though MacDonald tells some of his own life, the stories he tells are not the ones that make him look good. His writing is humble, pointing out resilient people he has known and people in history. I read this book several years ago and found it well worth rereading.
It is a thoughtful, helpful, and interesting book using scripture and anecdotes to get his points across. Though MacDonald tells some of his own life, the stories he tells are not the ones that make him look good. His writing is humble, pointing out resilient people he has known and people in history. I read this book several years ago and found it well worth rereading.
September 18, 2012
Parts of me want to dismiss a book like this.
The parts of me that are inclined to legalism rather than grace see a potential point of confusion here, as the author tells us the practices, the qualities, the relationships, the heart-attitudes that build a life-time of Christian resilience. It would be easy to mistake this, then as a list of what I must do in my own strength. Best avoided, then. Out of sight, out of mind. Safer for all of us.
The parts of me that exude a snobbish disregard for sepia-tinged sentimentality want to dismiss the flashbacks and analogies to the author's youthful exploits in running. Yes, it's artfully, beautifully even, written. But it's all a bit 'Dead Poets Society', a bit Mum and apple pie. This is cultural, not eternal. So that's OK. I need not worry about this too much.
The parts of me that say 'you, author, do not know what I've been through; let me tell you about resilience'. Those parts want to claim wisdom and superiority, achievement and medals in my own image. They want to say - what you say is valid, but I've learnt my own lessons, thank you.
There's elements of truth in all those concerns. Like all the best lies.
Because, you see, like all of MacDonald's writing, this book is hammered out on the anvil of bitter personal experience. Here's a man who's learned that of which he writes, and is still learning.
There's life in the words, the stories, the lessons in this book. Whatever the temptations otherwise, these are words, stories, lessons you miss at your peril.
The parts of me that are inclined to legalism rather than grace see a potential point of confusion here, as the author tells us the practices, the qualities, the relationships, the heart-attitudes that build a life-time of Christian resilience. It would be easy to mistake this, then as a list of what I must do in my own strength. Best avoided, then. Out of sight, out of mind. Safer for all of us.
The parts of me that exude a snobbish disregard for sepia-tinged sentimentality want to dismiss the flashbacks and analogies to the author's youthful exploits in running. Yes, it's artfully, beautifully even, written. But it's all a bit 'Dead Poets Society', a bit Mum and apple pie. This is cultural, not eternal. So that's OK. I need not worry about this too much.
The parts of me that say 'you, author, do not know what I've been through; let me tell you about resilience'. Those parts want to claim wisdom and superiority, achievement and medals in my own image. They want to say - what you say is valid, but I've learnt my own lessons, thank you.
There's elements of truth in all those concerns. Like all the best lies.
Because, you see, like all of MacDonald's writing, this book is hammered out on the anvil of bitter personal experience. Here's a man who's learned that of which he writes, and is still learning.
There's life in the words, the stories, the lessons in this book. Whatever the temptations otherwise, these are words, stories, lessons you miss at your peril.
April 8, 2014
The book A Resilient Life by Gordon Macdonald is about possessing and maintaining spiritual qualities that will help individuals persevere in adversity. I just want to say that this book was a fantastic read! The author highlights the value of having been coached in his life, and therefore writes in the perspective of coaching everyone who will read his book. He says, “In the great race of life, there are some Christ-followers who stand out from all the rest…They seem to possess these spiritual qualities – They are committed to finishing strong. They are inspired by a big-picture view of life. They run free of the weight of the past. They run confidently, trained to go the distance. They run in the company of a ‘happy few’ (vii).” The remainder of the book largely breaks down these five qualities backed by personal experiences and scripture references.
Macdonald writes in a way that is sensitive to understanding the difficulties in life, which can derail, distract, and oftentimes destroy people who are trying to stay strong in the Lord. The analogy that the author uses consistently throughout his book is about training for excellence that his cross-country coach instilled in him in high school. The author writes about how he felt the desire to settle for a lower standard, but his coach pushed him and this created principles to live by in all areas of life. Personally, for me while I get and can even appreciate this analogy – I was never into sports, so the metaphor falls short. Although, I do try to hold myself to high academic standards, I feel there are times when it is okay to settle in life. If one holds high standards – burn out is inevitable.
Macdonald uses another analogy one that life is a “great race.” I have a challenging time with this only because I find myself to be the least competitive person alive. I know that his intention is not about life being a competition, but the first thoughts that come to me upon hearing this is that all of life is a competition. I will admit that I know the New Testament references life as a race one must finish strong. This is in regards to spiritual temptations, fleshly temptations, and worldly temptations. I admit as a ‘missionary in training’ to view life as a race to be won then perhaps this analogy seems to fit better. I am in a race to ‘win souls’ for the Kingdom of God and in the end my hope is that the Father tells me, “Well done, Good and Faithful Servant.”
Macdonald goes into detail about the five principles of a Christian who is living a “Resilient life,” but I am only going to touch on some of them. First, “Resilient people are committed to finishing strong.” MacDonald says, “Resilience for us has, in most cases, more to do with lasting and thriving in the spiritual way in the second half of life (19).” This quote was excellent because for me, finishing strong can have many meanings: ending life strong, ending a project strong, etc. This is perhaps about long term goals and how the now affects the later. Not many people think this way – it was a great reminder.
Second, “Resilient people are inspired by a big picture of life.” I personally am someone who is detail oriented. The big picture scares me. However, Macdonald makes the big picture attainable because he breaks it down into a detail oriented manner. He says, “They have a sense of life direction…They begin with the biggest possible picture of things they hear God speaking into their lives…and live each day in pursuit of that big picture (42, 45).” This is exactly how I live my life. I know the dreams God has placed in my heart and I take small daily steps to achieve them.
Third, “Resilient people run free from the weight of the past.” This section was great and emphasized all that I believe about processing through the past in order to live healthy today. Macdonald says, “We keep memories in a state of good repair lest unhealthy ones gain control of today’s attitudes and behaviors…If our memories are filled with unresolved issues, then our resilience is diminished (106).” Resilient people ask “What is to be learned here? Why was there success or failure? Where does this lead? The resilient person is a reflective person (136).” I believe that it is only through looking at the past that we can heal and not relive it today. I loved this section and whole-heartily agree.
Forth, “Resilient people train to go the distance…to have self-mastery.” This particular chapter was so great. I feel like I could quote everything the author said. My favorite thing was Macdonald wrote about emotions, as I work daily to understand and properly express my emotions in every circumstance of life. He wrote, “They harness their emotions…and act when their emotions are an accurate reflection of the moment…It is a fact that every time a man feels a noble impulse without taking action, he becomes less likely ever to take action (152-180).” Additionally in this chapter, the author talked about one’s ego. I appreciated that entire section because the sin of pride so easily entangles us and drives us to comment other sins on our way to destruction.
Lastly, “Resilient people run in the company of a ‘happy few’.” In this chapter, Macdonald emphasized having small intimate inner circles of friends. These people walk through life with us and enable us to live resiliently. I agreed on all his basic premises for this chapter. I think it is important to keep Christ centered and then allow only those few into the special place in your life – for accountability, prayer, and support. I find myself one of these people who love to know everyone, but only allow trustworthy individuals into the sacred places of my being. This is for protection purposes as well as for bettering myself and them.
Macdonald writes in a way that is sensitive to understanding the difficulties in life, which can derail, distract, and oftentimes destroy people who are trying to stay strong in the Lord. The analogy that the author uses consistently throughout his book is about training for excellence that his cross-country coach instilled in him in high school. The author writes about how he felt the desire to settle for a lower standard, but his coach pushed him and this created principles to live by in all areas of life. Personally, for me while I get and can even appreciate this analogy – I was never into sports, so the metaphor falls short. Although, I do try to hold myself to high academic standards, I feel there are times when it is okay to settle in life. If one holds high standards – burn out is inevitable.
Macdonald uses another analogy one that life is a “great race.” I have a challenging time with this only because I find myself to be the least competitive person alive. I know that his intention is not about life being a competition, but the first thoughts that come to me upon hearing this is that all of life is a competition. I will admit that I know the New Testament references life as a race one must finish strong. This is in regards to spiritual temptations, fleshly temptations, and worldly temptations. I admit as a ‘missionary in training’ to view life as a race to be won then perhaps this analogy seems to fit better. I am in a race to ‘win souls’ for the Kingdom of God and in the end my hope is that the Father tells me, “Well done, Good and Faithful Servant.”
Macdonald goes into detail about the five principles of a Christian who is living a “Resilient life,” but I am only going to touch on some of them. First, “Resilient people are committed to finishing strong.” MacDonald says, “Resilience for us has, in most cases, more to do with lasting and thriving in the spiritual way in the second half of life (19).” This quote was excellent because for me, finishing strong can have many meanings: ending life strong, ending a project strong, etc. This is perhaps about long term goals and how the now affects the later. Not many people think this way – it was a great reminder.
Second, “Resilient people are inspired by a big picture of life.” I personally am someone who is detail oriented. The big picture scares me. However, Macdonald makes the big picture attainable because he breaks it down into a detail oriented manner. He says, “They have a sense of life direction…They begin with the biggest possible picture of things they hear God speaking into their lives…and live each day in pursuit of that big picture (42, 45).” This is exactly how I live my life. I know the dreams God has placed in my heart and I take small daily steps to achieve them.
Third, “Resilient people run free from the weight of the past.” This section was great and emphasized all that I believe about processing through the past in order to live healthy today. Macdonald says, “We keep memories in a state of good repair lest unhealthy ones gain control of today’s attitudes and behaviors…If our memories are filled with unresolved issues, then our resilience is diminished (106).” Resilient people ask “What is to be learned here? Why was there success or failure? Where does this lead? The resilient person is a reflective person (136).” I believe that it is only through looking at the past that we can heal and not relive it today. I loved this section and whole-heartily agree.
Forth, “Resilient people train to go the distance…to have self-mastery.” This particular chapter was so great. I feel like I could quote everything the author said. My favorite thing was Macdonald wrote about emotions, as I work daily to understand and properly express my emotions in every circumstance of life. He wrote, “They harness their emotions…and act when their emotions are an accurate reflection of the moment…It is a fact that every time a man feels a noble impulse without taking action, he becomes less likely ever to take action (152-180).” Additionally in this chapter, the author talked about one’s ego. I appreciated that entire section because the sin of pride so easily entangles us and drives us to comment other sins on our way to destruction.
Lastly, “Resilient people run in the company of a ‘happy few’.” In this chapter, Macdonald emphasized having small intimate inner circles of friends. These people walk through life with us and enable us to live resiliently. I agreed on all his basic premises for this chapter. I think it is important to keep Christ centered and then allow only those few into the special place in your life – for accountability, prayer, and support. I find myself one of these people who love to know everyone, but only allow trustworthy individuals into the sacred places of my being. This is for protection purposes as well as for bettering myself and them.
August 5, 2016
This is the second book I've read by this author and I have to say - I LIKE him. He possesses a great deal of wisdom that shines through on every page. In an age where any and all 20 and 30 something year old Christian bloggers are writing books - its refreshing to come across an author with true depth. It is also apparent that he is a VERY well-read man. I admire that. I want to read more from this guy.
Here is just one quote from this book that I loved:
" Character is developed - for believers, anyways - when we let the Scripture inform us. We are what we permit to enter the deepest parts of our soul. A steady diet of television, cheap publications, and shallow literature will make us dreadfully inadequate people. A daily exposure to the Scripture and to literature that focuses on Scripture is a necessary part of the diet. "
Here is just one quote from this book that I loved:
" Character is developed - for believers, anyways - when we let the Scripture inform us. We are what we permit to enter the deepest parts of our soul. A steady diet of television, cheap publications, and shallow literature will make us dreadfully inadequate people. A daily exposure to the Scripture and to literature that focuses on Scripture is a necessary part of the diet. "
December 29, 2022
I’ve read this book a number of times over the past 15 years and its concepts have been some of the most important as I think about my own development, not to mention the development of my family, and the thousands of students, faculty, and staff that I’ve worked with over the years.
March 18, 2025
Great read. MacDonald makes very good points about how we need to be consistent in our walk to be able to push through and be resilient in the hard times. He puts great value on the people around us, those who really have an effect on our lives, those who linger without reason of cause. Those who do so just to be with us. He uses the analogy of running a race many times, as Paul does. Training for the race is the only way to live a resilient life in the long term.
October 2, 2024
Classic MacDonald. Very good!
February 18, 2016
Gordon MacDonald is a gifted writer. In this book, in which he celebrates the gift of a coach in his own life, he becomes a coach for all his readers who want their life to count for God. He says: “In the great race of life, there are some Christ-followers who stand out from all the rest…They seem to possess these spiritual qualities –
They are committed to finishing strong.
They are inspired by a big-picture view of life.
They run free of the weight of the past.
They run confidently, trained to go the distance.
They run in the company of a ‘happy few.’” (p. vii.)
MacDonalds’ book is devoted to helping Christians possess and maintain these five spiritual qualities. He shares openly and vulnerably from his own life, backing up his main points with numerous scriptural examples and quotes from a wide variety of writers. This gives the book relevance, depth and breadth.
MacDonald acknowledges the struggles and difficulties of life that can distract, derail or actually destroy those who do not have a resilient faith in Christ. He acknowledges the training and discipline required to develop the spiritual qualities he describes. In fact, the dominant metaphor in the book comes from his own rigorous training toward excellence demanded by his high school cross-country coach. Despite MacDonald’s own lapses and tendency to give up or settle for a lower standard, he admits he would not have become all he is (even 50 years later) without the principles the coach built into him. He says “The race of life is a race of distance, not a sprint. I must cultivate a spiritual life that covers the entire distance and never lose sight of the race leader, Jesus.” (p. xviii). This, he says, requires resilience.
His analogy of life as a “great race” is apt. Perhaps none know this more than missionaries and Christian workers who are not only dealing with the normal struggles of life but also with forces in the spiritual realm that buffet them and seek to pull them out of the race or impede their progress. Obedient Christians look to Christ as their leader, model and source of empowerment through the Holy Spirit. But they need resilience and strength from one another to press forward “and not allow the common adversities in one’s life to cripple or shrivel one’s soul” (p. 33). They need resilience. The Dictionary says resilience is the ability “to rebound readily when stretched, to be buoyant and cheerful.” Since life has many stretching and even wrenching experiences, this book is a must-read, especially for missionaries but also for all Christians who want to live a life that counts for God.
M.L. Codman-Wilson, Ph.D. 2/22/12
They are committed to finishing strong.
They are inspired by a big-picture view of life.
They run free of the weight of the past.
They run confidently, trained to go the distance.
They run in the company of a ‘happy few.’” (p. vii.)
MacDonalds’ book is devoted to helping Christians possess and maintain these five spiritual qualities. He shares openly and vulnerably from his own life, backing up his main points with numerous scriptural examples and quotes from a wide variety of writers. This gives the book relevance, depth and breadth.
MacDonald acknowledges the struggles and difficulties of life that can distract, derail or actually destroy those who do not have a resilient faith in Christ. He acknowledges the training and discipline required to develop the spiritual qualities he describes. In fact, the dominant metaphor in the book comes from his own rigorous training toward excellence demanded by his high school cross-country coach. Despite MacDonald’s own lapses and tendency to give up or settle for a lower standard, he admits he would not have become all he is (even 50 years later) without the principles the coach built into him. He says “The race of life is a race of distance, not a sprint. I must cultivate a spiritual life that covers the entire distance and never lose sight of the race leader, Jesus.” (p. xviii). This, he says, requires resilience.
His analogy of life as a “great race” is apt. Perhaps none know this more than missionaries and Christian workers who are not only dealing with the normal struggles of life but also with forces in the spiritual realm that buffet them and seek to pull them out of the race or impede their progress. Obedient Christians look to Christ as their leader, model and source of empowerment through the Holy Spirit. But they need resilience and strength from one another to press forward “and not allow the common adversities in one’s life to cripple or shrivel one’s soul” (p. 33). They need resilience. The Dictionary says resilience is the ability “to rebound readily when stretched, to be buoyant and cheerful.” Since life has many stretching and even wrenching experiences, this book is a must-read, especially for missionaries but also for all Christians who want to live a life that counts for God.
M.L. Codman-Wilson, Ph.D. 2/22/12
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October 16, 2012“It makes little difference how fast you can run the 100 meters when the race is 400 meters long. Life is not a sprint; it is a distance run, and it demands the kind of conditioning that enables people to go the distance.” — Gordon MacDonald
"Gordon MacDonald, a sixty-something pastor, offers a lifetime of wisdom in "A Resilient Life." Freely admitting that he was born with a "quitters gene," he credits the influence of his high school cross-country and track coach with helping him onto the road of resilience. MacDonald defines "resilience" as the "toughened condition of both the body and the mind" and goes on to describe many characteristics of a resilient person. Perhaps most importantly, MacDonald offers hope. He is a firm believer that the second half of life is when God often has people make their greatest contributions, and that we are called to serve well into our senior years. Even if one's life to date has been less than ideal, "the Christian worships a God who can (and does) take the life of any person, turn it inside out, and use it to build a piece of His kingdom."...... " - By Patrice Fagnant-MacArthur
"MacDonald offers sage advice to Christians in middle age and beyond, asserting that the greatest contributions God has for believers come during the second half of life. The prolific author and pastor tells how a high school track coach instilled values that laid the foundations for effective adult living. This wizened man taught the teenage MacDonald principles that have stayed with him for a lifetime: run with vision, look backward only to learn from mistakes, cling to self-discipline while giving distance to self-indulgence and find satisfaction in joining with others to make great things happen. MacDonald (Ordering Your Private World and The Life God Blesses) listened well to his mentor and sadly realized that he had inherited a "quitter's gene" from his family. In this book, he characterizes resiliency as being committed to consistently finishing strong. Those who nurture a big-picture view of life, he says, leave the weight of the past behind, discipline themselves to go the distance and run with a "happy few" who best embody the truest expression of lasting friendship. MacDonald's guide to embracing resiliency is especially practical as he describes running the entire life race with gusto, urging fellow Christians to enlarge their minds, harness their emotions and trim their egos. With a passionate yet humble voice, MacDonald's self-help guide is a classic, riveting read." From Publishers Weekly
"Gordon MacDonald, a sixty-something pastor, offers a lifetime of wisdom in "A Resilient Life." Freely admitting that he was born with a "quitters gene," he credits the influence of his high school cross-country and track coach with helping him onto the road of resilience. MacDonald defines "resilience" as the "toughened condition of both the body and the mind" and goes on to describe many characteristics of a resilient person. Perhaps most importantly, MacDonald offers hope. He is a firm believer that the second half of life is when God often has people make their greatest contributions, and that we are called to serve well into our senior years. Even if one's life to date has been less than ideal, "the Christian worships a God who can (and does) take the life of any person, turn it inside out, and use it to build a piece of His kingdom."...... " - By Patrice Fagnant-MacArthur
"MacDonald offers sage advice to Christians in middle age and beyond, asserting that the greatest contributions God has for believers come during the second half of life. The prolific author and pastor tells how a high school track coach instilled values that laid the foundations for effective adult living. This wizened man taught the teenage MacDonald principles that have stayed with him for a lifetime: run with vision, look backward only to learn from mistakes, cling to self-discipline while giving distance to self-indulgence and find satisfaction in joining with others to make great things happen. MacDonald (Ordering Your Private World and The Life God Blesses) listened well to his mentor and sadly realized that he had inherited a "quitter's gene" from his family. In this book, he characterizes resiliency as being committed to consistently finishing strong. Those who nurture a big-picture view of life, he says, leave the weight of the past behind, discipline themselves to go the distance and run with a "happy few" who best embody the truest expression of lasting friendship. MacDonald's guide to embracing resiliency is especially practical as he describes running the entire life race with gusto, urging fellow Christians to enlarge their minds, harness their emotions and trim their egos. With a passionate yet humble voice, MacDonald's self-help guide is a classic, riveting read." From Publishers Weekly
May 11, 2014
This is my third Gordon MacDonald book, and perhaps the one that I 'enjoyed' the most, as I read it in a matter of 8 days!
MacDonald's theme is living the resilient life, based on Hebrews 12:1-3, with the themes and ideas, both biblical, personal and practical, woven around his youthful experiences with his running coach, Marvin Goldberg.
It was a thoughtful and creative thinking read for me, and overall I really liked it. He groups his shortish chapters around a principle idea, such as, Part I: Resilient people are committed to finishing strong, and then the chapters deal with aspects of the principle idea, such as, They believe that quitting is not an option; They know that ;'walking' is not an option; They are convinced that building resilience is a daily pursuit; They despise aimlessness; They have the faces of champions. There are 5 sections and 28 chapters in all ... but it all rotates around the important life and resilient lessons he learned from individuals in his life.
Four ideas MacDonald develops in the book, which he learned from his athletics coach, are:
1. Resilient people run with a big picture of great possibilities in their hearts and minds;
2. Resilient people look backward and learn from yesterday's experiences;
3. Resilient people love self-discipline and are wary of the temptations of self-indulgence; and,
4. Resilient people are proud to be part of a team, a 'happy few', who are committed to making great things happen.
These may be applied in almost any and every situation in life, and will no doubt reap dividends.
A solid 4-star read.
MacDonald's theme is living the resilient life, based on Hebrews 12:1-3, with the themes and ideas, both biblical, personal and practical, woven around his youthful experiences with his running coach, Marvin Goldberg.
It was a thoughtful and creative thinking read for me, and overall I really liked it. He groups his shortish chapters around a principle idea, such as, Part I: Resilient people are committed to finishing strong, and then the chapters deal with aspects of the principle idea, such as, They believe that quitting is not an option; They know that ;'walking' is not an option; They are convinced that building resilience is a daily pursuit; They despise aimlessness; They have the faces of champions. There are 5 sections and 28 chapters in all ... but it all rotates around the important life and resilient lessons he learned from individuals in his life.
Four ideas MacDonald develops in the book, which he learned from his athletics coach, are:
1. Resilient people run with a big picture of great possibilities in their hearts and minds;
2. Resilient people look backward and learn from yesterday's experiences;
3. Resilient people love self-discipline and are wary of the temptations of self-indulgence; and,
4. Resilient people are proud to be part of a team, a 'happy few', who are committed to making great things happen.
These may be applied in almost any and every situation in life, and will no doubt reap dividends.
A solid 4-star read.
August 25, 2015
I've been reading this book off and on for the last 8 months. I'm glad I took it so slowly.
The basic tenet of the book is that the last 30-40 years of life are better (or matter more) than the first 40. Having just crested "the hill," I hope he is right.
This is a wisdom book, and should be read as such. It is saturated unapologetically with a biblical worldview from beginning to end, but you won't find any profound expositions of Scripture. That is not the purpose. It is full of challenging and cogent anecdotes.
Get this book for your son, daughter or friend in their mid-20s and then have them read it over the course of a year with a vivacious senior Christian. Then, re-read this book with a spouse or peer in your late 30s or early 40s.
Finally, read it one last time (God willing) in your 60s or 70s this time with a younger person in their 20s. Make it a mentoring thing.
The basic tenet of the book is that the last 30-40 years of life are better (or matter more) than the first 40. Having just crested "the hill," I hope he is right.
This is a wisdom book, and should be read as such. It is saturated unapologetically with a biblical worldview from beginning to end, but you won't find any profound expositions of Scripture. That is not the purpose. It is full of challenging and cogent anecdotes.
Get this book for your son, daughter or friend in their mid-20s and then have them read it over the course of a year with a vivacious senior Christian. Then, re-read this book with a spouse or peer in your late 30s or early 40s.
Finally, read it one last time (God willing) in your 60s or 70s this time with a younger person in their 20s. Make it a mentoring thing.
September 30, 2016
In order to get a high rating from me it would have to be the sort of book I might pick up and read again and/or insist someone else reads it too. Well, this one qualifies. I have come to read it at an extremely challenging season of life and it couldn't have been timelier. Some of the challenges this book left me with me, I am still mulling over a week after finishing.
I know the analogy of "running the race" is a well-worked theme, but the wisdom and experience that the coaching, discipling and running together aspect that comes out is salted with other biblical themes. Especially memorable are the challenging questions faced by each generation, the nurturing of gifts and the numbing questions on who those people are that love us, convict us, and we would want to grow old having a shared history with.
I know the analogy of "running the race" is a well-worked theme, but the wisdom and experience that the coaching, discipling and running together aspect that comes out is salted with other biblical themes. Especially memorable are the challenging questions faced by each generation, the nurturing of gifts and the numbing questions on who those people are that love us, convict us, and we would want to grow old having a shared history with.
April 12, 2015
Although I love sports, I think Christian devotional and popular level material abuses the sports metaphor far too much. That, and some really terrible exegesis, are my reasons for leaving two stars off my score. However, despite these things, I really enjoyed this book.
I read it at a time when I had gone through the toughest ministry experience of my life. MacDonald admits, in this book, to failures and difficulties he went through as well, and discusses the principles that helped him to move forward. It hit me exactly when I needed it, and for this reason, I enjoyed this far more than other "inspirational" Christian material. In a future struggle could see myself revisiting its pages for guidance.
I read it at a time when I had gone through the toughest ministry experience of my life. MacDonald admits, in this book, to failures and difficulties he went through as well, and discusses the principles that helped him to move forward. It hit me exactly when I needed it, and for this reason, I enjoyed this far more than other "inspirational" Christian material. In a future struggle could see myself revisiting its pages for guidance.
September 23, 2020
A light and encouraging read, this is a very conversational book with a lot of short stories and quotes. The author comes across quite humble and vulnerable and that makes it easier to hear his wisdom.
This is a worthwhile book for its gentle personal challenges, but little here added to my understanding.
This is a worthwhile book for its gentle personal challenges, but little here added to my understanding.
January 1, 2022
I found this somewhat of a disappointment after the very inspiring Ordering Your Private World. Almost a list of character traits and disciplines needed for a resilient life. I found the constant analogy of athletics gave it a somewhat driven feel: it could be taken as strive in your own strength. It was definitely aimed at an older audience and made me feel old reading it! Nevertheless it contained much in the way of wisdom, honesty and integrity.
February 7, 2015
I've found a new spiritual father in Gordon MacDonald. After spending a few days under his teaching at a pastor's retreat, I picked up this book to continue to marinate in MacDonald's wisdom. He's done what nobody else has: gotten me to value discipline and resilience. Don't get me wrong, I've found discipline necessary and have practiced discipline(s), but I've not VALUED discipline. This work has helped shape me, and will continue to shape the way I order my life over the coming years.
December 21, 2007
This book read like many leadership-style books, containing a laundry list of traits that we should adopt for our lives. And I struggled to find the connection between many of these core traits and Resiliency. Plus, I have a predisposition against MacDonald's overuse of athlete metaphors. However, I still treasure the author's original classic, 'Ordering Your Private World'.
July 22, 2010
Reading A Resilient Life feels like a sagely grandfather sitting across from you and sharing his treasure of wisdom. As a young man, I appreciated the chapter on the questions you ask at different stages of life. The running metaphor didn't add much to the book for me. MacDonald's thoughts and reflections were worth their wait in gold.
August 15, 2014
This book was a gift given during a time when my husband and I were having some really tough challenges. The book helped me to keep my eyes on the big picture. Felt like a life preserver thrown when I was tempted to give up and "go negative." It helped me to reflect and act rather than react. I'm very thankful that Gordon MacDonald wrote this!
August 15, 2007
great book. he basically goes thru the book and says what it takes to persevere in our walks with jesus. the chapters are short but what he says is impactful. this is not max lucado fluff. a lot of runner analogies.
February 23, 2008
I read this book at a time when I felt like giving up. It inspired me to endure and be resilient and helped me through.
It's a good book for individuals who were involved in sports as the author uses a lot of analogies with his high school track career.
It's a good book for individuals who were involved in sports as the author uses a lot of analogies with his high school track career.
June 26, 2008
Gordon MacDonald is one of my favorite Christian authors. He is not on the popular list now. While a Protestant, he has read the Catholic classics and incorporates them into his books. This book is really good. I would recommend all of his books.
September 2, 2008
Of course, I totally identified with the running metaphors. I read this as a devotional and it was a good set of reminders of how your life should be shaped. I started this book when my life motivation seemed low.
December 27, 2014
An outstanding book to read no matter what stage of life you are at. He has some characteristics of people at various ages and they are spot on. His advice throughout the book is excellent. I read this on a personal spiritual retreat and I'm still impacted by his words.
December 31, 2016
Insightful, convicting, motivating--in particular because I read it at a milestone birthday. From the book, "One of the saddest experiences is to awaken at old age and discover that one has been using only a small part of oneself." Pg. 28
November 7, 2007
this is a fabulous book! i recommend it for anyone feeling stuck in life that wants a challenge. i could spend years applying pieces of this book in my life.
December 4, 2007
appreciated the sport analogies. loved his heart and how he loves people.
October 3, 2008
a very solid book that has a lot of good points. but the most compelling aspect of the book is the fact that it instills in you the desire to live a resilient life to the very end.
November 8, 2008
I wrote a page of notes - each chapter is devoted to some part of life. A book well worth digesting.
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