The Blessing of Adversity: Finding Your God-given Purpose in Life's Troubles - Softcover

Black, Barry C.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1414326807 ISBN 13: 9781414326801

Publisher: Tyndale Momentum, 2011

Synopsis

Most people see trouble as something negative and seek to avoid it whenever possible. But what if it’s those troubles that actually lead to greater blessing and purpose? In The Blessing of Adversity, a retired U.S. Navy admiral and the 62nd chaplain of the U.S. Senate distills the wisdom gained from thirty years as a counselor, theologian, and psychologist. Barry Black offers a blueprint for removing the sting of life’s trials, showing us how to let God use our pain for his glory by blessing others―and how that can actually help heal our own pain. Drawing on Scripture and his own experiences as a counselor and chaplain to some of the most powerful people in the world, Black teaches us how to deal with seasons of God’s apparent silence, offers techniques for staying encouraged in the middle of life’s storms, and shows how to find advantages in adversity.

About this title

Review

A motivational tone pervades this guide to preparing for life's challenges by embracing the possibility that good work may be accomplished through faithful navigation of life's storms. Black (From the Hood to the Hill: A Story of Overcoming), a retired U.S. Navy admiral and current chaplain of the U.S. Senate, speaks with the authority of one who has endured and overcome setbacks and humiliations. He refers several times to painful childhood memories of evictions when he came home to find family furniture on the street, and then notes his gratitude when years later he purchased a house for his hardworking mother, whom he credits for raising him in faith. Three sections, "Mastering the Basics," "Avoiding the Sources of Trouble," and "Turning Your Adversity into Advantage," each divide into chapters with subdivisions, resulting in action plans. For example, the chapter "Win by Waiting," includes sections like "Wait for God," "Trust God's Providence," and "Refuse to Murmur and Complain." Drawing lessons from biblical witnesses (Joseph, David, Mary, Paul), religious figures like Martin Luther King Jr., and his rich pastoral experience, Black offers a resource that many readers may find inspiring guidance. (Apr.) --Publishers Weekly Magazine, April 1, 2011

Edition details

• Publisher: Tyndale Momentum
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 1414326807
• ISBN 13: 9781414326801
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 256