Periodically, we all (hopefully) read books that we can't help but recommend to all who will listen.  I love to read but have only three or four on that mental list that I love to tell people about.

I am re-reading one of them now with our church's small group that we're involved in for the next few weeks.  It is Authentic Faith, The Power of a Fire-Tested Life by Gary L. Thomas. 

It asks the question, "What if life isn't meant to be perfect but we are meant to trust the One Who is?"  The back of the book states, "As Thomas reminds us, faith is about something other than a smooth ride through this fallen world.  Rather, authentic faith is shaped, tempered, and purified in the flames of struggle."

I hesitate to gush over books when I recommend them to people because I know that gushing tends to give the new reader a bit of a letdown at the end of a book when there has been so much hype extended beforehand.  (At least that is my experience when books have been so highly recommended to me.)  Also, I realize that the Lord speaks to different people through different books and a book that ministered so much to me may not minister in quite the same way to someone else.

However, with all that said, if the description of the book tugs at something in you and makes you want to investigate further, then you would probably enjoy it as much as I am (the second time around)! 

I know they're available at www.christianbook.com and possibly even your local Christian bookstore.  The copyright is 2002. 

Prepare to be challenged in chapter 2 - Living Beyond Your Self The Discipline of Selflessness.  The whole book is a very good read!

Paula