I’ve been hearing about this book for a while now. Heard it wasn’t like anything else out there. Heard it wasn’t going to be “for everybody.”
Once I finally got my hands on it, I understood.
It is NOT like any thing I’ve ever read. It’s part Christian living, but not like what you think of when you hear “Christian living.” It’s part devotional, but not like what you think of when you hear “devotional.”
It is other.
Which is appropriate, because overcoming giants? Living a fruitful life? That requires something OTHER.
You don’t need me to tell me you that. You already know. You already know that the usual stuff isn’t going to cut it. And that’s why you need to read this book.
Lori is not interested in patting you on the back and telling you a fluffy story. This is a grown up story for grown ups fighting grown up giants in grown up battles.
If you’re looking for a book full of platitudes that will make you feel better, this book isn’t for you. If you’re happy remaining childish in your faith, then you should pass.
But it you want to take your childLIKE faith and put some muscle on it?
If you want to explore what virtue looks like in this day and age?
If you want to learn how to use Biblical knowledge in battle?
If you have issues with self-control (um, ouch), know you aren’t always as steadfast as you should be, get a little nervous about “godliness,” struggle with how to juggle affection and confrontation, and suspect that there is something missing in the way you love…then Jesus and the Beanstalk could be the very thing you didn’t even realize you were looking for.
I know. Some of you are getting a little antsy. This sounds a lot like to-dos and those of us who consider ourselves to be recovering legalists tend to have a knee-jerk reaction to anyone telling us we NEED to do ANYTHING other than trust in Jesus.
Relax.
This book is not about condemnation.
This book is not about doing more or pulling yourself up by your own bootstraps.
It IS about putting on the whole armor of God.
It IS about growing in our understanding of Scripture.
It IS about seeking holiness and righteousness.
It IS about Biblical sanctification.
It is OTHER.
And it can help you live a life that will point others to Jesus and the extraordinary, better-than-any-fairytale life He offers.
Lori Stanley Roeleveld is the author of Running from a Crazy Man (and other adventures traveling with Jesus) and Red Pen Redemption. Her blog, LoriRoeleveld.com, was voted Top 100 Christian Blogs by RedeemingGod.com and has enjoyed over 1.5 million views. Lori lives in Hope Valley, RI.
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