Book Review: Enough

Have you ever been caught up in the troubled waves of dissatisfaction? Perhaps you've attempted to treat your hungry soul with addictive sinful behaviors?  There is hope for you.  Jesus Christ is enough. 

Enough is authored by former missionary Helen Roseveare.  This small volume of six chapters addresses the sufficiency of Christ for salvation, assurance and emotional support.  That is, if we allow Him to be enough.  Or do we want "Jesus plus" the added benefits of success, wealth or adulation?  Can we thank God when He removes us from a place of ministry and gives us a thankless job that prevents us from using our gifts? 

She delves into issues she faced as a missionary in the Congo:  trusting Jesus, forgiving herself when she failed, and the sufficiency of grace.  Even as a missionary she was not immune to pride's ugly grasp.  I was convicted when I read this passage about her reaction to hearing "horrific items" on the news:

"Does what I have just heard lead me into prayer - for the individuals involved, for our degenerate society?  Or am I content to be correct myself and critical of the others?  Instead of rejoicing in God's goodness to me that has defended me from that particular sin, I take pride in my own ability to avoid the wrong (oh, the subtlety of pride, spiritual pride, pride in myself) rather than giving thanks to God for his amazing grace and for how he has delivered me from falling into that particular temptation."  (pg. 50)

This book made me reflect on the meaning of the "fellowship of his sufferings."  Our suffering can lead us to a deeper knowledge of who God is.  I marveled at the strength of her faith as she documents her response after being captured and abused by rebel soldiers.  She stated it seemed as if God asked, "Can you thank me for trusting you with this, even if I never tell you why?"  Here is an excellent blog post about Helen that continues to develop this thought.

This small book would be a wonderful read during a long drive, perhaps to Grandma's house for Thanksgiving.  I highly recommend it.

Disclaimer: Christian Focus Publications provided a complimentary copy of this book to me.  I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.   I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255:“Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

A Dead Mouse

I often use my laptop as a cookbook.  Not exactly a smart idea as I cannot get through the recipe without splattering a bit of batter or a dusting of flour on my machine.  Today I was scanning my favorite recipe sites when my mouse died.  I use a wireless one as I strongly dislike using my touchpad.

Now having dead batteries in my mouse is such a minor annoyance, but it was so irritating. I looked accusingly at Abby sitting next to me as she often borrows my mouse when I'm not watching her and attempts to chew on it.  The red light on the bottom is mesmerizing. I repeatedly slammed it into the couch thinking the batteries were only loose, but they weren't.  They were lifeless.  Abby looked a little puzzled to see her mother get so upset with the mouse.

Our days can be going along quite swimmingly when suddenly a minor irritation pops it's ugly head.  I remember reading a quote that said "I'm an angel as long as no one ruffles my feathers."  Isn't that the truth?  It's easy to be good when life is good.  But what about minor difficulties, like a car that won't start, a broken family heirloom, a child that makes you late to an appointment?  How do you react?  If you can't react with grace, peace and thankfulness in your heart during the minor stresses how will you react when God takes away a love one, or you are diagnosed with cancer, or a child rebels against your authority?

Right now I'm going through a bit of a personal challenge.  I don't know what the outcome will be, but it almost seems as if it's easier to turn this situation over to God than to deal with the minor irritations.   I find that getting enough sleep, eating a healthier diet, keeping an ongoing dialogue with God and spending time feasting on His Word are all helpful steps when it comes to living a grace-filled life.

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. II Corinthians 12:9-10

Are you content in the midst of your weaknesses (not sins, of course)?  Do you allow the peace that only God can give to fill your heart during trying moments?  This is what I desire for myself.  Every morning I need to be reprogrammed so that I will remember who I am living for and what His purpose is for me.

Today I'm linked up with: