Late last year, Waterbrook Multnomah offered some New Year’s guest blog style devotionals based on books by their authors. One of those was from Greater by Steven Furtick. I liked what he had to say, and my husband has been listening to his sermons, off and on, for a few months. So, when given the chance to read the whole book, I took it. (Disclaimer: I received a free copy of Greater from Waterbrook Multnomah’s Blogging for Books program in exchange for my review.)
As I began the book, I was skeptical. Furtick’s idea is that God has a vision for our lives and most of us aren’t fulfilling it, for whatever reason. Busy life. Apathy. Doubt. And the path to discovering this vision, and living it out, sounded almost too easy.
But I’m glad I stuck with it because the entirety of the book is not an easy four-step plan to spiritual fulfillment. It’s an encouraging look at the life of Elisha, the prophet, through ups and downs, and how we all have the potential to do something greater for God (not necessarily “great” as we might define it.) And sometimes greater is staying put. Furtick doesn’t offer a one-size-fits-all solution. He lays out principles and questions to ask ourselves about the life we’re living.
After reading it, I’m eager to re-read the stories of Elisha in the Bible and further contemplate the questions Furtick raises in the book.
The book includes questions for group discussion, and Waterbrook Multnomah offers a DVD and participant’s guide for group study as well.
Worth it. Especially in an age when people wonder if this is all there is to life, to Christianity, to the church. Reading Greater can be the spark that ignites more purposeful living.
Here’s a sneak peek from Furtick.