Stuck. It is the perfect word for where many of us are in our Christian walk. I have known that things haven't been where they need to be in mine, but I've been having a hard time figuring out what I needed to change. This book, Unstuck, really came at a perfect time for me personally. It took me a little while to get through it, not because it was difficult to read but because there was so much to digest.
When I first started reading it I was really in to the information and statistics they provided. The more I got in to the book, the more it affected me at a spiritual level and I became aware of how terribly stuck I have been. Unstuck is not the answer to all your spiritual problems, however it is a great tool that gives very clear, uncomplicated directions on how to get out of the rut.
One of the things I love most about the book is the personal stories. It is so nice to know that there are others struggling with the same things I am and overcoming them! We have become so humiliated and embarrassed by our misgivings that we are quick to hide them for fear of someone finding out about them. Not to mention the fact that we desire to have control over our lives (and sometimes the lives of others). A little tidbit found on page 96 - "Relinquish any fantasy of control". I am pretty sure that was there just for me!
The book is broken into three parts:
1. Why We Stall Out
2. The Powered by Four Solution
3. Engage, Untangle...Grow!
It starts out giving examples of people who were stuck and the sins/hindrances that were keeping them there. Chapter 2 discusses what holds us back and how to start moving forward. I'm going to give a big part away of what this book is about - getting into the Bible is the key. Well, sure it is! That seems easy enough, just read your Bible every day, right? The statistics on how many believers read their bibles is really quite shocking. It was very convicting for me. I finally picked up the One Year Bible I have been wanting to read for quite a while and actually started reading it on a daily basis. That is not going to get me unstuck but it is getting me into the Word on a daily basis, which is more than I was doing!
As it moves into the second part they being talking about how to mature spiritually and truly engage in the Bible, not just read it. One thing that really stood out to me in this part was this on page 123 - "God loves us passionately no matter our imperfections". That is amazing to me, I have a hard time loving myself due to my imperfections but God loves me PASSIONATELY despite them!! I am trying to let that truth penetrate my life.
The third part is where we are putting this information into action! Moving forward and growing deeper. Engaging in the Bible, Untangling from what has been holding us back and Growing into the people that our loving God has designed us to be!
At the end of each chapter there are "Spiritual Stepping Stones" which are devotions as part of a 45 day plan. There are also "Research Reveals" which are bits that have been learned through their research and "Encouraging Nudge" which are notes encouraging our growth.
I did not do the 45 day journey with this, however I am getting ready to. My husband is wanting to read this book but I am going to have to buy him his own copy since I have done some highlighting and written in this one. The book is used in connection with www.unstuck.gotandem.com, a resource to help you engage in the Bible and help you to get unstuck. There is a confidential spiritual growth assessment and then you will get content for what you need and you get to choose how you want to receive it. Again, I have not yet done this but I am going to soon.
I feel like even though I have fully read this book there is still so much for me to gain from it. I highly recommend this to anyone who feels stuck or anyone who doesn't! It is well written and very easy to understand. I am incredibly excited to read through it again and do the 45 day challenge!
I encourage you to go to www.unstuck.gotandem.com to learn more about the book.
I was given a copy of this book by Bethany House Publishers to review honestly. A positive review was not required and all of the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
