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Sunday, March 6, 2011

The Blessing of Adversity by Barry C. Black

This book is a scripture-based road map of how to survive life's difficult times. The book is divided into three sections: 1. Mastering the Basics, 2. Avoiding the Sources of Trouble, and 3. Turning Your Adversity into Advantage. The majority of the book focuses on the first section, Mastering the Basics. Sixteen chapters are devoted to every aspect of living your life in firm belief that God has plans for you to succeed, even through difficult times. Jesus said we'd face trials and tribulations and this book is a wonderful source of encouragment and support. The second section, Avoiding the Sources of Trouble, consists of 5 chapters that focus on how we can avoid adversity that comes through giving into temptation and sin. The third section, Turning Your Adversity into Advantage, shows a plan of resilience with two chapters that sum up the underlying premise of this book: Supersize your Faith and Build a Storm-Proof life.

One aspect of the book that could use improvement stems from the author's assumption that his readers are familiar with stories from the Bible. The author, however, provides the references to the Bible which enables the reader to use the Bible to gain a better understanding. This book could be used as a Bible study by studying the full stories of the Bible that the author uses as examples. Overall, the book is very good, but at times it seems redundant, as the author cites the same examples throughout the book.

I think everyone can certainly benefit from reading this book. Implementing the principles will most certainly deepen his/her relationship with God. I'd, however, challenge the reader to go beyond the book and study the complete stories from the Bible.

Tyndale House Publishers sent me a complimentary copy of this book for me to review. This in no way influenced my review.

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