When I saw on BookSneeze that The Purpose Driven Life
I do not think I read this book the first time around. (sadly.) But, I jumped at the chance to review it because I have heard so many great things about it. Although, I will be honest, that made me a bit skeptical, too. I don’t always love what everyone loves, ya know?
I was very pleasantly surprised by this book. Another opportunity for me to be honest here…I was expecting fluff. {gasp!} I’m sorry, I really was. I don’t know why I get such crazy notions in my little mind. {grin}
But that is not what I took from this book at all. There was a LOT of Scripture. There were a lot of foundational truths that my heart needed to hear and be reminded of. Honestly, I think this is the kind of book we could all stand to read at the new year – ANNUALLY.
I don’t know about you, but I need the reminder that God did, in fact, create me with a purpose.
I need the reminder that God finds pleasure in His creation – including me.
I need the reminder that God’s love letter to me {the Bible} contains all I need for life.
I need the reminder that the purpose God created for me is attainable.
Sometimes, in the knee-deep muck and mire of motherhood, I need the reminder that I was created for Him. {and not just for the purpose of cooking meals and breaking up fights!} I was created to serve Him. I was created to bring Him glory. And, because of Jesus shed blood on the Cross, those things are possible!!
Rick Warren, the author, does use a lot of different translations, and I believe that could be confusing or frustrating for some readers. I do not mind the various translations, but what I did find myself wishing was that the Scripture references were in print WITH the verse. Throughout the book, the Scripture is in italics but there is no reference, unless you look to the back of the book for the notes. I wish I had seen where some of these verses were located as I was reading, without having to flip back and forth.
Overall, however, I was encouraged by this book. I am not finished reading it yet…the author really encourages you to read one portion each day…to go on a journey to find your purpose. I wanted to read it slowly…daily, like devotions, as the author suggests, instead of just rushing through it. I think I’ve been able to enjoy it a little more in this way. With the expanded version, there are also audio selections and videos too! I have watched a few of them and have been encouraged with them. However, because of the time involved, I have not been able to watch and listen daily. There are full sermons given to you in the audio! So, if you like podcasts and that type of listening, you may really enjoy this portion!
There are 3 basic questions that this book seeks to answer: 1) Why am I alive? 2) Does my life matter? 3) What on earth am I here for?
I would suggest that if you are struggling with any one of these questions, this book might be a good place for you to start. I even think starting the new year off with this book would be neat – to do in a small group or with a friend.
As you journey through this book, you will find 5 benefits to knowing your purpose:
1. It will explain the meaning of your life.
2. It will simplify your life.
3. It will focus your life.
4. It will increase your motivation.
5. It will prepare you for eternity.
I hope this helps you to know a little bit more about this very popular book. I really didn’t know what I was getting into, but I’m glad I chose to pick up this book!
**full disclosure: I received this book, free of charge, from the BookSneeze program, in exchange for my honest review shared here on my blog.
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