Book Recommendation: “Fervent”
When I went home for Christmas 2024, I had the pleasure of spending time with a dear Aunt-in-the Lord and her husband.
We talked about everything: The Walking Dead, grandkids, theology, our stories, food, dogs, and more.
After sharing the most recent ruminations of my heart, Becky told me about a book she was going to give me called Fervent by Priscilla Shirer.
Here’s a quote from the book that sums up why it’s worth the investment-
“Pray long and hard enough, and not only do we realize that we are indeed alive, but we become angry- furious! - that we've been in mourning for so long, saddened by a tragedy whose outcome was totally misreported to us". (Strategy 2)
And now I’m reading it because I’m learning that the Christian life “ain’t no joke”
A recent move to a new city opened my eyes to a pattern I had felt, but never had words for:
When in my walk, I remember and prioritize obedience and sharing the gospel over lukewarm living and comfort, warfare and frustrations (1 Peter 4:12) become a constant companion. And if I don’t fight with the weapons scripture advises, my hardships become my excuse to go back to lukewarm “comfortable” living (2 Corinthians 10:2-4).
I mean, I have faced so much chaos since this move that anyone in their right mind could easily ask, “Are you sure this was the right move?”. And the craziness has been so consistent that I have often been found saying to friends,
“if I didn't know what was going on, and I heard my prayer requests and updates, I'd think, 'surely it's you, and something you're doing wrong’”.
But, the Lord has given me resolution each time and vindicated my name through brothers and sisters who have served as witnesses for many of the attacks.
And then as I open the pages of Fervent, I realize that this book is not only a reminder of my sanity and the Lord’s goodness, but advice about the right way to fight hardships: through prayer.
Why? Because:
We don't wrestle against people but spiritual forces (Ephesians 6:12)
We need spiritual eyes to see spiritual things (Ephesians 1:15-16)
Human solutions don't stop the enemy’s attacks (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)
Conclusion
So if you're committed to walking as a disciple of Christ, my guess is that you're going through your own hardships. And if you are, I invite you to read "Fervent”. It is giving me “eyes to see," and prayers to pray, and the book is certainly NOT JUST FOR WOMEN, even though the subtitle might imply it.
Sincerely,
Gloria
