Beyond Failure: Discovering Grace and Hope in the Hard Times of Life

Failure is inevitable. Chapter one tells us that anyone who achieves will experience it at some point. However, Christians can overcome satan's weapon of discouragement during seasons of failure, but knowing the truth. The encouraging news we're told is that God's ways are greater than what we can imagine. Scudder says encouragement of his nature helped him through seasons of testing, along the way he gained strength from such truths. The author reminds us that God is with us and has never left us.On the issue of significance, Scudder writes "Every one of us is a unique creation of God, and every one of us has a different purpose and calling in the Christian life" (p. 11). In emphasizing that everything is significant, he adds, "The true mark of a spiritual man or woman is the desire to do any job, no matter how 'lowly'" (p. 26). He talks about working in a responsible way unto God, not unto man.Spending time with God is a necessity for spiritual growth. Through prayer and Bible study, God is given a chance to work he tells us on page 34.In the section toward the end of the book on love, he says he learned to love even when it wasn't returned. "When you get a rude comment, learn to forgive" he tells us (p. 158). This is a particularly insightful section in a book full of spiritual depth. I strongly recommend this book as it has practical advice that will make any person heeding the words more effective in their spiritual arena.

What a great book! It's so comforting to know, from the Bible, that no matter what we've done, where we've been, God does not give up on us. This book focuses on the life of the Apostle Peter, who actually denied Christ, and how God still used him. Through use of Scripture, Dr. Scudder explains how to get up, get moving, and get back on track after failing our Lord. What a blessing! Thanks, Dr. Scudder, for this vital encouragement that every Christian needs!

There is not a person in the world who hasn't fallens short of what they feel they should have become. Parents, siblings, teachers and spouses hold us up to expectations of which we fall very short. Dr. Scudder delivers a delightfully refreshing look at success and failure--in real terms. Closely examining the life of the Apostle Peter, Beyond Failure discovers the true secret of the Christian life. It's not about what we do or what we achieve. It's what Christ can do through us. At first glance Peter was a failure--and so are we. Yet, at the end of his life, we was martyred for the Lord--the ultimate Christian success story. He also wrote two New Testament books, which inspire and motivate Christians to this day. This embattled, impatient, impulsive apostle realized that true failure is not in the falling down, but in the staying down. We all make mistakes, put our feet in our mouths, and make poor decisions. The questions is will we use them as stepping stones to success? Dr. James Scudder's Beyond Failure will inspire you to keep going--to finish the race. Filled with personal anedotes and real-world illustrations, this book is a much-needed oasis in a dessert of disappointment. Pick it up today and be refreshed.

This is a great book. Extremely well written and easy to understand. It should provide many with encouragement through the difficult times in their lives, and help to bring them through it. This book is a must read.