Devotions for Encouragement and Maturity

"There are some sufferings that we endure simply because we are human and subject to pain; but there are other sufferings that come because we are God's people and want to serve Him." Those are the words of Warren Wiersbe in his insightful and encouraging devotional book, Devotions for Encouragement & Maturity. The book is divided into two, thirty-day segments-the first dealing with the New Testament book of II Corinthians, and the second with the New Testament book of James. As we face the daily difficulties and disappointments of life, it can be hard to accept God's sovereign will, and often it seems as though He has forgotten us altogether. But through Paul's inspirational writings in II Corinthians, and with Wiersbe's insights into those writings, we can gain assurance that our Heavenly Father cares and that He is working out His divine plan. Wiersbe's observations are simple, clear and comforting, and he reminds us that difficulty in the life of the Believer never comes by accident. On the contrary, trials are often our greatest source of learning, and they help to equip us for ministry to others. "Outlook determines outcome, and attitude determines action," says Wiersbe. "Believers who expect the Christian life to be easy are in for a shock. Because we are God's scattered people and not His sheltered people, we must experience trials." Through his understanding of the writings of James, Wiersbe offers believers hope for life's hard times and strength for life's shortcomings. - Nancy K. Brown, Christian Book Previews.com