This book is written for those who believe they are failures and for those who falsely believe they aren't! It is a message of hope for those who are filled with regret; it is a message designed to disturb those who mistakenly feel they have "made it" in life. What is success? What is God's perspective of success?

There are many reasons why we struggle with failure just as there are many reasons we struggle with success. It is easy to compare our lives with others and in doing so we go directly to despair. We focus on ourselves instead of who God is. The trinity is a great example of working together for one common goal instead of comparing what the other is doing, receiving, and worth.

We may struggle with our understanding of who God is, sin and the provision he provides for those who trust in Him. Because God is good, it is sin that drives us to his goodness. Joseph and his brothers are a great example of that. We don't have to be in despair.

The quotes that I found encouraging

Let me say it once more. If your defeats and failures cause you to turn away from God, you don't understand God's grace. Christ died so that we have the basis of acceptance before God that has nothing to do with our fluctuating experiences. Our acceptance depends on the sacrifice of Christ on the cross.

God has not chosen to destroy evil by one sovereign act. Rather, He has chosen to let it exist and redeem us from it. Where sin abounds, grace does much more abound.

If we ask people to dedicate themselves tot he Christian cause, we often are simply employing the same motivations used by sects all over the world. And this, I believe is why most so called dedication services have little or no effect on the Christian community. It is not a lack of sincerity but a lack of understanding that is at stake. Perhaps this is why one Christian, after dedicating himself to God countless times borrowed a line from Alice In Wonderland to describe his spiritual experience. I have to run real fast just to stay in the same place.

Lutzer has become one of my favorite bible teachers. The gospel he represents is whole and not one sided. He brings his reader to the feet of Jesus and not on the treadmill of despair. If you struggle with despair and the pride of success, you will be encouraged that God offer's more! HIMSELF!

A Special Thank You to Moody Publishers and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.