Monsters aren’t real. As reasonable adults, we know this. But we also know that, while fake, the monsters of fairy tales, movies, and Netflix series embody our very real fears. Large, powerful beings that hunt us in the dark make us feel small, weak, vulnerable. When characters in these stories run away, they temporarily feel safe, but it’s not until the monster is faced head-on that the story … can have a happy ending–and, more importantly, the hero can become all he or she was created to be.The same is true of the monsters of the spiritual life. The monsters of comparison (I am what others say about me), more (I am what I have), and success (I am what I do) are powerful enemies of a healthy spiritual life. But ignoring them solves nothing. Pastor and speaker Luke Norsworthy wants you to face your monsters, get to know them, and discover how they are inviting you into a deeper understanding of yourself and a more intimate connection with God. You’ll never completely eradicate your fears, but if you befriend them, they can lead you into becoming God’s intention for you.
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What is preventing you from stepping into your true identity? Why aren’t you living the life God created you for? It may be that you’ve given into the monsters that want to ruin your life.
Okay, I’ll admit it, I almost didn’t choose this book for review because it reminded me of the song by Rihanna and there’s something about the message in that song that doesn’t sit well with me.
Thank God I ignored my misgivings and decided to read this book. The monsters that Luke Norsworthy talks about are not the fearful Jaws or Godzilla as you may think. Instead, he talks about the sneaky things in our lives that can snatch us away from God’s best for us. Things like comparison, fear, and a desire for more. How many of us can honestly say we’ve never wanted more than we already had? Or compared ourselves–or been compared–to someone else? How many people can claim that they’re not afraid of anything and mean it? I bet not many.
Befriending Your Monsters is an invitation to look at the things that obscure your identity in Christ.
Know God–we’re going to define ourselves according to a standard. Either we’re going to use the world’s or we’re going to use God’s. The best way to find truth is to learn more about the character of God. Befriending Your Monsters encourages you to do that. Explore God’s character so that you have the ability to identify the things that are not of Him–the things that would otherwise draw you into the darkness and away from the truth.
Know yourself–we learn about ourselves only in relation to our knowledge of God. Spend some time in the presence of God so that you can know who you are in Christ.
Run your race– everyone has a specific purpose that God wants them to accomplish on earth. It’s impossible to meet that purpose if you’re too busy comparing yourself to other people and trying to mimic their behavior. Our path is unique and we need to focus on doing what we need to do to finish the work of the gospel.
The author spent a lot of time uncovering the monsters but he didn’t really show you how to befriend them. Still, I enjoyed this book as it gave me a new way of looking at the things that happen in my life. I can look to Jesus instead of leaning into the cravings for more of this world.
I received an advanced reader’s copy from the publishers through the Baker Books Bloggers program; a positive review was not required.
“Befriending Your Monsters” by Luke Norsworthy is a very inspiring read! I have never heard the concept of “befriending your monsters”; however, after reading this book, it makes sense! This book addresses the monsters of comparison, more, and success. Luke Norsworthy shows how the monsters are warnings that show you how to become your true self. I have highlighted so many parts of this book and plan to go back and reread it. This book is very easy to read and hard to put down.
I definitely recommend this book to everyone. I received this book from Baker Books for my honest opinion.