I am rarely satisfied with “ordinary.” I consider this a gift from God. I could care less about fame and wealth. But God has not created me to be ordinary. I found a renewed inspiration this weekend from an extraordinary place- a book.
I read books, but it is not my nature to curl up on the couch with a good book. I normally read with a specific purpose or topic of study before me. Yet, thanks to the leading of the Holy Spirit and a sinus infection, I read a 215 page book in less than two days. It was that inspiring. No, it is not the newest or best-selling title. The book is a 1998 reflection and compilation of stories by Franklin Graham entitled, Living Beyond the Limits. I received a complimentary copy of the book by a lady named Gale during a tour of the Samaritan’s Purse International Headquarters in January.
The prevailing question that weaves through every story is simple: What can God do with the life of one “in sync” with Him? The answer is amazing as Franklin introduces us to his friends in ministry. Few of them are well-known. Most seem ordinary. Yet, do not let their humble spirit and meekness blind you to the boldness, strength, and radical lives that God has empowered them to live. Franklin states, “It always amazes me when I hear someone say that they think Christians are naturally weak people… Jesus was the toughest man who ever lived… It takes courage to keep in sync with God.”
This book is a chronicle of courage, shining the spotlight on people who only want to deflect any rays of glory toward God. Their Father in Heaven called out to them. They obeyed. God performed miraculous and awe-inspiring results. All of these stories have a timeless effect, as the humble servants of God may be forgotten in name but their lives forever significant. The reached out with love and embrace the poorest, filthiest, most violent, and spiritually desperate people. Each person sacrificed their lives in the name of Jesus. And the world is taking notice.
I do not want to live a mundane life. I am challenged by Franklin’s initial statement, “I believe that if we have nothing we are willing to die for, we really have nothing worth living for.” Readers are challenged to live beyond fear, speak boldly with others, and take action. “If we are going to advance the cause of Jesus Christ in areas of the world where the Gospel has not penetrated, it will take men and women willing to put themselves aside and walk with God regardless of where those footsteps may lead.”
Of church-going people, few seem to experience this break-through life of eternal significance. Franklin observes, “Sometimes there is nothing more than a fine line between being in the will of God and being out of the will of God, but that very fine line makes a huge difference. A little bit out of sync is still out of sync…”
As I put down a book that has caused me to consider my life, the prayer request is simple. Lord, help me live in sync with You. Help me follow You with faith even if it seems reckless. I want every minute of my time on this earth to count for eternity. I want to take whatever gifts and opportunities You provide to share the Gospel and the love of Christ with everyone I meet. If the result is persecution, discomfort, and/or the rejection of others, Lord, provide me with the boldness, inner security, and peace that will sustain my walk with You. The cost of following You is always high and always worth the price.
Living Beyond the Limits will now take a place of prominence on my bookshelf, right beside other “must-read” titles. It will join the list of suggestions that I give to those who ask. I would not be surprised if the Holy Spirit leads me to buy a few dozen copies to hand out to those who need some encouragement and inspiration. It is well worth the full retail price of $20. However, at the moment of this review, you can order it for only $3.99. For that price, you may want to trust me on this and get a few additional copies. Here’s the link:
If you have read the book (or get it and read it), please offer your own review in the comments section provided below.
Shepherding Well 
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