From the book, "God has called you into the good fight of life; step into it boldly, strategically." and Ben helps you do just that. He explains practical ways that you can apply to your own life, looking at it from your own personal view on how to go forward, both boldly (God has already won the war. You are not fighting for victory, but from victory, but you do have to step out into it) and strategically (looking at your gifts and passions and setting up your calendar in a way that helps you step into your specific purpose, as well as looking for the patterns of when and where you are easily tempted to wander off into sin, and how best to guard yourself from allowing that to happen with even more well thought out advice to set you up for real success.) Ben Stuart at his best, in my humble opinion. I also appreciated the very real open and honest assessment of himself that while some of his examples happen to be from real SEAL's and their stories, but how he does and really does not compare. Like when he states he wasn't built for battle. He was built for reading books. Seriously appreciated the very real application that we are designed with a purpose and for a purpose, and that we are not all designed exactly the same. I'll be coming back to this book.
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*

It’s often said, “The struggle is real!” Ben Stuart’s book will help you to struggle well. The author calls attention to our very real and present enemy but points us back to the promises that are in the Word. We are most battle ready when we are resting in God’s love for us. There were a few sections that were slower reads for me just because I didn’t personally identify with some of the illustrations, but overall this was a great read with lots of practical application.

This was a wonderful and timely read. Ben walks through how to fight with practical and biblical wisdom. With typical Ben style he uses relevant examples to show the importance of learning to prioritize biblical practices to live and fight. He also stresses that to fight well we also have to rest well. This is a great and timely read.

Rest and War
Rhythms of a Well-Fought Life
by Ben Stuart
Pub Date 25 Jan 2022 |
Thomas Nelson--W Publishing, Thomas Nelson
Christian


I am reviewing a copy of Rest and War through Thomas Nelson and Netgalley:


Rest and War is a perfect book for the times we live in!



Rest and War reminds us that we need to struggle well. We need to fight for progress. It is important we know who fought for us.





We are reminded we don’t have to live in this world long before discovering that the pursuit of intimacy with God occurs within the context of adversity. It is a fight. Yet it is a fight in which our King has won the decisive victory! You have been set free into a raging battle!



But there’s good news: your struggles do not mean you’re doomed, rather they’re actually a sure sign that you are alive. Now you must learn to struggle well, for Jesus did not free you from the fight, he freed you for the fight.



Rest & War is a field guide for the spiritual life;, a book of ancient methods of transformation transposed into a modern key. Rest and War was borne out of pastor Ben Stuart’s personal life-experiences and decades in ministry, Rest & War offers biblical and practical guidance for.



Battling what’s holding you back while building what will propel you forward? You will be able to trade the patterns of thinking that diminish intimacy with God for ones that encourage it. Fighting sin and cultivating an environment that allows you to flourishDesigning your everyday schedule based on your God-given purposes to bring moremeaning into your routines.



God has called you into the good fight of life; step into it boldly, strategically. Flee evil and pursue intimacy with your Creator. Uproot what is broken and cultivate what is life-giving. Make war on what is destructive, and rest in the God who loves you.



Are you ready to walk elegantly through the battlefield of life?





I give Rest and War five out of five stars!



Happy Reading!

While this was scripturally sound, I struggled to find the depth I normally look for in this genre of book. I think Rest & War would be a better fit for men who are new believers based on its tone and the battlefield imagery used throughout the book.

I enjoyed this book because of it's writing style, unique topic, and the fact that it really provided a thought-provoking experience. Recommended for readers who want to read slowly so as to take time to process.

4/5 stars

I really enjoy Ben Stuart's teachings, and this book was no exception! I have had the privilege of hearing him teach in person, and he is a great speaker. He's also an excellent writer! This is the second book of his that I have read. His points are clear and practical, and he always backs them up with Scripture. Despite covering some heavy topics, this book remains encouraging. Overall, I would highly recommend this to Christians. It is a great guide for dealing with the adversity that Christians experience on this earth.

While the theme of this book has been very popular the last two years among a lot of Christian authors. I appreciate the authors take and had some good takeaways from him. I have appreciate his work and teaching since his days at breakaway.