Beside Bethesda: A Review and Giveaway!

Inside the city, near the Sheep Gate, was the pool of Bethesda, with five covered porches. Crowds of sick people—blind, lame, or paralyzed—lay on the porches. One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him and knew he had been ill for a long time, he asked him, “Would you like to get well?”

 “I can’t, sir,” the sick man said, “for I have no one to put me into the pool when the water bubbles up. Someone else always gets there ahead of me.”

Jesus told him, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!”

Instantly, the man was healed! He rolled up his sleeping mat and began walking! But this miracle happened on the Sabbath – John 5:2-9

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Synopsis:
A 31-day devotional from bestselling author and speaker Joni Eareckson Tada that takes readers on a month-long journey toward the deepest healing God offers. The entire book is framed against Joni’s visit to the healing pool of Bethesda to seek healing where Jesus healed.

As Joni relates aspects of her own journey in dealing with the most painful “unanswered prayer” of her life, readers will learn to see beyond potential quick fixes to the deepest and greatest solutions God has for them. As the journey continues, readers deal with topics such as contentment, patience, unanswered prayer, transformation through suffering, wrestling with God, and hoping in God.

I have such admiration for Joni. I’ve written about her several times here on this blog, and you know how her previous books have encouraged me. I’ll tell you that when I chose this book for review, I was excited knowing that I would be giving it away here. However, as I got deeper and deeper into the study, I began to wrestle with God over that. It was almost like a tug-of-war. 

Me: “I need to keep this one, Lord. That’s ok, right?”
God: You know you need to give this book to a reader.
Me: “But Lord, this book speaks to me! It’s Joni! Can’t I give the next one away?”
God: I have this worked out already. Someone else needs this, too. You know what you need to do.

We went on like that for some time. Then the most wonderful thing happened. Just a few days ago, I received a package in the mail from my friend, Joanne. She had also reviewed this book. God had told her to send it to me. 

Wow. Did that sink in yet? It’s taking a while for me to process, although it shouldn’t surprise me at all. 

My review of this book is that you will grow while reading it. It’s a journey you go on with sweet Joni. It’s beautiful in a way that you can’t understand unless you’re suffering and you get this in your hands. In your heart. It goes deep and wide and it will renew your hope and faith. I can’t wait to send it to one of you. 

If you’d like to purchase the book, here is a link to Tyndale, the publishers. Here is the link to purchase from Amazon.

 

Heavenly Father, thank you for shining beings like Joni. Please bless this space and each person reading this. Please assure that this book is sent to just the person who needs the words. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…

Beside Bethesda

Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. 


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May God Bless You,

Shelly

6 Comments on “Beside Bethesda: A Review and Giveaway!

  1. Shelly, I am joining you in praying that your copy would go to the person most needing to hear its encouraging message. That is how I felt about my copy & the Lord answered my prayer! Much love to you, my friend!
    Joanne+Viola recently posted…Day 9: Running in CirclesMy Profile

    • Thank you for letting the Lord use you in such powerful ways, Joanne! I love you! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3

  2. Isn’t it funny that we can be so amazed at the things God does for us, yet we know His wisdom, power, and provision? Thank you for sharing that wonderful testimony. I pray, too, that this book gets into the hands and heart of the person who most needs to hear this message. Blessings, Shelly.
    Heather+@+My+Overflowing+Cup recently posted…The 3 Most Important WordsMy Profile

    • It always amazes me how small my faith proves to be in moments like that, Heather! Thank you for your friendship, and your prayers! Love you! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3

    • I know, right?! LOL I love seeing you here, Sharita. You always make me smile. Love you. Heart Hugs, Shelly <3

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