Greater by Steven Furtick

"The thing is, most believers aren't in imminent danger of ruining their lives.  They're facing a danger that's far greater: wasting them."

Steven Furtick is a man whose life isn't being wasted.  In listening to his podcasts over the years he has become my favorite preacher.  So I must say that I had an advantage in reading this book...I could hear it being preached to me.   I could hear his tone of voice when telling a funny story and knew when his voice would raise with passion when presenting a point he wanted to drive home.  That being said, whether you are familiar with Pastor Steven or just hearing his name for the first time, get your highlighter ready - this book is full of wisdom and practical application.

Here's what I liked about the book that sets it apart:

1) It's Real.  Pastor Steven is willing to share his "behind the scenes" questions and insecurities.  The book also tackles the question of wasted faith.  What happens when you do all the right things on a path to a greater life, but your situation ends with heartache?  Was your faith wasted? 

2) It's Biblical.  The book follows the story of Elisha the prophet, taking events from his ministry and applying them to our journey toward being greater.  Pastor Steven shares God's Word in a way that brings insight and understanding.

3)It's Attainable.  He says "God's greater purpose in any area of your life means giving up your false expectations of greatness to find the greater things He's called only you to do."  It all boils down to taking small steps of obedience and allowing God's greatness to show through you.

This book will ignite God's vision for your life.  (Good preaching, Pastor!)  There are also small group discussion questions included for each chapter.

I just have one little complaint.  The last page advertises a new CD by Elevation Worship...12 songs written to go along with the content of this book, corresponding to each chapter.  That is right up my alley!  But after doing some research I discovered the CD won't be released until Feb 2013!  And so I wait...

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishers in exchange for an honest review.