The Necessity of an Enemy: How the Battle You Face Is Your Best Opportunity

The Necessity of an Enemy: How the Battle You Face Is Your Best Opportunity


byRon Carpenter is among the most motivating books that I have recently read. Ron Carpenter challanges rthe way we view blessings and God's favor.  In contrast to common belief, comfortable living and financial prosperity and health are not always signs of God's favor.  Just because your life is "good" does not mean it is because you found favor with God.  It might actually mean the opposite! In fact the reverse may be true!  Those so called "blessings" may mean that you are spiritually dead and that satan feels no need to bother with you because he has already won you over! The author address real issues- true enemies, tangible, spiritual and circumstantial- job loss, financial and professional ruin, slander, terminal illness, grief and loss. This book is designed to help those who are suffering from extreme circumstances. If you are bellyaching because you burned your husband's dinner, or the grass stain won't come out of the soccer uniform, or if missed an apointment for your pedicure, or your favorite coach bag sold out before you reached the mall, then this book isn't for you. What you need is a fluffy, superficial, condescending, feel- good, women's devotional book. But, if you truly suffer from life's heartaches, and true hardships and adversity, then this book will offer the strength you need.
The author  writes in an animated, personal easy to understand style that communicates biblical truths to the reader. He went through serious hardship and he shares his personal experience candidly with the reader.  His books bring bible stories and biblical truth to life in an inspirational way that speaks out to the reader.  For example David had his Goliath, Job had his adversary, and you have yours- he explains that bible heroes had enemies. He even explained that Judas was a neccessary enemy for Jesus to accomplish the will of God.  In fact, he claims that Peter- a so called "friend" actually at times attempted to hinder God's greater purpose.  
 
 His use of colorful language and his conversational tone, make it so that biblical truths are memorable and meaningful to the average modern reader. You need not be a theologen, educated in an expensive seminary or college to understand. This inspirational book will be certain to leave the reader with a lasting impression. In today's self centered society, without offense the author  illustrates the importance of living life based on biblical principles. After reading this book, and really meditating on the biblical truths communicated via the author , one can feel a renewed sense of embpowerment to live a selfless life style. Max makes use of personal anecdotes as well as bible stories to illiustrate the importance of depending on God rather than on the material things of this world. If you are looking for bible based motivation and a relief in a world that takes pride in materialism, selfish ambition and competition, then this book is perfect. As a blogger for booksneeze, I receive books from Water Brook publishers in exchange for writing an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.