A Resilient Life

If you've ever committed to a diet, exercise, or ministry plan, you've probably realized that it's much easier to start something than to finish it. At a young age, Gordon MacDonald recognized that he had inherited a "quitter's gene," and because of this and an influential track coach, he began a lifelong quest for answers. "Why," he asked, "do some people finish what they start, persevere in moments of adversity, push themselves in the direction of their potential, and often make their greatest contributions in the latter half of life?" The key element in those who don't quit is resilience. Those who have it, MacDonald insists, have gathered all the lessons from life, both successes and failures, to build a foundation of strength and character. Using examples from the Bible, from his own life, and from the lives of contemporary people, MacDonald identifies the characteristics of resilience and leads you with encouragement through the process needed to develop them.

At a young age, Gordon MacDonald recognized that he had inherited a "quitter’s gene," and because of this-and an influential track coach-he began a lifelong quest for answers. "Why," he had to ask, "do some people finish what they start, persevere in moments of adversity, push themselves in the direction of their potential, and often make their greatest contributions in the latter half of life? Why do others expect to retire from life when they reach their senior years?" The key element in those who don’t quit is resilience. Those who have it, MacDonald insists, have gathered all the lessons from life-successes and failures-to build a foundation of strength and character, preparing them to face anything.

Using examples from the Bible, from his own life, and from the lives of contemporary people, MacDonald identifies the characteristics of resilience, leading readers through the self-assessment needed to develop them. The journey is demanding and humbling, he reminds us, but the rewards of living well are immeasurable.

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Reviewed by Debra Welty (Sterling, OH), October 14, 2008

Excellent practical and enjoyable to read. It helped my husband and I with concrete steps to "finishing well" The challenge to "fight the good fight" all the way to the end is daunting. McDonald's insights were so useful we are not using this book in a small group discussion

Reviewed by Jeffrey Farr (Iowa), November 29, 2006

"A Resilient Life" gives the reader an encouragment to pursue excellence in his/her Christian Life. It is a book geared for the Christian who is serious in living for God. It is practical and MacDonald approaches his topic with a conversational style that makes you evaluate yourself and he lets you see what he is thinking. Its a great book! As a pastor, this has motivated me not only to get back up when I fall but to run with resilience and dedication for God.

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