Customer Reviews

Getting Through the Tough Stuff: It's Always Something!

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Charles R. Swindoll has been through a lot of tough stuff. As a pastor, college chancellor, radio host and author, he has experienced firsthand many of the troubles that life has to offer. From "Anxiety" to "Temptation" and from "Confrontation" to "Shame," the fourteen topics he covers provide a model for the reader to use when life blindsides him. Thus it is with the authority that comes from experience that Dr. Swindoll generously offers to help those who are struggling with their own particular pile of tough stuff.

GETTING THROUGH THE TOUGH STUFF explores two basic premises that are built on an underlying theme. First, if you are alive on this planet, you will have problems. The second premise is that God has provided us with the original self-help manual, the Bible. The underlying theme is the adequacy of God's love and grace to see us through even the toughest of stuff.

Dr. Swindoll has the gift of knowledge when it comes to the Bible, and he deftly identifies the roots of our "troubles" as well as the solutions to them by referencing biblical stories and passages. In each short, focused chapter, even seasoned believers will wonder anew at the omniscience of God. He knew just what kind of problems we would face, how we would try to solve them according to the wisdom of the world, and how sadly we would fail. Then, as Dr. Swindoll demonstrates, God in His loving and benevolent way provided us with the wisdom of the ages if only we would use it --- not only when things get tough but even before they get tough.

Often, when people have problems, they feel guilty and shamed or angry and resentful. But the problems themselves have been around since the beginning of time. And, more importantly, Jesus Himself experienced them. So when the Word of God offers answers, it can be trusted because the Word Himself did what His Father told Him to do...and it worked. We cannot be exactly like Jesus because, though He was tempted, He never sinned; often our problems are compounded because we do sin. Yet, through God's grace, the same solutions are available to us, and if we truly repent, we won't have to go through the same tough stuff again.

GETTING THROUGH THE TOUGH STUFF is not a simple "take two verses and call me in the morning" book of platitudes. It provides biblical answers to contemporary problems in a loving and gentle way. Charles Swindoll is a man after God's own heart.

--- Reviewed by Maggie Harding, a substance abuse counselor in Phoenix, AZ who wanted to be Brenda Starr before life intervened. She also reviews www.bookreporter.com and www.womenonwriting.com. To contact Maggie, e-mail Magster2@cox.net.

I've always liked Charles Swindoll's books. He writes in a conversational, warm style but uses a lot of biblical references and anecdotes from his personal life that resonate with me. He seems to be speaking my language and telling my life story with each book!

By way of contraste, some contemporary Christian authors (such as Rob Bell, author of Velvet Elvis) gloss over the Bible (or outright undermine it) and offer nothing but more questions, doubts and concerns. (See my review of Velvet Elvis for more on that kind of Christian author's efforts to speak to a "new generation.")

By way of contrast, Charles Swindoll attempts to answer questions and heal wounds. He's not divisive or offensive in his efforts, either. He seems to be a wise, compassionate man who truly cares about those in his church -- as well as those reading his books around the world.

I've been through a few tough times in my life, and I usually gain strength by reading books like this one from Charles Swindoll.

Thank you, Pastor Swindoll for doing so much to touch the lives of those around you.

There are times when I just feel so sorry for myself, for what I've suffered and the pathetic mess I find myself in, some related to an actual tragedy and other "disasters" of my own making, or even imagined hurts. Getting Through The Tough Stuff helps put it back in perspective again. It's like a pat on the back and a hug. I recommend it.

To be honest, I'm surprised that there aren't more Amazon reviews of this book. Swindoll is known by many thousands and his name is constantly being repeated on radio each day. Maybe he will glean more reviews of this in time. Meanwhile, I'd like to speak in favor of the book. Chuck Swindoll is definitely not seated in some ivory tower looking down upon us ordinary Christians. He faces the "tough stuff" head on and even confesses some struggles he went through in years past. He also is neither soft on sin nor a raving condemner of vast multitudes. He makes the Bible his authority and argues with that as his master reference point. He admits the reality of evil, even among Christians, but does not condone or make excuses for it. He isn't afraid to tackle even the toughest issues debated among either believers or non-believers. He isn't a people pleaser, yet, in my opinion, he has one of the more balanced biblical approaches to tough issues that I know of. Some may think that Swindoll has writers who churn out reams of material with merely his tacit blessing. All writers have editors, but each book he writes is really from his mind and his pen. You will benefit from reading this book.

I love this book because it allows the reader to relate to Christ by providing examples of how He has suffered everything we have. Dr. Swindoll offers a compassionate gracefull illustration of Christ that depicts Him not only as savior and redemeer but of a loving God that came to earth and endured every pain imaginable so we could understand Him on a human level. Every pain we have experienced, He experienced also. This is a simple book for complex lives. Good for not yet, new and seasoned Christians alike.

AWESOME CASSETTE TAPE SERIES ON GETTING THROUGH THE TOUGH STUFF BY Chuck Swindoll!! This is NOT a book! 7 CASSETTE TAPES with 14 sermons. Copyright 2004. BRAND NEW GIFT GIVING CONDITION!

No one has impacted me more in the early years of my ministry like Chuck Swindoll. I read everything he wrote. He writes like a pastor who cares for his readers. His readers are like his congregants.

This volume is no different. It reflects the heart of a pastor and the mind of a teacher. Buy it! It will help you through some tough stuff.