Extraordinary by John Bevere

Time for another book review! I second-guessed myself in agreeing to do a review on John Bevere's book, Extraordinary from Waterbrook Multnomah. The title made me think of Prosperity Theology/Health and Wealth gospel. Although the title is a little misleading, I still wasn't entirely impressed by the book.

Although the book doesn't claim that if you are a believer you will prosper, I feel that Extraordinary puts an unhealthy emphasis on how great our life should be.

"Satisfy your intrinsic desire to rise above the norm."

"Isn't it true that we long to see the extraordinary, experience the extraordinary, do the extraordinary? Yet, so often we settle for mediocrity when greatness is within our grasp."

"Best-selling author John Bevere reveals how all of us were 'meant for more,' extraordinarily created and intended for a life that is anything but ordinary. Here is the roadmap for your journey of transformation. You are marked for a life that far surpasses the usual definitions of success or fulfillment."

I guess I feel that it is God's will for some people to have very ordinary lives. If we have a living, growing relationship with the Lord, we experience the extraordinary every day as He speaks to us through His word. I don't think searching for greatness, even in our spiritual life, should be our focus. I think we should be searching for Him, and Him alone. He is greatness, and if He wants to do something great with our lives, that will come from Him, not from something we do.

To be honest, I only got through chapter 10 in this book. It wasn't an "easy read". I had to go back and re-read many sections to follow Bevere's train of thought. I kept intending to finish the book and give a proper review, but it just wasn't one of those books that I couldn't put down.

I can positively say that Bevere used a lot of scripture, which always impresses me. He also was very candid about his past struggles with lust and an addiction to pornography. He openly discussed how saturating Himself in God's Word helped him to overcome these strongholds. He has been renewed in the spirit of his mind and is truly free.

If you'd like to purchase this book and judge for yourself, click here.