Living in the pit of "Just Try Harder"

So I've heard lots and lots and lots more about Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream by David Platt. Even had a friend do a huge blog read-along. (Hi Marla!) I didn't participate then for whatever reason, but am reading it now with a group of friends--some I know face to face, some not yet. 

Well, I do know why I didn't participate then. Because the time wasn't right. Just like the time wasn't right to do Loving Well when I won it from Lisa years ago. (Hi Lisa!) Because the time is right for it NOW.

Anyway, I wrote my response for the first two chapters earlier and posted them on the forum we're using. But thought I'd post them here too--just to give you an idea of what the book's about, to tickle your interest.

You can find the book for a great price here. 

I read the first chapter and started the second, then had to pause to let it sink in a bit before continuing. Would I really believe? Would I really obey? Would I make those two choices before I knew what was coming?

Yes. And yes. At least I want my answer to be yes. A resounding yes.

Make me brave, I've been praying. Brave enough to take an honest look at myself in this Radical book, in the Loving Well study as I start Bible study again. Open my eyes to see the truth. Don't let me hide. Strip me bare and clothe me in your Word.

And God is answering. Because pages 31-32 hit me smack in the face:

We live in a land of self-improvement. Certainly there are steps we can take to make ourselves better. So we modify what the gospel says about us...

Haven't you heard of the power of positive thinking? I can become a better me and experience my best life now. That's why God is there--to make that happen. My life is not going right, but God loves me and has a plan to fix my life. I simply need to follow certain steps, think certain things, and check off certain boxes, and then I am good.

I wouldn't have thought this described my thinking, my approach to life. But it's uncomfortably accurate. I live this way. I parent this way. I deal with relationships this way.

And the truth is that it's not working so well. Because all it does is add more to the bottom of the list when I get everything else checked off. I'm never done. I never arrive. Nothing in my own power will ever be able to get to the point of being able to say, "It is finished."

A clean slate. Starting from scratch. I'm beginning 2011 with the notion that I don't know nearly as much as I thought. Don't have a clue about lots of things I thought I had a good grip on.

But gripping tightly is just a fancy way of saying controlling.

So once again, I'm face to face with my old nemesis: Control. But this time, I'm becoming quickly convinced that I can't give it up myself. That there aren't a list of steps to follow to figure it out. This is totally beyond me.

In a nutshell, I'm starting the year with this:

You are radically dependent on God to do something in your life you could never do.

***

Have you read it? What was your "one thing" from reading it?

Comments

[Melissa @ Breath of Life]

I'm sorry I don't have the page # for you (I loaned my book to someone), but this quote meant so much to me...especially in this new phase of our lives:

In direct contradiction to the American dream, God actually delights in exalting our inability. He intentionally puts his people in situations where they come face to face with their need for him. In the process he powerfully demonstrates his ability to provide everything his people need in ways they could never have mustered up or imagined. And in the end, he makes much of his own name (see 2 Cor. 12:7-9)...This is how God works. He puts his people in positions where they are desperate for his power, and then he shows his provision in ways that display his greatness.

[Rachel]

I was at the bookstore today and saw that book. I thought of how you were reading it and figured I'd be hearing something about it on your blog if it was any good. I picked it up, thought about buying it....then thought, "I'm not ready to be radical yet."

[Gretchen]

I can sooooooooo relate. (I hesitate to write "so" like that because you are a writer BUT I wanted to make a point.) I have not read the book but will be putting on my list of books to read. Sometimes I read what you write on your blog and say to myself, "Are we the same person?" Please don't get "creeped out", like my kids would say. It seems that God can often make me realize my own pattern of thinking through someone else's admissions when I won't accept to revelation directly from HIM. Does that make sense?

I read your comment and I thought "Oh yeah! I know what she means!" and then I hear God's soft gentle voice say "See?"

[Kim Feth]

Whoa!
Kim Feth
Apex, NC

[Kristy]

I read that book a few months ago, underlined mostly every word, and am ready to read it again. It is one of those books that you need to soak in, and reread - there's just so much to absorb.
It definitely confronted me on the "American Gospel" - the way we have worded the gospel to suit our way of life and comfort.
He also totally called out a few things we say in church, that I never actually GOT from the bible. I thought that was so cool!
Also, loved how he encouraged bible reading - reading through a chapter, not just verses here and there.
IT WAS SUCH A GOOD BOOK!!

[Melissa]

I know for a fact I can't narrow it down to one thing as I have done post upon post about how Radical has changed our family but to pick one for you....the book made me run to The Book and that is what made all the difference!

[Brittany]

I just finished this book as well. I also had to stop after the first few chapters and let it soak in. It was a pretty incredible book that had me reevaluating quite a few things in my life. It also convicted me this week when my boyfriend was finally willing to stop hunting one weekend and go to church - but only the 8:30 service (which is the 'traditional' gathering). I tried to convince him to go to MY service, the one with the good music and my friends...until I felt convicted that church isn't about the music or the show, and Jesus is about bringing people to him, not my convenience. Duh. So, that's the only application I've had so far but I'm SURE there will be more to come.

[Jerry]

I type this through tears, knowing what happened yesterday. But now that you have begun your year "radically dependent on God to do something in your life you could never do" I am excited to see how He will be glorified through your miraculous recovery.