Book review: SENT Becoming a fisher of men (Chapter 1)
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Behind the scenes
Chapter one
Book Review
Sent: Becoming A Fisher of Men
In Sent: Becoming Fishers of Men, the author takes readers on a deeply personal and transformative journey from a life of aimlessness and despair to one of purpose and direction.
In Chapter One, The Journey to Purpose, we are introduced to the author’s struggles, resilience, and ultimate encounter with a higher calling. The narrative serves as both a powerful testimony and a guide for those who may feel lost or disconnected from their true purpose.
A Life Without Purpose – The Struggle for Meaning
At the outset of the book, the author describes a life devoid of direction—a period marked by uncertainty and confusion. This feeling of being lost, drifting aimlessly like a leaf in the wind, is a sentiment many can relate to. The author’s vulnerability in expressing the emotional weight of living without purpose creates a connection with readers who may have experienced similar seasons of doubt.
The biblical principle drawn from this section resonates with Jeremiah 29:11, where God promises, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Though the author felt hopeless, God’s plans were at work behind the scenes, setting the stage for a dramatic transformation.
Endurance Through Hardships – God’s Strength in Our Weakness
The journey described in Chapter One is not an easy one. The author faces setbacks, including the loss of academic dreams, homelessness, and survival in difficult circumstances. Yet, the relentless pursuit of survival speaks to God’s grace and provision, even in the darkest times.
The struggles echo the biblical message from 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, where Paul speaks of finding strength in weakness: “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” The author’s ability to endure despite overwhelming odds highlights how God’s grace sustains us in moments when we feel like giving up.
Divine Encounters – The Power of God’s Timing
One of the most profound moments in Chapter One is the encounter with a preacher on a train. At first, the words of this preacher are dismissed, but they linger, planting a seed of hope in the author’s heart. This moment of divine timing is a testament to the principle found in Romans 8:28, which assures us that "all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." The preacher’s message, though initially ignored, becomes a catalyst for the author’s awakening to a greater plan for their life.
This encounter is an example of how God uses everyday moments to speak to us. Just as God sent messengers to the Israelites at key moments in their history, He sends messengers to us, whether in the form of people, events, or even subtle nudges, to remind us that we are not forgotten.
The Refining Fire – Purpose Through Pain
The journey from brokenness to restoration is not instantaneous, and the author’s time in an abandoned post office and on the streets is filled with hardship. However, these trials are not without purpose. As the author reflects on this season, it becomes clear that these painful experiences were part of a divine refining process, aligning with Isaiah 48:10: "Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tried you in the furnace of affliction."
Like gold refined in fire, the author’s faith and character were shaped through adversity. The painful process of refinement ultimately led to spiritual growth, clarity of purpose, and a renewed sense of hope.
Restoration – A New Creation in Christ
After a series of tumultuous years, the author finds work, shelter, and community, marking the beginning of their restoration. The transition from homelessness to stability represents the biblical promise of renewal in Christ, as seen in 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
The author’s transformation is not just physical but deeply spiritual. In Krugersdorp, the author begins to understand the purpose of their pain and how God used every moment of suffering to shape them for the future. It is in this community that the author begins to dream again, understanding that even in hardship, God is working to bring us closer to our true calling.
Final Thoughts – A Life No Longer Aimless
By the end of Chapter One, the author’s story has come full circle. From the painful loss of dreams and stability to finding a new purpose in Christ, the author emerges as someone who is no longer aimless but walking with direction and confidence. The final passage, where the author declares that the winds have stilled, echoes the words of Philippians 3:14, where Paul says, “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
In conclusion, Sent: Becoming Fishers of Men is more than just a personal memoir—it is a call to action. It challenges readers to find their purpose in Christ, even in the midst of their struggles, and to step boldly into the mission He has set before them. The author’s journey from aimlessness to purpose is a testament to the transformative power of faith and resilience, encouraging others to believe that God’s plans are always greater than our own.
Until next week it's goodbye
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