Revised and Updated Twelve Extraordinary Women Workbook by John MacArthur

 


"I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made." (Psalm 139:14a ESV)

Those of you who loved the late John MacArthur and his writings will not want to miss this updated edition companion worksheet to his novel Twelve Extraordinary Women (which I have yet to read).  I do remember reading Twelve Ordinary Men by MacArthur years ago and being moved and encouraged in my walk.  I love how John presents biblical truths in easy to understand terms, and also being rich in scripture, giving readers a strong biblical base.  In this new workbook Bible scholars both new and young to the faith will delight in the journey he leads you on.  In full disclosure, I read this text on my own, and while I gained a lot from that, I long to join with other women in a Bible study where I feel I could glean even more from this text.    

From Eve, the mother of all living, to Lydia (Paul's female convert after he received the Macedonian Call) - readers will get a glimpse into the heart of our Heavenly Father's steadfast love and faithfulness.  We will see his sovereignty through each of the 12 women as He is writing their story.  MacArthur then applies the lessons from each of these women to us today, and how we can use their examples in our own spiritual journey.  Each of these women, and each of us today, are created in the image of God (Imago Dei), but born into a fallen world of sin.  We each have our own struggles and have sinned and that is when the extraordinary happens -God stepped into each of their lives weaving his greater story of redeeming the world, into their own personal redemption story.   The author and perfector of our faith writes these human women into His bigger story of redemption and grace.  He wants the same for you and I.  As he has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.

What is your story?  Are you struggling with doubts and fears?  Do you feel alone?  Are you in need of encouragement to your Heavenly Father?  Take heart, we serve the same God today that stepped into each of these women's story throughout the pages of scripture.  Take comfort in God's character and remember that God does not change like shifting shadows (James 1:17).  I am also reminded of the song Same God, by Elevation Worship (which we sung in church this morning).  We can all take comfort that God is Sovereign, on His Throne, and is still working in and through us today.  No matter or past, or present struggles, God loves you!

As I was reading this book, I have also been blessed to be going through the book of Genesis and reminded of some of the same themes found throughout this book (like my older pastor always says, "If it's repeated, it's important).  We are all created in God's image our story is part of His bigger story.  He just asks us to surrender in faith, and TRUST in Him, the Good Shepherd.

I give special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC to read and give an honest review.  I now plan to purchase a paper copy and find some women to do an in depth Bible study with them going through this book (we always need community and encouragement of other believers).  I pray that you will find this book helpful on your own spiritual journey-through this scripturally rich text full of much insight and Biblical teaching.

This is most definitely a four paw book by Simba.  We pray that you will take this quote by Ann Vaskamp with you "God is the word, the author of our story, and He keeps writing the story until the last line is a good line."

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