Because I didn’t recommend Beth Moore’s book, I started to wonder to myself which books I would recommend as alternatives. Some of the topics Beth addresses in Get Out of that Pit are what to do with the bad things that have happened to you, or suffering, codependent relationships, repentance, feeling accepted and loved by God, faith, redemption, eternal security, and depression. I’m probably forgetting something.

I don’t know of many books by women for women that are very deep and doctrinal. So, most of my recommendations are written by men. Another author I would like to read but haven’t yet is Joni Eareckson Tada. She has suffered for most of her life and I have heard that her testimony is a must-read.

Here’s what I would recommend:

On the topic of suffering
While I have not read this one, Tim has reviewed it, and I trust his judgment. The publisher writes, “Polishing God’s Monuments is the true story of a young woman and her devoted husband who face it all (and then some) as a baffling, mind-boggling illness hijacks their youth and shatters their dreams. Polishing God’s Monuments blends straightforward theology with the account of this young couple’s afflictions. A sober reality in the life of faith is that ‘through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.’”

AND
This is an excellent resource. Piper includes wisdom regarding how to minister to and comfort friends who are suffering. From the publisher: “In Suffering and the Sovereignty of God, contributors John Piper, Joni Eareckson Tada, Steve Saint, Carl Ellis, David Powlison, Dustin Shramek, and Mark Talbot explore the many categories of God’s sovereignty as evidenced in his Word. They urge readers to look to Christ, even in suffering, to find the greatest confidence, deepest comfort, and sweetest fellowship they have ever known.”

Here’s one written by a woman for women, A Steadfast Heart by Elyse Fitzpatrick. She is speaking directly to women and the trials we face.

I’ve heard that Damsels in Distress by Martha Peace is very good. Have any of you read that one?

On the topic of codependency
Overcoming Peer Pressure, Codependency, and the Fear of Man. I just started reading this one yesterday because I was so anxious about that review. I really want to be liked!

Salvation, repentance and victory over sin
The gospel is for you every day!

OR You certainly wouldn’t need both of these. Battling Unbelief is the shorter version of Future Grace. From the publisher: “Pastor John Piper shows how to sever the clinging roots of sin that ensnare us, including anxiety, pride, shame, impatience, covetousness, bitterness, despondency, and lust.” I’ve read Future Grace and listened to the CDs for Battling Unbelief. He takes each sin and speaks specifically to how to defeat each one with your faith in Jesus. Very practical!!

This is my new favorite. I have been reading a little bit of it every day, and I must admit that I did not understand repentance very well. I had a very worldly and simplistic view of it until I began to read this little book. READ THE PURITANS!

Again, READ THE PURITANS!

And if you really want to examine your love for Jesus and the genuine work of the Spirit in your life, then I recommend this one
Jonathan Edwards has turned my ideas of how to know I’m saved upside down.

Some of these are not easy reads. Reading is a spiritual discipline and the effort it takes to comprehend these books is worth it. Most of them even have notes to help with understanding. AND after a little while of reading them, you’ll get used to the language. It will get easier. Can I apply the mantra of the Harris boys to reading? “Do hard things!”