Free to Thrive: How Your Hurt, Struggles, and Deepest Longings Can Lead to a Fulfilling Life

Description

Overcome your struggles. Fulfill your deepest longings. Your whole life awaits you. Many people today are struggling with unprecedented levels of anxiety, hurt, doubt, guilt, and shame. Medical and mental health professionals confirm that much of the dysfunction and disconnectedness we experience in life stems from unresolved relational and emotional hurts. These hurts leave us with unfulfilled God-given longings that we seek to fulfill through unhealthy behaviors and relationships. Yet, our struggles aren't random; they're signals that when answered, can pave our way towards a thriving life. In Free to Thrive, Josh McDowell and Ben Bennett invite you on a journey of healing and will teach you how to overcome unwanted behaviors by engaging your unmet longings. With a blend of hard-won wisdom and youthful energy, they present: Biblical teaching Recent neuroscientific research Time-tested principles Personal stories of deliverance Practical tools Opportunities for reflection No matter what you are struggling with, it is possible to experience the spiritual, emotional, and relational wholeness that God wants you to have--and live the thriving life you were made for.

As a young man, Josh McDowell considered himself an agnostic. He truly believed that Christianity was worthless. However, when challenged to intellectually examine the claims of Christianity, Josh discovered compelling and overwhelming evidence for the reliability of the Christian faith. After trusting in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, Josh's life changed dramatically as he experienced the power of God's love. After his conversion, Josh committed his life to telling a doubting world about the truth of Jesus Christ. After studying at Kellogg College, Josh completed his college degree at Wheaton College and then attended Talbot Theological Seminary, graduating magna cum laude with a Masters of Divinity. Working with Campus Crusade for Christ and founding the youth outreach, Josh McDowell Ministry, Josh has shared the gospel with more than 25 million people in 125 countries. He is the author or co-authored of 147 books.

'In Free to Thrive, Josh and Ben help us confront our why. That is the why we feel stuck in life, why our attempts at growth stall out, and why addressing the hard stuff we avoid positions us to thrive.' * Lisa Bevere, New York Times Bestselling author * 'I cannot think of a more timely, important and healing message than the one in this book. If you are discouraged and sick at heart, Josh and Ben have provided a clear and trustworthy map to find the life that Christ wants for each one of us.' * Sheila Walsh, Author of Holding On When You Want to Let Go * 'We've groomed a generation of hidden people. We've hidden our struggles, our brokenness and the things we've not even had the courage to admit to ourselves. I'm grateful for men like Ben and Josh who've decided that true thriving is found in bringing hidden places to light through words that'll last to eternity. Job well done Ben and Josh.' * Toni J Collier, author, speaker, and founder of Broken Crayons Still Color * 'It's no secret that our world is facing mental health issues at devastating levels. In Free to Thrive, Josh and Ben offer a clear and biblical path to freedom from any struggle that will result in a thriving life of purpose.' * Rick Warren, senior pastor, Saddleback Church * 'In Free to Thrive, Josh and Ben provide a proven path to healing from hurt, freedom from what holds you back, and how to experience the flourishing life in Christ that we are created for.' * Dr. Tim Clinton, president of the American Association of Christian Counselors * 'Many are grappling with how to care for those impacted by anxiety, trauma, and addiction. Thankfully, this book provides clear answers straight from the truth of God's word.' * Dr. Tony Evans, president, The Urban Alternative, senior pastor, Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship * 'Josh McDowell is one of the best apologists I know. This book is something a bit different though. Vulnerable and honest, Free to Thrive helps us understand the hunger and thirst for greater freedom, joy, and wholeness that aches in the deeper parts of our soul and then helps us move toward it.' * Matt Chandler, lead pastor, The Village Church, president, Acts 29 Church Planting Network * 'Healthy leaders are one of the world's greatest needs today. Free to Thrive provides a clear path to deal with your past, understand your unhealthy habits, and move toward the healthiest future.' * Andy Stanley, pastor and author of Better Decisions, Fewer Regrets * 'If you're looking for a winsome, compassionate, and insightful perspective on life's pain, healing, and apologetics, this book is perfect for you. It's timely, authoritative, and unique--a terrific resource that's a must-read for the church today. Thanks, Josh and Ben, for this invaluable contribution!' * Lee Strobel, best-selling author, the Strobel Center for Evangelism and Applied Apologetics, Colorado Christian University * 'In Free to Thrive, Josh and Ben will help you understand God's radical love and purpose for you.' * Miles McPherson, senior pastor, Rock Church * 'Free to Thrive reveals the God-given call behind our greatest pains and struggles. Josh and Ben help us see the beautiful ways God wired us to flourish here and now, and forever.' * Kirk Cameron, actor & producer * 'Free to Thrive is an incredibly important book for all generations. It is raw and it is real, but it is also incredibly hopeful. Through sharing their life experiences, Josh and Ben demonstrate how God can exchange ashes for beauty and in doing so transform a life and change the world.' * Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, lead pastor, New Season Worship Center, president, National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC), author, Survive to Thrive: Live a Holy, Healed, Healthy, Happy, Humble, Hungry, and Honoring Life * 'I have been impacted by the writings of Josh McDowell for much of my ministry, but Free to Thrive may be the best yet. Josh and Ben brought clarity to apologetics in the midst of Generation Z's blurred lines and broken boundaries. I will be recommending it for years to come to pastors, youth pastors, parents, and students.' * Dr. Jay Strack, founder of The Strack Center for Global Leadership & Ministry at Charleston Southern University, president/founder of Student Leadership University * 'Profound, timely, and one of the clearest books on growth, healing, and why truth matters.' * J. P. Moreland, distinguished professor of philosophy, Talbot School of Theology, author of Finding Quiet * 'COVID-19 pushed hundreds of millions of people to deeper isolation, especially those struggling with addictions and deep hurts from their closest friends and families. Free to Thrive takes you through tested and biblical steps not only to healing but to thriving too.' * Henri Aoun, strategic projects leader, North Africa/Middle East, LifeAgape International * 'The pages ahead are a key to unlock a cage that many don't realize they're in. Others have sadly given up all hope of getting out. Through the vulnerability and expertise of two very gifted guides, God will show you a clear path so that you are Free to Thrive.' * Jonathan Pokluda, best-selling author, pastor, Harris Creek *