Yearning: Living Between How It Is How It Ought to Be

By M. Craig Barnes

Book Overview

Does God want us fulfilled?Popular psychology says we should be fulfilled. Advertisements tease us with dozens of ways we can be fulfilled. Many preachers and book promise Christian fulfillment.But in this surprising (and surprisingly liberating) book, Craig Barnes suggests we weren't created to be whole or complete. With a fresh reading of the early chapters of Genesis, he says that much of our pain and disillusionment arises from wrong expectations of the gospel and of life.Echoing comedian Bob Newhart, Barnes "would like to make a motion that we face reality." He candidly draws from his own experience as a son, a student, a husband, a father and a pastor to help us see what we all know but are so reluctant to say aloud--that biblical living will not save us from crises or unfulfillment.Barnes writes for anyone who knows that faith must be tough enough to "hold up in the emergency rooms of life." But he doesn't merely help us face reality. He helps us see how our needs and limitations are gifts, the best opportunities we have to receive God's grace. Because of that, Yearning may be the most honest and the most helpful book you'll read this year.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0830813780
• ISBN13: 9780830813780
• Release Date: January 1992
• Publisher: IVP
• Length: 185 Pages
• Weight: 0.57 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.6" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

Tim's Titles

Yearning: Living Between How It Is and How It Ought to Be Yearning is a "must read" for the person who is serious about living for God. One thing that stands out is his question: "Do we love God for who He is or for what He does for us?" Drink from the well of the author's compassionate wisdom. Read and re-read this book.

Are you a frustrated idealistic Christian?

This book "tells it like it is"--the author is incredibly honest about what the Christian life really looks like. I am at a point in my life where I see how Christian community really is and I long for something better. It's hard to reconcile the two---this book discusses this yearning, and doesn't necessarily give any nice neat solutions, but it is comforting to know that this is something that other Christians struggle with.