Mitchel Lee - Even If: Trusting God When Life Disappoints, Overwhelms, or Just Doesnt Make Sense

Mitchel Lee, in his courageous authorial debut, shares what its like to place faith in Christ amid hardship. For the follower of Jesus, Even If is not some bumper sticker to display but a daring commitment to live. It is a great book to read and a mantra for life.

Kyle Idleman , senior pastor of Southeast Christian Church and author of Not a Fan and Dont Give Up

In the whirlwind of everyday life, where setbacks, unforeseen changes, and even heart-stricken grief are encountered often unexpectedly, we can easily be thrown off in our understanding of who God is and who we are. This book reminds us that the constancy of Gods love for us and his strength are worthy anchors through the chaos.

Jenny Yang , vice president for advocacy and policy at World Relief

Suffering has caused more people to file for divorce from God than any other reason. Even if peoplethose who not only suffer but also proclaim in the midst of their suffering that even if they dont make it through, theyll still lean in and hold on to Godare rare today. I believe we will see more resilient people in the face of suffering because of this great book from my friend Mitchel Lee.

Bryan Loritts , teaching pastor at the Summit Church and author of The Dad Difference

Prophetic, pastoral, and personal in nature, Even If is a word for anyone in the valley, fire, or desert of spiritual life. Lee uniquely invites the reader to look for God in difficulty and, perhaps more importantly, determine to worship God, even when we cant find him. Ultimately, this is a book about real faith, deep faith, and anchored faitha faith beyond private devotion and personal experience, inherited from ancient followers of God, ancient sufferers throughout Scripture, and those mighty saints who have gone before us.

Aubrey Sampson , church planter and author of The Louder Song and Known

Even If combines the insights of a seasoned biblical scholar with the empathy and honesty of a loving pastor. Its refreshingly honest, unexpectedly humorous, and enormously helpful. I have no doubt that it will help thousands of people navigate the pain and disappointment of life with a darker and more defiant faith.

Pete Greig , founder of 24-7 Prayer International and author of God on Mute

Whether we are walking through flames or living in the valley of the shadow of death, Mitchel Lee gives us hope and strengthens our resolve to stretch our faith in God, regardless of the circumstances. Even If is a book that will inspire your trust in God, who always comes through one way or another.

Dr. David Anderson , author of the award-winning book Gracism

I so relate to this book. Only those who have not lived enough years might miss the desperate need we have for the truth contained in these pages. If you find yourself as a valley dweller right now, or know someone who is, let Mitchell Lee be your personal guide to courage and freedom.

Randy Frazee , pastor and author of His Mighty Strength

A well-written book full of pastoral wisdom and personal insights, the plot centers on the biblical confrontation between Daniels three friends and Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon. The author continues to circle back to this confrontation, making helpful application to difficult situations we face and what it means to live out an even if faith.

Dave McDowell , pastor and author of The Goodness of Affliction

Mitchel Lee is refreshingly real, deeply thoughtful, and biblically grounded. Whatever may come and wherever we may find ourselves, he points us with a pastors heart toward life-giving hope and the powerful presence of God.

Dr. Steve A. Brown , president of Arrow Leadership and author of Jesus Centered

WELCOME TO THE VALLEY

My graduation from seminary was supposed to be epic, the culmination of so much preparation and expectation. After three years of trekking back and forth between my home in Maryland and my seminary in North Carolina every Monday and Friday (a four-and-a-half-hour commute I wouldnt wish on my enemies), I looked forward to finally moving into the next chapter of my pastoral journey. I had worked my tail off during this season, leading a student ministry in Maryland while keeping up with my theological studies, and now I was ready to be fully unleashed into the world.

The March before graduation, the senior pastor of my church invited me into his office to talk. We hadnt talked like this before, so I should have known that something was up.

Are you excited about graduation? he probed.

Absolutely. Itll be nice to be more present with the students and families Ive been leading.

I see. Well, I hear that youre interested in exploring more studies after your degree. Is that true?

That would be nice eventually. Well have to see how it shapes up, though.

Insert awkward silence. HmmI heard from someone that you were looking to move on, so we hired a new youth pastor. Hell start in June, so youre free to move on after graduation.

After the silence came an uppercut, a gut punch, devastation, and overall feelings of confusion and betrayal. Why didnt he ask me about this rumor? What did I do wrong? How could he just hire my replacement? What about the students and families? The summer mission trips? What am I supposed to do after graduation?