John S. Dickerson - I Am Strong: Finding Gods Peace and Strength in Lifes Darkest Moments

Praise for I Am Strong

Have you ever felt confused about how a good God can allow the pain in your life? If so, I cannot encourage you enough to read I Am Strong. This message will anchor your soul and give flight to your faith. Most importantly, it will draw you closer to the God who wants to heal your hurts.

Jim Cymbala , pastor of the Brooklyn Tabernacle and bestselling author of numerous books, including Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire and Breakthrough Prayer

Pain and suffering often drive people away from God. John Dickersons I Am Strong takes a different path. In a counterintuitive way and with deep biblical roots, he shows how we can be strong when we allow pain and suffering to take us to God. The path he recommends does not lead to despair but to hope. In fact, Dickerson takes us to the only hope there is in the midst of the deep pain that life often delivers.

Dr. Darrell Bock , New York Times bestselling author, Humboldt Scholar, and senior research professor of New Testament Studies at Dallas Theological Seminary

To write a book about hope and strength in the midst of suffering requires that one understands both sides of the equation. John S. Dickerson not only has experienced both sides, but with his heart and pen, he has mapped out a practical guide for the journey to light for all who travel down the dark road of pain and suffering. Read it when you need hope the most; share it with a friend in the midst of their trial; and use it in your small groups because everyone can benefit from this helpful and sensitive work.

Chuck Bentley , CEO of Crown Financial Ministries and author of The Worst Financial Mistakes in the Bible and How You Can Avoid Them

Life has a way of falling apart just when we least expect it. In I Am Strong, John S. Dickerson reveals the hidden strength that God provides in our darkest moments and shows how to access it daily. If youre walking through a valley or know someone who is, this is a must-read.

Larry Osborne , author of Thriving in Babylon and pastor of North Coast Church, California

John Dickerson is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. In his new book I Am Strong, John digs deep into what it really means to go through difficult times. He then reminds us that God can and will bring good from the struggles and tragedies we face. And while our circumstances may be painful at the moment, we need to remember its not the end of our story, but simply the beginning of a new chapter.

Steve Poe , lead pastor of Northview Church, Carmel, Indiana

Pastor John Dickerson is one of the great writers of our time. His most recent book contains wisdom that has already benefited me, as it will those who read and reflect on its messages.

Terence F. Moore , president emeritus of MidMichigan Health System

As a grief counselor and pastor, I minister daily to people who are sick, hurting, or discouraged. This book contains the life-changing hope I wish I could give to every hurting person who comes my way.

Dan Rydberg , Care and Outreach pastor at Cornerstone Church, Prescott, Arizona

As a cancer survivor and hospital CEO, I am all too familiar with the questions, fears, and uncertainties of suffering. This book contains rock-solid hope, not only for patients, their families, and caregivers, but for anyone facing the challenges and questions that suffering brings.

Jeff Leimgruber , hospital CEO and Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives

John Dickerson knows how to speak to peoples pain. He was there in the small town of Prescott, Arizona, when word came that nineteen young firefighters had just died. He was there that evening when the whole state of Arizona cried themselves to sleep. He brought hope in the middle of a communitys pain, and his book I Am Strong will bring hope to you in your pain.

Dr. Tim Kimmel , author of Grace Filled Marriage

I Am Strong uniquely combines the insightful mind of a journalist with the compassionate heart of a pastor. The journey in these pages will feed your soul, renew your hope, and restore your life.

Chip Ingram , teaching pastor of Living on the Edge, senior pastor of Venture Christian Church, and author of Finding God When You Need Him Most

Followers of Jesus cannot escape pain any more than they can escape this fallen world. Seen in the context of the suffering Jesus and the many who have followed him, pain can bring a believer to full maturity and access to the power of Christ. In I Am Strong, John S. Dickerson uniquely combines a pastors theological training, a shepherds heart to comfort, and a journalists question asking and storytelling.

Cal Thomas , USA Today columnist and author of What Works

Living on this sin-encrusted planet greets us with regular doses of pain. We rarely need reminders of its nagging reality. But we do quickly lose sight of hope. This compelling, biblically based, practical book reminds each follower of Jesus of the precious hope that often eludes us when the thorns of pain and suffering dig deep. John S. Dickerson writes not from an ivory tower, void of pain, but is, like most who make lifes journey, one who is well-acquainted with its sharp edges. Take, read, and regain hope.

J. Paul Nyquist, PhD , president of Moody Bible Institute

As a counselor, I see people who struggle daily with the effects and whys of suffering. In I Am Strong, John Dickerson methodically walks us through the steps of making sense of something that does not make sense and depositing our pain at the feet of Christ. It is a powerful book of truth and hope.

Kim Kimberling, PhD , leader of the Awesome Marriage Movement and author of 7 Secrets to an Awesome Marriage

Pain is inevitable. And when it comes, it is crucial to have a road map that helps you navigate a way forward. In I Am Strong, John Dickerson delivers such a map. John doesnt offer up a naive, cotton-candy view of the Christian life. From his own journey with a rare health condition and a solid biblical understanding, John provides real-life wisdom and hope for those who are hurting.

Lance Witt , founder of Replenish Ministries and former executive pastor at Saddleback Church

John Dickerson is a good man who gave up a promising career in journalism to serve his God. I am not a believer, as he is. I am, however, a believer in his ability to hold readers in his thrall, to tell simple, uplifting human stories, to share his eloquent hopes.

Ken Auletta , media critic for The New Yorker, author, and Pulitzer Prize judge

There is no place on this planet where hurting men and women cannot be found. The discouraging part is that most of them have no idea how to obtain freedom and healing from their painful wounds and circumstances. God never meant for us to live disappointing and defeated lives. John S. Dickersons journalistic research ability and gentle shepherds heart will take you on an extraordinary journey of healing in a miraculous way.

Linda Penn , host of Todays Living Hope on WDCX 99.5 Radio FM (970 and 990 AM), serving Western New York and Northern Ontario, Canada

ZONDERVAN

I Am Strong

Copyright 2016 John S. Dickerson

Requests for information should be addressed to:

Zondervan, 3900 Sparks Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546

ePub Edition November 2015: ISBN 978-0-310-34192-5

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked NKJV are taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.