Richard Leslie Parrott - The Reluctant Journey: Fulfilling God?s Purpose for You

ENDORSEMENTS

Richard Parrott has vividly reminded us that the life of faith is neither simple nor easy as some preachers might represent it. In doing so, he helps us see that the patriarchs are not characters in a fictional novel but real people who encountered life much like the rest of us. Most importantly, he has not let us forget that in the uneven journey of life with Christ, we are not alone.

H. Ray Dunning

Professor Emeritus of Theology, Trevecca Nazarene University, and author of Grace, Faith, and Holiness.

I encountered this book on my own reluctant journey during a difficult transition in my career. Richards work is a wise and helpful guide for anyone whose life has taken an unexpected turn. This is not a safe or easy journey we are on together with Christ, but we must press forward; the final destination is indescribable.

Rev. Brent E. Tallman

Director of Campus Spiritual Formation, Trevecca Nazarene University

The patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, are compelling biblical characters, exemplifying how God established a special, covenantal relationship with his creatures. Parrott not only surveys their historical and literary background, but also shows how they are exemplary for those with whom God is establishing such a relationship today. His study is not satisfied with analyzing the then of the biblical stories of these called but flawed men; he seeks to apply their lives in relation with God to our now as we, equally flawed, seek to serve out our own call.

David W. Baker

Professor of Old Testament, Ashland Theological Seminary

Who among us has not taken a RELUCTANT JOURNEY... many miles that were much too long, traveling toward a less than desirable location, or even worse, having to make the journey with those who should have stayed at home. Using this insightful and effective metaphor, Dr. Parrott explores such a challenge, but at the heart of this candid text is the authors fundamental question, Can God be trusted? as all of us undertake these inevitable spiritual pilgrimages. I deem this books multiple paths to be a credible and potentially life-redirecting journey itself for both believer and seeker alike!

Gary W. Streit PhD

Special Assistant to the President/Interim Dean, Arkansas Baptist College

As Rev. Dr. Richard Parrotts pastor for several years, I have had the privilege of not only reading his work and hearing him speak, but watching his life and sharing his heart. Richard has lived the reluctant journey. Hes felt what its like to be homeless with God. This is not just words on pages: this is a biblically-based, theologically-sound journey Richard has experienced, and is now helping thousands of others take their own journey. I heartily endorse it for your life, your small group, and your church. People need guidance in this area, and this book is an excellent source.

Dr. Kevin M. Ulmet

Senior Pastor, Nashville First Church of the Nazarene

Following the petitions of the Lords Prayer, this book weaves the broken, heroic, faltering, and victorious stories of the patriarchs not only as examples for us but as demonstrations of the lengths to which God will go to partner with each one of us. Through the stories of Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, and others, Richard Parrott has unpacked the grace of God in word pictures that will renew the heart and inspire the reader.

Dr. Stan Toler, bestselling author & speaker

Richard Parrott is smart, educated, talented, and experienced. It is the experienced that makes me want to hear a speech or read a book. Dr. Parrotts book delivers and is absolutely worth your time to read, reflect, and find strength for your real life experiences. The truth and insight of the book will serve you well.

Dr. Jim Van Hook

Retired Music Executive and Dean of the Mark Curb School of Entertainment, Belmont University

2014 by Richard Leslie Parrott

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Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations are taken from The Voice Translation. 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved.*

* Note: Italics in quotations from The Voice are used to indicate words not directly tied to the dynamic translation of the original language but that bring out the nuance of the original, assist in completing ideas, and... provide readers with information that would have been obvious to the original audience (The Voice, preface). Author emphasis in quotations from The Voice is indicated with the use of boldface type.

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com

Scripture quotations marked KJV are taken from the King James Version (public domain).

Scripture quotations from THE MESSAGE. Copyright by Eugene H. Peterson 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

ISBN: 978-1-4016-8038-1

ISBN: 978-1-4016-8039-8 (eBook)

14 15 16 17 18 19 RRD 6 5 4 3 2 1

The book is dedicated to Dr. Esther Swink and Mr. Eddie Hales for their authenticity, inspiration, and partnership; each has joined with Christ on a reluctant journey; each has walked the path with grace, faithfulness, and dignity.

He who made us without ourselves,
will not save us without ourselves.

John Wesley

CONTENTS

PART ONE: Homeless with God:
The Path of Wandering

CHAPTER 1: The Call to the Unknown:
How Do I Know This Is Gods Voice?

CHAPTER 2: Face the Disappointment:
Can God Be Trusted?

CHAPTER 3: Faith Isnt Easy:
Is Anything Too Hard for God?

CHAPTER 4: Challenge the Promise Giver:
Will God Do Whats Right?

CHAPTER 5: Test the Relationship:
Can I Know for Sure?

PART TWO: Troubled by God:
The Path of Wounds

CHAPTER 6: The Trouble with God:
Did You Do This to Me?

CHAPTER 7: The Promise of God:
Why Did You Choose Me?

CHAPTER 8: The Maturing Work of God:
Are You Still with Me?

CHAPTER 9: The Wound of God:
Is This the Price of Blessing?

PART THREE: Hidden from God:
The Path of Wisdom

CHAPTER 10: A Complacent and Smug Faith:
Why Do I Ignore God?

CHAPTER 11: Life Is Not Fair:
Why Is This Happening to Me?

CHAPTER 12: The Fear of Abandonment:
Does Any of This Make a Difference, God?

CHAPTER 13: The Agony of Old Injuries:
Do I Have to Face This?

CHAPTER 14: The Gift of Deep Healing:
What Is My Purpose in Your Plan?

A book evolves and grows in the heart of an author and through the support of a community:

I want to express deep appreciation for the rich counsel and mentoring of Mark Maish.