Going the Second Mile
by Mel Blackaby
Published by Multnomah Publishers
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Reviewed by Amy L. Loos
"Short" and "powerful" are two words that accurately describe Mel Blackaby's Going the Second Mile. I'm still reeling over how much I learned in this concise book.
Going the Second Mile depicts God's desire to challenge us to completely turn our lives over to Him in trust. You see, as the author states, most of us Christians stop our walk at baptism or shortly thereafter. We lead our lives as "good people" who go to church, tithe occasionally and warm a church pew. But God wants so much more for us.
So where do we begin? How do we move past what is comfortable, easy and cozy to a life that challenges us to be completely devoted to God? We must take the first step in the second mile.
Blackaby explains that becoming a "second-mile" Christian means fully understanding that our lives as Christians wholly belong to the Lord. And as such, we must take the first step and follow Christ.
That's a scary step for most of us. Why? Because we automatically assume that God will ask us to do something that we don't want to do--like the rich ruler whom Jesus told, sell all that you have and follow me. Many of us don't want to be stretched and tested outside of our comfort zones, yet if we are going to grow in the Lord, to be conformed into His likeness, we need to take that first step and say, "Yes Lord, I will follow."
I highly recommend Going the Second Mile for every Christian who wants to grow, be stretched and to live abundantly in the Lord's promises. Blackaby has done a wonderful job combining scripture and daily application to encourage new and seasoned Christians alike to say, "Yes, Lord" every time we hear His voice.
Armchair Interviews says: Thought-provoking message.