Soulprint by Mark Batterson

 In Soulprint Mark Batterson takes a look at the life of David to help us 'discover our divine destiny.'  One of my favorite passages is in the opening chapter, "Our true identities get buried beneath the mistakes we've made, the insecurities we've acquired, and the lies we've believed.  We're held captive by others' expectations.  We're uncomfortable in our own skin. And we spend far too much emotional, relational, and spiritual energy trying to be who we're not. ... Somewhere along the way, we lose ourselves!"  He then spends the rest of the book explaining how we can discover who we are.

Batterson does stress that this is not a quick fix, that we've all made mistakes and that it isn't too late to begin trusting God and living our lives the way God intended for us to live.  He states that "every past experience is preparation for some future opportunity. And one way God redeems the past is by helping us see it through His eyes, His providence."  Batterson encourages readers to really examine their lives and find the defining moments that truly shape the way you live today.  One of the most striking paragraphs breaks down mathematically how statistically, 'incalculably unique' we are. Each person is a one-of-a-kind creation and we are to be ourselves ... the way God created us.

He goes on to explain how David was woefully unprepared to go to battle to fight Goliath - at least in the eyes of the army. But he was actually perfectly prepared to fight him with a slingshot due to his experience as a shepherd and protecting his flock. What God is doing in our lives may not make sense at this time, but he is preparing us for something we can't see yet ... if we let him. He also stresses that it won't be easy, but it will be worth it!

Batterson also encourages us to have 'lifesymbols' - visible reminders of our faith journey. Pictures, rocks, objects. Anything that is a positive reminder of how God has worked in our lives. He goes on to tell us that we have to 'disrobe' and be vulnerable and warns us that the simple fact of living a life that relies fully on God will make Satan mad and he will fight even harder for us. We can't do this alone, but the end rewards will be more than worth the struggle and pain. We are all unique and God has given each of us a unique destiny. Now we have to find it.

I would recommend this book to someone wanting to grow in their faith and wanting to know how to relate the life of David to our lives today.
 
"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review"