My first years following college were some of the most difficult of my life. I partied often, worked out of necessity, and spent countless hours staring into my bedroom ceilng and wondering, "What am I supposed to do with my life?" The problem for me, and I think the problem for many twentysomethings today, is that we aren't grounded in our faith. Even though I am still a "twentysomething," I see clearly where my journey would have been easier had it been planted in Christ. In the search for purpose, many twentysomethings have one necessary component--fervor for the hunt--but lack the other critical piece--a consistent connection to the Purpose-giver Himself.
I wish Renee Johnson had been around during my "quarterlife crisis." Known for her conversational style and relevancy, she has written a devotional for a twentysomething by a twentysomething. Faithbook of Jesus is a one-year journey for spiritual searchers. Each day includes a verse, commentary, prayer, and insight from a real twentysomething. I was so intrigued by the idea, I decided to connect with Renee and ask her a few questions.
Q: You've just emerged onto the scene. This is your first book. Tell us where you're from and how you got to be a published author.
A: I've come a long way from part time devotional writer to full time author. My biggest goal in life is spurring others forward in their daily walk with Jesus. The past 14 years of trials drove me to my knees and got me into the Word. After devouring devotional book after devotional book I kept coming up empty so I decided to write my own!
Q: Your devotional book, Faithbook of Jesus, has a noticeably strange title. Explain.
A: Well I call it "Facebook of Jesus" with a lisp. The online component (http://faithbookofjesus.ning.com) mixed with the survey results from over 300+ 20-somethings "tagged" makes it real, relevant, and fun for young people-yet deep enough to be called the "Faithbook of Jesus!" I like it. I hope you dig it too.
Q: This book has been billed as the first devotional written for 20-somethings by a 20-something. Yet you've said that this book is something that people outside of their 20's can pick up and learn from too. How were you able to straddle the demographical line here?
A: share my experiences from the Word and I'm so ecstatic that it helps reach my generation! However, the Word is powerful and I wouldn't want to limit its reach. I know that those who have a heart to reach a younger generation or teens who are tired of fluff will love it too!
Q: You've got a serious amount of material in this book. Where did it all come from? Did you just put it all together on the spot?
A: It came from the past 14 years of my own personal hell. I was stuck at home with severe health issues which I talk about in the book and my journey to faith in Christ through the Bible. I hope everyone will take the journey with me!
Q: I've heard you've got a second project in the works. Can you give us a sneak peek?
A: I am writing my second book on brokenness. I can't say much, but that you will be able to take the journey deeper alongside with me as I challenge my generation to not be stuck and learn how to be set free in Christ. (Note: I am tired of those dating books and this is my hope that others will write books for ages 18-35 that are about more than just relationships & dating).
You can download the first three weeks in a sample here.
Here is one I enjoyed:
W e e k 7 / / T u e s d a y • p a g e 4 3
M u c h A f r a i d
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of selfdiscipline.
— 2 T i m o t h y 1 : 7
In her book Hinds’ Feet on High Places, Hannah Hurnard used an allegory to paint a
beautiful story for us. The heroine of the story is named Much Afraid, and you can
take a guess at what she’s like.
How often do I act Much Afraid? I’ve struggled with anxiety since I was twelve.
The verse above has been my favorite verse for more than fifteen years.
It’s not easy being a twentysomething. There are lots of unknowns. Purpose and
career keep me up at night sometimes. Wondering who I’m going to marry and where
we’re going to live wakes me up in the morning. Just thinking about the economy gives
me an anxiety attack. Here are four ways we can take fear and lay it at Jesus’ feet:
Rest in Jesus — “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give
you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
Trust in Jesus — “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your
own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths
straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Sonship in Jesus — “For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again
to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father’”
(Romans 8:15).
Hope in Jesus — “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do
this” (Psalm 37:5).
Leigh, 19, said in light of today’s economy she fears “surviving — just trying to
keep my head above water, settling for a full-time job here in America while
my heart longs to go to the unreached.”
Dear Abba Jesus,
Thank you for giving us a spirit of love, power, and self-discipline. Let this verse be
a reminder each time we begin to fear. Amen.
Check out Faithbook of Jesus: Connecting with Jesus Daily
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