Getting Through the Tough Stuff

BOOK REVIEW

Getting Through The Tough Stuff, (It’s Always Something)
by Charles R. Swindoll
W Publishing Group, 2004

I’ve never had so much trouble getting to read a book. I purchased my first copy quite a while ago and lost it: I hope whoever found the book needed it.
I purchased another one as a gift to myself on Christmas and immediately had to loan it to some one who expressed a real interest in its message.
The title is eye-catching; who hasn’t been through difficult times. Life is tough. Circumstances build upon each other; there are times when we just want to scream out to the Lord for deliverance.
Jesus didn’t tell us that life would be easy. He said, “In the world you will have tribulation…” (John 16:33), who would have guessed that He was talking about MY life.

In his book, Swindoll deals with many of the troubles that plague us today. There are chapters on ‘Getting through the Tough Stuff of’… temptation, misunderstanding, anxiety, confrontations, shame, and doubt. Also included are chapters on some of the less common problems that trouble many, divorce, remarriage, inadequacy and disqualification.

In fifteen short chapters Swindoll passes on wisdom he that he has gathered in many years of pastoral counseling. In each chapter he teaches us simple principles that are helpful in dealing with each of these difficult situations.

While the book is simple reading, it’s not a window dressing of quick-fix ideas. We are constantly directed back to the Bible to witness how others have dealt with the Tough Stuff. The book is rich in biblical wisdom. And along with the lessons, Swindoll also provides practical advice on some of the modern temptations, such as dealing with internet pornography.

Swindoll doesn’t promise us that he can show us the easy way out of the Tough Stuff.. He doesn’t pretend he can quickly ease the pain. Life is unfair, sometimes even unbearable. As he points out, as we labor through this life, burdened with turmoil and trouble, it’s comforting to know that He is always with us.

Rob