I had never heard of Mark Batterson until my sister sent two of his books to me. The book came out in 2006 originally, but he updated it last year for the 10th anniversary. He’s added an additional chapter to the end of the project and makes some comments about things that have changed since originally releasing the book.

This book, In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day has a very memorable title, not because it’s particularly catchy, but because Batterson mentions the title in the text of the book about 200 times. That is the only thing that I really don’t like about the book. Other than that, it’s fantastic.

Okay… just had to get that off my chest.

Here are some solid reasons I loved this book and why I think you would do well to read it:

• It’s well researched – I learned as much from his research as I did his analysis of the research. I write this at the risk of making the book sound boring. It’s not at all. The studies he mentions are fascinating and help the reader understand the what behind the why of what Batterson suggests the reader should do.
• This book is all about chasing our lions, rather than being chased or scared by them. Batterson is trying to get his readers to take that chance they’ve always wished they would have. To step out in faith and see what God does. Even in the face of failure at unsuccessful risks, there is still a lot to be learned.
• Batterson doesn’t sugar coat his own insecurities and failures. While he has had some great success, he writes about some losses, fears, and uncertainty we all experience. However, he also writes about the rewards that would have never come without the steps of faith.
• This is far from a project where he brags about himself from cover to cover. Batterson recounts stories of several other people who have also taken steps of faith. The whole book is about how to take the steps, what they look like, and how taking them has made a world of difference for him, his community and in the lives of others.

Bottom line: By the time you’re done with this book, you will have the motivation to take that next step you’ve been afraid to take. You won’t have all of the answers, but you’ll have the inspiration you need to quit procrastinating.

Click here to buy the book