Book Review: From This Day Forward by Craig and Amy Groeschel

This is the first book I’ve read of Craig Groeschel. It was when I found out that he is the founding and senior pastor of LifeChurch.tv, the creator of the free YouVersion Bible App, that I picked this book for review. It also was a bonus that he has his wife, Amy, who he’s been married to for 23 years, as co-author in this book. I’m not sure about you, but I am more inclined to “listen” to authors who have walked their talk. Sure, I still read books on marriage of authors who were divorced but I tend to wonder, “Whatever happened!” unless of course, they spell that out in the book. Grace wins, that is true. I love it when God turns the ugliest things in our lives to something that will glorify Him. It’s hard not to be in awe when God does the impossible and you get the front seat privilege of witnessing all that. I digress.

From This Day Forward

Here’s something about “From This Day Forward: Five Commitments to Fail-Proof Your Marriage”

New York Times bestselling author and pastor Craig Groeschel is joined by his wife Amy for this groundbreaking book on marriage. Hard-hitting and humorous, refreshingly transparent—this resource will make good marriages stronger and save the ones that are hanging on by a thread.

You know the stats, and they are horrifying. 50% of marriages don’t make it. With those kinds of odds, is it even possible to have a great marriage? Craig Groeschel believes so, but not if you treat it like everyone else does.

In this groundbreaking new book, New York Times bestselling author and pastor Craig Groeschel and his wife Amy show engaged and married couples how to conquer the odds in a culture where “I do” doesn’t necessarily mean forever and find the joy, passion, and strength of a marriage built by God. Craig and Amy present the 5 commitments all spouses need to make in order to absolutely fail-proof their marriage. Starting right now—from this day forward.

Seek God
Fight fair
Have fun
Stay pure
Never give up

If readers earnestly choose to do all five of these things, they’ll discover a richer, deeper, more authentic relationship and a more rewarding and passionate love life than they could have ever imagined.

My Take:

First off, depending on how one will define “fail,” I think the “fail” (Five Commitments to “FAIL”-Proof Your Marriage) in the subtitle of this book pertains to how your marriage will fare when it has run its course. Because truth be told, all of us are notorious at failing. We constantly fail ourselves and our loved ones. We are so good at it that it is not uncommon to be numb to its effects with a touch of all-too-familiar feeling of entitlement. That’s what broken people do. We fail. Now before you brush this off as an ultra negative review, allow me to just pick up where I left off…

..We fail. But as God’s mercies are new every morning, we continue to allow God to transform us into His likeness as we go along. We don’t just stay at failing our spouse.  Truth is, our selfish nature will lean towards seeking for our spouse to fulfill our needs. That’s what they should do anyway! It’s our natural default. Since I’m limited to only a number of words to this review, {to probably lessen the risk of giving away everything about the book), I’d have to give it to Pastor Craig as He placed “Seek God,” as the first commitment. Truly, left to ourselves, we will operate in our human nature (the flesh) as opposed to operating in the Spirit. The rest of the commitments will only be possible if we fulfill the first. Otherwise, our motivation of doing everything else will be of selfish origin, which goes back to our natural default that will bring disappointment in the long run.

From This Day Forward is a good book on marriage or preparation for marriage. A promising material for small group for couples. Reading through this book felt like being welcomed into the Groeschel household. Hubby and I read through this book and I found myself agreeing with Amy a lot of times. A book on marriage that makes sense and definitely does not sound preachy. Whether you’re in the dark season of your marriage, honeymoon or even if you feel that your marriage can’t get any better, you will surely make use of the very insightful words of Craig and Amy Groeschel.

Disclaimer: This book was given to me by Zondervan in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: From This Day Forward by Craig and Amy Groeschel
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