Free to Thrive: How Your Hurt, Struggles, and Deepest Longings Can Lead to a Fulfilling Life

by Josh McDowell, Ben Bennett, Henry Cloud (Foreword by)

Overview

Learn how to uncover your unmet, God-given longings and satisfy them in ways that lead away from brokenness toward spiritual wholeness.

Many people today are struggling with unprecedented levels of anxiety, hurt, doubt, guilt, and shame. Medical and mental health professionals confirm that much of the dysfunction and disconnectedness we experience in life stems from unresolved relational and emotional hurts. These hurts leave us with unfulfilled desires that we seek to satisfy through unhealthy behaviors and relationships. Yet, our struggles aren't random; they're signals that when answered, can pave our way towards a thriving life.

In Free to Thrive, Josh McDowell and Ben Bennett invite you on a journey of healing and will teach you how to overcome unwanted behaviors by engaging your unmet longings. With a blend of hard-won wisdom, compassion, and youthful energy, they present:

• Biblical teaching.
• Up-to-date neuroscientific research.
• Time-tested principles.
• Personal stories of deliverance from addictions and unwanted behavior.
• Practical tools
• Opportunities and questions for deeper for reflection and self-evaluation.

No matter what you are struggling with, it is possible to experience the spiritual, emotional, and relational wholeness that God wants you to have—and live the thriving life you were made for.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780310123330
Publisher:	Nelson, Thomas, Inc.
Publication date:	08/17/2021
Pages:	240
Sales rank:	1,033,350
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

For over 60 years Josh McDowell has provided breakthrough moments for more than 45 million people in 139 countries about the evidence for Christianity and the difference the Christian faith makes in the world. Through his work with Cru and the global outreach of Josh McDowell Ministry, millions of people worldwide have been exposed to the love of Christ. He is the author or coauthor of more than 150 books, including such classics as More Than a Carpenter and Evidence That Demands a Verdict.

Ben Bennett is an author, speaker, and the Director of Resolution Movement – a global movement helping young people overcome hurts and struggles and thrive in life. He has faced addiction, trauma, and other mental health struggles in his journey toward a wholehearted life. Through many mistakes, missteps, false starts and restarts, Ben discovered proven tools and principles that have helped him overcome the hurts and struggles that hindered his journey toward wholeness. For the past 10 years, he has partnered with world renowned therapists and ministry leaders, helping individuals young and old understand and work through the underlying factors driving the unhealthy patterns in their lives. Ben offers a unique and fresh perspective on how to find freedom, healing, and a life of thriving through Christ and others. He has been a staff member of Josh McDowell Ministry since 2017.

Table of Contents

Foreword Dr. Henry Cloud xi

Introduction Josh McDowell xv

1 Legitimate Longings 1

2 Your Seven Longings 15

3 Your Unmet Longings 37

4 Identifying the Unwanted 59

5 Listen to Your Longings 74

6 What Your Brain Needs You to Know 90

7 You've Got the Wrong God 105

8 Seeing Yourself as God Sees You 123

9 You're Made for More 148

10 What's True for Me Is True for You 167

11 Your Move 179

Appendices (Tools for Growth) 195

The Met and Unmet Longings Table 197

Renewing the Mind 201

Proactive Support 204

Additional Resources 205

Join the Resolution Movement 212

Acknowledgments 213

Notes 214

Editorial Reviews

'I have been impacted by the writings of Josh McDowell for much of my ministry, but Free to Thrive may be the best yet. Josh and Ben brought clarity to apologetics in the midst of Generation Z's blurred lines and broken boundaries. I will be recommending it for years to come to pastors, youth pastors, parents, and students.'

Dr. Jay Strack

'In Free to Thrive, Josh and Ben help us confront our why. That is the why we feel stuck in life, why our attempts at growth stall out, and why addressing the hard stuff we avoid positions us to thrive.'

New York Times Bestselling author Lisa Bevere

'In Free to Thrive, Josh and Ben provide a proven path to healing from hurt, freedom from what holds you back, and how to experience the flourishing life in Christ that we are created for.'

president of the American Association of Christian Dr. Tim Clinton

'Profound, timely, and one of the clearest books on growth, healing, and why truth matters.'

J. P. Moreland

'Healthy leaders are one of the world's greatest needs today. Free to Thrive provides a clear path to deal with your past, understand your unhealthy habits, and move toward the healthiest future.'

Andy Stanley

'Many are grappling with how to care for those impacted by anxiety, trauma, and addiction. Thankfully, this book provides clear answers straight from the truth of God's word.'

Dr. Tony Evans

'If you're looking for a winsome, compassionate, and insightful perspective on life's pain, healing, and apologetics, this book is perfect for you. It's timely, authoritative, and unique—a terrific resource that's a must-read for the church today. Thanks, Josh and Ben, for this invaluable contribution!'

Lee Strobel

'I cannot think of a more timely, important and healing message than the one in this book. If you are discouraged and sick at heart, Josh and Ben have provided a clear and trustworthy map to find the life that Christ wants for each one of us.'

Author of Holding On When You Want to Let Go Sheila Walsh

'COVID-19 pushed hundreds of millions of people to deeper isolation, especially those struggling with addictions and deep hurts from their closest friends and families. Free to Thrive takes you through tested and biblical steps not only to healing but to thriving too.'

Henri Aoun

'The pages ahead are a key to unlock a cage that many don't realize they're in. Others have sadly given up all hope of getting out. Through the vulnerability and expertise of two very gifted guides, God will show you a clear path so that you are Free to Thrive.'

Jonathan Pokluda

'It's no secret that our world is facing mental health issues at devastating levels. In Free to Thrive, Josh and Ben offer a clear and biblical path to freedom from any struggle that will result in a thriving life of purpose.'

Rick Warren

'Josh McDowell is one of the best apologists I know. This book is something a bit different though. Vulnerable and honest, Free to Thrive helps us understand the hunger and thirst for greater freedom, joy, and wholeness that aches in the deeper parts of our soul and then helps us move toward it.'

Matt Chandler

'Free to Thrive is an incredibly important book for all generations. It is raw and it is real, but it is also incredibly hopeful. Through sharing their life experiences, Josh and Ben demonstrate how God can exchange ashes for beauty and in doing so transform a life and change the world.'

Rev. Samuel Rodriguez

'In Free to Thrive, Josh and Ben will help you understand God's radical love and purpose for you.'

Miles McPherson

'We've groomed a generation of hidden people. We've hidden our struggles, our brokenness and the things we've not even had the courage to admit to ourselves. I'm grateful for men like Ben and Josh who've decided that true thriving is found in bringing hidden places to light through words that'll last to eternity. Job well done Ben and Josh.'

Toni J Collier

'Free to Thrive reveals the God-given call behind our greatest pains and struggles. Josh and Ben help us see the beautiful ways God wired us to flourish here and now, and forever.'

actor & producer Kirk Cameron