It's Not Supposed to Be This Way: Finding Unexpected Strength When Disappointments Leave You Shattered

This is one of the best Christian non-fiction / inspirational books I have studied this year! Lysa TerKeurst is a Christian woman, wife, mom, ministry leader, book and Bible study author who found herself in three major life crises in a short time. The situations highlighted in this book to show the power and love of God when we endure similar – or entirely different – circumstances that just weren’t supposed to happen. Circumstances that He can and does use for our good. The author takes us through her feelings and faith challenges she experienced as a result of those situations, and how she wrestled through with scripture, prayer, and reliance on the Lord. Her vulnerability is refreshing, her wisdom inspired by the Lord. “Disappointment isn’t proof that God is withholding good from us. Sometimes it’s His way of leading us home.” (pg. 5) Lysa doesn’t mince words. She does not minimize the Lord in any way, rather, He is everything! She is honest, showing that bad things do happen to Christians even while believing that God is good. She writes in a manner that someone who has been a Christian for any length of time, whether new or seasoned, can grasp when in the midst of a trauma. There are stories of people from scripture, and parts of her own life. The wisdom imparted comes from serious wrestling in a walk with God through painful disappointments. I could see myself in some of her feelings and reactions – not in circumstances like she was experiencing, but things going on in my own life. It isn’t the situations that are front and center, it is how we can learn to respond despite times that simply weren’t what that should have been. Those responses may sound overly simple to those not going through a trauma but are profound to the person who is trying to put one foot in front of the other for one more day. There are two ways we can get through – with God, or giving in to our flawed desires. One quote that is important is “We must set our minds and our hearts on things above by choosing to remember God’s words, repeat God’s words, and believe God’s word about us.” (pg. 65) I listened to the audiobook and read the print copy while doing the associated Bible study (and purchased the e-book), and I feel it is a valuable resource to the person going through struggles or the friend of someone struggling through hard times. Don’t compare the author’s situations to yours; instead, compare your reactions, feelings, and responses. I very much like the writer’s approach to seeking God, wrestling, praying, and getting into scripture. Our responses in times of crisis are vital to how we live our lives from those times forward. Regarding the audiobook, it is read by the author. I felt in many ways as if we were sitting in her kitchen over coffee or tea from the writing style and simply hearing her word sin her voice. Why did I get three formats? Because some things I learn better by repetitive hearing. Other times it is easier to open the book and search for the relevant pages, including chapter endings of “Going to the Well”, “Receive (a scripture)”, “Reflect”, and prayer. Back sections include scripture and helps for situations. I highly recommend this unique and timely book to Christians who are going through trauma of any kind and want to know that God is still in control and appreciate solid biblical teaching.

Great reading book and is interactive. I highly recommend it.

Lysa TerKeurst’s It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way is a powerful and heartfelt reminder that even in our most painful seasons, God never leaves us alone. Through her own honest struggles and heartbreak, Lysa shows that disappointment can become the place where God does His deepest work. This book beautifully captures the hope of redemption — how God can take what feels broken and turn it into something meaningful and good. It’s comforting, real, and faith-strengthening — a must-read for anyone walking through hard times and needing the reassurance that God is still near and has a purpose in the pain.

I just finished this book after starting it on February 22nd, 2021. I am in awe about how touched I was by this book. Going through a rough season currently, I was merely searching for books to occupy my time with. I stumbled upon this not knowing anything about this author Lysa TerKeurst. I felt like examples she has shown on this book, getting into details, was her putting the hurt, feelings, emotions, and everything from my soul onto the pages itself. We aren't even going through the same season or circumstances of hurt, but it still touched me in every aspect. I was taking photo after photo of page after page and sending it to some of my friends. Either as encouragement or to emphasize how it was SPEAKING TO ME. It's unbelievable. I even met up with a friend last night after reading the book and although I have the tendency to not want to share books due to them being returned in terrible condition or lost... I felt THE URGE the share the book with my friend immediately. Lysa really shifted my perspectives on how to see struggle and pain. The way she ends her chapters are extremely helpful because they legitimately re-iterate EVERYTHING I was trying to keep a mental note of when I was reading through them. In addition, they have bible verses to look back at, as well as legitimate questions that we should ask ourselves. She encourages us not to think on the surface level of our feelings and situations. I was so encouraged reading this book and I highly, highly, highly recommend anyone to read it—with an open mind! Don't think about how you cannot relate to her situation of divorce (as I am not even married myself!) but know that it doesn't matter what place of hurt you came from, you are not alone. And your pain does not have to define you. I shared the same feeling she had about my experience molding me into a more compassionate person and wanting to help anyone I can, knowing the hurt they may be feeling. The way she ends the book with the dialogue also had me in tears feeling like what was written was about me. I'll buy this book as many times for as many people if need be.

These words, insights and encouragement, are more than I expected. This is definitely a re-read. I truly appreciate your honesty, vulnerability and allowing me a glimpse into what it is like to walk out God’s word and the ending may not be what we thought it would be. Remind me to keep my eyes on the race that has been set before me. For God’s expected end, not mine.☺️

This book is authentic and raw and full of biblical truth. The reflection questions in each chapter challenge one to introspection and the words equip one with the truth of God as you walk in the shatter of life. Thank you, Lysa, for sharing the beauty that God is able to bring out of the dust of our lives.

Lovely book

There are so many raving reviews that I bought this book, wanting to heal, from many traumatic experiences and a recent horrifying experience that left me financial loss and and trust in humanity. I picked this up with an open mind but chapter after chapter, I read things which I'm confident we already know or have heard from sermons or closed ones. You know, the usual advice one would have given. I give this two stars, at best, and will move on to other Christian writers.

Es una hermosa herramienta de estudio

Excellent book, I love the way that Lysa writes from personal experience and even in this book writing from the middle of her disappointment. I have learnt a lot from this book and it’s supported my healing in this area.