Five books that influenced me in September

As you might know I read a lot of books! Here are 5 books that influenced me in the first week of September 2026.

Getting Through the Tough Stuff by Charles Swindoll

Absolutely love books by Charles Swindoll. Why? Because you know they are based on scripture and this book is no exception. It takes you through some of the incidents of the first 4 books of the New Testament. Charles or Chuck as he is known looks at 14 chapters of Getting Through the Tough Stuff of ...

Temptation

Misunderstanding

Anxiety

Shame

Doubt

Divorce

Remarriage

Confrontation

Pain

Prejudice

Hypocrisy

Inadequacy

Disqualification

Death

One chapter that really moved me was the chapter on inadequacy. "At times feelings of inadequacy run so deep we wish we could disappear." Ever felt like that? I will be honest and say loads of times, maybe every day. Rather than look at what it means the author takes it from the opposite angle - what is adequacy? Adequacy means you have sufficient ability and resources to meet a certain requirement. Capable. You have what it takes to accomplish any given task or take on any given challenge. To be inadequate would be the opposite. Most of us disguise our inadequacies. We pretend.

2 Corinthians 3 talks about adequacy and tells us it is from God. We need his power. If anyone needed that power in the Bible surely it was the disciples. How could a rough-edged , unsophisticated band of followers become instruments of power to fulfil a humanly impossible mission? Remember the command they were given before Jesus left this earth - to make disciples (that's me!) of all nations. They needed power to do that and only God could give it to them. They needed to be transformed. That is where the Holy Spirit comes in. The Holy Spirit literally resides in a believer. The more I yield to God the more his power flows through me. He is there ready and able to empower me.

Charles finishes this chapter by giving a few principles to put in place to apply God's power to my inadequacy.

Admit your inadequacies

Claim Christ's power

As the apostle Paul put it "quit focusing on the handicap and begin appreciating the gift." Let Christ take over.

Vision for God by Dr Margaret Brand with Dr James L Jost

I love the style of this book, part story and part factual. It is the remarkable story of a woman who became an expert on leprosy effects on the eye. It is described as biography/autobiography on the fly leaf. 

Reading books of people who have changed medicine in particular fields really lifts your heart and makes you thank God for their talents and abilities. Margaret Brand is one of those heroines of the faith that possibly few know about - I didn't until I real this book! She certainly should be rated alongside Amy Carmichael and Elisabeth Elliott and even Maisie Smyth, Helen Roseveare and Maud Kells.

All of these women served God in the most humblest of ways, using the gifts and talents God gave them and they praised God continually that they were able to be workers in his kingdom.

It is easy to think that I am insignificant and would never be able to do any great missionary work like them but my part is equally important. I realise that more and more as I read books like Vision for God. I might never set foot on a foreign field like they did but I have the ability to help financially and prayerfully. Over and over I can see these 2 aspects emphasised in books such as I have read lately. Without the financial support of individuals back in the missionary's home countries they were able to expand their work and continue to serve God further. Prayerfully I can remember them not realising the effect of such prayers especially to persevere and keep going on when things may be difficult in a country due to government changes.

I really am appreciating reading missionary books more and more as they help me to focus my eyes on the bigger picture and commission of God particularly in the days in which we live. I want to pray that God would take away my self centredness and humble me in my service for him.

When God Steps In by Victor Maxwell

When God Steps In by Victor Maxwell. The amazing story of the Acre Gospel Mission. Although 25 years old this is a riveting read from page 1. A bygone era when people were called to the mission field and travelled not knowing if they would see family again.

One of the first people mentioned in the opening chapter, Fenton Hall from County Donegal set sail for Brazil and 18 months later succumbed to a bout of dysentery and died. His death inspired another to go in his place.

On board the ship Willie McComb endured a violent storm with waves more than 50 feet high. His designated reading took him to Mark 10 verse 29 “verily I say unto you, there is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or land, for my sake and the gospel's. But he shall receive an hundred fold now in this time, houses and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. He was so encouraged and assured that he never again doubted that God had called him to be a missionary in Brazil.

in this book you come face to face with the realities of life on a foreign field. Just read the heart breaking story of Fred and Ina Orr. Ina didn't make it to her destination in Brazil but died on the boat. Imagine having to send word home (before the days of mobile phones) of that tragedy and her family having no funeral to attend. This is a gripping read and really makes you pray for missionaries who give up everything to serve the Lord. Fred had many offers to preach and teach before he left Northern Ireland, he could have had a very comfortable life but he chose to serve the Lord amongst the most difficult and trying circumstances.

When God Said No by Audrey Reid

Received this lovely surprising book in the mail!

I supported Paul and Audrey Reid when they both served God with Child Evangelism Fellowship in Spain for 53 years before retiring at 80 years of age. This is her third book and she always sends me a copy with an inscription inside. How I treasure these books!

This book has the sub title Occasions when God had a better plan.

Audrey recounts stories from her life when God answered her prayers with a "no". Some of them shocked her but as she reflects back she realises God's ultimate plan in all of them. From her marriage plans to changes when retirement was looming this is a very encouraging book and made me reflect on my own life and how God has worked all things for his ultimate good and glory. I

Snatched From the Fire by Mitch

From an online review of this book

"As a firefighter Keith Mitchell is trained to snatch people from flames. As a Christian he sees sin as a fire to be fought in our lives. This results in real living, life with freedom and a purpose, with a happy eternity thrown in. Don't read this book if you want religion, answers to life's great mysteries or the secret of winning the lottery. Do read if you are willing to put your prejudices behind you and be open-minded and willing to change as a result of meeting someone far more important than all of the above put together - Jesus."

This is a testimony book with real life problems addressed for anyone who is really seeking to know more about Jesus. It would be great as a book to give to someone who is searching for meaning or new to faith in Christ.