In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day: How to Survive and Thrive When Opportunity Roars

Mark delivers a powerful and impactful message in this “survival guide for lion chasers” about chasing the God-ordained opportunities that we all encounter in our lives, no matter their size or scale. The main biblical figure on which the book centers, Benaiah, has become an instant hero and favorite of mine. As one of David’s Mighty Men, his brief and often overlooked act of bravery and heroism of chasing a lion down into a pit on a snowy day, catching, and killing it, is an awe-inspiring account that has given me fresh perspective and motivation to chase the lions in my life and face them head on. As I love and have come to expect from Mark, his imaginative, energetic, fresh, and insightful writing style shines through and results in this perfect book, an absolute must-read that I cannot stop re-reading, re-listening to, quoting and citing, and recommending to everyone! Chase the lion!

As a young adult with nothing figured out and my whole life ahead of me this book opened my eyes to experience the bigger picture. Go chase those lions that seem impossible to tackle.Pros:-He incorporates multiple different verses and scripture every chapter-Each chapter is left with a summary of main point that really help you reflect-there’s questions at the end of some chapters that make you reflect on how you’re living-Easy to read-Incorporated other peoples stories and not just his own-makes you realize you have no limitsCons:-There’s not a part 2?!?! 😂Recommend:-Reading the verses he gives within the book out of the scripture as well

This is a very good book! I urge everyone to read it and be encouraged to take on the lions in your life!

Great easy read!

What a fun book to read. I actually got ticked off when the phone rang a few times, so I apologize to those who called while I was reading this book...I know they could hear frustration in my voice. Think about it for a moment...when you were a child and you were out playing an intense game of tag or something else so fun that you were laughing and screaming with joy as you ran...and then some obnoxious adult called you home in the middle? You got pissed. I could give this book 5 stars just for the fun aspect alone...but that is merely surface pleasure.The true joy of "In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day" is the celebration of the child-like qualities we each have within us and the authors ability to help fellow humans re-connect with the zaniness within us. He refers to his favorite word, "Neoteny" or "the retention of youthful qualities by adults." This is our connection with the Divine through our Souls. This connection is what enables us to chase lions without caring what others think...and we celebrate our union with whatever Divinity we know in our Souls to be true. This book speaks to me on a personal level with reference to my sailing adventure a couple of years ago. People accused me of having a "death wish" and my response was always, "no...I have a Life wish." The author speaks to this as well...apparently, I am a Lion Chaser.In a similar vein to John Eldredge's book, "Wild at Heart: Discovering the Secret of a Man's Soul", Mark Batterson takes us on a wild trip to understanding how we are wired to be...well..."not boring." The two books, if read near each other in time will help create greater Strength within your Core and with what you believe. Both books come from Christian teaching, but neither are too in your face about it. In fact, both books speak to why I have steered away from Christianity over the last 30 years of my life. Church was always boring, as were the people who were in Leadership. Jesus was always preached to me as being a weakling...a meek little lamb. Think about it...Jesus was a carpenter before electricity and Dewalt tools. The Dude made things with his physical strength...Jesus was most likely a "cut" tough guy who nobody would attempt picking a fight with. Mark Batterson focuses on the aspects of biblical characters who did some intense things...things which most modern humans would call them crazy and stupid for doing. For me at least, Religious beliefs matter not when it comes to this book. Reading books like this gives me hope if humans can regain a connection with the child within us...regain a connection with the Divine Spark...we can all get past Religions and simply reconnect with God no matter what name you declare to be connected with It. The biggest lesson the author hits on is facing whatever fears you have about anything and going for it. Chasing your Dreams whatever they are...no matter how crazy or stupid someone else thinks about you and your Dreams and Passions. Focus on your positive and loving connection with the God of you and go chase whatever it is that you want to chase the most...whatever it is that scares the you know what out of you.This was an easy 5 stars...I wrote all over the margins and filled a page with quotes in the back of the book. Add the book to your Library and have some fun. I'm gonna go play my dog, Lucky now. Peace.

In a Pit is a fantastic, easy-to-read book that is harder-to-digest. It's difficult dining simply because Batterson packs so much challenge and encouragement into such a small book. You won't put it down scratching your head, but you may put it down holding your heart.He uses the little-known Old Testament passage about one of King David's mighty men, Benaiah, in 2 Samuel 23. Batterson builds a bridge from Christian inactivity to faithful adventure. As you read, you'll be inspired and encouraged to quit sitting on the bench and get into the game of hope, faith, life, and joy. He calls you into adventure that is promised and compelled by Christ's love.An early chapter challenges our view of God. So many of us think God is just about the "big stuff," and the "small stuff" is ours to deal with. However, as he deals with another passage about the loss of an axhead, Batterson says, "He cares about the little things like wedding receptions and borrowed ax heads. God is great not just because nothing is too big for Him. God is great because nothing is too small for Him either."How does one quit cowering in a corner and embrace risk? Batterson's short book may not tell you exactly how, but it will lead you to the edge of your seat wondering whether perhaps the life you're living is only a non-life and the greatest experiences are out there... on the end of the high dive.He makes an excellent point talking about sin avoidance in our lives. Too many "Christians" try to avoid sinful things... yet they excuse themselves for all the things they never do which they should be embracing as followers of Christ.And I would add that perhaps righteousness is not just doing things right but doing the right things. Batterson urges us to become lion chasers just like Benaiah. To do so requires a radical trust in a God that will have you in His hands - whether you die or live.The real issue is not in chasing the lion or even in killing it. The real issue is in facing the lion. Facing the lions of life is much like facing our fears. They will retain terrible control over what we attempt and what we avoid until we destroy their power over us through faith in His Greater Power.I can't think of a book that I would recommend more to someone who has a limited reading attention span. Tell me what you think of it after you climb out of the pit. And leave the lion behind.

Like Mark Betterson said, this book arrive to me in the exact and precise moment. I been reading it at the same time that my brother do, and throw the distance we shared some paragrhaps and we were astonish wich every chapter that we translade to our own lives. Thanks God for answer the Batterson prayers.

This book is written very well and quite inspiring. A lot of different examples and really good ideas of life and faith.

Amazing book on taking the steps to chase the dream God has placed within you and not let lions get in the way.

This book focussed my mind upon the true grit, steel and determination needed to wholly trust and focus on Gods heart for me- which lions I should be chasing and the benefit of taking those risks which are truly God ordained.A good read to challenge and light the fire in any Christians belly!

A great read on how the minor or unspoken heroes of the Bible have the benefit of God to do incredible things.