To the believer, Ann opens your understanding of what it means to have a close fellowship with the Savior of mankind, The Mediator, Jesus Christ. If you are in Christ, you will be instructed and comforted by what Ann sets forth here. This devotional book will be a notable addition to a Christian’s devotional resources.
Ann Doupont’s style is down to earth and straightforward. The topics she addresses are timely and serve to reinforce a believer’s walk and to enlarge his spiritual depth and maturity. I love to pick it up and at random to allow God’s Spirit to speak and guide me through today’s confusion and secular jungle. Ann has written superbly about the prayer life of the believer. Ann’s writing here goes a long way in helping us grasp the essence of trust and dependence upon the all-knowing and loving God of scripture.
Ann’s earlier experiences that she shares with singles constitute good counsel, especially when she mentions her “front sliding,” that ought to be highly valued by young singles. An example of excellent counsel may be had on page 24. Ann identifies with the rejected on page 44. But frankly, I wish that she had expanded or enlarged on this topic. I felt that she could offer the reader suggestions on how to deal with or cope with being left alone and feeling abandoned. I personally identify with her short testimony on page 67. Her style is appreciated, as she gets down-to-earth, no-nonsense, and matter-of-fact with sin and its consequences. Ann’s discussion of meditation on God’s Word versus the words of men on page 70 is well taken. On page 82, the point made of learning from the Holy Spirit rather than man is frank and true.
If you have ever wondered about prayer, what to pray, how to say it, then this little book is a sound guide for many areas of life and living. It encourages doing your own praying and making it effective. Ann gives prayer or conversations with God a good shot. Especially the admonition to ask God’s help to forget is a great prayer offered here. Her little piece on forgetting is of note too. Ann has written a valuable devotional book that helps in your prayer life and in your attitude and relation with the God of Holy Scripture. As one reads, one is reminded of the great French spiritual writer, Fenelon, as he helped us with understanding the mind and purposes of God. I put Ann right up there with Oswald Chambers too.
The writing of “Surrendered” is accurately done and should bring comfort to many in their spiritual walk. I highly recommend Ann Doupont’s book.
Review by Colleen Aitken of the Bahamas:
Surrendered, by Ann Doupont, is a devotional style book which could easily be eaten on a daily basis, one heading at a time.
With subjects that are diverse, but equally challenging and pertinent to the life of a believer who wants to live the surrendered life to God, one could come away with a new nugget in every reading.
Ann, quite conversationally at times, integrates her personal experiences with the truths of the word, complemented by occasional poetic writings. It is almost like walking through her 'journal journey' at times. This very personal aspect of the book lends a refreshing air to the readings.
Although the topics are quite varied, every one deals with a part of the 'surrendered' or truly Spirit-led life. I highly recommend this book and believe the truths contained therein will inspire the reader to examine the heart and lay down all that would inhibit this place of total surrender to our Lord and King.