Henry Wadsworth Longfellow once wrote, “Into each life some rain must fall.” Indeed, everyone faces their own seasons of discouragement, but it’s how we respond to adversity that ultimately determines its effect on us. In How to Deal with Life’s Difficulties, Marlon Landiza uses truths from the Bible to show how we can experience joy and peace during troublesome times.
Landiza is all-too-familiar with disappointment. His pursuit of money left him in financial ruin. With genuine humility, he learned to change his desires and focus on God’s plan. In return, he found blessings beyond compare.
Believing that frustration and disappointment reveal a lack of faith in God, Landiza encourages readers to relinquish control of their lives to Jesus’ guidance. He teaches that joy is found in acknowledging one’s duty to God, which he explains as “living a life of God’s direction through His instructions.” Landiza also provides simple exercises for readers to rid themselves of destructive impulses (complaining, lack of self-control, impatience, pride and so on), and he challenges readers to change their focus and attitudes when coping with negative situations.
These are powerful messages that have the potential to help so many. Landiza clearly and gently explains the difference between godly and unhealthy thinking in the midst of difficulties. Unfortunately, the book’s value is limited due to a plethora of grammatical errors. Landiza uses wrong words (“sedimentary” vs. “sedentary”; “inherit” vs. “inherent,” etc.). Sentences are often confusing, as if written by a non-native speaker (“Keep believing…Because He will never blink His eye for you”). Equally frustrating, Landiza never clearly lists the “seven priorities” of the book’s title. One must sift through a jumble of ideas in each chapter to glean what’s useful.
If the book is approached with a large dose of grace, readers can appreciate its sound biblical wisdom and may find fresh motivation for tackling their struggles. But the text requires a thoughtful edit before it can attract a wide readership.
Also available as an ebook.
