Like a thin book that sold millions of copies a few years back, "In a Pit..." takes one little-known verse from the Old Testament and expounds on it. Like that other book ("The Prayer of Jabez"), Batterson is intent on giving us a feel-good message and revealing a side of God's nature we sometimes ignore. On the other hand, he moves away from the prosperity-oriented ideas into the practical world of risk, failure, and uncertainty.

This book is for all the adventurers among us, as well as for those who struggle to move forward at the slightest sign of opposition. Batterson challenges us to move away from conformity, when it's for the sake of appearances over substance, and to unleash our creative, passionate sides. He applies these ideas mostly to careers and ministry, with less application to marriage. This is "Jabez" on steroids, or "Wild at Heart"-lite. He keeps the writing conversational, occasionally throwing in a Greek definition like any good pastor, and often using pastoral cliches such as "downloaded" and "cast a vision." But these cliches aside, his message is a freeing one: to chase after the lions that come your way. Instead of running from trouble, embrace it and see what miracles and victory may result.

It's a lot of book for a fairly simple message, and it tends to be repeated over and over in different ways. In the end, though, I found it encouraging, challenging, and a breath of fresh air as I head off into new adventures.

Pastor Mark takes an often overlooked section of Scripture about Benaiah and helps the reader understand the greater picture that is revealed. Mark then encourages the reader to not only understand the greater picture in Scripture, but to apply it within our own lives as well.

Now that I have finished the book, I can say the real challenge is evaluating life and being sensitive to a myriad of opportunities that present themselves to me on a daily basis.

One reviewer states that Pastor Mark forgets the sovereignty of God. I disagree. Examples in the book give testimony regarding personal lions chased only to fail in their initial intent. Even though they may not attain the goal(s) they journey to achieve, at least they seek God and pursue a goal and passion for their life. Even though God may say "no", at least they don't have to look back and wonder, "If I had only given it a try...."

This book is not promoting a "name it, claim it" philosophy.

While the author reminds us not to limit God, he forgets or ignores the sovereignty of God. It is good for us to pray big prayers, but let's not forget that God can say no. After all, He is God, not Santa Claus nor some genie.

I also find it telling that most translations say that Benaiah "went" or "went down" into a pit rather than "chased" the lion into the pit. The book is a wonderful example of how to create doctrine out of a dubious translation. Pity, since a number of Batterson's ideas are actually worthwhile.

The funny thing is, I could sit here for hours and still come up with more ways this book has changed (and is changing) my life. If you actually do what this book challenges you to do, face your fears, see problems as opportunities, etc. your life will become 100% less boring. I believe God used this book to challenge me in an awesome way. Let me tell you, life is more exciting when you stop thinking about all the things you shouldn't be doing and start focusing on the possibilities with a God like the the One we serve. Stop living in a box. BUY THIS BOOK.

This book wasn't terrible. It brought up good points. But.. it was lifeless. Boring. It didn't convict me, didn't stir up emotions in me.. nothing. In fact, it felt like the other just repeated the same line over and over again. Heres a better book on the topic: Starving Jesus by Craig Gross. Now that book will convict you, I promise.

One issue: The author is apparently friends with Brian McLaren. I don't know if you are familiar with him, but in a nutshell, he's a wolf in sheeps clothing and a false teacher. So thats something thats a concern.

This is one of the better Christian books I have read over the past decade. The book challenges us to rise to the call on our lives and is an interesting read.

This is one of the best faith building books I have ever read. I am a pastor at a local church with a small staff. I required each of my staff to read it and now that they have they are taking their leadership teams through it! It is definitely a must read! You will not be disappointed.

This is a great book to learn about how to become more outgoing and how to seize opportunities. It also has a good amount of Christian background behind it. Good for believers trying to seize the opportunities God throws their way.

Loved this Mark! Great book! Keep them coming! Thanks for backing up what I've said for years! It's ok to be yourself! You kept it real!

This was a book that started off great, and continually offered gems as I turned the pages. I thought that it got a little repetitive in the end, but over all a great book, and one that we used in our men's ministry with a lot of success.

The best part of the book IMO was the chapter on re-framing through scripture - excellent. I highly recommend this book to all

This book has been such a blessing to me. It has allowed me to look at some of the struggles that I am going through as simply practice runs and help me to see them from the perspective of eternity as well.

In a Pit is a book for anyone needing a little boost toward accomplishing any goal or task. Combine with scripture the stories and ellaboration of what is possible with Christ are inspiring to say the least. I gave a copy of this book to all my Youth workers (whose age range is 22 - 75) and they have all been inspired to work harder, pray more, and always be ready to take on the lion. I have always agreed with people who say God has not destined us for failure...Mark Batterson states that and then goes on to prove just how important I am...and you are! A quick and great read.

Being relatively new to Christianity I reviewed and bought this book to see if it would help me with a few "issues" I had with my life and work before and since I started my journey with faith.

Being self-employed and no stranger to taking "calculated risks" I felt my faith would help me through some of my rough patches. Although I now feel closer to God than I ever have my new faith has brought a whole new set of challenges into my life that I never accounted for.

Marks book and timely advice has given me a whole new perspective on how to deal with all these challenges. In my work life he's shown me how to embrace uncertainity and "grab opportunity by the mane" instead of shrinking with my fears. In my spiritual life he's taught me to stop concentrating all my efforts on "gaining knowledge" and trying to figure out all the answers and use it more to "cause wonders".

I have read countless self-help books over many years and this is my first ever review. I whole heartedly recommend this book to anybody, Christian or not and I will be re-reading mine, applying and sharing its wisdom to all I can reach. Thank-you Mark and good luck to you and everybody out there on their Lion chasing journeys.

"You can't never always sometimes tell!"

I love this book! I tell everyone they must read it! This book has really changed my life. Now, I always have this thought in my mind....I am more afraid of not following all that God has for me - no matter how scary it seems - then sitting on the sideline and missing out. Yeah, it might cost me, yeah, I might fail. But what if I don't? What if I experience ALL God has for me, what if I really get to know God and make Him known in a way I never thought possible? It's worth the risk. Chase the Lion!!

I saw Mark speak and present the vision God entrusted to him a couple years ago. I finally made the time to read his book and check out his ministries in D.C. His book and ministry have been a great encouragement to me personally and in my ministry as I step out and do what God has uniquely called me to do. This is a great book full of quotables and inspiring real life do's and don'ts - well worth the time reading it.

Pastor Todd St.Germain

This book changed my perspective on some rough things I have been going through. In a instant it changed everything in my world.
I recommend it to anyone who is wondering what they are doing with their lives and how they ended up where they are. It answers a lot of questions and emboldens and strengthens. It is exciting.

This unusual title comes from a Bible verse in 2 Samuel 23:20-21 which says, "There was also Beniah son of Jehoiada, a valiant warrior from Kabzeel. He did many heoic deeds, which included killing two of Moab's mightiest warriors. Another time he chased a lion down into a pit. Then, despite the snow and slippery ground, he caught the lion and killed it. Another time, armed only with a club, he killed a great Egyptian warrior who was armed with a spear. Benaiah wrenched the spear from the Egyptian's hand and killed him with it."

So basically, Beniah was the freaking man. He was the type of guy you'd want on your side going into battle. He became the head of the bodygaurd for King David and eventually became the comander of the army of Israel under King Solomon.

The book is based around this passage and goes on to expand and describe how seemingly difficult circumstances which one might initially shy away from or avoid can turn out for great good if faced head on.

Batterson describes a number of modern day lion chasers whom he has known such as a Georgetown lawyer who stopped practicing law to make a film about human trafficking in Uganda, a tenured professor who quit his post and started a dot com company, a college graduate who moved to the Marshall Islands to teach English, and an executive at Microsoft who gave up millions of dollars in stock options to start a church. Batterson himself is a lion chaser in that he moved to Washington D.C. to plant a church in the heart of D.C. on Capitol Hill which meets at a movie theatre in Union Station.

There are all kinds of logical reason not to do certain things but sometimes we need to have some guts and just go for it. God doesn't call us to a life of mediocrity but wants great things to happen through His work in us. Many times these things don't seem to make sense in our finite understanding but God is working so that He will be glorified if we're willing to step out in faith.

A great scene from the movie "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" illustrates this concept as well. Jones is faced with a great chasm which is impossible to jump across but realizes it is a step of faith. When he takes a step out into thin air despite what his eyes see in the great depth below, he then finds firm ground and is able to walk across the chasm.

Of course there are times to be practical and follow common sense as well. One should not simply jump into something just because it sounds fun or exciting. It should be thought out and prayed about. God has a tendency to confirm direction towards lion chasing opportunities.

A quality quote from Mark Twain also illustrates this mentality. "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."

Throughout the book Batterson helps motivate the reader and give them the chutzpah to go tackle tough tasks and chase lions. I recommend it for anyone who might be hestitating about something in life or who needs a little extra encouragement in seeking out and going after goals in life.

We need more lion chasers. Life is too short to "play it safe". This is a great book and worth the time to sit down and read.

Probably one of the greatest books I have ever read. Basically if you are looking for a book to pump you up, to get off your butt and go do something in the world, instead of sitting around eating ice cream on your couch, then get this book. It will change your life!!!

I was in a bookstore and the cover caught my eye. I picked it up and read the back cover and had to have it. I'm only partly through it and it is a must read, especially for those who are told God never says NO or always answers our prayers..

A different look at some (possibly) familiar stories in the Bible. I appreciated the main emphasis of the book and the focus on the God who is bigger than our circumstances/odss of success.

Challenging, thought provoking, humerous at times, and memorable.

If you read this, you will probably discuss it at your next lunch with someone and be thinking about it a while after the fact.

I hardly ever read books all the way through but I made it through this one very quickly because it was so applicable and interesting. He is not the best writer in the world but his ideas are awesome. This book will change your outlook on life.

We bought this book along with others having to do with topics on personal improvement / small business improvement.

What a religious blabber this was!

Do not buy unless you are one of the brainwashed religious types.

After reading other reviews I couldn't wait to read this book. It was a good book - although I would not say it was great. It is motivational in the sense that it makes you want to go out and get things done and put fear aside. However, by the end of the book it had basically said the same thing over and over - so it became a bit redundant.

I do recommend the book however as it opens your mind a bit and makes you think about God's intentions for your life and how you may be limiting God by not taking a few risks!

Sometimes I discover an outstanding book; this book found me. At the time I was facing an exciting yet daunting opportunity--a God-sized dream of sorts. I lacked courage. Batterson's book infused me with God-belief. His call is to have a smaller estimate of the lions (opportunities) in our lives and a bigger view of God.

Mark Batterson has written a gem of a book. He sounds more like an inspirational coach than a preacher, which in my humble opinion, is what we need more of in the world. The thing I love about "In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day" is the way Mark communicates ideas and thoughts. It's clear he is well read. His diverse background enables him to link various subjects like quantum science and fractals back to God and all things spiritual. Well done, Mark! If you feel stuck in a rut or are looking for some inspiration, I can't think of a better book to read. God loves risk takers! Go ahead and buy the book and be prepared to be amazed by the stories you will encounter in this book. If you are like me, you will find this book difficult to put down and you won't want it to end. "In a Pit" gets five stars and a hearty recommendation from this reader.

This book has not been written for everyone. It is for those people who feel like they are on the edge of something incredible and need to know what direction to take. It dives into the psychogical issues holding us back from taking risks but sees faith as the answer and destiny as the outcome. I encourage anyone who feels a sense of adventure in their calling to examine this book and the unique approach it takes to making decisions.

How does an author take two obscure passages in scripture and come up with an amazing book. Obviously Mark did a lot of research and had an ah-ha moment when he was reading this story in the Bible. This book is not boring, this book is not light reading, this book is not a feel good book. This book challenges you to go to the next level, to quit looking at your dream and live your dream. It is an excellent book that I will keep to share with others (my Pastor has it right now) and will delight when the small group material is released.

If you're like me, the reviews of others are a key indicator as to whether or not you buy a book. I purchased this book primarily because of the reviews of others, and the recommendation of two friends. I was not disappointed, and found this book to be one of the best I've read in quite some time. This book will encourage you in your biggest challenge; comfort you in your biggest failure, and embolden you in your biggest fear. Go ahead- Chase the Lion!

From Timothy W. Fisher, author of "It's a Sign! Seeing Jesus in the Ordinary" ISBN: 1424155312

We all face lions. What you do with your lions determines your destiny. Pastor Mark Batterson uses an obscure Old Testament passage as a reminder that we can chase our lions rather than letting the lions chase us. If you need a reminder that the righteous are bold then reading Mark's book is your medicine. His approach is very balanced and his choice of words is memorable. He's very gifted at shaping phrases to make the point simple and stick. He also summarizes key thoughts at the end of the chapter. Repetition is the master teacher and Mark uses that idea well. If you need a different angle on your problems, one that will inspire and teach you, read In a pit.

First, let me say that I really enjoyed this book. Mark brings a fresh voice and perspective to the church.

As we grow older it seems harder to chase lions, even if it was a sunny day and the lion had no teeth and was locked in a cage. Life can sometimes be too mundane, and so can Christianity, which Batterson points throughout the book. He blends a mixture of theology, psychology, ecclesiology and personal narratives to drive his points home.

I think the strength of the book lies within the "one-liners". Mark has a way of really communicating deep complex issues in a simple, easy to understand way. Plus, I love the humility factor; Mark shared his own personal failures. This is important, I think we have to be cautious and bring a balance. Not everyone will kill the lion all the time, but we all need the courage to chase the lions of our lives and not live a lame, boring and mundane life.

So in the end I would recommend this book-it's good, encouraging, thoughtful and funny.

Below are some of one-liners that I mentioned.

"Your greatest regret at the end of your life will be the lions you didn't chase."

"God is in the business of strategically positioning us in the right place at the right time." "But here's the catch: The right place often seems like the wrong place, and the right time often seems like the wrong time."

"God wants you to get where God wants you to go more than you want to get where God wants you to go."

"When we don't have the guts to step out in faith and chase lions, then God is robbed of the glory that rightfully belongs to him."

[...]

I thought this book would be a quick read. However, each chapter is so packed with revelation and wisdom it takes time, well spent, to take it all in. There are a few themes that have really stayed with me as I have read this book:

God will turn my bad break into a big break!
Do the best with what you have where you are!
When it comes to God, there are no degrees of difficulty!
If we learn from our mistakes, there is no failure (my favorite)!
Faith is embracing the uncertainties of life!
No problem = no miracle!!

The more challenges we face, the more God can use us!

CHASE THE LION!!!!!

"In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day" is a very thought-provoking and encouraging read. Mark Batterson's wordsmithing gives us fresh insights on an age-old challenge: to be Christ-followers who trust God when the serendipitous God-opportunities show up in our lives. 'The Chase' must first be a holy chase wherein we lay hold of God. Seeking Him must be our first and last goal. Then, He unleashes for us the kind of chases that are God-ordained and directed least we find ourselves chasing our dream rather than His. Thus, the Holy Chase must begin with our intentional chasing of the Lion of the tribe of Judah. To this Holy Chase, Mark Batterson calls us. If you desire to be a Benaiah in your generation, then pick up the book, feel the adrenaline, sharpen your sword and engage the chase. "In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day" calls us out of our lethargy and comfort zone. May the chase begin...

From beginning to end, In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day is packed with clear, insightful, and inspiring wisdom to encourage Christ-followers to chase their God-given dreams. My big takeaway from the book is this simple but profound truth: Our biggest opportunities are often disguised as our biggest challenges. How true this is! The big difference in those who fulfill their destiny and those who don't is how they perceive and respond to these challenges. Do we run away--or do we give chase? Using a passage in 2 Samuel 23, Mark Batterson encourages us in his new book to view our problems from God's perspective and chase after our figurative lions.

God has greatly used this book to encourage me and speak to me in my current situation. It's loaded with charge-the-hill enthusiasm and perspective-shifting nuggets of wisdom. I kept a highlighter nearby as I read it, and now my copy of the book looks like I dropped it in a can of paint! I aim to get this book in the hands of as many young adults in my church as I possibly can. If I'd read this when I was 20...I can only imagine!

Chase the lion!

That is the recurring theme that stalks and roars at readers as they consume the meat of Mark Batteron's new book "In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day."

Alright, enough with the lion jokes.

Based on an obscure passage in the Old Testament book of 2 Samuel (23:29,30) Mark Batterson challenges his readers to face the lions in their lives head on with courage and faith. He centers his book on the story of an Israelite warrior who encounters a lion in a pit on a snowy day. The twist is that rather than running away from the lion as most people would be prone to do, this courageous solider jumps into the pit and kills it.

It is a bold move, a fearless and counter-intuitive act. And it is an act that perfectly illustrates the kind of life Batterson believes should be the norm for people who follow Jesus Christ. People whom Mark labels: lion chasers.

The majority of the book is built on the seven skills that Batterson believes will help people "climb out of the slipperiest pits and chase the biggest lions." These skills are: overcoming adversity, unlearning fears, embracing uncertainty, calculating risks, seizing opportunities, defying odds, and looking foolish.

Each of the chapters in the book highlights one of the seven skills and describes how it applies to a life of lion chasing. The chapters are easy to read and the main points in each one are clear and well illustrated. Using an effective blend of intellect, humor, candor and Scripture he artfully makes his case for the necessity and development of each skill. Coupled with a writing style that is both easily understandable and doable, Batterson provides his readers with needed insights on how to develop the 7 habits of highly effective lion chasing.

Throughout the book Batterson skillfully blends a mixture of scientific discovery, psychological research, Biblical narrative, and personal experience into a coherent whole. He has also been blessed with the wonderful ability to creativity make the Biblical text come alive. More than once he imaginatively describes the life experiences of Benaiah the lion killer, as well as many other Biblical stories, in such a way that it almost makes the reader feel as though he/she were near the snowy pit when Benaiah jumped in. And in the end, you walk away looking to pick a fight with some invisible feline king of the jungle.

Batterson is right when he points out that we will all face lions in our lives at one time or another. These lions might come in pits on snowy days, but rather, they could be disguised as possible career changes, risky decisions that must be made, difficult conversations that need to be had, big crazy God-sized dreams we'd like to pursue, or longstanding habits that have to be broken. Whatever lions are in your life, Mark Batterson's book will help you develop the skills you need to jump into the snowy pit and face them head on.

This is a very readable book for people everywhere who are looking at their lives and wondering if there might be something more than what they are currently experiencing. Batterson's writing is stirring, challenging, truthful, reverent, informational, and entertaining all at the same time. It will make you laugh, it will amaze you, it will inspire you, and it will bring you closer to God.


Chase the lion.

Mark Batterson has to be one of the most gifted writers of our time. As every great writer does, he connects the reader and the story flawlessly. This book will draw you into it and hold on to you all the way through. It's fun, energetic, thrilling and highly thought provoking. In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day pulled every emotion out of me. At times during my reading I found myself feeling nervous, anxious, crying, laughing, bewildered and simply amazed!

I truly will never look at opportunity the same again. I will face my giants and chase my lions. I will grab life by the mane!

This book is not just great reading material, it's a tool!

Just finished reading this book. Amazing. I am blown away at the thoughts that this book has brought into my mind and heart. Mark Batterson is so on with this writing and the way he leads you to examine your own life. Your own lions. Your own call from God.

This book is a most have for every church leader, church planter, missionary, christian, everyone that wants to get off their butts and do something for God in their life. I'm planning on making my whole staff read this book.

New note on my door and on my voicemail "Off to run in the snow after a lion..."

Warning. This book will challenge you! (It definitely pushed me!)

Some books start strong and lose steam. This book starts strong and gets better with each turn of the page. I read it in two sittings and hated when it ended.

Mark's writing is fun and engaging. His content is rich. His illustrations are unforgettable. His application of Scripture is life changing.

I felt like a wise mentor was encouraging me to see more than I've seen, do more than I'm doing, and believe God for more than I could imagine.

As a pastor, I'm ordering a bunch of boxes of this book to get into the hands of the members of my church and staff. This is a must-read.

Now here's a metaphor that resonates with me. Ever wrestled one of life's lions? Still have the wounds and scars to prove it? Do you, even years later, feel battered and beaten by the experience? If so, Mark Batterson has an incredble message for you. He certainly had an incredible message for me!

To quote Madison Avenue and Snickers, "Sometimes life comes at you fast." Mark's message is that everything that is happening now and has happened in the past are invaluable tools to help us reach the the glorious potential God desires for us.

...And if you haven't exactly squared off with one of life's great lions yet, this book with undoubtedly inspire you to become a lion chaser!

Mark has a profound gift for communicating spiritual truth in a way that really, really resonates. I cannot begin to articulate how marvelous this book is. What a wonderful read!

Using an obscure scripture from 2 Samuel Chapter 23: 20-21, Mark Batterson introduces us to Benaiah, son of Jehoiada, a valiant warrior. In this scripture, Benaiah chases a lion into a snow-filled pit and despite the icy slopes and snow, he slays the lion.

Batterson uses this scripture to encourage readers to gird up their loins and slay the lions they face. That despite the odds, despite their fears, God is at their side. When we face the impossible, God is at hand.

Mark Batterson defines spiritual maturity as "seeing and seizing God-ordained opportunities" no matter their size and allowing Him to see you through to the end. As the founding pastor of National Community Church half a block from Union Square, he prayed one of those ridiculous prayers for a building that cost more than he could dream. He risked his reputation. And God heard his prayers.

Batterson's book points out Biblical heroes who reached beyond the probable and discovered they served a mighty God. What an encouragement for those of us today too timid to consider God really cares.

Find a pit, look for a lion. And trust God. He will see you through.

Armchair Interviews says: Interesting look at life's opportunities/challenges.