Throw It Down by Jud Wilhite
Reviewed by Dale Lewis
"...an excellent resource for those dealing with addictions and dependencies as well as the churches ministering to them."
For many who name the name of Christ, addictions, habits and dependencies
continue to haunt and wreak havoc on their lives. From perfectionism to
anger . . . substance abuse to overeating . . . sexual addiction to compulsive
shopping, we all overflow with sinful tendencies which separate us from
healthy relationships with our Creator and with our peers.
In Throw It Down, Jud Wilhite, former addict and senior pastor of Central
Christian Church in Las Vegas, describes the stages that characterize an
exodus out of slavery and dependency. Jud blends personally poignant stories
and the biblical exodus of Israel from Egypt to make a meaningful metaphor
while highlighting key points in the healing journey of those who struggle
finding freedom. Just as God commanded Moses in Exodus to 'throw down'
his staff, God asks us to throw down the things we tightly hold unto in
order to experience freedom and His blessings.
Through the eyes of an addict, the reader is gently moved into the compassionate,
grace-filled heart of the Almighty God. Without sugarcoating or pretense,
the addict’s need to take the difficult steps is not disguised.
Wilhite is a pastor and Christ-follower who sees others through the eyes
of God each and every day. His writing style is conversational: his insight
simple yet profound! He both confronts and encourages with his words. Here
are a few memorable quotes:
“By developing codes for restitution, God acknowledges the terrible risks
we take in wounding others for personal gain. Restitution is the process
of making loving attempts to reverse the damage of hurt caused either intentionally
or unintentionally. Healing resides in the motivation to repair a relationship
in the name and power of love.”
"We seldom recognize the reality—with each act motivated by
lust or anger or greed or self-interest, we sacrifice the full life of
living out
loud. Will we take Jesus at his word (John 10:10), or do we through our
own efforts continue to carve out another in a string of worthless idols,
each failing to fill our lives with purpose, value, joy and love.”
"We cannot win on our own. We can't find freedom alone. Even with God
on his side, Moses needed others to walk with him and hold his arms up. He
needed others who would encourage and pray with him. So do we . . .”
I don’t believe you can read this book without rejoicing over the
powerful testimonies and reflecting on the reality of your own life story.
My self-centered imperfections were revealed in a whole new light. I’m
reminded, once again, of our daily need for God’s undeserved mercy.
This book will be an excellent resource for those dealing with addictions
and dependencies as well as the churches ministering to them. And I, for
one, will continue to read Jud Wilhite, desiring a deeper understanding
of my journey and God’s glory!