Ferocious Warrior by Cora Jakes Coleman

Coleman came to the realization if she did not become a ferocious warrior, the enemy would steal everything she had. She shares her experiences of building up her faith, developing a disciplined walk with God, recognizing the tactics of the enemy, removing her hindrances, becoming persistent in prayer and learning how to use all the weapons God has provided, all the while deepening her relationship with God.

This is a very honest and encouraging book. The Colemans struggled with infertility. They have adopted two children but experienced disappointments along the way. Coleman fought depression and discouragement. Out of all of it came her determination to be ferocious in facing the enemy, finding strength in pain, refusing to run from obstacles and surrendering to God.

Coleman encourages readers to take responsibility for their choices, to trust God when circumstances are out of their control, to become humble before God and receive deliverance. She emphasizes several times the need for discipline, such as a disciplined mind. She also reminds readers there is no victory without a fight.

While she includes a prayer and an affirmation at the end of each chapter, I felt there was a lack of practical strategy to carry out Coleman's teachings. “To be a ferocious warrior, you need to be able to think differently,” she writes. (95) Great encouragement but a practical strategy to do that is missing. “Don't leave yourself open to the enemy,” she writes. (97) Whole books have been written about doing just that.

My favorite part of the book was her section on prayer. She has struggled with prayer and her teaching on it was the fruit of her own learning to be a good prayer warrior.

This is a very encouraging book. Coleman thoroughly encourages readers to become ferocious warriors. If you are a reader who can come up with your own plan from encouraging teaching, you'll do well with this book. If you need someone to lay out a practical strategy for you, this book might best be read with trusted friends. Shared ideas in the group might provide the strategy needed.

Food for thought: “To be a ferocious warrior, you must be willing to make conscious decisions to become the best version of yourself.” (7)

You can find out more about the book and watch the book trailer here.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Cora Jakes Coleman is a preacher, author, wife, and mother. The eldest daughter of Bishop T. D. and Serita Jakes, Cora Coleman oversees and directs the children's ministry at The Potter's House in Dallas, Texas.

Charisma House, 224 pages. This book releases July 16.

I received a complimentary ARC from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.