Born Without Arms, Ritchie Combines His Personal Experience with Biblical Truth to Encourage Readers to Run the Race
In a culture permeated by the “microwave mentality” and accustomed to getting what we want instantaneously, author and speaker Daniel Ritchie reminds Jesus followers of the importance of patience in his new book, “Endure: Building Faith for the Long Run,” releasing Feb. 23 from Kirkdale Press, an imprint of Lexham Press.
Born without arms, Ritchie has spent his entire life living in a world meant for hands without having the benefit of them. Everything he learned to do in his formative years was an uphill battle of trial and error. While there were several victories, he notes he was marked by consistent failure.
Ritchie’s life radically changed at the age of 15 when he accepted Christ. While he admits failure was still a very present part of his life, so was his strong God.
“The circumstances that triggered my inner wounds were still the same, but I now had a way of navigating it all with hope,” said Ritchie. “There was no instantaneous fix to the issues of my life, but there was an instant Advocate and Lord with me through it all. My initial assumptions about the speed at which God was going to change my brokenness were totally wrong, but that did not mean He was distant from me. It only meant that He was at work in my life by His means and His timeline. And that is a good thing.”
Using his own personal experiences interwoven with case studies of three biblical men whose patience was tried by God – Paul, Abraham and Joseph – Ritchie helps readers of “Endure” understand how patience is necessary for the Christian life.
“The Father does not work at the pace of our man-made culture. He does not count time like we count days,” said Ritchie. “The problem with patience is that the most human reaction we have is to look for an immediate remedy to our problems or for the endgame of our growth. We want answers right now and on our terms, which is not the typical way God works. He works in the lives of His children over the long run, not just in the immediate circumstances.”
In “Endure,” Ritchie gives direction and encouragement for how to trust God in every year, every day and every minute and learn how the seemingly mundane choices can be the most important—for one’s good and God’s glory.
“The lifelong race of faith is going on around us whether we like it or not,” Ritchie said. “We have a choice to make: sit on our hands and run aground, run away from our problems, and build a life on unstable ground; or chart a course built firmly on an unshakable hope. The choice is truly ours, but there is only one path to take in view of eternity.”
In addition to the book releasing Feb. 23, Ritchie has also partnered with Kirkdale Press to create a companion video series. Each lesson concludes with reflection questions to facilitate group discussion or to help readers think through the teaching on their own.
For additional information about “Endure” and the companion video series, visit https://lexhampress.com/product/213948/endure-building-faith-for-the-long-run.
About Kirkdale Press
Kirkdale Press publishes books that will strengthen relationships between God and his people, increase biblical literacy within the church, and put the Word into action in the lives of everyday Christians. For more information, visit https://kirkdalepress.com/.
About Daniel Ritchie
Daniel Ritchie is a speaker and writer from North Carolina. He is the author of “My Affliction for His Glory” and “Endure,” releasing Feb. 23, 2022, and has 10 years of experience in student ministry. He and his wife, Heather, have two children. Additional information is available at https://danielritchie.com/.
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