In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day By Mark Batterson This book makes me want to attack life! Mark Batterson articulates the story of Old Testament character Benaiah in a way that makes a person say to himself, “I can do that.” Batterson takes no back seats to life challenges. In fact, he suggests that the future God has for you may reside in your biggest problem…your worst failures…your greatest fear. It is a quick verse in 2 Samuel; I have read it many times…kind of flew by it. When referring to this warrior who ultimately became David’s bodyguard we see this statement, “Another time he chased a lion down into a pit. Then despite the snow and slippery ground, he caught the lion and killed it.” Not a bad day’s work! Batterson does a great job weaving the nuances of this story into a phenomenal application to us in the 21st century. Most of us do not wake up wondering where we can find a lion and chase him down. Yet in the real world, we face lions throughout life. The only question is, “How do we deal with them?” In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day suggests that Benaiah had a couple of options when confronted with the lion, not-the-least of which was RUN! He could have danced around the lion. He could have tried to coach the lion away. He could have just waited for better weather. He could have tried to just wait the lion out. But no, not Benaiah. This guy sees the challenge before him and does none of the above. It looks like he took the “there’s no time like the present” approach to problem solving. When you examine the future God had in store for him, it is easy to see how this snapshot of his life propelled him to greater things. Ultimately David acknowledged the exploits of this valiant military man and promoting Benaiah to his personal bodyguard. I guess David thought a guy who could lock eyes with a lion and win was a good bet to protect the life of the king. Batterson writes of odds, fears, reframing, and uncertainty. He fleshes out the flip-flop statement of “playing it safe is risky.” His picture of grabbing opportunity by the mane is riveting. Furthermore, his explanation of the importance of looking foolish helps a lot of us who look foolish regularly. You will be pleased with Batterson’s wrap-up, encouraging the reader to unleash the lion chaser within you. You will never look at challenges and problems in life and ministry the same again. Read the book and chase your lion!