Book Review: Awakening by Stovall Weems

I was not sure what to expect when I received AWAKENING by Stovall Weems. I recently reviewed a book on fasting that, well, left a lot to be desired. As I freed Weems’ work from the media mail envelope and settled down it was with a hint of skepticism.

Stovall Weems is the lead pastor of Celebration Church in Jacksonville, Florida.  According to www.awakeningbook.org, the church began with just 7 people in 1998 and now serves over 10,000.  This interested me, thinking that they must be doing something right.  Stovall said something early in AWAKENING that might hold the key.

“This will be your best year ever if it is your best year spiritually.”

Made sense to me.  I was in.  What I found in this book was a comprehensive guide to biblical fasting combined with real world testimonies of it’s effectiveness.  Stovall explains in detail the benefits, both physical and spiritual, of a break from the norms of a world “gunked up”.  Reader beware, however.  The Awakening fast is not your standard issue “hey I gave up worrying for Lent.”  It’s the real deal.  Weems does outline different forms and methods of fasting, but he himself participates in an annual 21 day fast obtaining from virtually any food at all.  That’s hardcore, but his results are amazing.  Just reading about the breakthroughs and renewal in his relationship with God has me gearing up for a fast of my own.  You can too, and this book is a fantastic guide.