Pursuing God can become an obsession. At least that is what Anne Graham Lotz, daughter of noted American evangelist Billy Graham (and the late Ruth Bell Graham) had to say when interviewed about her latest book, “The Magnificent Obsession: Embracing the God Filled Life.” Released in August, my wife recently obtained a copy of her book, meeting Anne face to face at a book signing this past Saturday in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Anne wrote The Magnificent Obsession to explain her desire to grow closer to God, citing a yearning for something more, well beyond a simple emotional desire. Using words such as “heart hunger” to describe how she felt, Anne turned to her Bible to find God. But it wasn’t enough to read scripture – Anne had to apply what she read to her own life.

A Friend of God

Mrs. Lotz cited Abraham as a Bible character worth emulating. Indeed, Exodus 33:11 has this stunning account on how God viewed his relationship with Abraham:

“The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent.”

Applying the Bible Personally

Still, Anne wanted to know God just as Abraham did which meant lifting those words up off of the Bible, applying it to her life, living it out one step at a time, choice by choice by choice. What began as a simple move to pursue God soon became an obsession – a good one at that – which has led to where Mrs. Lotz is today – all consumed by the love of God. Ultimately, Anne believes that her relationship with God will also be defined by Him as a friendship.

The Magnificent Obsession, however, isn’t about Anne alone. Rather, it is her attempt to demonstrate to the reader that God’s relationship with Abraham wasn’t meant to be unique. Despite her own failures – yes, Anne is not the perfect Graham offspring – lessons have been learned during tough times as well as those times she defines as successful.

Just Give Me Jesus

Mrs. Lotz is the founder of AnGeL Ministries, which is “…committed to giving out messages of Biblical exposition so that God’s Word is personal and relevant to ordinary people.” The author of ten books, including her bestselling “Just Give Me Jesus,” Anne lives in Raleigh with her husband, Dr. Dan Lotz.

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