Contact: Audra Jennings, Litfuse Publicity Group, 903-874-8363, audra@litfusegroup.com

SEATTLE, Feb. 14, 2013 /Christian Newswire/ -- No one enjoys struggles or suffering. However, as author Bo Stern writes in Beautiful Battlefields (NavPress), God uses our darkest moments to shape us into the people He wants us to be. "Though we would rather avoid battles and suffering, God does some of His most beautiful work through the hardest seasons in life. In fact, there are some things that can only be accomplished in us through battle."

Stern is convinced that everyone, at some point on the journey between here and eternity, will be called upon to face a "Really Big Battle," whether it be emotional, physical, spiritual or relational. Like any of us, Stern has faced numerous challenges in her life. However, in 2011, her family came face to face with their Goliath when her husband was diagnosed with ALS, (Lou Gehrig's Disease). The terminal diagnosis of a loved one can be enough to shake anyone's faith, but Stern trusts God is using this experience for something bigger.

God will always bring beauty from each and every battle, but sometimes it takes looking at the situation from a different perspective -- looking at what is happening through God's eternal lens -- in order to see that He is doing something wonderful. It could be He is trying to develop a deeper dependence on Him or possibly create in us a compassionate heart toward others who are hurting. The Sterns have adopted what they call the G50:20 Principle: "But Joseph said to them, 'Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives'" (Genesis 50:19-20, NIV). Stern invites readers to cling to these verses, as well, reminding readers God is control.

The first half of Beautiful Battlefields is devoted sifting through the battleground to discover the gold beneath the surface while the second half focuses on strategies for growing stronger through every battle. Readers are walked through discovering the security of God's love, praying for guidance, being obedient of God's plans and practicing generosity. Often overlooked but vitally important is assembling an army of friends and family to face the front lines alongside you.

Stern will be hosting a webcast March 12 at 8 PM EST to discuss Beautiful Battlefields. Visit www.facebook.com/beautifulbattlefields for details.

www.bostern.com