John Eckhardt: I Lost All My Friends When I Spoke in Tongues
In his book The Good Land: Grow and Flourish in God’s Presence (Nov. 5, 2019), bestselling author John Eckhardt reflects on how his life changed when he became a Christian. He describes losing all his friends—his “drug buddies”—and being laughed at when he spoke in tongues and attended church. They thought he had lost his mind.
But the reality is that Eckhardt’s friends didn’t leave him. He left them. As a new Christian, he abandoned sinful habits and started going in a different direction. He entered into what he calls “the Good Land.”
His book The Good Land explains how this place is found in God’s presence. Eckhardt describes it as flowing with milk and honey, with blessings, redemption and restoration. However, one’s heart has to be willing to embrace change. A person needs to “put off the former way of life in the old nature” and “be renewed in the spirit” so that he or she can “put on the new nature” (Eph. 4:22-24).
“God will save you, deliver you, bless you and promote you, but you have to obey Him and leave Lot and the old land behind. Don’t be like those who never walk in the good land because they never leave the old,” Eckhardt says.
Eckhardt shares about when he went back to a part of town he used to frequent and attended a funeral where he saw old friends.
“Seeing them after such a long time helped me see how the grace of God covers us even in aging. Some who had made decisions to stay in bad situations, in addictions and in the dry land looked twice their age,” Eckhardt says. “But the glory of God, being filled with the Holy Ghost, can beautify you …This is what a good life in the good land can do for you.”
Using biblical and prophetic teaching, Eckhardt shows believers what it means to dwell in the land God ordained for their lives. Sharing prayers and declarations, he challenges readers to live in a place where their steps are safe, blessed and, most importantly, established in the Lord. {eoa}
About John Eckhardt: John Eckhardt is overseer of Crusaders Ministries, located in Chicago. Gifted with a strong apostolic call, he has ministered throughout the United States and overseas in more than 80 nations. He is a sought-after international conference speaker, produces a weekly television program called “Perfecting the Saints” and has authored more than 20 books, including Prayers That Rout Demons and Deliverance and Spiritual Warfare Manual.
Charisma House empowers people through Spirit-inspired resources. It is the leading publisher of diversified Christian resources motivating people to fulfill God’s purpose. For more than 20 years Charisma House has published books, including 14 New York Times’ bestsellers, that challenge, encourage, teach and equip Christians.
