Have you ever read a book or a blog post and felt like the author must have special access to your life? You felt like she just gets you? You realized she is speaking to the very things that have been troubling you? This was my experience with Alisha Illian’s Chasing Perfect: Peace and Purpose in the Exhausting Pursuit of Something Better.

In her non-preachy, relatable voice, Illian addresses the very things that are pulling us away from seeking an intimate relationship with God and shows us how even the good things in our lives can be used by the enemy and become idols in our hearts. But she doesn’t stop there. She gives very practical, actionable steps to overcome the lies of the enemy and pursue a life of godliness.

Not only do you feel like Illian knows you, but also you get to know her through the pages of Chasing Perfect. She shares the struggles she has had, is real about her progress, and opens the door to her life (apparently, her dog throws up often). And though you might not be dealing with the same struggles she has faced, you understand the correlation to your own issues and how to face them head-on.

The truth is it doesn’t matter what your struggles are. You may find you relate 100% to each issue Illian addresses, or you may find that you are polar opposites. But all of the answers boil down to one: Chase Jesus. Stop chasing the temporary pleasures of this world: the promotion, the perfect house, a large following on social media, the book deal, the perfect family. Chase Jesus, the one who created you, knows you, accepts you, loves you, disciplines you, comforts you, and died for you.

If you are feeling spent in the monotonous routine of your life; or you wish you had a place to belong; or you struggle to understand how your Bible reading should change you; or you want to know why you’re here, what your purpose is, I recommend you pick up Chasing Perfect. Check it out here.