Finding God in Unexpected Places

I read one book by Philip Yancey and had to read more. His writing style is simple and to the point and he does not pretend to be any other than a person seeking God in this difficult world we live in. My goal is to read all of his many books. They are inspiring and honest and from his heart. They are not "preachy" and he is quick to share his own weaknesses in this earth-bound journey.

Mr. Yancey provides an approach to God that is no less powerful for its quietness. I was profoundly moved by the stories of those lives which have been lived on the fringes and yet have made such a huge impact for the kingdom of Heaven. This is a must read for those needing to see God in their own lives.

First of all, I like the title of this book. So many people think that God is only present in church or at meetings where miraculous, supernatural things occur. Philip Yancey has found the presence of God in many places, from the squalor and oppression of Chilean prisons to the spiritual and moral neediness of post-Soviet Russia; from the wonders of nature to the basement from which he writes his books; from the writings of Shakespeare to the life of a little-known servant of God who lives to minister to the poor. Plus, his discussion of grace and forgiveness in chapters 34 and 35 is as good as I've read on some tough issues. Any book by Philip Yancey is not to be missed, and this collection is one I'll be going back to again and again.

Philip Yancey always reaches and resonants with a depth that touches both mind and heart. I heartily recommend this book to anyone who loves worthwhile reflections on responsive, genuine Christianity. This is one of those rare Christian authors who can be read through two and three times a year and never get stale. Fiveandahalfstars. Great job Philip. Keep it up.

When I read the first paragraph in the first chapter I turned to my wife and said"Oh, I'm going to like this book." I was wrong, I love this book. As a long time minister of the gospil, I was amazed that someone had put into words some of the very same thoughts and anxioties that I have experianced and then given me such a simple solution to the problems that I have encountered in my own spiritual walk. I kept reading words that were so uplifting that I found myself sharing these words of wisdom with my friends and family. I was inspired by his simple insight into so many of the "common" problems that we all face in our voyage thru this life and their solutions. There are so many wonderful quotes both from the secular world and the Bible that I found myself writing down the comments to be used in future sermons. This book is loaded with topics that will preach. I have recommended this book to numerous Christian and non-christian friends and co-workers. I believe that no matter what your present and/or past relationship with Christ is, when you read this book you will find yourself being inspired, uplifted spiritually, entertained and smiling. When I read chapter 23, Russia's Untold Story I set on my sofa and cried and at the same time I was ashamed for not having realized the truth and reality of the suffering of the Christians of that country. I told a friend of mine about this book and he said that the only book he needs to read is the Bible. It is by far the best and most important but if anyone fails to read this book they surely will miss one of God's true blessings. I think that the best part of this book is that it conveys wonderful spiritual truths without being "preachy". I will read more from Mr. Yancy.

This compendium of essays, mostly gathered from Philip Yancey's columns for CHRISTIANITY TODAY magazine, come from the person whose works I enjoy reading more than any other living author. These essays are not the narrow minded platitudes of someone offering yet another book of hollow reflections. Yancey looks for the intimations of God's grace amidst our troubling human condition, finding it in many places others overlook, whether it be in Shakespeare, Vaclav Havel, the Soviet Union, a computer keyboard, or in the natural world. The essays are brief and amenable to quick review each day e.g. lunchtime, bedtime reading, or afternoon coffee break. These ruminations are also good material to be read in small groups. I unreservedly recommend this book.