The Grand Weaver: How God Shapes Us Through the Events of Our Lives

We all wonder why certain things occur in our lives, particularly if we believe in God. Ravi has a wonderful way of getting our minds to think beyond human reasoning and look into the spiritual realm of what God intends for us--through prosperity and adversity. Reading the book has illuminated many situations that in the past I had considered happenstance. In reflection, I now realize these happenings were not per chance, but carefully woven by the Grand Weaver, designed with purpose to mold me into the character of His son, Jesus Christ. Were all of these experiences pleasant? No, they were not; however, several things ring true: I never had to face them alone, and they shaped who I've become and will continue to be. I highly recommend this book to anyone who searches for answers and meaning in their lives.

Imagine each area of your life as a thread that God uses to fulfill the design he has in mind for you. "His design for your life pulls together every thread of your existence into a magnificent work of art. Every thread matters and has a specific purpose." Zacharias goes on to remind us that "God holds the threads; you hold the shuttle. Move it at God's behest, and watch the making of something spectacular." That's the purpose of this book: to keep us moving from a threadbare existence to a tapestry that reflects the beauty and glory of God. Zacharias assures that this is God's ultimate end. "We will be `re-created,' and all the threads of our earthly life will come together for the design that we will experience in heaven. Every tribe, every language, every moment, every pain, every sorrow will come together in the consummate pattern of God's design." In each chapter Zacharias unravels specific threads vital to every Christian: uniqueness, disappointments, calling, morality, spirituality, will, worship and destiny. Regardless of the topic, the theme remains the same: "seeing the designing hand of God and his intervention in our lives in such a way that we know he has a specific purpose for each of us and that he will carry us through until we meet him face-to-face and know ourselves completely." But he asks, "How can you see the divine intersection of all that shapes and marks your existence, whether it be the heart-wrenching tragedies that wound you or the ecstasy of a great delight that brings laughter to your soul? How can you meet God in all your appointments and your disappointments? How can you recognize that he has a purpose, even when all around seems senseless, if not hopeless?" It begins when we "accept the wonder and marvel of one's own personality, however flawed or `accidental,' and place it in and trust it to the hands of the One who made it." Zacharias reckons that as one of the greatest achievements in life. Chapter 2 focuses on three practical steps to make the pattern of God's work more visible. The first step involves the heart. God looks for tender hearts that He can imprint. The second involves the mind. We must learn to trust that God is in control and believe that He has a purpose for our lives. Last but not least is the importance of the cross. It was said of F. W. Boreham, a man Zacharias considers a primary influence, that regardless of where he started, he made his way to the cross, and that is precisely what Zacharias does here. "How much more can we understand suffering when we see it through the eyes of the One who defines good and evil, comfort and suffering, and who went to the cross to deal with it? Is this not the only way we can understand and cope with our own suffering? We must see the world of pain through the eyes of Jesus, who best understands it not merely as pain but as brokenness and separation." Though known for his defense of the Christian faith, this book is more devotional than theological.

Ravi Zacharias in his own inimitable manner writes to us as though he were in the room with us. It is as though he is seated across the table and explaining the wonderful making of the cloth which is each of our lives. I highly recommend this book. MRC

This book seemed a bit different from some of Ravi's others - more personal somehow. I appreciated his anecdotes, and how he based his words on Scripture. You come away encouraged, but also challenged to look for God's work in your life. Buy it!!

This is Ravi Zacharias as you've never read him before. More approachable, more practical, and - potentially - more life-impacting. Never one to leave the mind unchallenged in his writing and teaching, Ravi also touches your heart in this wonderful book. He still employs his powerful story-telling gift, he still pulls in quotes and insights from his wide breathe of knowledge, and he doesn't sacrifice intellectual honesty for improved readability. But there's a tenderness and a gentleness to it all . . . and insights and encouragements abound. It's a delightful follow-up to his deeply personal memoir, "Walking from East to West: God in the Shadows." Whatever your stage of life--whether it's re-examining your "DNA," finding value in your disappointments, deciphering your calling, or considering your morality--Ravi has a word for you. You'd do well to listen.