The Mystery of God's Will

I used to think that I was about the only one who really struggled with knowing God's will in my life. It seemed like everyone else knew exactly what God's will was for their lives. This book has taught me that just about everyone struggles with knowing God's will for their life. And more than that, Chuck gives many "what to do" examples of how to better discern God's will for your life. One of the best parts of the book is that he is unafraid to use real life examples of people who struggled mightily with knowing what God would have for them to do. I always was puzzled why God would allow someone who is doing the work of God in this life would be allowed to die, sometimes tragically. It made no sense to me. With the aid of this book, I'm beginning to understand more about God and the fact that His ways are often a mystery to me. Chuck explains that God's righteousness is something that is very difficult for a mere mortal to understand and comprehend. God has chosen to do things His way, and that often contradicts what we think He should do, based on our human logic and emotion. I have read the book once, and it is very much like an excellent movie, in that multiple visits are necessary to uncover all the gems that are to be found there. I plan to read it several times, in addition to my normal Bible study (and not a substitute for it!), because there is so much there it takes several trips to begin to understand something so vast and mysterious as God's will for our lives. I have several friends and family members who are stuggling with knowing what God would have them do. I plan to get and give them a copy of this book which may help to explain why things in their lives are not working out as they think they should. God's will is still a mystery to me, but at least thanks to this book I know a lot more about how to find it, understand it, and most of all, not sweat it when nothing seems to make sense. Every Christian I know wants to know and do God's will -- to follow the path that God has set for each of us. Chuck cannot of course provide that, but he does provide some roadside markers so that each of us can learn God's will for our life by prayer, seeking God in our silent moments, and by using some of Chuck's practical suggestions how to travel that road that God has set before us.

Sometimes you know something deep in your heart, but it takes someone else to point them out and make them clear for you. In my case, I had been struggling with God's plans for me, and it took this book to remind me of what I already knew in my heart-"The Lord's mercies never cease. The Lord's compassions never fail. The Lord's faithfulness never diminshes." This book clearly outlines how we can find and use God's will. I particularly enjoyed the extensive use of Biblical scripture, including passages from the little read Lamentations and Job. Swindoll had a way of presenting this complicated and mysterious topic in a way that made me say "duh!" I needed this book, and will recommend to many friends.

This is the best book I have ever read on knowing the will of God. The most significant part of Swindoll's writings are that they point to what we all should already know from God's Word. As my husband and I are seeking the Lord's will about our career or whether or not we should go into the mission field, Swindoll reminded me of the confidence we have in God's sovereignty. I'm so glad that I can rest in that. This is a book that I will recommend to anyone who struggles to know the will of God. Thanks Chuck!

This is one of the best books I have ever read. It put into words, what I have known in my heart: That God is God, and He knows what He's doing; and that I am accountable to him, not the other way around.

Lately, I've been very down and questioned where God is and what He wants from me. One night while desperate for encouragement, I stopped in a Christian book store and picked up this book. I couldn't put it down! This is the only book I own that I will never lend out. Instead, I will buy copies for people I think it may help. I will read this one many times!