Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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. It's not a doctrinal exposition of the sovereignty of God or a book about finding God's will for your life. Rather, Zacharias covers the various areas of our life that may need adjustment so that we can see and experience more fully God's hand fulfilling the unique destiny that He has in mind for us.

He expertly handles a subject that probably few have made so practical. Zacharias makes it personal by sharing stories and insights gained from years of experience. There's a wealth of wisdom on every page. As is the case with writers like C. S. Lewis, G. K. Chesterton and Malcom Muggeridge (a few favorites of Zacharias), it may take more than one reading to apprehend all the treasures. Christian leaders looking for nourishment or some morsel to pass on to their hungry flocks will find plenty to satisfy themselves and others. Hope is communicated to all.

Zacharias covers so much ground that sometimes the threads of his writing seem to hang together loosely, but he weaves it all together by continually returning to his theme. Some parts are challenging. It's often illuminating and always encouraging.

This is not Ravi Zacharias the apologist, defending the faith. It's Ravi Zacharias, serving as a friend, beckoning us onward.

Zacharias is always worth reading, but this may be among his most important books because of the subject matter. What could be more valuable than seeing and experiencing God redeeming every aspect of our broken lives?

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.

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!!

I often read books by C.S. Lewis and A.W. Tozer, and Ravi Zacharias had written a rather succinct introduction to one of those author's books. I expected his book to therefore be similar. While it is a well written book, it is more inspirational in flavor than I typically prefer. If you are looking for a book similar to Max Lucado's style, with a little more theology and a little less story telling, this is probably a good fit for you.

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.

Dr. Zacharias starts and ends this book with the death bed experience. It's an inevitable event no one can avoid. Everyone will die. Preparing for it is only logical. In "The Grand Weaver," Dr. Zacharias reminds Christians that all things come together colletively for a specific purpose, i.e., God's glory. As a mature teacher, he points out that frequently one cannot process an experience until after the fact--sometimes quite a long time after the fact. Some incidents might not make sense at all in this lifetime. On the other side, however..."Everything I experience and feel before I arrive at that heavenly home amounts to mere analogy."

He writes an enlightening segment on distractions, noting..."The bane of our lives is getting sidetracked into secondary pursuits." An antidote to this is to capture specificity by writing down your purpose. That way activites can be ascertained as to their validity.

God's Word indicates that He wants us to know His will. Dr. Zacharais drives this point home in discussing the two-way nature of prayer. He goes on to talk about the fallacy of busyness in superficial "worship" as contrasted with heartfelt worship.

Chapter 5 deals with three phoney types of spirituality, traditionalism, legalism, and superstitution. Each is addressed in a clear way from the perspective of Jesus. The whole book is an extremely valuable tool for helping you to live the well-reflected life that leads to living abundantly and on target.

Being an extensive traveler who is knowledgeable on all the world's major religions, the author authoritative defends his reasons for believing the claims of Jesus Christ. The myth of "all religions basically teaching the same thing" is eloquently refuted. After reading that section of the book you realize anyone who makes such a statment is ignorant. This is a very inspiring contribution to the life of any inquiring reader.

Ravi Zacharias' The Grand Weaver is beautifully written (as are all his works) and full of profound insight. The only reason I gave it four stars instead of five is that some of the stories in this book have either been used in some of his previous books or in his talks. Still, for those who aren't familiar with much of Ravi's work, these stories are a must-read. I highly recommend The Grand Weaver for those who already know the joy of reading his books, and most especially for those who are unfamiliar with them.

Many today insist that life has no meaning, but Christians must deny that statement as untrue. Various threads of life, each of which is infused with meaning and a purposeful place in the tapestry that makes each person, are woven together by the Master Weaver Who designed the entirity of the universe and of eternity. Mr. Zacharias examines eight principle strands of existence and shows what they mean and how they function for an individual. In his clear, concise, elegant, and profound, but extremely comprehensible manner, he gives readers a sense of wonder and purpose about their role and more importantly, in regard to their Creator. This is what I hoped to find when I read The Purpose Driven Life. What is most striking is the way the author's words bring together the ordinary with the holy without diminishing the holy. This is a very re-readable volume, so do not lend it to anyone; just buy the potential borrower a copy.

Ravi delivers a thoughtful yet sometimes wooden exposition of true faith. This is not your classic Zacharias book because it lacks the punch and care that is found in his other books. The book reads as if your having a conversation with a weary man just returning from a long trip. For this reason I was somewhat disappointed.

Nevertheless, there are many good insights in The Grand Weaver and in the end Ravi's basic message is the same as always: May Christ be preached and God be glorified. And it cannot be more true nor is it overstated to say that even the most disappointing Zacharias book is still far better than the best efforts by most Christian writers today.

This is a tamer Ravi, if you will. Great stories to illustrate the truths of each chapter.

Ravi weaves Scripture and stories wonderfully together. Get this book and read it, for you owe it to yourself.