Let God Surprise You [Hardcover]

Heather Whitestone McCallum (Author), Angela Elwell Hunt (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2003

For I know the plans I have for you, plans for good and not for evil, says the Lord. . . . Joseph the slave becomes a ruler in Egypt. Corrie ten Boom seems destined to die a prisoner in a Nazi concentration camp, but survives to speak to millions. The apostle Paul encounters Christ on the road to Damascus. Bud Paxon meets Jesus in a Las Vegas hotel suite. A Jewish girl named Esther convinces a king to save her people. A young deaf woman defies the odds and is crowned Miss America---and later is able to hear through the miracle of modern medicine. From the chapters of the Bible and the pages of today's newspaper, Let God Surprise You introduces you to men and women whose extraordinary stories demonstrate how God can turn any situation around and bring good out of even the most difficult circumstances. This book also shows how God answers our prayers---sometimes through unexpected avenues. Heather Whitestone McCallum offers her experiences of amazing grace and divine timing along with stories of biblical and modern men and women that demonstrate how our loving and lavish God is ready to surprise us with his goodness and mercy. No matter what challenges you are facing, these stories will inspire you and remind you that God can do anything with a heart surrendered to him. Let God Surprise You will help you see that God never sets limits on what we can become as long as we are willing to put our faith in a limitless God. God loves to surprise his children in the way he works out the plans he has for us, the dreams he has planted in our spirits. He loves to do the unexpected, even the outrageous. Come with me now as we look at stories of people who chose to believe---and were surprised by this outrageous, outlandish, and loving God we serve. Heather Whitestone McCallum dreamed of dancing as a prima ballerina. But how could a deaf girl from Alabama reach such an 'impossible' goal? By dancing before millions at the Miss America pageant and capturing the coveted crown. What an unbelievable way for God to make a dream come true! This is only one of the inspiring stories you'll find in Let God Surprise You. Heather not only shares stories of the ways God has surprised her, but also brings to life other accounts of men and women who have discovered the surprising and often amazing ways God's grace works in human lives. Whether you are currently experiencing tears or triumph, tragedy or comedy, within these pages you'll find anecdotes and insights that will inspire you to trust the God who delights in helping his children find their hearts' desires. Each chapter of Let God Surprise You is like opening a beautifully wrapped gift from the loving heart of an incredible and wonderful God

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

When former Miss America Whitestone developed a high fever at the age of 18 months, she lost her hearing and entered a silent existence. Yet as she matured, Whitestone refused to be daunted by this loss and worked diligently to become a ballerina, learn to speak fluently and set energetic goals for her future. Whitestone's life story continues through each concise chapter in this book, which is part autobiography and part Bible lesson. She and co-author Angela Hunt (who have partnered before in Listening with My Heart) present numerous examples where God inspires Christian believers during difficult phases of life and surprises them with timely, providential provision. They discuss the God who grandly supplies the means to overcome sin, adversity and conflict, gracing his followers with the blessings of love, children, ministry, beauty and forgiveness. Whitestone opens her heart in genuine, thoughtful reflections as she tells her personal experiences, pairing each point with a biblical story in an attempt to add some meat to these rather lightweight accounts. Whitestone's narratives are pleasant, but there isn't enough staying power within these pages to prod less than eager fans to keep reading. This is disappointing, given that Whitestone's sincerity rings true and her voice clearly commands the attention of many evangelical Christian readers.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

When former Miss America Whitestone developed a high fever at the age of 18 months, she lost her hearing and entered a silent existence. Yet as she matured, Whitestone refused to be daunted by this loss and worked diligently to become a ballerina, learn to speak fluently and set energetic goals for her future. Whitestone's life story continues through each concise chapter in this book, which is part autobiography and part Bible lesson. She and co-author Angela Hunt (who have partnered before in Listening with My Heart) present numerous examples where God inspires Christian believers during difficult phases of life and surprises them with timely, providential provision. They discuss the God who grandly supplies the means to overcome sin, adversity and conflict, gracing his followers with the blessings of love, children, ministry, beauty and forgiveness. Whitestone opens her heart in genuine, thoughtful reflections as she tells her personal experiences, pairing each point with a biblical story in an attempt to add some meat to these rather lightweight accounts. Whitestone's narratives are pleasant, but there isn't enough staying power within these pages to prod less than eager fans to keep reading. This is disappointing, given that Whitestone's sincerity rings true and her voice clearly commands the attention of many evangelical Christian readers.(May) -- Publisher's Weekly

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (May 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310246288
• ISBN-13: 978-0310246282
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.1 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,014,775 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)