Customer Reviews

Listening to God in Times of Choice: The Art of Discerning God's Will

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I found this, as well as another book by the author, Courage and Calling, practical and insightful help in discerning some heavy choices in my life over the last two years. Particularly helpful was the "Clearness Committee" concept. My husband and I recently implemented this, and received some (hard) but excellent input from discerning friends. A great book on a most critical issue--learning to discern God's best for your life.

I read the first 96 pages in 4 days as I was trying to find something that would help me discern the meaning and purpose of a dream I had. I didn't want to be deaf to God's promptings because I want to do His will and I needed some answers. I prayed, meditated, thought, studied the word, consulted trusted believers, asked for prayer, and tried to listen for God to tell me what to do. This book supported these methods of trying to discern God's will, but more than that, it pointed out that discernment takes time. I felt 80% sure that I was interpreting the dream correctly and proceeded accordingly. This book also emphasized that discernment is hampered in times of spiritual desolation. Good point. It seems obvious when your brain and heart are not clouded, but I'm glad I read it first, so I'll know that in advance. I wish I had read the rest of the book before making my decision, because a really great section entitled 'Blocks to Discernment', really helped me. I still learned something valuable from the dream and the book. One thing that blew me away was what the author said about prayer and fasting. The purpose of fasting with prayer is not to prove to God that you are more serious in your commitment; the purpose of fasting with prayer is to focus on what God is trying to tell you ! WOW ! I hope to find this book on sale and buy it for as many friends as I can ! It's not like we get to ask questions during sermons at church you know !

It's clear, concise, and presents a solid model of how we as Christians ought to live and make decisions. We don't look for "open doors" and we don't just rely on wisdom. We wait, we listen for the Spirit, we pray, we use our wisdom. In short, we discern. I especially appreciate Smith's Epilogue in which he clearly states that in order for discernment to "work," we must be open to God. We must be receptive. He writes:

"I must be open to God--radically, the the depth and root of my being. But it is as myself that I am open to God--all that I am. I do not offer him what I wish I was, but what I am; I do not offer him something I compare with others, but only what I have."

Good words. True words.

I benefited from reading this book, but when I subsequently read Bruce K. Waltke's "Finding the Will of God" I found the latter to cover the same ground much more systematically, comprehensively, and clearly - to the point that I feel the urge to write this short review to point prospective buyers to consider Prof Waltke's book instead.

great guide to help you through every decision in life. read this book even if you don't have a big decision looming over you.

Smith is thorough and gives a very balanced view of discerning God's will. I highly recommend this book. It was timely for me.