Living a Purpose-Full Life: What Happens When You Say Yes to God [Paperback]

Jan Johnson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 16, 1999

Women crave a sense of purpose. They yearn to know that their efforts will impact other people’s lives. Experts urge them to say “no” to the things that drain or distract them–yet, even as women struggle to maintain a sense of control, they long to discover the calling to which their hearts must joyously respond: “Yes!” That longing, explains author Jan Johnson, can be satisfied only when a woman discovers–and lives out–her God-given purpose.

God’s call on a woman’s life isn’t meant to remain a mystery. More than a role, a spiritual gift, or a job she loves, finding her purpose is about knowing who she is: God’s woman in this world. Within these pages readers will discover what purpose in life is, why they need it, and how they can find it. Best of all, each woman will simplify her life by focusing on the things that matter most to her and God, as she becomes the woman he desires her to be.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Believing that purpose comes from what he sees as our primary reason for living?to know and love God?Johnson asks the reader to look beyond social roles and career choices, and that we should acknowledge our passions and gifts as responses to God's designs for us. Johnson notes, "What makes a job the 'Lord's work' is the purpose and heart of the person doing it, not the task itself." Discovering our purpose is a part of our spiritual journey and not simply a task to be fulfilled, and it is a lifelong process, the author says. "As God leads us into a life of greater trust, integrity, and selflessness, doors will open and we'll be equipped for tasks that once scared us." We gain courage to search for God's will and desires as we learn that our purposes and His will are united. According to Johnson, a strong prayer life, deep Bible reading and participation in a close religious community are the tools that help us realize our purpose in life. Johnson closes each chapter with a section of questions to contemplate, an experiment in listening prayer and some Bible passages to ponder. While this is an excellent book for study groups, individuals will also benefit from its valuable lessons.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From the Inside Flap

Women crave a sense of purpose. They yearn to know that their efforts will impact other people?s lives. Experts urge them to say ?no? to the things that drain or distract them?yet, even as women struggle to maintain a sense of control, they long to discover the calling to which their hearts must joyously respond: ?Yes!? That longing, explains author Jan Johnson, can be satisfied only when a woman discovers?and lives out?her God-given purpose.

God?s call on a woman?s life isn?t meant to remain a mystery. More than a role, a spiritual gift, or a job she loves, finding her purpose is about knowing who she is: God?s woman in this world. Within these pages readers will discover what purpose in life is, why they need it, and how they can find it. Best of all, each woman will simplify her life by focusing on the things that matter most to her and God, as she becomes the woman he desires her to be.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: WaterBrook Press; 1 edition (February 16, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1578560489
• ISBN-13: 978-1578560486
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.5 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #673,035 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Jan Johnson is the author of twenty books and more than a thousand magazine articles and Bible studies. Also a speaker, teacher and spiritual director, she lives with her husband in Simi Valley, California. She holds a D. Min. in Ignatian spirituality and spiritual direction and writes primarily about spiritual formation and social justice topics.
Visit her at her website: www.JanJohnson.org.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Life Changing!, October 18, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Living a Purpose-Full Life: What Happens When You Say Yes to God (Paperback)

I seemed to stumble upon this book when I needed it the most. It's been helping me rediscover who I am. I am very grateful to the Lord for sending it my way. It lays out very plainly the steps to take and the things to think about when you are trying to discover your mission in life. I keep telling people about this book, thinking everyone should be reading it, but probably some people need to wait to read it until they really feel they are ready to take the plunge and really search their heart for what breaks it and what breaks God's heart. Loved it!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must-read!, March 16, 2006

By 

Jody Fernando "J. Fernando" (Midwest, USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Living a Purpose-Full Life: What Happens When You Say Yes to God (Paperback)

This is by far the best book I have read on purpose. Jan Johnson addresses the topic with great wisdom, examining both the superficial and internal realms of purpose. Stressing that being is more important than doing, and that the journey means more than the destination, she provides a much needed perspective in our task-oriented, step-driven society.

I have led three small groups for college students and young adult women using this book - it is excellent for group discussion for women of any age. There are thought-provoking discussion questions at the end of each chapter, as well as bible studies at the end. Its concepts aren't beneficial strictly to women, though Jan Johnson does use mostly female examples.

This book was so good, I tracked down all of Jan Johnson's other books, and have found them equally insightful and full of depth, lacking the platitudes and shallowness of many female Christian writers. It isn't just a "follow-Jesus-and-you'll-know-your-purpose-for-life" kind of deal. While she offers specific, tangible suggestions, they aren't formulaic or stale. For those looking for a challenging, thought-provoking, non-stereotypical perspective on purpose, this is a must read!