The Mystery of God's Will [Paperback]

Charles R. Swindoll (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 2, 2001

We all face difficult decisions. How can we know that the decisions we make are in God's will? Even popular author, pastor and Dallas Seminary President Charles Swindoll says at times he's not been so sure. In The Mystery of God's Will, Swindoll examines this long debated subject from a balanced, biblical perspective regarding his own doubts and experiences. For anyone who's ever doubted God's will, or for those who are convinced of it in every situation, this book will be a real eye-opener.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (October 2, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0849943264
• ISBN-13: 978-0849943263
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #158,158 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Dr. Charles R. Swindoll is senior pastor of Stonebriar Community Church, chancellor of Dallas Theological Seminary, and the Bible teacher on the internationally syndicated radio program Insight for Living. He has written more than thirty best-selling books, including STRENGTHENING YOUR GRIP, LAUGH AGAIN, THE GRACE AWAKENING, and the million-selling GREAT LIVES FROM GOD'S WORD series. Chuck and his wife, Cynthia, live in Frisco, Texas.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Straight talk and wonderful insights for struggling people., April 12, 2002

By 

No one of consequence (Cincinnati) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Mystery of God's Will (Paperback)

Have you ever wrestled with God in an effort to discern his will for your life? If so, I believe you'll benefit immensely from this recent offering by Chuck Swindoll. It has been an invaluable resource for me, because in recent months I have realized that the Lord is calling me away from my career as a lawyer and into full time Christian ministry. Talk about needing to figure out God's will!!

This book has no "magic bullets" in it. It can't answer all your questions about where God is leading you. Chuck admits that, and makes no bones about it, in the first pages. But what he offers instead are some solid, practical insights from scripture that should affect our attitude about God's will. He emphasizes God's wonderful attributes, and in particular his sovereignty, to give comfort and hope to those who are confused about the Lord's purpose for their lives.

Chuck also firmly yet lovingly reminds how NOT to try to figure out God's will. This is neither rocket science nor witchcraft -- it's pure holy mystery. You can't figure it out by coming in the side door. The overwhelming emphasis is on learning to trust the God who loves us infinitely, and who has our best interests at heart. In other words, God's will is in the journey more than the destination as we walk with him in that relationship of love and trust.

I recommend this book very highly for every believer, but especially for anyone who is going through a major crisis of faith in seeking God's will. You won't get hard answers, but you'll get insights that will speak to your heart. Giant thanks to brother Chuck!

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best books of the 20th century, December 31, 2005

By 

John (South Dakota, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Mystery of God's Will (Paperback)

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.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars If you are searching, read this..., August 25, 2000

By 

Ronnie Ward (Houston, TX USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Mystery of God's Will (Hardcover)

Both good and bad happen in our lives and in the lives of others. Why? Can't explain it? Trying to figure out what God is up to?

Can we reason using what we know to arrive at a satisfying answer? Excuses and rationalizations lead to frustration, anger at God or increased pride.

Swindoll rightly tells us to think Biblically. He calls it reasoning theologically. That is, reason that God is sovereign. Seek his will. Study the Bible. Wait perceptively for His understanding and the Spirit's prompting. Pray earnestly. Listen to wise counsel. Be willing to take risks and be persecuted. Expect God to surprise you.

In all, realize that God is working to conform each of us to the image of Christ. God opens and closes doors in the process that causes successful growth toward that purpose. Why specific events happen are a mystery otherwise.

As Christians we can know His moral will and make wise choices accordingly. Inner peace follows regardless of circumstances. Make sure you have it. God is in control. Relax.

The Lord's mercy never ceases. The Lord's compassions never fail. The Lord's faithfulness never diminishes.