Listening to God in Times of Choice: Living Between How It Is & How It Ought to Be

by Gordon T. Smith

Book Overview

All Christians yearn to live at the center of God's will. But how to discern his will is an art that eludes many of us. And the advice we get often conflicts. Some tell us to look for a divine "blueprint"-the one perfect plan for our lives that we need to find. We are encouraged to search the Scriptures and hunt for signs, trying to uncover the map of our lives that God has drawn. Others have rejected the blueprint school of guidance for the "wisdom...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0830813675
• ISBN13: 9780830813674
• Release Date: March 1997
• Publisher: IVP
• Length: 153 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.5" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

most helpful reading

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.

The best book I've read on the subject!

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

Answers some very important questions

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 !