What I’m reading Friday ~ Discovering God’s Calling by Philip Wilder is one of the best small books I’ve read in a while. It’s not really a devotional, but the short chapters are great to read each morning during my quiet time. I just happened to have won it when I left a comment on a blog. And am I ever so glad. This little book spoke to my heart.
Here’s the back cover blurb:
What if God wanted to take you on an amazing adventure like he did Moses, King David, Peter, and Paul? Is it possible God has a specific calling for your life that will satisfy your deepest desires and fill your life with meaning?
It’s true. Without question.
You are irreplaceable. You are essential to the kingdom.
God designed a massive rescue plan for the lost, and the King of the universe has equipped and hand-picked you to play a critical role.
Eternal lives hang in the balance.
Will you join Him?
Life is too short to live in the mundane, and the stakes are too high to not play your crucial part.
So let’s start this exciting journey together.
Through this book, I’ll map out what God has taught me on my crazy adventures around the world and help you discover your unique superpowers (yeah, you’ve got ‘em). By the time you finish this book, you’ll have a battle plan to grab hold of the wonderous life to which God has called you.
My take:
I received this book just when I needed it. This year – 2020 – has been a tough year, especially August. Discovering God’s Calling helped me through some difficult days. I especially liked the chapter on waiting. Wilder used my favorite Bible character, David to drive home a point. In 1 Samuel 16, David is anointed king. Fifteen years later he ascended to the throne. Fifteen long years while Saul hunted him down to kill him. Don’t you think he lost hope some of the days? If he did, he didn’t write about it. Instead, as Wilder points out, he praised God. He also points out that David was a good steward of what God gave him because he trusted God with each phase of his life, and God rewarded him for it. This little book helped me to understand that sometimes God doesn’t give us what we want because He wants to see what we’ll do with what He does give us.
I don’t know about you, but that helped me see some of the things I’ve been waiting for a long time in a different light. There are many other great examples of God’s plans for us and how we view them. I think readers will get a lot out of this book.
You can purchase it at:
What I'm Reading Friday ~ Discovering God's Calling by Philip Wilder It's a book you don't want to miss! Click To TweetHave you ever wondered what God is calling you to do? Leave a comment and I’ll enter you in a drawing for a book from my library at the end of the month!
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Comments 31
It sounds like an uplifting, motivational book. I think God calls me to do that which if I do not do then will always be thinking “what if.”
Author
Absolutely, Priscilla! Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
I had forgotten David’s waiting. Was 15 years. I have seen the countryside he had to roam around in— formidable. That puts good perspective even on 2020. Thank you.
Author
Yes, Delores, David’s waiting and where he waited was formidable. And even though I loved that part of the country, not sure I’d want to spend 15 years there. 🙂
Patience. We certainly need it, and God is good at teaching it. God calls us all in different ways. I think my calling is more general than specific. Looking back, He has put me in the right places at the right times to enrich my life with the blessings of friends and relatives, and from what they tell me, I’ve been a blessing to them as well. I like things to happen on my timetable, but that generally doesn’t work out. God’s timetable is much better.
Author
I certainly know you’ve been a blessing to me, even though we’ve never met, Tim. And you know what they say about patience–never ask God for it–because the only way to learn patience is to go through something that requires patience. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
This sounds like a good little book. I have done several Beth Moore studies and David was one of them. I do love the Psalms where David is calling out to God. There was a time in my life where I had to wait on God and really turn my wishes over to His will…it was definitely worth the wait.
Author
I so agree that waiting on God is worth the wait, Gloria! Thanks for stopping by and joining the conversation!
God doesn’t give us what we want because He wants to see what we’ll do with what He does give us. That statement struck a chord with me. It’s a good idea to examine, just what God is calling me to say when I sit down to write.
Author
Sally Jo, that is so true. Thanks for stopping by!
I spent a lot of time during my younger years wondering what God wanted me to do. Obviously, since I’m still breathing, I still wonder at times about his plans for my remaining years. Some of it is rather clear, but I just take it a day at the time.
Author
Edward, I know how you feel, although I believe I’m doing what God wants me to do – write. Even though right now it’s like pulling teeth…lol But sometimes I think I could be doing more. I really want to go to Romania on a mission trip my church does, but deadlines have prevented that from happening. Maybe one day or maybe that isn’t God’s plan for me at all. The very first Romania trip, I was struggling with whether to go or not (this was before deadlines) and I distinctly heard in my heart God say, “Your mission field is right here.” At the time I was doing abstinence in the schools and working with our youth.
Always. Especially, during this year. The Corona/ Covid stuff, the tornado we had and changing places & getting settled. I’ll have to check this book out.,
Author
Lisa, I think you’d really like it. It has lifted me up and also made me think!
Oh, I know exactly what God wants me to! I’d been doing it for a couple but was in denial. (My best friend kept mentioning this to me.) Then, about a year ago it was confirmed by three or four others. So, here I am doing what God is wanting me to do.
Author
Oh, me, Beverly! Doesn’t it feel good to get in God’s groove? It’s funny how writing is what I feel God wants me to do but in 2001, I felt He wanted me to put writing aside and work in the abstinence field. I did and for seven years I did not have one creative fiction thought. Then I finished the abstinence curriculum my friend and I co-wrote and a workbook. And suddenly I’m thinking about characters again!
I do wonder what God is calling me to be, I have tried different things but nothing seems to fit
Author
Shelia, what are you passionate about? Or just plain enjoy doing? I’ve found that’s usually from God. Keep asking and He’ll give you the answer. Thanks for stopping by.
This sounds like a great inspirational and motivational book! Yes, I believe God gives us the tools we need and we have to put them to use for the better. Have a Great weekend and stay safe. Thank so much for sharing about this book.
Author
Thanks, Alicia! I think you’d enjoy this book!
Sounds like a really good book. Isn’t amazing how God gifts us things just when we need them?
Author
Yes, and this truly was a gift, Megan! Thanks for stopping by.
Pat, Thank you for sharing Philip’s book. Enjoy your weekend!
Sounds like a good book. I’m wondering why God has called me to be a full time caregiver for my mom as I miss going with my husband especially to church. A hard season especially in these trying times. Blessings.
Author
That is a good question, Lucy, one that I asked myself many times when my mother-in-law then my husband were ill. It is a hard season anytime. Thanks for stopping by!
This reminds me of the scripture that says to be joyful or rejoice in trials. How can you possibly do this in the midst of all that? David did in Psalms, even in all the hardships & trials he went through, he still praised God. He realized his humaness and realized he needed God’s strength to get through them. Yes, he cried out to God in his pain & suffering (as we should) but he knew God was still sovereign and had His hand upon his life. I think it’s okay to acknowledge our sufferings, pain, and complaints to God…He understands & still loves us. But we must also acknowlege his sovereignty and will for us in our life, He knows what’s best for us! I’ve found every time that God has strengthed me & moved me forward after enduring trials! IF I surrender to His rule & reign in my life in the middle of it all 🙂
I love the sound of this book, I think it would be appropiate for all of our lives! And encouraging too, I bet!
Author
Thanks, Trixi for reminding us that we surrender our wills to His, He will strengthen us for whatever trial we’re going through. Belssings!
We all need that comforting word right now.
Hubby and I are super tired. We are in the process of moving across town. It is very taxing , since we are both 71. First time to buy a house in 51 years of marriage.
Author
Oh, my, Paula! Buying a house is awesome, but can also be overwhelming! And move–boxing up everything then unboxing and figuring out where everything goes — more than I could do right now! Praying for you.
I am so thankful that God’s plans were so much better than the plans I had for my life. Really enjoy reading your posts and the responses. Don’t enter me for the book drawing as I have not read the last one I won. Thanks for the TBR addition. 🙂
Author
Me, too, Joni. I just wish I’d followed His plan all my life! Thanks for stopping by!