[Note: I have authored 32 books to date (and some of them I have co-authored with others); yet, I have realized that many of you do not know what my books are about. 😆
In these audio Deep Dives, the hosts discuss the book in focus, and it ends up being quite inspirational! You can listen to this audio presentation in your podcast app or right here in the email as you drive to work or put on your make-up. (Also, there is a transcript available in the link above.)
I have also provided an overview for those who prefer to read. Enjoy and check out the huge 80% limited-time special discount on PDF and .epub ebooks below. If you really like the ebook, you can always pick up the paperback at Amazon as a gift for your friends and family for Christmas. Thanks for reading and listening! Iann ]
What To Do When You Don't Know What To Do: 21 Ways To Find Clarity In Uncertainty by Iann Schonken and Johann Schonken
Get your copy and get a few paperbacks for your friends for Christmas:
Paperback: $9.99 | Kindle: $9.99 | PDF+epub Ebooks: $1.99 (limited time 80% discount)
Main Themes:
Seeking God's Guidance in Uncertainty: The book focuses on equipping Christians to navigate uncertainty by seeking and recognizing God's voice.
Embracing God's Silence: Understanding that periods of seeming silence are not indicative of God's absence but opportunities for deepening faith and trust.
The Transformative Power of Uncertainty: Recognizing that challenges and uncertainties can be catalysts for spiritual growth and character development.
Practical Steps and Spiritual Disciplines: Offering tangible actions and practices like prayer, Scripture study, worship, and community to navigate uncertainty.
Key Ideas and Facts:
Part 1: Creating Space to Hear God's Voice
The Importance of Listening: The authors emphasize the need to cultivate intentional space for listening to God amidst the busyness of life. This includes physical practices like creating a quiet space and mental practices like quieting mental clutter.
Discerning God's Voice: They guide readers on recognizing God's voice through familiarity with Scripture, regular prayer, wise counsel, and recognizing the peace that accompanies His guidance.
Embracing Silence: The book acknowledges that periods of God's seeming silence can be challenging but emphasizes that they serve a purpose in deepening faith and reliance on God.
Lectio Divina: The authors introduce this ancient practice of "divine reading" as a way to deeply engage with Scripture and allow God's Word to speak directly to the heart.
Strength in Scripture: Readers are encouraged to find strength and guidance in Scripture by making daily reading and meditation a habit, studying biblical characters, and journaling reflections.
Worship as a Refuge: Worship is presented as a powerful way to shift perspective, refocus on God, and experience His peace and comfort amidst uncertainty.
Part 2: Understanding Your Situation and Overcoming Challenges
Self-Evaluation: The book stresses the importance of honest self-reflection, examining one's situation, heart, actions, and seeking God's perspective for clear decision-making. Tools like journaling, prayer, and wise counsel are suggested.
Community Support: The authors highlight the invaluable role of a supportive community of believers in providing encouragement, prayer, and wisdom.
Developing a Positive Attitude: Cultivating a positive mindset grounded in faith is encouraged, as it helps to see God's hand at work and navigate challenges with hope.
Trusting God's Timing: The authors emphasize the importance of surrendering to God's perfect timing, understanding that waiting often serves purposes like character development and preparation.
Embracing God's Sovereignty: Recognizing God's complete control over all things is presented as a source of peace and confidence amidst uncertainty.
The Transformative Power of Uncertainty: The book emphasizes that uncertainty can be a catalyst for growth, leading to deepened faith, greater resilience, and dependence on God.
Overcoming Financial Limitations: Readers are equipped to face financial challenges with a combination of faith in God's provision and practical steps like budgeting and seeking wise counsel.
The Practice of Generosity: The authors highlight the importance of selfless giving, emphasizing that generosity unlocks blessings and cultivates a heart of gratitude and trust.
Notable Quotes:
"God’s silence is not necessarily God’s absence… God’s silence is God’s otherness made manifest.” - Os Guinness
"Nearly all the wisdom we possess… consists of two parts: the knowledge of God and of ourselves." - John Calvin
“But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day." - 2 Peter 3:8
"If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next." - C.S. Lewis
"To know that nothing happens in God’s world apart from God’s will may frighten the godless, but it stabilizes the saints.” - J.I. Packer
“A man there was, though some did count him mad, the more he cast away, the more he had.” - John Bunyan
Overall Impression:
The book provides a practical and faith-based approach to navigating uncertainty. It encourages readers to lean on spiritual disciplines, community, and a deep understanding of God's character to find peace and direction in challenging times. The authors weave together biblical principles, personal anecdotes, and insightful quotes to offer a comprehensive guide for Christians seeking to live with confidence and purpose even when the path ahead is unclear.
Get your copy and get a few paperbacks for your friends for Christmas:
Paperback: $9.99 | Kindle: $9.99 | PDF+epub Ebooks: $1.99 (limited time 80% discount)
