A Liberating Approach to Finding God's Will or How to Make a Decision Without Dreams, Visions, Fleeces, Impressions, Open Doors, Random Bible Verse...
read full description
reviews
Dec 29, 2011
Natalie
rated it: 
Three friends and I read this book aloud together as we traveled through Italy this summer. To be honest, for the first four chapters I was appalled at the statements the author was making. They seemed to fly in the face of everything I’ve ever believed about praying and seeking God’s will for important – and even not-so-important – life decisions. But as we read chapter five, the proverbial light bulb came on in my mind. In reality, Mr. DeYoung was advocating a biblical truth that I believe wit
More...
0 comments
like
(4 people liked it)
Aug 01, 2011
Thank God I was told about this book. I absolutely needed to read it. Somewhere along the way, I fell into the trap of thinking that God had very specific things for me to do with my life that I somehow had to discover in order to be in His will. I have prayed and fasted and waited on the Lord and all that sort of stuff (all very good things, in and of themselves) in hopes of being directed to the point on the map that was the only right place in the world for me to be without being out of the w
More...
Dec 02, 2011
Nicki
rated it: 
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this audio book. It has been a real breath of fresh air, and has helped me to take another look at how and why I make major decisions. In fact it has been a liberating listen for me. I wish I'd heard this years ago, as it would have certainly helped me to chill out and stop being so worried about whether I was doing the 'right thing or not'!!!
I have never come across Kevin DeYoung before, so really didn’t know what to expect. It had me laughing right from t More...
I have never come across Kevin DeYoung before, so really didn’t know what to expect. It had me laughing right from t More...
Sep 07, 2011
Aaron
rated it:
My full review can be read at Blogging Theologically:
“I feel like God wants me to be alone for a while.”
“I’m waiting for God to open a door to the right job.”
“If I choose this school, will I be going against God’s will for my life?”
We’ve all statements like these before. Whether it’s dating and marriage, the quest for the perfect job, what college to go to or where to buy a house, many Christians get hung up on the question of God’s will: Is it God’s More...
“I feel like God wants me to be alone for a while.”
“I’m waiting for God to open a door to the right job.”
“If I choose this school, will I be going against God’s will for my life?”
We’ve all statements like these before. Whether it’s dating and marriage, the quest for the perfect job, what college to go to or where to buy a house, many Christians get hung up on the question of God’s will: Is it God’s More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Aug 31, 2011
James
rated it:
This is one of the two best books that I have read in regards to God's Will. It was freeing to me to be reminded that God is not hiding the future from me while expecting me to find it. God never calls us to learn the future; he calls us to trust that God knows what we need for the future and provide for those needs. DeYoung makes a distinction between God's will of decree, His will of desire, and His will of direction. God's will of decree will never change, so we have no say so over that. His
More...
May 16, 2011
Steve
rated it:
Most people can say they’ve experienced wrestling with trying to make the “right” decision in a job, marriage, where to live, where to attend school, and in many other areas of life. Questions of purpose and whether we’re headed in the right direction often plague our minds. Kevin DeYoung seeks to give an answer to those questions in his book Just Do Something: A Liberating Approach to Finding God’s Will.
At a mere 128 pages, Just Do Something is a quick read and, one might assume, no More...
At a mere 128 pages, Just Do Something is a quick read and, one might assume, no More...
Jan 31, 2011
Matt
rated it:
A wonderful little book, short and easy to read. Kevin DeYoung does a good job of tackling the traditional (contemporary?) view that we are responsible to "know" God's perfect will for our lives. Then, he follows up by showing what the Bible has to say about knowing God's will for our lives. He brings a balanced and winsome approach to the topic. It made me want to hang out with his Grandpa DeYoung.
A long time ago, I came to realize that Christians are filled with the Holy More...
A long time ago, I came to realize that Christians are filled with the Holy More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Dec 21, 2010
Stephen
rated it:
Searching for the will of God in your life can be a daunting task. Trying to determine which car God would have you buy or where to go on vacation can be overwhelming, not to mention the stress of making sure you pick the right career path or marry the right person or be involved in the right ministry. Make the wrong choice and you'll forever be "out of the center of God's will," having to satisfy yourself with God's second best.
Talk about intimidating. At least, it is if you More...
Talk about intimidating. At least, it is if you More...
May 19, 2009
Josh
rated it:
This book discourages laziness, hyper-spirituality, indecision and cowardice, but also reveals it in ways you wouldn't think apply to you.
I reallllly benefited from this book. Mostly in that I know I am a coward, lazy and indecisive. I want to be decisive, trust God, seek him in his word, pray, seek counsel and initiate. Do. Have faith in God by acting; not being indecisive and seeking the hidden, secretive will of God, that if I don't "discover" by some spiritual means, I More...
I reallllly benefited from this book. Mostly in that I know I am a coward, lazy and indecisive. I want to be decisive, trust God, seek him in his word, pray, seek counsel and initiate. Do. Have faith in God by acting; not being indecisive and seeking the hidden, secretive will of God, that if I don't "discover" by some spiritual means, I More...
May 09, 2009
Laura
rated it:
Finally! A clear, concise explanation of God's will. Reaffirming the Biblical principle that while God cares about your circumstance, He is much more concerned about your character. This book optimistically draws the reader towards releasing the agony of endless searching and paralysis-in-decision-making involved in looking for 'the one' right job, right spouse, right (fill in the blank) . Turning our focus instead toward being the right one: seeking to love God and others and grow in Ch
More...
3 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
May 08, 2009
Claire
rated it:
Short, an easy single-afternoon read. One of the best takes I've ever read on finding God's will for your life. This book aggressively challenges the errant, but all-too-common teaching that God has one perfect will for your life, and it's your grim responsibility to figure out what it is and to fulfill it... or else. God's will for you, the author says, is actually very simple: to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. The rest is just gravy, and it doesn't much matter in
More...
Aug 10, 2011
David
rated it:
A helpful little book I read in just a few hours. DeYoung distinguishes between three different senses in which we talk about "God's Will". First is God's "will of decree" - everything that comes to pass happens by God's decree, every little detail of our lives (Ephesians 1:11, Matthew 10:29-30). Then there is God's "will of desire" - the moral commands of God which our free will sometimes disregards (1 John 2:15-17). (DeYoung does not tackle the much bigger que
More...
May 09, 2009
Zack
rated it:
This is a very helpful book for those who are confused and burned out with trying to figure out God's will for your life. If you are someone who is constantly asking the question, "What does God want me to do?" this is a good book for you to read.
I have found this book helpful in the following ways:
1. I've been encouraged to trust God as I make informed, wise decisions about my life.
2. I've learned to focus on obeying God and walking with Him da More...
I have found this book helpful in the following ways:
1. I've been encouraged to trust God as I make informed, wise decisions about my life.
2. I've learned to focus on obeying God and walking with Him da More...
Aug 01, 2011
Kurt
rated it:
This slender little volume (almost a pamphlet) is a thorough and thoughtful analysis of God's will. DeYoung approaches the issue with a terrific clarification of what he means by "God's will," (essentially, God is sovereign and knows what's going to happen, and God gives us commands on how we should live, but when it comes to some hidden specific plan for an individual's life that must be found through earnest searching by that individual, DeYoung finds no real Scriptural support) and
More...
May 20, 2011
logankstewart
rated it:
Every once in a while we have an epiphany. It may come while we're brushing our teeth and staring at ourselves in the mirror. It may come when we're pouring soy into the wok, whiffing the wonderful scents of the steam. Or, as often is the case, it may come from a book. The Bible is great at this. It's amazing how we can read the same passages through the years, but still find so much truth with its words. This post isn't about the Bible, though. It's about Kevin DeYoung's book (which is b
More...
0 comments
like
(2 people liked it)
Dec 30, 2011
Maria
rated it: 
The overall premise is a good reminder for some of us who need it. I didn't particularly identify with his target audience. Mostly I found DeYoung to be pedantic, snarky and condescending. He seems to idealize the past. DeYoung is also frustrating ignorant about the nature of anxiety. The book implied that he has very little tolerance for denominations other than his own. Though he backed up many of his assertions with scripture, he relied heavily on the idea of what the Bible doesn't ment
More...
Jun 17, 2011
Sally
rated it:
This was a quick but very useful read. I love the way DeYoung writes. He has a wonderful way with words, but never in a spiteful or caustic manner. He exhorts young people to quit wasting time seeking God's will and get on with their lives, obeying what God has directed and not feeling like it is up to us to uncover His secret plan. Our focus on choosing the perfect spouse/place to live/career means that we want life to be perfect and are not trusting God to be with us through difficulties.
More...
Dec 13, 2010
Sara
rated it:
A short, simple book for Christians who are indecisive and passive. DeYoung distinguishes between God's "moral will" (i.e. He wills you to love your enemies and to not commit adultery) and His "will of direction" (i.e. Does God want me to move to Chicago or Seattle?). The main idea is that we have too many choices and have become consumed with finding the perfect fulfilllment in life by figuring out all of the "right" or "best" things to do and to be. T
More...
Jun 02, 2010
Tricia
rated it:
I am not sure that I agree with the author, but it has definitely given me a lot to think about and mull over. This is a book that I will quite likely be reading again. It made me really think about the constant change pattern of my life, and makes me wonder how much of that change was me running from something, how much was running to something, and how much was just living life and taking the opportunities as they presented themselves.
I think this also warrants a study on every More...
I think this also warrants a study on every More...
Dec 17, 2009
Mike
rated it:
The alternate title says it all: "How to make a decision without dreams, visions, fleeces, impressions, open doors, random Bible verses, casting lots, liver shivers, writing in the sky, etc".
This book is a needed corrective on a much-discussed subject. Many emerging (as in coming-of-age) adults, DeYoung says, are tinkering, and the author intends to get them off their butts. As leverage, he distinguishes between God’s will of decree and his will of desire, exposes the false More...
This book is a needed corrective on a much-discussed subject. Many emerging (as in coming-of-age) adults, DeYoung says, are tinkering, and the author intends to get them off their butts. As leverage, he distinguishes between God’s will of decree and his will of desire, exposes the false More...
Apr 13, 2010
Meg
rated it:
It is excellent (and short!). For followers of Christ who care about living a life that pleases God, and desire to know His will for them.
"Does God have a specific plan for our lives? Yes, but we are not expected to divine it ahead of time"
"The end of the matter is this: Live for God. Obey the Scriptures. Think of others before yourself. Be holy. Love Jesus. Then, as you do these things, do whatever else you like, with whomever you like, wherever you like, and you’l More...
"Does God have a specific plan for our lives? Yes, but we are not expected to divine it ahead of time"
"The end of the matter is this: Live for God. Obey the Scriptures. Think of others before yourself. Be holy. Love Jesus. Then, as you do these things, do whatever else you like, with whomever you like, wherever you like, and you’l More...
Aug 31, 2010
Zach
rated it:
Kevin DeYoung argues that modern Christian culture has misunderstood the idea of "God's will." His main point is that we waste time and energy looking for a magic 8-ball style answers to unimportant questions. His answer is to focus on the important things we do know (Love God and other people), and just do something when confronted with the other stuff.
His tone and style is occasionally abrasive. Sometimes it's because he assumes that all readers will share his politica More...
His tone and style is occasionally abrasive. Sometimes it's because he assumes that all readers will share his politica More...
Jun 02, 2011
Tracy
rated it:
Thank you, Kevin DeYoung! I'd already read his book "Why We're Not Emergent", which I also appreciated. But this little book, though brief, was enlightening. He did a wonderful job of demonstrating the errors into which so many fall when it comes to "finding God's will". And at the end of the book, I found I was actually relieved -- not to be done reading, but to be done floundering! Yes, my God cares about every detail of my life, and is in sovereign control of all things. B
More...
Jun 08, 2011
Gavin
rated it:
Kevin DeYoung dispels the many unbiblical notions about "living in the center of God's Will" and "trying to figure out God's Will for your life" in this breezy yet thoughtful book. He also discusses how Christians are supposed to make decisions using the Bible, which includes an exploration of the Bible's description of wisdom and so on. The book is written in such a way that it can be read by high school/college age people or adults. As someone who plans to do ministry with
More...
Nov 03, 2011
Preston
rated it:
I'm only halfway through this very short read, and it's already changed my life. Kevin has a very straightforward approach to the topic of God's will, and he knows what he's talking about. He doesn't beat around the bush, or waste time re-explaining things (so be prepared to re-read when needed!)...every word is meaningful.
Just Do Something has drastically changed my view of God, His will, and my entire outlook on decision making...forever.
Don't be thrown off by the title, it More...
Just Do Something has drastically changed my view of God, His will, and my entire outlook on decision making...forever.
Don't be thrown off by the title, it More...
Apr 29, 2011
Alexis
rated it:
Really more of a three-and-a-half star book. DeYoung presents a convicting indictment of this generation's obsession with "finding God's will," particularly where it leads to decision-making paralysis. He acknowledges the importance of wisdom and is careful not to completely discount all "leadings" of the Holy Spirit, which is good, because sometimes you do feel like you're "supposed" to do certain things, not because they are or aren't sinful or wise or whatever,
More...
Jan 25, 2012
Rachel
rated it:
This book is good for people who get backed into the corner of indecision. The author is basically saying, God doesn't caaaare all that much about the minute and mundane, but make a decision and follow through with it and he will be faithful to what you are doing. Overall I really liked the book if I didn't think too much about it, but there were times when wasn't sure that I agreed with his theology & I stopped to consider -what if God does care? about every.little.thing? I'm not anyone to say
More...
Jan 08, 2011
Tobias
rated it:
I like and agree with the central idea of the book, though I think some of it's delivery and auxiliary ideas were a bit careless and not thought through. Additionally, the book is presented in a way that is likely to be unconvincing, and even mildly insulting, to folks with the very ideas the book argues against, likely hobbling it's impact. Finally, if you're not a compatibilist/determinist Calvinist, you probably won't see eye-to-eye with how DeYoung grounds his view of decision-making and God
More...
Jan 14, 2011
David
rated it:
Fantastic book. How often do we sit around waiting for that big thing to happen? That future time of amazing blessing that we know is just around the corner? Trouble is we are content these days to sit tight, waiting on God we say, and actually end up doing nothing at all with our lives.
How them do we know what God wants for us? How are we to get his leading before we rush off and make loads of mistakes and mess our lives up? This candid and clearly written book lays out the clear tru More...
How them do we know what God wants for us? How are we to get his leading before we rush off and make loads of mistakes and mess our lives up? This candid and clearly written book lays out the clear tru More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Sep 28, 2011
Jeanie
rated it:
This book will be going in my favorites for 2011. It is practical, it is simplified by the word of God and the wisdom of God. We have gone off in different directions because of so many distractions, materialism, and all the choices we have. Even in our churches, we are bombarded with choices. I myself get overwhelmed with choices and many times when we have so many choices, we end up not making any choices. It is called simplify. DeYoung also brings to your attention, those snares, attitu
More...
