What do you think?
Rate this book
What is the Point?: Discovering Life's Deeper Meaning and Purpose
Everybody lives. Everybody dies...
So then, what IS the point?
What is the purpose of life? It is the question all of us have--or will have eventually. It may be the most important question you can ask, because how you answer it determines everything about you.
In What Is the Point? , Misty Edwards tackles the difficult questions of finding meaning in seasons of success and failure, smallness and greatness, pain and pleasure as we live lives that are, in the end, not of this world.
To find the purpose of life, we must deal with eternity and come to real conclusions not only about ourselves but also about God. We have to get caught up in His story in order to see ours. This is what will make our lives worth living today.
So then, what IS the point?
What is the purpose of life? It is the question all of us have--or will have eventually. It may be the most important question you can ask, because how you answer it determines everything about you.
In What Is the Point? , Misty Edwards tackles the difficult questions of finding meaning in seasons of success and failure, smallness and greatness, pain and pleasure as we live lives that are, in the end, not of this world.
To find the purpose of life, we must deal with eternity and come to real conclusions not only about ourselves but also about God. We have to get caught up in His story in order to see ours. This is what will make our lives worth living today.
- GenresChristianNonfictionFaith
240 pages, Paperback
First published October 2, 2012
25 people are currently reading
177 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 29, 2016
I was "afraid" to write a review to this and I knew I will have a hard time reviewing it, because I thought I couldn't ever find the right words I would need to describe it. This book is such an eye-opener with solid roots about the purpose of our lives. Through the songs she has written and as I was watching her on the ihop web stream I realized she has a deeper understanding of God's heart and a deeper intimacy with Jesus that I longed and thirsted for to pursue in my own life.
She starts the book with questions I've always asked myself: "I'm doing nothing! I have nothing to show for my life. What's the purpose? What's the point?" (p.1) Then further on she wanted to do what I also wanted to do: "I decided ...to attend a Bible school...learn the Bible, and gain understanding on how God communicates...I wanted to know Him" (p.27). Then AGAIN what struck me was that in the early days of the house of prayer she "did not consider [herself] a real singer or musician. I knew only a few chords on the piano and only a few songs." (p.45) Then she also said: "I wanted to be a doer and not just a feeler." (p.57) Thus while reading all of these I was so empowered and encouraged that I wanted to yell: "JUST LIKE ME! Oh my goodness just like me!!!!!" Through the entire book I could identify myself with her and thus everything she wrote impacted me to the core!
In the book Misty speaks about why Jesus is worthy to be the center of our lives, why we have to keep Him ranking above all others, what God is looking for and she offers proven paths to attain our pursuit of Him.
When she shared about "Living For Love?" I remembered the dream I had standing before God's Throne and I really want to live as she says on the 64th page: "I don't want to have regret on that day."
She also highlights that we can lose our passion and zeal for God with the passing of time. What struck me was how often she mentioned that by getting older our journey with Jesus gets more difficult rather than easier. The good thing is that we can always return to Him, and be filled again with His love, and our love for Him will be strengthened and restored in us.
There are so many things she reveals, but you HAVE TO READ the book! I'm going to buy this book for my friends and am going to lend it to my sisters! Let there be a Love Revolution for Jesus, where we can unite and call Him to come!!!
She starts the book with questions I've always asked myself: "I'm doing nothing! I have nothing to show for my life. What's the purpose? What's the point?" (p.1) Then further on she wanted to do what I also wanted to do: "I decided ...to attend a Bible school...learn the Bible, and gain understanding on how God communicates...I wanted to know Him" (p.27). Then AGAIN what struck me was that in the early days of the house of prayer she "did not consider [herself] a real singer or musician. I knew only a few chords on the piano and only a few songs." (p.45) Then she also said: "I wanted to be a doer and not just a feeler." (p.57) Thus while reading all of these I was so empowered and encouraged that I wanted to yell: "JUST LIKE ME! Oh my goodness just like me!!!!!" Through the entire book I could identify myself with her and thus everything she wrote impacted me to the core!
In the book Misty speaks about why Jesus is worthy to be the center of our lives, why we have to keep Him ranking above all others, what God is looking for and she offers proven paths to attain our pursuit of Him.
When she shared about "Living For Love?" I remembered the dream I had standing before God's Throne and I really want to live as she says on the 64th page: "I don't want to have regret on that day."
She also highlights that we can lose our passion and zeal for God with the passing of time. What struck me was how often she mentioned that by getting older our journey with Jesus gets more difficult rather than easier. The good thing is that we can always return to Him, and be filled again with His love, and our love for Him will be strengthened and restored in us.
There are so many things she reveals, but you HAVE TO READ the book! I'm going to buy this book for my friends and am going to lend it to my sisters! Let there be a Love Revolution for Jesus, where we can unite and call Him to come!!!
March 17, 2019
Let me start by saying I love Misty! She is a phenomenal speaker and inspiring in many ways. With that said, this book was a struggle for me. It reads as if it was vocally dictated and I found it to be quite repetitive - that may be an editing issue though and not her fault. The content serves as a valuable reminder that the point of life is Jesus. Period. But it does lack the “how-to” element I have come to expect in Christian writing. This is definitely not a self-help book. The last few pages were my favorite so maybe just read that. “Over and over through the years He continually says to me, ‘I love you. You love me. I know you do. Take it one day at a time. Just keep fighting. Stay in the race.’”
December 8, 2017
There are no words to describe the way God moved in my heart as I read this book. My heart is deeply drawn to a life of prayer and I’ve been in a walk that I feel “not of this world”. Misty’s book was as if I was reading my own walk. She walks so deeply with the father and gives you a view of his heart like no other book had aside from the Bible. Reading this book will make you fall in love with a God a lot of us have yet to encounter, and it will greatly challenge you to look at you life and ask “what am I doing with it that is worth it?” Must must read!
July 26, 2014
This was fantastic - Misty's thoughtful enthusiasm oozes out of every sentence, and her honesty is totally refreshing.
I would love to give this 5 stars, but it does have some distracting flaws: the first few chapters are pretty repetitive, and throughout the book, there are typos, transposed words, and errors in grammar and usage which should not have made it past the first draft.
Those minor criticisms aside, I would recommend this to anyone who's feeling spiritually dry or discouraged - I would call it "inspirational" but that's not an intense enough word for what I felt reading this. After a long cycle of sin and cynicism, this is the book that's gotten me back into prayer, back into scripture, and totally excited for Mass and Adoration this week! :)
I would love to give this 5 stars, but it does have some distracting flaws: the first few chapters are pretty repetitive, and throughout the book, there are typos, transposed words, and errors in grammar and usage which should not have made it past the first draft.
Those minor criticisms aside, I would recommend this to anyone who's feeling spiritually dry or discouraged - I would call it "inspirational" but that's not an intense enough word for what I felt reading this. After a long cycle of sin and cynicism, this is the book that's gotten me back into prayer, back into scripture, and totally excited for Mass and Adoration this week! :)
June 7, 2020
Oh my.
First of all, my kingdom for an editor! Wow, what a lot of grammatical and typographical errors that could have been prevented.
Style: as several other reviewers have mentioned, Missy Edwards’ writing style is more like she is speaking at a conference. I felt like I was reading a transcript of a lecture. Lots of repetition of phrases, and some turns of phrase that you wouldn’t normally use in writing. “Christianese” also dominated her style, and I often felt that someone unfamiliar with or new to the faith would have been turned off or confused by some phrases that are probably totally normal to someone entrenched in Evangelicalism. (Like “have need of ___”. Who says that?)
Beyond the ‘style’ critique...
Content: This book is absolutely geared toward Christians. No way around that one. Edwards lays out her testimony of sickness and how she has become a closer follower of Jesus and Holy Spirit’s work in her life. It is inspiring, like her music (if you’re into long and spontaneous worship - which I do enjoy in spurts). She promotes some unique, though extremely disciplined, ideas for devotional time and prayer, and I’m sure she lives it out too. She also constantly quotes her pastor, Mike Bickle.
The first 2/3 of the book kind of drags, frankly. I forced myself through it and then the pace kind of picked up. I was motivated to dive deeper into the Sermon on the Mount after her exhortations in chapter 5. I particularly enjoyed chapter 8 which turned into a Bible study of Hebrews 11-12 (maybe that’s more where her gifting lies? Teaching Scripture?) Then came chapter 9...a laying out of End Times prophecy straight out of the Evangelical/Charismatic handbook. For a reader who may or may not be journeying away from that doctrine, it was pretty hard to swallow. Edwards doesn’t mince words about what she thinks/believes will happen. I believe her motives are pure and she truly wants her readers to deeply love and follow Jesus, but her Biblical interpretation is pretty over the top.
I’m not sure what to do with this book. There are parts of it that would be truly helpful for someone honestly seeking a deeper walk with Christ. But there are other parts that I personally don’t think would help anyone, and only frustrated this pilgrim.
First of all, my kingdom for an editor! Wow, what a lot of grammatical and typographical errors that could have been prevented.
Style: as several other reviewers have mentioned, Missy Edwards’ writing style is more like she is speaking at a conference. I felt like I was reading a transcript of a lecture. Lots of repetition of phrases, and some turns of phrase that you wouldn’t normally use in writing. “Christianese” also dominated her style, and I often felt that someone unfamiliar with or new to the faith would have been turned off or confused by some phrases that are probably totally normal to someone entrenched in Evangelicalism. (Like “have need of ___”. Who says that?)
Beyond the ‘style’ critique...
Content: This book is absolutely geared toward Christians. No way around that one. Edwards lays out her testimony of sickness and how she has become a closer follower of Jesus and Holy Spirit’s work in her life. It is inspiring, like her music (if you’re into long and spontaneous worship - which I do enjoy in spurts). She promotes some unique, though extremely disciplined, ideas for devotional time and prayer, and I’m sure she lives it out too. She also constantly quotes her pastor, Mike Bickle.
The first 2/3 of the book kind of drags, frankly. I forced myself through it and then the pace kind of picked up. I was motivated to dive deeper into the Sermon on the Mount after her exhortations in chapter 5. I particularly enjoyed chapter 8 which turned into a Bible study of Hebrews 11-12 (maybe that’s more where her gifting lies? Teaching Scripture?) Then came chapter 9...a laying out of End Times prophecy straight out of the Evangelical/Charismatic handbook. For a reader who may or may not be journeying away from that doctrine, it was pretty hard to swallow. Edwards doesn’t mince words about what she thinks/believes will happen. I believe her motives are pure and she truly wants her readers to deeply love and follow Jesus, but her Biblical interpretation is pretty over the top.
I’m not sure what to do with this book. There are parts of it that would be truly helpful for someone honestly seeking a deeper walk with Christ. But there are other parts that I personally don’t think would help anyone, and only frustrated this pilgrim.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2019
A beautiful book. Showcasing the heart of God, and how it looks to reflect that with our hearts. Simple devotion to Jesus, wholehearted and abandoned, this book really encourages you simply to keep your eyes on Jesus. I kind of went into this curious but thinking it would be for new Christians and non-Christians, but no. Not at all. Edwards explains things in such a poetic, beautiful manner, full of love and grace. Sometimes we can go off and just do our "church stuff" and think we are doing good, but in reality our heart needs to be aligned with Jesus' and solely focused on gaining his approval, no one else's. This point is well explained, with lots of depth and scripture. I would recommend!
February 2, 2024
So many beautiful things in this book and great points of view I had not thought of. Definitely wished I had annotated it as I read it so I will have to read it again so I can quickly reference back.
The book does read a little difficult and is repetitive at times and could have benefitted from another round or two of editing to be more concise. It kind of feels like a journal rather than a fully published book. I recommend reading it nonetheless.
The book does read a little difficult and is repetitive at times and could have benefitted from another round or two of editing to be more concise. It kind of feels like a journal rather than a fully published book. I recommend reading it nonetheless.
January 8, 2019
I really enjoyed this book; it was filled with nuggets of truth, and with beautiful exhortations of the Lord. I sometimes felt the writing was a little choppy, but overall it was a fantastic read that encouraged me toward deeper relationship with the Lord. I highly recommend.
March 11, 2019
This Book Is a Blessing
This is a supernatural book. It has to be because the wisdom contained in it is beyond the scope of a young author. I picked it up on the recommendation of a friend and it blessed me and stoked my fire for Christ. Take up and read!
This is a supernatural book. It has to be because the wisdom contained in it is beyond the scope of a young author. I picked it up on the recommendation of a friend and it blessed me and stoked my fire for Christ. Take up and read!
June 11, 2017
Simply one of the best books i have read. This book changed my view of life and jas shown me how i am a part of the story God is telling
August 22, 2020
Honest. Real. Raw.
Read
July 30, 2022Brought hope in a very tough season
January 13, 2023
Fantastic book from a modern day mystic.
January 16, 2015
Definitely Deep Meaning and Purpose
Misty shares her heart alongside the heart of God. She draws attention to the key, core points of the vision and work of God while inviting us all to a more intimate and meaningful journey with the Savior. The book definitely restored the flames of my love for God.
Misty shares her heart alongside the heart of God. She draws attention to the key, core points of the vision and work of God while inviting us all to a more intimate and meaningful journey with the Savior. The book definitely restored the flames of my love for God.
May 23, 2016
Misty Edwards says, "An unending goal attained a little at a time will be the dream that sustains you forever." Such is the quest of growing in the knowledge of God. This book, reminiscent of Sarah Cooke's "Wayside Sketches," communicates deep wisdom that has come from consistent encounters with Jesus. One of the best books I have read this year.
August 17, 2013
This Is one out of many books that I absolutely love! Hands down one of the best book's I've ever read. Would recommend this book to anyone. If your wanting to know why God created you, or what's the point of life and or living?....this is the the book to read.
January 14, 2013
This book helped me to better understand some of the phrases she uses in songs. More musicians should publish a book like this that is testimonial.
April 12, 2013
I absolutely love this book!
November 3, 2013
While somewhat redundant in its first half, this book, by the end, opened my eyes to a life-changing view of the reason I exist. Worth the read.
November 12, 2013
This book is very good. The author breaks down by explaining what is the point of God's love, and finding out our purpose in life.
April 3, 2014
I loved this book!!! Would recommend it to anyone who has questions why or just wants to know Him more.
February 3, 2015
This book was a very insightful, enlightening read for the Christian who wants to know what it's really all about. For me and laid to rest every question that I had.
November 26, 2014
Awesome
It makes you want to fall in a deeper love for Jesus and to keep running the race. It makes your heart race like a wild horse.
It makes you want to fall in a deeper love for Jesus and to keep running the race. It makes your heart race like a wild horse.
March 1, 2016
I didn't love it. While pieces of this were really good, overall it felt very repetitive and disconnected. it almost seems like transcripts of her teachings were taken and strung together.
January 2, 2016
A must read!
May 15, 2013
you will discover the point, as you read this...great study tool filled with truth and word !
April 13, 2017
Finally a book written about the truth of God!
I've been yearning for this teaching for twenty years. This is why we were created, to love God.
Shelle P.
I've been yearning for this teaching for twenty years. This is why we were created, to love God.
Shelle P.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews