Now and Not Yet: Pressing in When You’re Waiting, Wanting, and Restless for More

by Ruth Chou Simons

Bestselling author Ruth Chou Simons guides readers who are restless in their current circumstances on a journey of growth, purpose, and pressing in.

Too often, we feel disappointed with our "right now"--our life circumstances, our relationships, our progress, our daily grind. We want to do so many things--good, godly things--but our situations don't allow us to step into them. Are we missing out on our own lives? Why does right now seem so far from where we really long to be?

Bestselling author Ruth Chou Simons reminds us that it's okay to not like the right now we've been given, but we don't have to like it to lean in. In Now and Not Yet, Ruth shows us how to.. .

embrace the biblical truth that someday is made up of thousands of right nows;discern how the difficult parts of our lives are actually a unique gift by discovering five ways to flip the script on a hard season;stop feeling trapped when we are not where we want to be with guided liturgies for what we are facing today; andlive faithfully in the tension between what is and what is not yet. 

Your right now matters. And you can choose to press in and not check out. To know God is at work even when you don't see the progress you're looking for. To start where you are in this very moment. Because he's not through with you yet.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Faith, Christian Living, Self Help, Christian Non Fiction, Christianity

224 pages, Hardcover

First published April 9, 2024

About the author

Ruth Chou Simons is a Wall Street Journal bestselling and award-winning author of several books and Bible studies, including GraceLaced, Beholding and Becoming, When Strivings Cease, and Now and Not Yet. She is an artist, podcaster, speaker, and the founder, CEO, and Chief Creative Officer of GraceLaced, an art and lifestyle brand. Simons uses each of these platforms to spiritually sow the Word of God into people’s hearts, making deep truths beautifully accessible with her signature art and relatable communication style.

Simons has been featured on Good Morning America, Fox, Christianity Today, and Hallmark Home and Family. Ruth and her husband, Troy, live in Western Colorado and are grateful parents to six boys—their greatest adventure.

Connect with Ruth on social media at @ruthchousimons.

Reviews

[Whitney Erwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars! Review to come!

[Brandi Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The right-now life you and I are given isn’t something just to bide our time and survive; God has designed our current circumstances for our growth.”

Y’all—this book was full of wisdom for the weary! 😮‍💨 As someone who has felt restless in the midst of my “now” more times than I can count over the course of my lifetime, Ruth’s words were so life-giving and comforting.

In Now and Not Yet, Ruth invites readers to embrace the beauty of living in the tension of the “now” while eagerly anticipating the “not yet” of God's promises. Like a true wordsmith, she weaves together personal anecdotes, biblical reflections, and practical wisdom, encouraging readers to find hope and purpose in the midst of their “now.”

My absolute favorite inclusion in this book were the liturgies that closed out every chapter! Man, I honestly want those in a separate print bound resource—I can see myself praying them over and over and over. They were so beautiful and relatable!

This was a solid 4.5 star read for me! Ruth is definitely an auto-buy nonfiction author for me. She’s always serving up the truth of the gospel beautifully! Highly recommend!

A big thanks to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Carly · Rating 5 out of 5]

We don’t flip the script on our hard seasons because we have a better script of our own but because we believe God’s stories are better than the ones we could ever write.

I flew through this bombshell of encouragement and light! Full of well-crafted prayers and Bible wisdom, I felt very encouraged in my seemingly never ending seasons of waiting. This book posed the point of the reality of eternity and not missing out on what God has for us right now. He never wastes anything, and the seasons of greatest barrenness can be the producers of the most growth and blooming in our lives. Here's to living everyday as the greatest gift of God with intention and purpose, day by day.

[Morgan Giesbrecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve yet to read a Ruth Chou Simons book that didn’t meet me exactly where I needed to be met! From unmet expectations and dreams to longings for “someday,” Ruth encourages us to press deeper into Jesus and reframe our thoughts on how God wants us to use and thrive in the less than ideal & often lonely waiting seasons we find ourselves in. A truly powerful and thought-provoking read!



*Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.

[Alison (readinginazaleawoods) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Corrie ten Boom said, “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God;” and in Now and Not Yet, Ruth gracefully walks us through what that looks like—to be in a season of waiting and wanting and to trust God with the present, the unknown, and the not yet.
 
She reminds us of what missionary and author Elisabeth Elliot once said, “The secret is Christ in me, not me in a different set of circumstances” and encourages us to press into the truth that “we are made by God, for God, and to be satisfied in God.”
 
By interlacing godly wisdom and biblical truths with her own personal stories and liturgies, Ruth directs our gaze towards God and reassures us that we are secure in Him.
 
Truly, every chapter, every page of Now and Not Yet is rich in both grace and gracious words—making it like a honeycomb, sweet to the soul.
 
I loved it!
 
Thank you, @netgalley and @thomasnelson, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruth Chou Simons has done it again. This woman of God writes from her heart and soul. We have all been in an uncomfortable waiting, wanting or restless time in our lives. And this book is exactly what is needed for those times. I have been encouraged to continue to seek God in times of waiting when I want the answer NOW. God sometimes says NOT YET. Ruth's artwork is present throughout this book. The liturgy written at the end of each chapter is practical! Please make sure to order this book for yourself and someone you love. You will not be disappointed.

[Jana Bauers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Ruth Chou Simons and this book did not disappoint. I loved the reminders that God has each of us where we are for a reason, so don’t idly sit by wishing your current circumstances away. God does not waste! So beautifully written. The liturgies at the end of each chapter were my absolute favorite!! I was often reading them aloud to Nate or re-writing them down into my journal. Highly recommend.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley, Nelson Books, and Ruth Chou Simons for the ARC of this book! I LOVED it!

I’m currently sitting in the midst of a lot of turmoil and frustration in my career. I’ve been feeling restless and pushed to move away and on to what I deem as “better.” My copy of this book came at the perfect time haha.

Gently, but firmly, Ruth guides us to settle in to the now and not yet of life. At the end of the book, she referenced the words of the prophet Jeremiah and I found it to be some of the most impactful parts. Israel was called by God to settle in and prosper; to love and create peace; to dig in and do GOOD during their captivity in the land of Babylon. Regardless of where we are, we are God’s people and he will never forsake us, His plans are greater and everything is perfect in HIS timing—not ours. This is a book I’m taking many lessons away from and I’m excited for a physical copy of the book to be in my hands next month so I can go back to reference and be challenged by it in the time to come.

Highly recommend this to any and all readers, but it’s especially poignant if you’re in a season of “now and not yet” yourself 🫶🏼 a waiting season is not a wasted season.

“Look forward to someday and stay faithful now.” -Ruth Chou Simons

[AnnaScott · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read for anyone who feels frustrated or stuck in their season of life. My type A, overachieving personality really resonated with Ruth's writing style, and I found this book to be very encouraging and convicting.

One of the many quotes I highlighted: "Feeling restless and unsatisfied is exactly where we need to be in order for God to shape us and take us where he wants us to go."

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own, and I am writing a voluntary review.

[Christian Shelves · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first title by Ruth Chou Simons, and it won't be my last. The author has such a way with words that the entire book felt like a visual feast, especially paired with her beautiful artwork and poetry. She is an artist, through and through. I love how she is able to write in such an approachable manner while getting at some meaty topics such as waiting on God, having our character refined through difficulties, and surrendering our plans. The questions she offers provide a good balance between reflection and meditation on God's Word, such that we don't allow our thoughts and circumstances to consume us.

My favourite sections are definitely The Theological Framework of the Now and Not Yet and the Scriptures, where all of the verses are compiled together. I appreciate how much this book is grounded in the Bible and how it takes the emphasis off our emotions. The author captures the theological tension of the already and not yet and applies it to how we can respond and worship God in the in-between. Infused with encouraging messages of hope and laced with the promises of God, readers will find Now and Not Yet to be a gentle and truthful book that can offer joy in the waiting.

Review link: https://christianshelves.blogspot.com...

[Lydia Gahafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a timely read in the midst of a season where so much of my life feels like I haven't "arrived" yet. I know this sounds cheesy, but I genuinely felt like I was sitting on Ruth's couch with a cup of coffee and listening to her share her heart. She wasn't speaking from a place of superiority or arrogance; rather, she talked about lessons she had learned or was still in the process of learning.

I felt so seen when Ruth talked about the fear that God didn't get the memo about what she really wanted in life. I often share this fear--worrying that God is going to fulfill the dreams and longings of others, but not me.

My biggest takeaway from this book was that it's okay to not like "right now", but I don't have to like it to lean into it and be present where I am. I was reminded that even if today isn't what I want, God knows what I need. I can see this season as a time of being hidden--staying content with my audience of one and reminding myself that "it's the boring, everyday faithful stuff that makes a life."

This book reminded me that God is so good and trustworthy. I don't need to run away from what God has given me to do in the here and now. Progress is slow and steady, and Ruth cast a captivating vision for "long obedience in the same direction." Thank you Ruth!!

[Katy Van Meter · Rating 2 out of 5]

This may be a personal preference influencing my judgement, but I found this author more wordy than meaty. It’s likely her prose is just not my cup of tea.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m trying to think of the words, and they fail me. Now and Not Yet is an intensely vulnerable and deeply relatable book about what to do with yourself in the messy in between of where you were and where you’d rather be. I remember 5-7 years ago watching Gracelaced Co. rise out of relative obscurity to be what it is today. In that season, I was a mother of two littles and not at all thriving with it. Looking at someone like Ruth, the “unlikely mother to six” and the owner of a thriving business - I remember wondering how on earth she managed it all. Then I looked at myself and wondered sadly what was wrong with me. This book feels like the answer she’d give me had I had coffee with her then, and her words are a healing balm even now, years later - when, out of the littlest years, I finally have more capacity at my disposal. I’m so thankful for her vulnerability and willingness to return to those hard places to gird up those of us behind her with truth.

The artwork in every Ruth Chou Simon’s book is always lovely, but the liturgies in this book are breathtaking. Her poetic words are aching and beautiful and true. This is one I will buy for my library as well as putting it on the top of my list to gift to loved ones in their dry, desert seasons. Thank you for your wisdom, Ruth; though hard won, they are a testament to God’s faithfulness in your life as well as a reminder to us all to look to the Father.

I’d like to thank Nelson and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Traci · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Ruth Chou Simons and was really excited to get this ARC from NetGalley…and it did not disappoint. I always have a Christian, nonfiction book going at the same time as a fiction book. Ruth guides us through the restless times we are currently in by pressing in and growing through the circumstances. I very often want to fast forward through the messes and get to the good stuff but that is rarely how life happens. My right now matters, God is right here with me, and He is not done with me yet. Beautifully written book. I have quite a few highlighted areas.

[Rebecca Ponder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great reminder that God is always working for his glory even while we feel like we are waiting or in a trial.

Don’t really like that she suggests that we change our mindset completely on our own. She does mention it is the work of the Holy Spirit but most of the time it is as if we are to just do it by our own stubborn will-power.

[Karisa Erickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good! Will be going back to this book in the future!

[aundrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was such a good book! it’s like things you know but don’t know you know, so seeing it written out is so encouraging and helpful. my key takeaway was understanding that each moment is necessary, even if it doesn’t feel like it.
while the author does seem to write for an older audience, i found it relatable either way, and the journaling prompts were really good!
(thanks to netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review)

[Meagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for this #gifted book!*

Title: Now and Not Yet
Author: Ruth Chou Simons
Genre: Nonfiction/Devotional

Review: “If our desire is to experience more of God’s purposes and plans for our lives, then a posture of rest in the God we trust—free and unhindered—is exactly what we must cultivate right now.” In this devotional style book, Ruth Chou Simons talks about the struggle of the in-between, those times of waiting when life isn’t quite what you expected. You’ll find biblical truth and practical encouragement for the waiting season. Plus the pages are filled with Ruth’s beautiful artwork. You’ll also get a liturgy at the end of each chapter that can help guide your prayers. This is a devotional that you’ll want to leave on your coffee table as both beautiful decor and timeless truth to access any time!

Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

[Raven Gates · Rating 3 out of 5]

After finding ourselves the last 10 years very much in a situation of “now and not yet”, I picked this up because I know RCS speaks truth and vulnerability which are 2 things I’m in a season of needing. This was a quick and easy read, not really filled with anything transformative though as it’s the same messages most Christians are taught. “Hold on and keep looking forward in hope”, “God isn’t done with your story yet”, “God can be faithful where you’re at”, and “preach the Gospel to yourself” are many of the sentiments. These ARE great things and applicable things one should be doing in a season of longing for elsewhere. I think for me it just fell flat because I was expecting more depth to the true application of a transformed heart in this which is on me- that can only be done through Jesus. This isn’t a reflection of RCS, just me looking for a quick and easy fix on a heart that needs to be more sanctified.

[Rachel Soderberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruth writes simple truths that gently inform my thinking. Liturgies mark the end of each chapter. I love a liturgy. Can we wrestle with God without feeling angsty and uncomfortable? How do we flip the script of our daily monotony? Ruth reminded me that God has a purpose for me, especially when I restlessly feel like my life could be so much more.

[Lauren Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Totally exceeded my expectations, giving it 4 stars for what it is. Somehow the right books find me at the right times!

[Jess Holliday · Rating 4 out of 5]

* Audiobook

This book touched on the tensions surrounding waiting - the gap between what promises are for us now and what promises, although secured now, are not experienced fully until heaven. And while we wait for heaven, how to wait on God in the everyday. The author acknowledged how waiting can look both like surrendering and being still (instead of restless), while it can also look productive with proactive steps forward in faith. Although I agree and know there is biblical support for both, I did find by the end of the book I was unsure what doing both practically looks like for a Christian. How do you be still and wait on the Lord, while also take steps in faith? I think the answer is that in different seasons it can look different, and both are offerings of trust and faithfulness to God. My biggest takeaway was to not resent particularly challenging ‘waiting’ or ‘desert’ seasons, but to grow in endurance and press in to God. I was encouraged by the reminder to steward and sow into all seasons well.

• “God allows us to feel bare and desperation in the desert so that we might run to the oasis of His provision. We want His provision and the relief His blessings will bring, but we don’t want the wilderness that teaches us about our great need for Him. We want trust but we don’t want the doubts that leads us there. We want to see God provide but we don’t want the insufficiencies that reveal His faithfulness. We want greater faith but sure don’t want the unknowns that pave the way. We want deliverance without the desert. But God deliberately designs desserts to draw us to Himself.”

[hannah ☆ ୨ৎ˚࿔ · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Feeling restless and unsatisfied is exactly where we need to be in order for God to shape us and take us where he wants us to go.”

My final book/review of 2024! And it was a good one to end the year on as I look ahead to 2025. ✨ Ruth is such an encouraging writer and woman - and I can already tell that with this being the first book of hers I’ve read. Not only is she biblical in her advice, she’s a mom to SIX BOYS 🩵 as a mom to two boys I felt like I could relate to her on tonnnnns of things.

I really resonated with the word “restless” in this book. While I may not physically be go-go-go all the time (love a good chill day), my mind is. I can off and on struggle with contentment - thinking the grass is greener or wondering what’s next instead of embracing the right now. This quote stood out like 😳

“Why are we so tempted to skip the present and put our hope in what’s next?”

She gets it. And she’s right. There’s so much wisdom in this book about embracing where we are in this moment while also trusting in God’s plan for our lives. Highly highly recommend. 🕊️

[Emily Hoisington · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had gleaned so much from “Pilgrim” and was excited to dive into another book but this author, especially when the theme of waiting and wanting are so prevalent on my heart currently.

Wow. I loved this one even more than pilgrim. Ruth knows how to write in a way that both comforts and convicts in perfect harmony. So relatable and kind yet also honest and exhortative.

“God cares more about my heart than about my dreams coming true.” Oof, but also YES.

This book helped me remember that where I am is no accident and that Gods hand never moves in my life without purpose. What may feel like unseen years, or even unwanted seasons are not without purpose to God.

“Start where you already are, use what you already have, love the place you’re trying to escape.”

I will return to this book.

Also I LOVE the liturgies sprinkled throughout. Like balms to my soul. Thank you, Ruth. 💗💗💗

[Emilie Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Purchased after hearing Ruth Chou Simons speak on a podcast, and I am very glad that I did. Aka i heard this podcast five months ago and have wanted to read this book since then. I really, really liked this. So so much. Super digestible, super practical. Each chapter had a point which hit. Really pastoral and encouraging. Cover and graphics are a bit girly, but I would fully recommend this to anyone, male or female. I actually am such a fan of this book (not to be OTT gushy or anything lol) - def give it a read. 😁🫶🏽

[Elaine King · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and would recommend to anyone finding themself in a season of longing or waiting. I feel like Ruth Chou Simons offered a lot of practical encouragement of how to face this kind of season head on, rooted in the truth of scripture.

A highlight for me was the liturgies at the end of each chapter. Ruth captured my thoughts and feelings in these liturgies in a way I couldn’t articulate on my own.

[Taylor Holland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love RCS; she is on my always-buy list and the Lord knew that this book would come at the perfect time for me. The message gave so much perspective and encouragement.

Ruth talks a lot about restlessness in this book, and how uncomfortable it is to know where you want to be— and yet, not be there yet. She gives great encouragement to be faithfully obedient and invest where the Lord has you— because our “someday” is made up of the thousands of choices and decisions that we are making right now. We can start where we are & trust God’s love for us and His work of transformation in our lives.

[Mel Furniss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruth, stop hitting so close to home! What are you tryna do to me?? 🤣

[DT · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a powerful and transformative book. It changed my life and outlook.

[Sabrina Reinhard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was exactly what I needed. A true gift for those in difficult seasons. Simons provided rich reminders from the Word and I loved her liturgies throughout the book. Would highly recommend.