Here Am I, Lord...Send Somebody Else: How God Uses Ordinary People to Do Extraordinary Things

by Jill Briscoe

Being used by God is an adventure you won’t want to miss! Major Ian Thomas, a British theologian, teacher, and the founder of Torchbearers Bible Schools, spent seven exhausting years trying to live for Christ when he realized that God actually just wanted to live through Him. He offered this extremely simple advice in considering the Christian Go where you are sent, stay where you are put, and do what you are asked. With her trademark warmth and keen sense of humor, esteemed Bible study teacher Jill Briscoe follows Major Thomas’s example to help readers learn how to allow God to live through them, finding their mission field to be right before them—in the space between their own two feet. She uses stories from her own life and of other contemporaries to unpack the story of Moses in helping us better understand our true worth and calling. She asks, “What is your Jerusalem, your Judea, your Samaria? Whether you’re fifty or fifteen, you are called to be God’s light in a troubled world.” This classic work is being updated to include conversation starters and Bible study questions at the end of each chapter.

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Spirituality

240 pages, Paperback

First published May 31, 2004

About the author

Jill Briscoe has an active speaking and writing ministry that has taken her to many countries. She has written more than 40 books, including study guides, devotional material, poetry, and children's books.

Jill is executive editor of Just Between Us , a magazine of encouragement for ministry wives and women in leadership. She serves on the board of World Relief and Christianity Today, Inc.

A native of Liverpool, England, Jill launched into youth evangelism after becoming a Christian at age 18. She married her husband, Stuart, in 1958, and since then they have ministered together through Telling the Truth media ministries at conferences and mission organizations around the world. They reside in suburban Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where Stuart completed 30 years of ministry as senior pastor of Elmbrook Church. Both Stuart and Jill now serve Elmbrook as ministers-at-large. They have 3 children, David, Judy, and Peter, and enjoy the blessing of 13 grandchildren.

Jill and Stuart call suburban Milwaukee, Wisconsin their home. When they are not traveling, they spend time with their three children, David, Judy and Peter, and thirteen grandchildren.

Reviews

[Ingrid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Often we are called by God to do things we feel ill-equipped to do. These are Moses moments. This book gives an insightful look at God's calling on our lives which is never arbitrary. If you're looking for direction and listening for his call, you'll love this book.

[Judy Evenson · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book didn’t really live up to its title. Found myself saying “whaaaat?” More often than I should.

[Haley Simmons · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book! I liked how it had discussion questions at the end of each chapter. As someone who consistently doubts what God has equipped me for, this book was encouraging to me!

[Victoria W. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Here Am I, Lord . . . Send Somebody Else by Jill Briscoe has been re-released for new audiences. Although I was familiar with Mrs. Briscoe's daughter-in-law (a gifted speaker in her own right), I hadn't yet become acquainted with Mrs, Briscoe herself.



Overall, the book is based on a solid premise. Briscoe anchors her book within the story of Moses while branching out to speak on different spiritual truths and elements she finds necessary for people to move forward in their faith. I highly appreciated Mrs. Briscoe's use of scripture and the way she continually anchors her work back within Moses' life. It's obvious this is where her passion lies and an area with which she has well studied.



For those who also love studying, Briscoe provides a study section at the end of every section. Consisting of reflection, questions, prayer guides, additional reading, etc. . . Each chapter offers a strong option of taking the material further while tying in the chapter focus to scriptural references outside of the Moses' narrative.



Topically, however, I had mixed feelings on Briscoe's work. The variety was wonderful. Between spiritual gifts, prayer, overcoming trials, and so on there was wide breadth of knowledge being shared increasing the likelihood that a reader will find helpful material. The tone at times was frustrating though.

I found, in the reading, that Briscoe tended towards a one-size-fits all faith. There wasn't a lot of room for grace for those going through hard seasons just an unrelenting call to measure up. As a result, I wouldn't feel comfortable giving this book to some of my friends who are newer to faith and still working out the basics.



3.5 stars out of 5



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review.

[Heidi · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was difficult to understand due to heavy analogies. Briscoe referred to Moses specifically which I enjoyed. However the application got lost in the references to Moses. This made her points vague and less impactful. The book was not easy to follow. Despite this, in some chapters I got the gist of her message.

The title was misleading. I did like the concept of end of chapter studies but not the actual thing. There is a sense of a condescending tone as if the author was too good for the reader. In a few parts it seems as if she assumes the reader is specifically a new believer or seeking. In other parts she assumes the reader can keep up with her language play. I don't recommend the book.

[Avis Gill · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading this book, I found it interesting as to how God guides us on how to understand ourselves. God does the most out-of-the-ordinary things that help us overcome fear, doubt and opportunities for personal growth. You can understand your own natural abilities and how God wants us to use them for His divine purposes.
I recommend this book with its ideas, humor and to learn to recognize and deal with the tricks of your Enemy. Move forward with confidence with the help of God to guide you in life.

[Gabrielle Prose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jill Briscoe is simply a delight! She is straight forward & challenging. It was a wonderful read, & it included many resources to use as a study with others. The main focus was on how God can use you, no matter what! I read this book as a devotional, and it lended itself perfectly.

I would highly recommend this book to a friend. I would also recommend any of her sermons- I love hearing her speak as well!

[Jody · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think the audio version I listened to is of a different edition than the cover image suggested, so I am linking to a hard copy of the earlier edition ... in my audiobook, there was nothing about Major Ian Thomas, whoever that may be, nor thoughts on considering my own Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria ... It was a good listen, using Moses and the Israelites exodus from Egypt as the primary analogy to the Christian walk today, but I'd like to find this 2018 version/edition!

[Gloria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Felt like it was written backwards. Started off encouraging us to humbly trust God's calling no matter how unworthy we feel - to believe that if God can use Moses and Elijah, He can use us. Then it shifted into a very basic salvation/discipleship manual. It was as if there were two separate books written about Moses and the Israelites with two separate goals, and then they we joined together into one.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

We read this for book group. There were a number of points that she made while focusing on the story of Moses that stood out to a number of us - not the least of which was that Moses would need to read and write for what God had planned. Being "saved" by Pharoah's daughter was significant for many reasons, including the education to enable his writing of the 10 commandments later in his life. Definitely worth the read!

[Jen Cork · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read





Very interesting and insightful read. Enjoyed each chapter. Great encouragement to step out even if I don't feel I'm equipped enough.

[RACHEL · Rating 3 out of 5]

My copy was a gift through Goodreads First Reads.

[Ellen Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

(3.5) I love Jill and wanted to love this book. I enjoyed going though Exodus but didn’t really love reading this. Found the studies at the end of the chapters not fun to follow / read.

[Brittany Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my, my admiration for Jill Briscoe runs deep. Yet again, her words are encouraging and inspiring. Pushing all to pursue Jesus with joy and gratitude.

[Rachel | All the RAD Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I first heard Jill Briscoe speak at IF:Gathering 2017, and I instantly fell in love with her. She's a brilliant, witty, wise, and passionate woman of God, and that same spirit shines through this book. I did miss hearing her British accent as I read this one, but I imagined it which kind of helped. 😊 This book focuses on the first few books of the Old Testament, and I'm glad I recently read them all so I had as solid context for this book. (If you aren't familiar with the OT, you'll be a little lost reading this one! I recommend reading it either alongside a reading of the OT, or right after reading through it, so you're familiar with the characters and storylines.) I loved the theme of this one and how Jill carried the "Here am I, Lord, send ___" idea throughout. This one didn't completely wow me, and I think I prefer listening to Jill speak, but I enjoyed it and found it encouraging and uplifting!

[Victoria W. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Here Am I, Lord . . . Send Somebody Else by Jill Briscoe has been re-released for new audiences. Although I was familiar with Mrs. Briscoe's daughter-in-law (a gifted speaker in her own right), I hadn't yet become acquainted with Mrs, Briscoe herself.



Overall, the book is based on a solid premise. Briscoe anchors her book within the story of Moses while branching out to speak on different spiritual truths and elements she finds necessary for people to move forward in their faith. I highly appreciated Mrs. Briscoe's use of scripture and the way she continually anchors her work back within Moses' life. It's obvious this is where her passion lies and an area with which she has well studied.



For those who also love studying, Briscoe provides a study section at the end of every section. Consisting of reflection, questions, prayer guides, additional reading, etc. . . Each chapter offers a strong option of taking the material further while tying in the chapter focus to scriptural references outside of the Moses' narrative.



Topically, however, I had mixed feelings on Briscoe's work. The variety was wonderful. Between spiritual gifts, prayer, overcoming trials, and so on there was wide breadth of knowledge being shared increasing the likelihood that a reader will find helpful material. The tone at times was frustrating though.

I found, in the reading, that Briscoe tended towards a one-size-fits all faith. There wasn't a lot of room for grace for those going through hard seasons just an unrelenting call to measure up. As a result, I wouldn't feel comfortable giving this book to some of my friends who are newer to faith and still working out the basics.



3.5 stars out of 5



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer:I won this book through a goodreads giveaway. My honest opinion is always my own.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. So much so, that I am using it in my Ladies Bible Study group. I’m pretty sure they’ll like it too. Even though I won a paperback edition, I purchased a Kindle & Audible version also because I have more time to listen than to read. I could Whispersync with Kindle for times when I could read. I’ll definitely use the paperback when I’m leading the group study. The Audible narration is terrific. I highly recommend this book for group or personal Bible study.

[Christina Casares · Rating 5 out of 5]

So so good! Definitely takes time to read and process through well, but so encouraging to think about the place God has you right now.