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Just Do Something: A Liberating Approach to Finding God's Will
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A Liberating Approach to Finding God's Will or How to Make a Decision Without Dreams, Visions, Fleeces, Impressions, Open Doors, Random Bible Verses, Casting Lots, Liver Shivers, Writing in the Sky, etc.
Hyper-spiritual approaches to finding God's will don't work. It's time to try something new: Give up.
Pastor and author Kevin DeYoung counsels Christians to settle down, m ...more
Hyper-spiritual approaches to finding God's will don't work. It's time to try something new: Give up.
Pastor and author Kevin DeYoung counsels Christians to settle down, m ...more
Paperback, 128 pages
Published
April 1st 2009
by Moody Publishers
(first published 2009)
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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
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This is a book about finding the will of God and the underlying premise that fuels much of the presentation is the denial of ongoing revelation. Helpful thoughts here for those who tend to get stymied while waiting for a 'word from God.' But, for somebody who believes that God still speaks, not enough attention was paid here to striking a balance between listening and doing. Kevin DeYoung addresses the pitfalls of 'all listening and no doing.' But it seems his alternative is 'all doing and no li
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This review originally appeared on my blog, Jacob's Café.
This review of Just Do Something by Kevin DeYoung was made possible through a complimentary copy of the audiobook through christianaudio's reviewer program.
I was looking forward to this book, expecting a bit of an incarnational perspective on finding God's will. That was there, but not in the way I expected. It presented nothing useful and was possibly the worst religion book I've read (or listened to). In fact, I think it can be quite spi ...more
This review of Just Do Something by Kevin DeYoung was made possible through a complimentary copy of the audiobook through christianaudio's reviewer program.
I was looking forward to this book, expecting a bit of an incarnational perspective on finding God's will. That was there, but not in the way I expected. It presented nothing useful and was possibly the worst religion book I've read (or listened to). In fact, I think it can be quite spi ...more
This is a fantastic book that clearly lays out how to (and how not to) find God’s will. The author debunks some commonly believed ideas and makes a case that as Christians we spend far too much time trying to figure out what God wants us to do instead of doing what we already know God wants to do (from Scripture). At times the message comes across as overly simple but in reality I think these truths are desperately needed, especially by the younger generation. It’s a little book (quick read!) bu
...more
Aug 01, 2011
Mark
added it
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
Though I agree with many of DeYoung's principles, I think he takes an approach of talking against a cut and dry approach to finding God's will, but he replaces it with an equally cut and dry option, which is not entirely helpful either. I agree Christians don't need to agonize over God's will on every tiny decision, the point is walking with God daily, and then you will be drawn toward God-pleasing decisions. However, too many times, it seemed like DeYoung was proposing that there is no right ch
...more
There are not many books that I would recommend every Christian to read. This is one of them. You may not agree with everything that the author says (do you agree with everything anyone says, even yourself?), but I think you will be glad to have read it. And it's a short book so it won't even take you very long :-)
DeYoung does a great job of helping us get rid of the notion that God has a blueprint for every single aspect of our lives, and thus also doing away with the Sword of Damacles that han ...more
DeYoung does a great job of helping us get rid of the notion that God has a blueprint for every single aspect of our lives, and thus also doing away with the Sword of Damacles that han ...more
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 Christ-lik
...more
Great, straightforward read, and short too.
Some of my favorite quotes include....
"Our misdirected piety makes following God more mysterious than it was meant to be."
Talking about our culture and why we have such a hard time making "big" choices...- "and when every experience and situation must be rewarding and put us on the road to complete fulfillment, then suddenly the decisions about where we live, what house we buy, what dorm we're in, and whether we go with tile or laminate take on weighty ...more
Some of my favorite quotes include....
"Our misdirected piety makes following God more mysterious than it was meant to be."
Talking about our culture and why we have such a hard time making "big" choices...- "and when every experience and situation must be rewarding and put us on the road to complete fulfillment, then suddenly the decisions about where we live, what house we buy, what dorm we're in, and whether we go with tile or laminate take on weighty ...more
I found myself agreeing with Kevin DeYoung on all of his points. This is a primer on the subject of God’s will as it relates to decision-making. DeYoung argues that it is wrong to spiritualize non-moral decisions. He calls for discernment, seeking wise counsel, and common sense as some of the tools that the Christian should employ instead of dreams, visions, random bible verses, etc. I highly recommend this book.
Where was this book when I was in high school? It will be my new standard gift for graduates.
Short, fun, and pointed. I wish I had read this book when it came out. I wish I could give out dozens of copies of it. "Finding the will of God" is one of the most misused, misunderstood, and misapplied ideas in the Christian community.
I have yet to read a Kevin DeYoung book or article I did not like.
I have yet to read a Kevin DeYoung book or article I did not like.
A strengthening, solidifying, encouraging, and slightly embarrassing kick in the pants.
Surprisingly good advice. I don’t struggle with any of the problems he mentions, but I definitely think there are many GenXers and Millennials that need to hear his message. Nice and short.
Read Bill's 4-star review of Just Do Something: A Liberating Approach to Finding God's Will by Kevin DeYoung
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... ...more
Read Bill's 4-star review of Just Do Something: A Liberating Approach to Finding God's Will by Kevin DeYoung
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... ...more
This is a really fantastic, down-to-earth little book. He has excellent biblical advice that offers great freedom to those who may have grown up in a fundamentalist or hyper-spiritualized faith.
The one section that I found problematic was his discussion on single women. Yes, many single Christian men are sitting around doing nothing, but does that mean women should sit around and wait? In his last chapter he doesn't answer that question, and seems to imply that they should. Speaking as a woman w ...more
The one section that I found problematic was his discussion on single women. Yes, many single Christian men are sitting around doing nothing, but does that mean women should sit around and wait? In his last chapter he doesn't answer that question, and seems to imply that they should. Speaking as a woman w ...more
Mar 07, 2018
Josie
rated it
it was amazing
Recommends it for:
High schoolers+
Recommended to Josie by:
my church
My pastor is doing a sermon series based on this book so I checked it out from the library. Great, quick read about God's will.
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 will that I do XYZ? What is God’s will for my ...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 will that I do XYZ? What is God’s will for my ...more
Aptly named but unbalanced. While this book is both engaging and thought provoking, I found it veered from 'do nothing until certain' to the equally dangerous 'do anything as long as it's not morally wrong.' I am in agreement with the author that we should not be paralyzed by doubt and insecurity but doing something...anything...NOW...is not the answer. IMO, the author's view of the sovereignty of God, in this case, leads to a false presumption of God's blessings regardless of our actions so lon
...more
I listened to this book on the Overdrive app in one afternoon while doing chores and running errands. It is one of the most helpful Christian books I've ever read. "Lightbulb" moments galore. This was my first Kevin DeYoung book, but it won't be the last. He writes in a way that manages to include Biblical theology, practical wisdom, real-life examples, personal experiences, and humor in a way that is balanced and readable. Highly recommended.
Five BIG stars here!!! This is a much needed book for all adults, especially young. Kevin DeYoung identifies the causes of our indecisiveness and gives solid Biblical counsell: trust God, abide in prayer and make a move!! Don't hyperspiritualize everything. He also offers great encouragement to young men in the last couple chapters.
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
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 based on
...more
The first 5 chapters of this book I was appalled at some of the things DeYoung was saying. Example: DeYoung says, “So go marry someone” implying you don’t need to seek the Lord’s counsel through prayer and waiting on him as long as long as you’re following the Bible and are “equally yoked.” Why would I not ask God before making a life long decision like that? I would ask my friends and family’s opinions. Shouldn’t I ask God for his opinion first? God’s love is so great he cares about every littl
...more
THINGS I LIKED:
- the cut & dry, no fluff, sometimes cheeky style of writing
- it's concise
- it's Scripture based and super challenging as it dispels myths about finding your calling or knowing the will of God
THINGS I WANTED TO BE CRITICAL OF:
- the cut & dry, no fluff, sometimes cheeky style of writing
- the seemingly simplistic description of "how God works" led me to occasionally wonder if this is moreso written with a western church in mind. But as soon as I stopped being personally closed-minde ...more
- the cut & dry, no fluff, sometimes cheeky style of writing
- it's concise
- it's Scripture based and super challenging as it dispels myths about finding your calling or knowing the will of God
THINGS I WANTED TO BE CRITICAL OF:
- the cut & dry, no fluff, sometimes cheeky style of writing
- the seemingly simplistic description of "how God works" led me to occasionally wonder if this is moreso written with a western church in mind. But as soon as I stopped being personally closed-minde ...more
I thoroughly enjoyed this little book, and learned a lot from it. It helped me think of some different ways to tackle the big decisions coming up in my life, and I'm very grateful that I received it when I did. At the core of Just Do Something is its title, and the book does a great job of expounding on such a simple little phrase, shining light on the lies frequently told about God's will and making a compelling case for why we should be more proactive in making decisions. Highly recommended fo
...more
Full of good advice, established from Scripture. Counsel against thinking one has to find out, by God's special intervention, His will for the significant decisions of life. Instead, it commends the guidance He already has given in His word, and the faith to trust Him to direct our paths as we apply Scriptural precepts to our lives.
Really handy book for young people especially, but applicable to us all.
Really handy book for young people especially, but applicable to us all.
DeYoung's small book contains a simple message on how to determine God's will - die to self, love Jesus, then do as you will. A very helpful book for those of us who have ever wondered how to figure out what the right, God-honoring thing to do is.
Every person growing up in the church in the ‘80-90 should read this book. “Finding God’s will for our lives” has paralyzed much of my generation. I appreciate Mr DeYoung’s frank and honesty in addressing this topic.
Apr 14, 2019
Katherine
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
favorite-christian
You guys!! This book is fan👏🏻tastic👏🏻I think it addresses the church’s over-spiritualisation of decision making perfectly and it gives some solid advice for college kids/seniors in high school.
DeYoung also talks about the overall laziness of some Christians and how we use “the will of God” as an excuse to not take jobs, choose a college, or even get married. HIGHLY recommend, especially to the 18-25 yr. olds.
DeYoung also talks about the overall laziness of some Christians and how we use “the will of God” as an excuse to not take jobs, choose a college, or even get married. HIGHLY recommend, especially to the 18-25 yr. olds.
So good!
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“So go marry someone, provided you're equally yoked and you actually like being with each other. Go get a job, provided it's not wicked. Go live somewhere in something with somebody or nobody. But put aside the passivity and the quest for complete fulfillment and the perfectionism and the preoccupation with the future, and for God's sake start making some decisions in your life. Don't wait for the liver-shiver. If you are seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, you will be in God's will, so just go out and do something.”
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