Mystery of God's Will

by Charles R. Swindoll

"I don't think I've ever met anyone who hasn't struggled with the desire to know God's will. The problem is, this struggle often involved a great deal of confusion and worry." ?Chuck Swindoll Many people have the idea that if they could just somehow find that single planned direction, they would be effortlessly swept through life. But life is not like that. Probably the most misunderstood factor of discovering God's will is the thought that, If I do this, the struggles will end, the questions are over, the answers come, and I live hapily ever after. But that's not reality. Does that mean that God's will must remain opaque to us?that we must muddle and grope blindly through life with no clue to what He wants for us? "Not at all," says Charles Swindoll. In this groundbreaking book, Swindoll invites us to join him on a spiritual quest. "I believe God's will for us in this life is not some black-and-white objective designed to take us to an appointed destination here on earth as much as it is about the journey itself . . . and what matters to Him in our lives." The Mystery of God's Will overflows with practical insights, humor, and unforgettable stories that will de-mystify, clarify, and put your mind at ease.

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Theology, Christianity, Faith, Inspirational

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Charles Swindoll has devoted over four decades to two passions: an unwavering commitment to the practical communication and application of God's Word, and an untiring devotion to seeing lives transformed by God's grace. Chuck graduated magna cum laude from Dallas Theological Seminary and has since been honored with four doctorates. For his teaching on Insight for Living, he has received the Program of the Year award and the Hall of Fame award from the National Religious Broadcasters as well as multiple book awards.

Reviews

[Creston Mapes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an eye-opener for me. It's all about how God is in charge of everything and when we embrace that, we can live in a new kind of peace and freedom and joy.

[George Stredny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, very well written and supported with scripture throughout and great exegesis by Chuck!

[Arnold · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review may spoil you a bit, so be warned, if you're not interested in the outcome of this book, don't read this review. This book is about God's Will as Chuck Swindoll knows. Basically to sum it all up, God's Will is mysterious, and you won't know until your life is done and you look back. So don't even try to figure it out. He makes some good points, but at the end of the book, you're more confused about God's will than you were before you started reading this book.

[Michael · Rating 1 out of 5]

I love to listen to Swindoll preach - the commanding, but easy quality of his voice, his sound and practical teaching - but I was disappointed by this book. Granted, some is lost simply because I don't have the benefit of hearing Chuck deliver this message. Regardless, its content was the main source of frustration. I read most of it with clinched jaw. I either disagreed with his conclusions or found his handling of the topic to be less than adequate.

[Consuelo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mystery of God's Will is an excellent book written by a seasoned,experienced, mature minister/teacher and author. I would recommend this read to anyone wanting to explore this topic; Swindoll shares sound biblical advice not only on what God's will is and isn't but also on the character and nature of God Himself. The read was interesting, thought-provoking, and focused -- I couldn't put it down!

[Jason · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly, I'm a little disappointed with this book. Chuck Swindoll is a great preacher and author (I love his other books), but this book didn't give any new insight. I didn't expect Chuck to have the answer for the mystery of God's will. That would be impossible! But I felt as if something was missing from it. Also, there were a surprising number of grammatical and spelling errors. Way more than I expected from a Chuck Swindoll book.

[Elvira · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nunca había leído a Charles Swindoll, pero había oído muy buenos comentarios de él, tal vez por eso esperaba más de esta lectura. En general no me parece un mal libro. Los ejemplos que da son bastante claros y podemos sentirnos identificados con varios de ellos, pero creo que en cuanto a un contenido más profundo queda a deber un poco. Evidentemente no esperaba que él revelara cuál es el secreto de la voluntad de Dios, pero aun así me parecieron muy simples muchos de los conceptos que menciona.

[Cone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I praise God for using people like Charles Swindoll mightily to speak to His people.I learned a lot from this book. It made me realize a lot of things that I didn't really grasp before. The mystery of God's will is a must-read book for every believer who is earnestly seeking the Lord's will for them.

[Leslie Jebaraj · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found the book very helpful on the almost controversial subject of God's will. Chuck Swindoll very well balances the Traditional view and the Wisdom View of finding God's will.

[Read1000books · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great book; very thought provoking.

[Deke]

Loved it..very practical...answered many questions about life's probing questions. Answer...sometimes I just have to accept what's going on. God has a reason and I may never know the why.

[Tinashe Kapeta]

charles r swindoll

[Beckynovacek · Rating 4 out of 5]

As relevant now as it was 20 years ago.

[Oswaldo Blanco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ha sido uno de los libros que mas han traido luz a mi vida.la lectura es amena y con muchos ejemplos que traen aliento en tu caminar, sin duda alguna lo recomiendo.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really dense text...very difficult to get through. Good, Biblical perspective!

[Tim Deforest · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful and clearly written study of God's immutable and sovereign will. Swindoll clearly states that the plans of an omnipotent God will usually be a mystery to us. We won't know why doors open or close for us or why we endure hardship or suffering. But Swindoll uses scriptural evidence and anecdotes from his own life in ministry to show that we can always trust in God's mercy and wisdom. Swindoll gives us advice on how to determine God's plans for our own lives (consulting Scripture, prayer, advice from other Christians) and stresses that acknowledging God to be in charge means we must be willing to do the work He gives us to do.

[Dane Radigan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good insight and reminders of how little control we have over our plans. Swindoll helped me find comfort in not knowing what God has in store for me. He reminds the reader that God’s specific will for our life will most likely not be know by us. We must keep walking and be aware of when He makes Himself known.

[Bethany Grieve · Rating 1 out of 5]

In the beginning of the book, the author claims God doesn't speak outside of the Bible and that when people "hear God's voice", you're turning "weird". From what I know, that is very untrue. However, I have the rest of the book a chance. I didn't read anything else too concerning, but overall, I didn't enjoy the book. Lots of good scripture quotes though.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent book. Pastor Swindoll doesn't claim to have all the answers to the mystery of Gods will, but through Biblical references he gave me a much better understanding. This book was well worth my time.

[Linda Klager · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book. Chuck Swindoll makes the Bible so easy to understand. He gives a lot of examples of human interest and loads of Scripture from the Holy Bible.

I highly recommend reading this book.

[Winnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very good book about the mystery of God's will. It teaches about God's permissive will as will as his desired will. It answers many questions.

[Will Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. I highly recommend to anyone seeking God's will for his or her life.

[Raleighhunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a good book where Chuck Swindoll covers some basic guidance from a Biblical perspective.

[Beth Chase · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book!!! Will definitely re-read!!

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A studied theology of the will of God.

[Nancy Macmillan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! Charles Swindoll has shown me the reality of God's Will in my life. It's about the journey itself and what matters to Him. I highly recommend if you seek clarity and understanding on this seldom discussed puzzle.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very thought-provoking and convicting.