Do you long to feel a closer connection to God? To discern His voice, experience His peace, and live in His joy?
In this 8-week Bible study, An Unexpected Experiencing God’s Goodness through Disappointment and Doubt , you will encounter a unique picture of revival through Ezekiel’s prophecies. God chose to spark revival through people who seemed counted out, cast aside, and disregarded.
Ezekiel reveals that we are not the first people to believe our doubts and doubt our beliefs when circumstances spiral out of control. But God pursues us with His goodness, desiring to bring revival to our broken hearts. Through a study of the book of Ezekiel, God offers an invitation
— experience His faithfulness when surrounded by uncertainty — reignite our hope instead of losing heart — realize the call of God, reawakening us to our purpose — rest in contentment rather than dwell in disappointment
An Unexpected Revival sparks a fire in our longing heart to feel renewed excitement in our relationship with God. Instead of going through the motions, checking the boxes and wondering why God feels so far away, Ezekiel teaches us to come close and invite God to fill us with fresh fire. God offers His joy, peace, and purpose to any who seek it. Do you long for revival? This 8-week study will also include video teaching through Vimeo.
I completed this 8-week Bible study with a small group of women and we had great discussions about the material. It offered clarity and a better understanding of Ezekiel as well as advice for modern application. I appreciated the fill-in-the-blank and short answer format. My biggest takeaway was the importance of being a watchman.
I respect Erica Wiggenhorn immensely, and have gleaned so much wisdom and insight from each of her Bible studies in the past. “An Unexpected Revival: Experiencing God’s Goodness through Disappointment and Doubt - An 8-Week Bible Study of Ezekiel” is the newest of her releases from Moody Publishers, and so it immediately went on my reading list. Not only because of the author, but also because the title and subtitle resonated with me.
First, let’s get the tough part out of the way… Ezekiel is not an easy book of the Bible to read, study, understand, or learn from. But, with a good Bible teacher at our side, it IS possible to do all of the above. Erica is definitely a good teacher, and without question I gained valuable insights from this portion of God’s word that had so often confused and eluded me.
The visions within Ezekiel’s writing are complex and lengthy, and I appreciate how Erica breaks them down into understandable chunks - with commentary, context, and cross-references in between. As in all of the Moody Bible Studies for Women, the weeks are divided into 5 days, with questions, reflection, prayer, and application included in each lesson. Towards the end of the study we step away from the main text of Ezekiel and dive into New Testament books such as Luke and Acts, which shed light on how the prophecies of Ezekiel’s writing were fulfilled in Jesus’ arrival on earth.
Although this Bible study did not end up being quite what I expected in some ways, it was even better than I’d hoped for in others. The following quote is something that I wrote in my journal and will continue to ponder in the days to come… take a look at what Erica shares, through the lens of Ezekiel’s prophecies:
“Ezekiel needed to 100 percent depend on God to fulfill this call on his life. If what God calls us to doesn’t have a bit of hard, doesn’t ruffle our feathers or go beyond logical understanding, then we might be tempted to serve in our own flesh. Difficulty demands dependence and that’s where God sticks His servants - in a place desperate for His power to come through. We ought not ever serve our almighty God through feeble human wisdom or frail strength.” - pg. 38 (Week 1, Day 4)
Pretty powerful, eh? I think so, and encourage you to dive into this Bible study to discover for yourself the powerful insights that can be gleaned from the prophet Ezekiel’s writing in the Old Testament.
I received this book courtesy of Moody Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Today’s world is filled with noise. We are being pulled one way and then another because of events and circumstances. Many long for a personal connection and closer relationship with God. “An Unexpected Revival: Experiencing God's Goodness through Disappointment and Doubt” by Erica Wiggenhorn walks through the prophecies of Ezekiel, showing us how revival happened among those who were considered outside the norm.
Readers of this 8-week study will be challenged to get to know God in a more intimate way, to understand our purpose, how to deal with daily struggles and rely on God, and receive encouragement that the Holy Spirit is moving hearts toward revival.
In a season where hope is needed, revival starts within. As the author writes, “God has invited you to experience revival. So when people look at your life they say, “Jehovah Shammah.” The Lord is there. In your heart. In your countenance. In your perspective and in your life…A life marked by hope, peace, joy, and love. A life that shows the world that God is real and He changes people. It’s a dark world out there. Go shine bright.”
I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a fresh way to experience God and spark a revival in your life.
We should have high expectations when it comes to Bible studies. I believe they should be led by God's Word, not our thoughts, feelings, commentary from others, or in this case, self-application. Ezekiel is a fascinating Book, with so much to unpack culturally and historically, yet there was very little of Ezekiel in this study. I'm giving up after Week One, but skimming through, it's more of the same. Ezekiel was a prophet called by God for a very specific purpose; we do not need to go searching for application to our own lives and forcing ourselves into every Bible passage.
I'm continuing to read through Ezekiel, but allowing the text to speak for itself. Scripture is sufficient.
If you're looking to gain an in-depth understanding of Ezekiel, then you'll love this study! I appreciated the historical and cultural context Erica provides that helps pull all the facets of Scripture together. The commentary she shares throughout the study reveals the power and depth of God's Word. She doesn't shy away from showing us how easy it is to fall into sin and the consequences of living apart from God, as we see happens to the Israelites in Ezekial. Erica's questions in each day's homework necessarily penetrate the heart to help us turn to God. I can't wait to see how God uses this study to awaken a revival for His Kingdom!
Ezekiel is a hard book to read in the Bible with all the prophecies and visions and violence. Erica has a deep passion for understanding the meanings of the not only the historical content of the book but the context of Ezekiel in the bigger God story of our lives. There’s a bigger story of redemption through our doubts and disappointments. Just because we go through trials and unfortunate circumstances in our lives doesn’t mean God isn’t able to use everything we go through for his glorious plans. I’m glad I completed the study and learned how revival may not always be fun, look like how we want it, or be the outcome we want, Gods love will always be the outcome when we trust in him.
3.5...4 stars... can't decide. I read this as part of a women's devo at church, and there's a lot of good stuff about revival, but I wouldn't call it a study of Ezekiel. Good read if you're looking for spiritual encouragement, I was just expecting more of a deep dive into the book of Ezekiel: Enduring Word-style. I did like how the Erica jumps across books of the Bible to fully explain the story and all the context behind it.
Erica has done it again! Are you ready for a study that digs deep and insights changes in your life and heart? If so, this book is a wonderful addition to your library! Erica takes you through revival by following the book of Ezekiel. Her insight and research in the book are phenomenal. This is a must read!
I just finished this study and it offers hope in difficult times. We can’t always see God at work but this study proves from Ezekiel that God is working. The author Erica Wiggenhorn shares in the pages of this study with truth of God’s Word and real life stories from her personal life that makes this real. May we all see revival start with us as we embrace the lessons in Ezekiel.
I really enjoyed this study, I have never studied Ezekiel before and learned so much! The focus of revival was so good, but I didn’t like that it we didn’t read all of Ezekiel. The last session moved us into the New Testament with the theme of revival. Overall I would highly recommend this study, just know it stops before the last 8 chapters of Ezekiel.
Are you searching for hope in difficult times? Are you wanting revival in your life? I highly recommend this book by author Erica Wiggenhorn. This book helps guide you through the book of Ezekiel and will help you find your purpose.
I highly recommend this well-written, transformative study. Dig into the book of Ezekiel and discover God's heart for His people and how He demonstrated His redemptive power in the midst of their sin and rebellion. A timely study for today as people humble themselves and hunger for God again.