reviewsbyerin

I love the writings of A.W. Tozer. They have been personally meaningful to me in the past, so I was immediately interested when I saw that Bethany House was putting out a new compilation of his sermons. When I saw the subtitle for this book was "Finding and following God's will for your life," I had a feeling deep down that this could be a 'for such a time as this' book in my life, and that proved to be true in more ways than expected.

Tozer preached this series of sermons as God began leading him to leave his prosperous Chicago church to take a smaller pastorate in Toronto. These messages sprang from his own desire to follow God's will, and some of my favorite quotes from the book reflect on how God prepares us for His will, makes a way for us, and provides faithfully for everything He ordains. Our responsibilities are to keep ourselves close to God and to obey even when we can only see the next step. God doesn't ask us to understand the whole plan - He asks us to trust, walk in faith, and to receive His blessings. The way may not be easy, and is often incredibly difficult and leads us to destinations that we did not expect, but following Him allows for a life which can be rich in peace and joy despite the trials.

There were a few things Tozer touched upon which were new concepts to me, or at least phrased in ways I understood in a clearer light, and I've been mulling them over and discussing them with friends. One of them is the fact that God's grace is not about us and our weaknesses, it's about Him and His character. "What God has for us not based on who we are, but rather on who He is" (Chapter 8). Another section talks about our enemies, and how our enemies are no obstacle in God's eyes. In fact, they are opportunities for Him to work especially in our behalf! "...When I see my enemy from God's point of view, my heart is filled with rejoicing because that enemy only reveals to me the amazing grace of God in my life" (Chapter 11).

I thought a pivotal part of the book was when Tozer discusses belief versus unbelief. We can believe in God's power and His blessings and still not believe they are for us, for our specific lives. "God is the God of today and tomorrow as well as yesterday. However, to most Christians, God is the God of yesterday alone. They believe in everything that was but cannot rise to believe for today, let alone tomorrow" (page 121). Oh, that is so true! As Tozer says in Chapter 5, "If God said it, then it must be true, and if it's true, then it's true now, and if it's true for someone else, it's also true for me."

Reading this book brought strength to my life and faith. It sparked worship and refreshment in my spirit. Even writing this review has brought Chris Tomlin's song "Good Good Father" to mind, because Tozer really does focus on our wonderful almighty God who will lead us with the cloud and fire if only we will keep our hearts turned to Him. I would recommend this book for believers everywhere.

I received my copy of the book from the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

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