The Will of God

August 19, 2019
Stanley (Relying on the Holy Spirit), senior pastor of the First Baptist Church in Atlanta, offers advice in this hopeful work for Christians who feel unsure of God’s plan for their life. For Stanley, a relationship with God through daily connections to the principles of Christianity is critical. In sermon fashion, he outlines God’s communication methods: communication (through scripture and prayer), counsel of fellow Christians, conscience (one’s inner voice is the voice of God), common sense, and contentment (finding the divine in the ordinary). He lists factors such as personal desires, sin, fear, doubt, anger, self-worth, ungodly influences, and guilt that influence choices and interfere with being able to ascertain the will of God. He cites examples in his personal life where he felt God’s will, such as when deciding to buy a car (did he really need it?) and whether to accompany young friends to a pool hall (though he was tempted, he knew he needed rest). Many of the scriptural passages he quotes are meant to offer encouragement to readers who feel distance from God’s message: “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Stanley’s fans will enjoy these simple, clear ideas for discerning God’s plan.

August 16, 2019

It is practically an article of faith within evangelical Christianity that God has a particular plan for each person, but it is up to each individual to follow that plan. This can be a source of anxiety if it seems that God is not providing the necessary guidance. Pastor Stanley (First Baptist Church, Atlanta; Finding God's Blessing in Brokenness) offers advice on how to listen for God's will. Using personal anecdotes and biblical references, the author guides readers on paying attention by taking the whole measure of scripture, seeking godly council, and not being afraid of the challenges God's will presents. He also details inhibitors to hearing God's voice, such as pride, peer pressure, guilt, and ignorance of God's character. Stanley assures readers that they can be certain of God's purposes and act upon that knowledge without fear. The pastoral nature of the discussion here is most evident, and some questionable exegesis or a lack of theological insight would likely not deter his readers. The author does, however, place a premium on the individual's responsibility to discern God's will rather than the community's responsibility to uphold each member in their shared pilgrimage. VERDICT Best for devoted Stanley readers.--James Wetherbee, Wingate Univ. Libs., NC

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