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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, make choices, and do the hard work of seeing those choices through. Too often, he writes, God's people tinker around with churches, jobs, and relationships, worrying that they haven't found God's perfect will for their lives. Or—even worse—they do absolutely nothing, stuck in a frustrated state of paralyzed indecision, waiting . . . waiting . . . waiting for clear, direct, unmistakable direction.

But God doesn't need to tell us what to do at each fork in the road. He's already revealed his plan for our lives: to love him with our whole hearts, to obey His Word, and after that, to do what we like.

No need for hocus-pocus. No reason to be directionally challenged. Just do something.

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

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About the author

Kevin DeYoung

84 books1,073 followers
Kevin DeYoung is the Senior Pastor at University Reformed Church (RCA) in East Lansing, Michigan, right across the street from Michigan State University.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,357 reviews
Profile Image for Natalie Weber.
Author 3 books62 followers
December 29, 2011
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 with all my heart, but he applied it to this topic of following the will of God in a way that was quite enlightening. The truth? It’s neatly summed up in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Instead of defining the will of God by the external path we take in life, it is more biblical to pursue the will of God as a relationship with Him through Jesus Christ that transcends every choice we make. Rather than being caught up in making the “right” decision, we should invest our time and energy into seeking the Lord with all our heart, knowing that to the extent that our relationship with Him is right, the path we take in life will also be right.
80 reviews7 followers
May 4, 2010
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 spiritually, relationally, and psychologically damaging.

It seems appropriate to start the review with the title. Compared with other books I've reviewed recently, this title is very appropriate and accurate. In fact, it tells you exactly what the book is about. DeYoung's answer to God's will is don't worry about it; just do something. Anything. As long as it is not morally reprehensible.

This is where I started having problems. DeYoung discusses valid problems in today's society, namely indecision. But his solution is too extreme of just doing something. I do not believe that is the answer, nor is it God's desire for us to just act. I could probably go line-by-line with counterpoints to DeYoung's assertions, but that would make another book, and it's hard to do with an audiobook.

Here's a couple of his main points, though. One is that we do not really need to seek counsel in most any situation. That's what God gave us a brain for. Okay, that's true that we should use our minds, but that's also what the Holy Spirit is for. DeYoung's way of dealing with God's will does not require any real relationship with God; it just requires a knowledge of Scripture. He states that the Spirit speaks to us through Scripture. Fair enough. But he also speaks to us in other ways. True, they're subjective at times, as DeYoung says, but that does not mean they're unhelpful. Frankly, biblical interpretations are subjective, too.

He argues decisions need to be made in alignment with God's goals for our lives. I couldn't find the quote again in the audiobook, but the first two goals are moral purity and theological fidelity. Compassion was in the list, but it almost seemed an afterthought. While moral purity and theological fidelity are nice, Jesus did say the greatest commandment is to love God and love others. I think love is the primary purpose.

DeYoung argues that we do not have to worry about what we do because whatever we do will be what God's will is. Sorry. Completely disagree there. There's many examples everyone could come up with of ways that we act that are not in alignment with God's will.

He also asserts that we should never worry because that is a sign of little or no faith. True, God does not want us to worry, but we do. That's normal and not necessarily a sign of spiritual frailty. I could go on on this topic for hours from my psychology profession...

Then there's the real juicy stuff. It seems one of the primary reasons he wrote this book is because people are waiting to get married. He stated that in most cases, people should be married and own a house by 30. He sees a lot of problems as due to delayed marriage. That may contribute to some social problems, but there may be other, better solutions than just getting married earlier.

He almost argues that everything will be solved by marriage and mentions many "problems" due to and causing delayed marriage. Frankly, many of them seem like no big deal and not problematic. While he states there is nothing wrong with singleness, I just simply do not believe him. He pushes people to get married, saying things like, "Getting married is good for your sanctification."

He tells men that if you like a girl (and she likes you), you're both Christian, and no one has major problems, get married. This is one of the worst pieces of advice I've ever heard. This is the kind of thing that causes needless divorce or horrific marriages.

He goes on to say that women start a career, "which is not necessarily wrong, when they would rather be married and having children." He says, "Men, if you want to be married, find a godly gal, treat her right, talk to her parents, pop the question, tie the knot, and start making babies." I couldn't even believe I heard him say these things.

Not that these aren't important, but marriage and kids don't have to happen immediately. And they definitely do not solve all problems. There's also a lot more to life than that. DeYoung does not think so, arguing that fulfillment is selfish and not in God's plan. He needs to read the psychological literature on it, though, starting with Maslow's hierarchy of needs. In a situation, like many of my generation's grandparents grew up in, the focus was on a lower level of needs (like food and shelter), which were not guaranteed. Now for most Americans, those are not a struggle, so we can address higher level needs, including self-esteem and self-actualization. They are critically important.

My wife listened to this section, and she was shocked, also saying this book is awful, damaging, and offensive to women. She adds, "this is exactly the kind of crippling fear that so many single women feel today... that there's something wrong with them because they're not married yet.. this just adds to that feeling of inadequacy! The author is basically saying that we as women are all just waiting around for a man to come along so our lives can finally start. That's sickening." I completely agree.

DeYoung relies too much on his grandfather's perspectives as fact. We need to look to our elders for wisdom, but not all of them did things perfectly nor do they understand everything perfectly. My grandpa would disagree with his. So does that mean I can write a book arrogantly asserting that I know all Truth about God's will based on my grandpa?

The narrator, Adam Verner, was fine. He had good tone and intonation and made the book relatively interesting. Frankly, he was the best part of the book.

Better books dealing with God's will are John Eldredge's Walking with God (DeYoung criticized an unnamed book, but I think it was this one) and Francis Chan's Forgotten God. If you want a contrary opinion to those books or want to explore perspectives on God's will, this could be useful. Otherwise, don't waste your time on this book. I think it's unhelpful at best, spiritually and psychologically damaging at neutral, and possibly borderline heretical at worst.
Profile Image for Demetrius Rogers.
412 reviews73 followers
July 12, 2017
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 listening.' Yes he affirms reading the Bible and getting wise counsel, but any form of a subjective hearing from God seems dismissed with a wave of a hand. Some decent thoughts here, but I just couldn't seem to get passed the author's Reformed paradigms. After reading something like this, I'm afraid a person could easily walk away with the notion that there are no such things as 'seasons of waiting' and for that I think it's an unbalanced corrective. Yes, the pendulum swings.
Profile Image for Old Dog Diogenes.
111 reviews47 followers
January 10, 2024
A quick little read about seeking God’s will, and making decisions that align with God’s will in our lives. Lots of crossover to Barry Schwartz’s paradox of choice book, as seen through a reformed Christian lens, and within the context of God’s will, in terms of our choices. Interestingly, I actually made a video on YouTube (which can be found HERE) that goes over the same issues, yet not as focused upon finding God’s will, but more about the freedom the Gospel gives us to not be chained to perfectionism and high expectations which accompanies an ever increasing world of options. How to deal with Choice Paralysis, that is. That we can have confidence because of Christ in our choices even if they are subpar, mediocre, or mundane because the Gospel frees us from the chains of expectation that accompany our societal perspective that what matters most is "me" and my fulfilment (happiness). Thanks, Disney! The deeper problem with all of this is likely our societal emphasis in the west on individualism and authenticity, freedom, autonomy, egalitarianism, etc. These are the supreme values of western society now, but that was not the case in previous moments of western history. So books like this, are popular now, but were not very common before our time. There’s a large number of factors at play on why that’s the case, which I won’t get into here, but more simply stated, we are confused about God’s will, his ‘calling’, and our personal fulfillment now more than ever before, and this book addresses our misconceptions about those terms and is a general grounding into a more biblical understanding of what they mean. It would be an ideal book for a youngster fresh out of high school, trying to navigate what to do with his future. Very practical advice. Nothing groundbreaking.
Profile Image for S.A. Klopfenstein.
Author 10 books75 followers
February 6, 2014
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 choice in these, or one that might be more pleasing, whether it be a job or a wife or whatever. And I'm just not convinced it's that simple. I also felt he completely over-emphasized a glorification of the "old days." That's great that his grandfather didn't agonize whether it was godly to marry his wife etc. That doesn't mean that it was the right way. One can over think. But one can also, just do, and not think, not pray, not wrestle. And that seems just as dangerous, perhaps more.

I recommend reading it. But I also recommend thinking while you're reading, and placing it against Scripture. Take the good points, and discard some. Nonetheless, I think the topic is one needing to be addressed, and I'm glad DeYoung addressed it. I hope others carry on the conversation. It's not over with this book.
Profile Image for Priscila Colina.
57 reviews12 followers
March 20, 2022
Siempre dije que no tenía un libro favorito, HASTA HOY! increíble lo que leí en estos dos días, Kevin Deyoung me captó, exhortó, me hizo reír y me ayudó a sacarme de la cabeza muchos conceptos equivocados.

Vieron que algunos cristianos te dicen "Estoy orando para ver que tengo que estudiar, busco Su Voluntad" y en realidad están 3 años de vagos, pero quedan como los mas espirituales.. bueno.. (en todos lados hay creyentes medio místicos que nos hacen sentir mal), este libro te explica que la Voluntad del Señor no funciona tan así.

Me encantó que no es el típico libro cristiano que te dice algo que en realidad leiste en otro lado, te desafía a vivir para Dios con acciones, te hace pensar!

Sigo sin entender como no me recomendaron este libro antes, viví confundida 24 años jajaj soy team #KevinYoung

Porfa, leanlo😁
152 reviews4 followers
February 10, 2019
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!) but powerful. I very much recommend it.
Profile Image for Uriel Esquer.
18 reviews56 followers
August 18, 2020
Te ayudará muchisimo a entender cómo vivir tomando decisiones cuando buscamos agradar a Dios y hacer su voluntad.
Profile Image for Mark Drinnenberg.
Author 1 book6 followers
Read
August 2, 2011
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 will of God (not a very good reason to do those very good things listed above). There are many books out there that teach this; there are many preachers who preach this; there are many people in the pews who live like this. For me, the end result has been that I am 52 years old and spinning my wheels, still trying to find that dot on the map. And then, along comes a book that takes me back to what I once knew to be true and backs it up with solid Scriptural evidence.



SPOILER ALERT: I'M ABOUT TO REVEAL THE GIST OF THIS BOOK'S TEACHING, SO IF YOU PLAN TO READ THE BOOK AND DON'T WANT TO KNOW THESE THINGS BEFOREHAND, SKIP THIS PARAGRAPH. It all boils down to this: Die to self, live for Christ, and make wise decisions. And how are wise decisions made? By spending time in the Scriptures regularly so that you begin to think biblically; by being in prayer regularly and praying about decisions to be made (not in the sense that you're asking God to show you the way, but in the sense that you're praying that He will give you wisdom and that you will decide on the basis of integrity and unselfishness and things like that); and by seeking the counsel of people who know you and will be honest with you. This is not to say that God never leads directly and supernaturally, but even for people in the Bible, that was not an everyday, every-decision experience. I have said for years that, as we read Paul's epistles and the account of his ministry in the book of Acts, we see him making plans and decisions, but when God steps in and clearly directs him to do otherwise, he obeys. I may have said that for years, but in recent years I have fallen into a more what-should-I-do,-God? sort of approach to everything, an approach that sounds spiritual and sounds devoted but is just not biblical and tends to lead to stagnation rather than to effective action.



I highly recommend this book for people who are struggling with knowing God's will for their lives. It is a very easy read and is only 122 pages long. I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.
Profile Image for Cindy Marie.
34 reviews
August 12, 2021
Querido pastor, líder, consejero, amigo, hermanito, hermanita, ¡recomienden este libro! #911
Profile Image for Neil.
Author 1 book5 followers
March 15, 2012
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 hangs over us if we somehow fail to discover and follow this perfectly mapped out path. I fully share his appreciation of the place of "wisdom" in decision making, as something that can be cultivated, rather than just waiting for revelation to descend from heaven.

He is a little abrasive at times, and could sound condescending, but there again mincing his words would not help to get an idea across, particularly one which goes so sharply against the tide of popular Christian thinking.

Personally, I still expect slightly more from God in terms of "guidance" than DeYoung seems prepared to concede, but as an ongoing corrective we find in our obedience and action, not a prerequisite for doing anything. (He is very strong on not sitting around waiting for God to speak - hence the book's title.) "My sheep hear my voice" must still figure in the way we live our lives, and hearing God is an art that is worth developing. Paul's prayer for a spirit of "wisdom and revelation" is still my own - both of these, not an either/or. But in general terms he is spot on.

One quote that sums it up:
Does God have a secret will of direction that He expects us to figure out before we do anything? And the answer is no. Yes, God has a specific plan for our lives. And yes, we can be assured that He works things for our good in Christ Jesus. And yes, looking back we will often be able to trace God’s hand in bringing us where we are. But while we are free to ask God for wisdom, He does not burden us with the task of divining His will of direction for our lives ahead of time.

The second half of that last sentence is crucial. God does have a specific plan for our lives, but it is not one that He expects us to figure out before we make a decision. I’m not saying God won’t help you make decisions (it’s called wisdom, and we’ll talk about it in chapter 8). I’m not saying God doesn’t care about your future. I’m not saying God isn’t directing your path and in control amidst the chaos of your life. I believe in providence with all my heart. What I am saying is that we should stop thinking of God’s will like a corn maze, or a tight rope, or a bull’s eye, or a choose-your-own adventure novel. [...]

God is not a Magic 8-Ball we shake up and peer into whenever we have a decision to make. He is a good God who gives us brains, shows us the way of obedience, and invites us to take risks for Him. We know God has a plan for our lives. That’s wonderful. The problem is we think He’s going to tell us the wonderful plan before it unfolds. We feel like we can know —and need to know— what God wants every step of the way. But such preoccupation with finding God’s will, as well intended as the desire may be, is more folly than freedom. The better way is the biblical way: Seek first the kingdom of God, and then trust that He will take care of our needs, even before we know what they are and where we’re going.

All in all, well worth the read. Though who am I to tell you if it is God's will that you read this book or not...
Profile Image for Claudita Cordero.
38 reviews3 followers
October 7, 2021
Excelente libro.
Totalmente recomendado y de hecho necesariamente RECOMENDADO!
Aprendi que "Espiritualizar cada decisión", es la razón que nos estanca en avanzar a cambios importantes, pero necesarios para nuestra vida. La voluntad de Dios, ya se nos ha expuesto claramente en las Escrituras, y aunque no es tan precisa para indicar "usa este chaleco hoy" si es muy radical en expresar que somos llamadas a la piedad y el recato, por ejemplo. Por lo tanto, si andamos en los caminos del Señor con obediencia, podemos CONFIAR que ya hemos descubierto Su voluntad para nuestra vida y que Él la efectuará en nuestras decisiones racionales, porque nuestro raciocinio estará basado en Su Palabra ya revelada.
Profile Image for Laura.
186 reviews1 follower
May 10, 2009
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-likeness...in whatever circumstance you choose.

Love it. I'm getting a stack of these books to give as graduation gifts (with some cash as a bookmark, of course). This book fuels my hope that the collective conversation in Christian circles can someday move-on from the pervasive, non-scriptural, tiresome, hang-up of 'finding God's will for my life'.

I thoroughly enjoyed the 'pull-no-punches' (yet strangely optimistic) approach of the author, "So go marry someone, provided you're equally yoked and 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 righteouness, you will be in God's will, so just go out and do something" (pg 61).
Profile Image for Hannah Plemons.
91 reviews11 followers
January 20, 2024
brief and needed! i am encouraged in my continual submitting to God’s sovereignty and providence! you can’t do nothing, you have to do something!!!!
Profile Image for Allison Anderson Armstrong.
440 reviews13 followers
February 9, 2015
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 significance."

"We don't want His Word that He will be with us; we want Him to show us the end from e beginning and prove that He can be trusted."

"Worry is a spiritual issue and must be fought with faith."

"If you are seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, you will be in gods will, so just go out and do something."
Profile Image for Peter Jones.
576 reviews104 followers
March 20, 2012
An excellent tonic to the "wait for God to tell me what to do" Christian life. DeYoung is clear, biblical, and funny. I had some minor disagreements here and there. But the main point of the book is one that every Christian needs to hear. God is not going to give you specific direction for every facet of your life. He is not going to tell you exactly who to marry or what job to take or what store to shop at. He gives us directions on how to be more holy, but not on what to do on Friday night. DeYoung especially speaks to all the passive males in the Christian world who stand around waiting for something to happen to them. I would encourage every man under 50 to read the book and every pastor or elder. It will free you from the paralysis of indecision.
Profile Image for Olivia Bedenbaugh.
37 reviews5 followers
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February 24, 2024
After sitting with this one for a bit I don’t think I picked up any new information or any new ideas, but it was a nice quick read to help me catch up on my goal lol. However, Deyoung made a point that really stuck with me. He argues that most of the time when we ask for God to make His will known to us in regards of our big life decisions we are asking to escape suffering. Sometimes our decisions lead us to do hard things, but that doesn’t make it a bad decision. But some decisions are just bad like my choice to get highlights in high school, I deserved that suffering.
Profile Image for sincerely.
707 reviews44 followers
June 9, 2023
I really enjoyed this one. Having been raised in churches where there is a lot of confusion about God's will and how to find it, not step outside it, etc - wow do I wish I would have had this book 20 years ago. The author is pretty blunt but tbh it's necessary, so go for it 👏
Profile Image for Lydia.
101 reviews9 followers
November 20, 2023
One of the best Christian books I have ever read. It felt like Kevin DeYoung was exposing all the bad theology I’ve (unknowingly) consumed over the years - about decision-making and guidance. It’s scary what we’re taught about making decisions that simply isn’t God’s way. He’s right, this book does feel ‘liberating’ and I will be recommending this to everyone I know!
Profile Image for Haley Annabelle.
300 reviews111 followers
August 27, 2021
Second time reading it and I love it just as much as the first! if you have not read this go buy it right now. And if you have read it, you should probably read it again.
Kevin Deyoung writes in a very matter of fact way- meant to wake up the young people who are sitting around waiting for God to send them a sign to get on with their life.
There is such a treasure trove of quotes in here (look back through my updates to see my favorites). Chapter 9 is probably my favorite chapter of any book I've ever read. It's short, profound, and incredibly applicable. Again, if you have never read this I highly recommend it.

"So the end of the matter is this: Live for God. Obey the Scriptures. Think of others before yourself. Be holy. Love Jesus. And as you do these things, do whatever else you like, with whomever you like, and you'll be walking in the will of God."
Profile Image for Zulma Gomez.
22 reviews7 followers
May 23, 2020
Conocer la voluntad de Dios para nuestra vida es más simple y menos complicado de lo que imaginamos. En estas páginas el Pastor Kevin DeYoung nos presenta de manera sencilla, entretenida y bíblica los pasos a seguir en nuestra búsqueda. Si buscas agradar a Dios y vivir en su voluntad cada día de tu vida; en cada decisión que debas tomar ya sea laboral , relacional, familiar o personal éste libro es para ti. La voluntad de Dios siempre es agradable y es perfecta; y hallarla, es más simple de lo que parece.
Profile Image for Kofi Opoku.
218 reviews15 followers
February 4, 2018
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.
Profile Image for Kris.
1,416 reviews203 followers
August 8, 2018
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...
Profile Image for Mary Grace.
38 reviews1 follower
July 16, 2023
Everyone needs to read this book! Instead of trying to find the “hidden will” that God has for our lives, maybe we should learn to walk in the way of wisdom instead.

“…if you are working for the glory of God, you are doing the Lord’s work”
Profile Image for Thomas Black.
33 reviews
March 3, 2024
Highly recommend, very short and very simple - how to make decisions without dreams, visions, fleeces, impressions, open doors, random bible verses, casting lots, liver shivers, writing in the sky etc.

What should I do with my life? What is God's will for my life? Most of us are asking ourselves these two questions. This was particularly helpful in teaching about God's "will of decree" (Sovereignty) and "will of desire" (Christlikeness). And how God gives us wisdom found in the bible, counsel, and prayer to navigate how live in a Christlike in the myriad of choices we face. After that, 'just do something'.

Only things that I didn't like were the moments where Kevin came across a bit 'high and mighty' speaking about people of 'our generation' not 'taking responsibility'.
Besides that, definitely 4/5 stars.

"Worrying over the future is not how God wants us to live, because showing us the future is not God's way… so we can stop pleading with God to show us the future, and start living and obeying like we are confident that He holds the future"

"God promises to work all things together for our good that we might be conformed to the image of His Son... God never assures us of health, success or ease. But He promises us something even better: He promises to make us loving, pure and humble like Christ… If you are seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness, you will be in God's will, so just go out and do something."

"[Instead] God wants us to sit at His feet and read His Word so that we can live a life in the image of His Son… if God figured everything out for us, we wouldn't need to focus on Him and learn to delight in His glory"

"Wisdom is what we need to live a godly life. God doesn't not tell us the future, nor does He expect us to figure it out… God doesn't expect us to grope in the dark for some hidden 'will of direction'. He expects us to trust Him and be wise."
Profile Image for Imani.
115 reviews
July 26, 2022
This is one of my favorite books I've read. I need to be told things very bluntly and Kevin is pretty blunt. I liked that he demystified decision making in a way that (for now) is super relevant to my generation. I take one star because he was a little too blunt for most people. I returned the star after talking with some friends about his harsher points, they're done in wise context
Profile Image for AK McDaniel.
16 reviews3 followers
November 20, 2022
Had this on my shelf forever & just now finished. 10/10 if I could get every senior in college to read this I would!!!
Profile Image for James Bunyan.
214 reviews12 followers
June 24, 2023
2023- I now don’t know if I’m less sensitive or just older and wiser but I actually think this is a five star book now. Very liberating and full of humility and practical wisdom. Apologies for earlier review, which is found below.

2018- Not sure I agree with my own review now, 5 years on! Not sure it is too insensitive, just very direct!

2013- Although the brilliant way DeYoung unpacks his theology probably warrants 5 stars, the ridiculously insensitive and sarcastic way that he does it means that I simply couldn't give it away to most of my Charismatic buddies without spending ages apologising for it first. It must be an American thing because it just seemed so unnecessary to me. Such a shame; massive potential, fails to deliver just because of the confrontational language addressing those it was meant to help.
If you can cope with that though, definitely worth a read.
Profile Image for Rick Davis.
841 reviews116 followers
June 4, 2020
This is a great book. I would recommend it to anyone, especially teens and young adults, who are preoccupied with finding God's will for their lives. In the last chapter he kept overly qualifying his advice, but that's only a minor quibble.
Profile Image for CL.
103 reviews1 follower
January 7, 2016
This book is just ... ugh. Makes an excellent point using terrible, sweeping, faulty, and/or sexist arguments.

The title drew me in because I agree that there exists a subculture of waiting and seeking God's plan for our lives that's shrouded in fear-rooted procrastination. Fear of missing out, or wasting time. That's wholly understandable. His overall argument is pertinent, and important: God isn't going to tell you what to eat for breakfast. Read the Bible, trust God, and try to live accordingly, and God will sort the rest out. That's it. I agree with that.

But...

The author's entire point could be summed up in this one passage:

"We know God has a plan for our lives . . . We feel like we can know -- and need to know -- what God wants every step of the way . . . The better way is the biblical way: Seek first the kingdom of God, and then trust that He will take care of our needs, even before we know what they are and where we're going."

In all honesty, I think he could've published a blog and said just that, and that would've been all that was required. Instead, I found the book to be shortsighted, narrow-minded, judgemental, and annoyingly sexist.

Other reviews have hit most of the examples of the above, but there's a few I couldn't let slide by without commenting on. He starts off berating his generational peers (thirty-somethings, as he was born in 1977) for being lazy slackers who "tinker" their way through life. I get what he's saying, that perhaps those of us in this generation were afforded more opportunity, and therefore, we have had the liberty (yes, liberty) of taking our time in making decisions that the author's grandparents (who are the book's inspiration) were expected to make at a younger age.

But the world has changed since his grandparents' days and I don't think that's an excuse for "being lazy" or being "sinful." Things progress; culture and opportunities change. That doesn't mean God's not being honoured. God *knows* how the world is progressing, and will progress. It's no surprise, but it doesn't mean we're all spiralling into hell because we're taking our time.

It's all well and good the author's grandparents chose their spouses quickly and at a young age. According to him, however, it seems like I should've married unhappily at 19 rather than happily at 34. Hmm. No thanks. If that makes me lazy, I'll take it.

Don't get me wrong. I believe the author's heart is in the right place, and being idle is NOT God's will for us. I agree with that, and that we can think ourselves into corners, and it is something of a modern phenomenon. He's right: we have so many choices these days and that can make those of us who are prone to fear of time wasted or poor choices take longer than we should to make decisions. But who decides how long is "too long"? And is choice bad? These are huge questions this small book can't begin to touch on (nor would I want it to!!) I disagree that choice is bad, that grocery stores with 18 kinds of bottled water and 56 varieties of cereal are ruining us (I moved to the UK from the USA in 2007, and I personally miss the choice of groceries LIKE CRAZY. You live over here for 6 months and tell me you aren't missing some options).

In the first chapter he says, "It's stunning for me to think that less than a third of men my age are done with school, out of the house, married with kids, and have a job that pays the bills. 'Adultolescence' is the new normal."

Well, aren't you lucky!

Then he goes on to say, "Now, I know there are lots of good reasons why someone may still be in school past thirty..." How... good of you.

"Concerning marriage, maybe you have the gift of celibacy."

Wait. WHAT? So if someone's not married with kids and a mortgage by 30, they're either lazy or have the "gift of celibacy"? So because I didn't marry any of the ass-clowns that came my way before the age of 30 and waited until I met someone I clicked with who had morals and honour, I somehow was slacking and possibly needed to stay single so I could enjoy my "gift of celibacy"? So my friends who aren't yet married must have that gift because they've been choosy, or they've not met someone non-ass-clown-like they want to spend the rest of their life with?

The thing that perhaps tipped me over the edge is really rather petty, but it told me all I needed to know about this author. Page 23, he talks about Choose-Your-Own-Adventure books, and calls them, "Fun books for little boys."

WTF. Which, btw, is exactly what I scribbled in the margin of the page.

I'm a 37-year-old woman. I read those books with zeal when I was a kid, and STILL own them, and still flip through them for nostalgia sake. We are in the year 2016. Where does he get off calling them FUN BOOKS FOR LITTLE BOYS?

Another thing that leapt out at me was this:

"After all, my peers and I were among the first ones to experience grade inflation, where we got A's for excavating our feelings and 'doing our best' at calculus. We were among the first to be programmed for self-esteem, as we learned that having a pulse made us wonderfully special."

As I said, he's 38. He's a year older than I am (shudder). I don't know where he grew up and went to school but this was not MY experience, growing up in Western NY state. I've heard this is how kids are largely treated today in the USA, and I see the results in some of the children running around shopping malls, grocery stores, and acting out as though they're the princes and princesses of the universe, because that's what their parents and teachers are telling them. But not all children are like that. And when I went to school, I was made to feel anything BUT. I NEVER got A's "just for trying". I was told I didn't know how to do math and made fun of by the *teacher* when I couldn't do a problem on the board in front of the entire class, circa 1984. That most definitely did not set me up for a life of feeling "wonderfully special" simply because I was alive. Maybe he grew up in a pampered bubble, but I sure as hell didn't.

He tells us we need to take "a dose of Depression-era necessity--take the secure job and get on with it!"

Alright, I understand that he's saying don't waste your life wondering, just take action. I agree with that. But that should *not* equate to, "take any old job you'll hate so you can hate your life and die hating everything and wishing you'd done what you wanted to rather than what was expected of you."

And then, finally, this is the kicker.

"I'm sure that some people serve the Lord well as they buzz around the world for six months at a time. And I'm sure some young folks are making a difference for Christ as they float from job to job and place to place., But I'm equally certain that many of these same individuals are actually making self-centered decisions in the name of experience, cultural diversity, and sometimes, I hate to say it, under the guise of short-term ministry."

Can't you just *hear* the sarcasm?

This to me smacks highly of bitterness and sour grapes. It makes this entire book feel like an exercise to make him feel better about his choices. Did he want to travel as a twenty-something, or as a thirty-something, but couldn't because of his choices? The "I'm sure..." is nearly impossible for me to read without imagining a tone dripping with sarcasm.

I did not like this book at all, despite some of the points that I think he nailed well -- but as I said, he could've nailed them to a blog post and left it at that. Some of his theology seems well off, but I wouldn't be the person to verify that. Pray, read the Bible, grow in your faith from day to day, and God will guide you. To me, anything further splits off into conjecture. I would not recommend this, unless I wanted someone to get fired up.

The best thing this book did was make me realise that when I wonder about whether to make a move on something, whether I'm on the right path, all I need to do is turn to the Bible, and have faith that God will guide me if I try to follow His Word. Thank you, Mr. DeYoung, for making me realise that. The more you tried to tell me our generation are lazy slackers, the more I realised that, actually, time has picked up and moved on, and I've had the BLESSING of being able to find a path I could be happy on in life. And if I stay in the Word and trust God every day, that's all I need. God'll sort the rest out.
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