JDCMustReadBooks

By Lisa Whittle

ISBN: 9780736959209

Publication Date:  Oct 14, 2014

Publisher: Harvest House Publishers

Format:  Hardcover

Pages: 176

My Rating:  5 Stars 

I WANT GOD, The Thrill of an Untamed Faith, (Stirring Your Soul Revival Within) by Lisa Whittle is a “must read”, for women of all ages “wanting” (not needing) to know God on a more personal and exciting level. Because deep down, we are all selfish, making time for things we are passionate about. And even the things we know we need, we do not always get, because we do not really WANT them.

Like everything in our lives as far as exercise, taking care of our health, better communications with family, career, etc. – until the WANT matches the NEED, NOTHING will ever change. Needing without wanting is just really a good idea that never sees light. 

There are things we want more than God, that keep us from wanting Him most. Those are the things which consume us. We need to identify them, pray and get rid of them. I WANT GOD is an inspiring guide to help us along the way- identify those things which get in the way, for a radical change. I WANT GOD is not a book to read once; however, one to keep as reference and guide, for daily reinforcement --to keep us on track.

This was my first book by Lisa, and loved her fresh, honest, and real life-lessons’ approach. She has her flaws and fears, like all of us. I WANT GOD, is not about preaching or pushing religion down your throat. It is about being filled with joy, hope, purpose, and passion for GOD, with life changing steps, to help restore us to God--then He can begin his miraculous work within us.

It is realizing people who live all out for GOD are not superior or more special, they have experienced something good and kept going back for it. (Similar to turning vegan, or exercising, etc….and reaping the rewards). You can be quiet or loud about the success. 

Stepping out of okay into the MORE. God can use anyone. If we only knew how amazing a life with God tasted, we would stop fighting so hard to stay comfortable and safe. So how do we start this revival for God in the midst of comfort? We put ourselves in positions that constantly expose us to the transformative work of God. Then we will know better. And our tastes will eventually change. 

COMFORT hinders us from spiritual mobility. (Loved this section)! What comfort does to us: sabotages the things we really want---Future dreams, peace, fulfillment, spiritual mobility, joy. We become enslaved by its rules. We live for comfort----we make our immediate need for comfort the priority. If God is ever going to invade our insides, and do that powerful work we groan for, we are going to have to stop sabotaging it by insulating ourselves to the point where neither He, nor we can move. There are so many things out there to scream for our attention – we have to choose what is more important.

A great line up of things (comfort, logical and reason, popularity, blessing) which get in the way helping us to WANT GOD MOST. We all find ourselves at times in a place of LACK--starving, desperate, missing something, and in a constant non-satisfying state- spiritually dead and have no clue how to change. A need of something MORE. 

This short, yet powerful read is filled with call outs, anecdotes, references, insightful scripture, and at the end of each chapter helpful Questions for Reflection, and Take Your Own Inventory study guides. Ideal for study groups, or your own personal daily guide. RIGHT NOW is a great moment to start a new longing. Very much enjoyed this insightful and dynamic guidebook. Looking forward to following this author and reading more!

A special thank you to Harvest House Publishers and NetGalley for an ARC (pub. Oct 1, 2014), in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.