The Will of God as a Way of Life: How to Make Every Decision with Peace and Confidence

Jerry Sittser has a remarkable gift for taking complex theology and applying it to everyday life. Many people are good at telling you how to live a Christian life, but their theology may be weak. Sittser is a theologian, and he supports his points with numerous scripture references. In his book, The Will of God as a Way of Life: How to Make Every Decision with Peace and Confidence, the only thing not to like is the title. The subtitle makes it sound like a self-help book. While you will walk away with a new insight, this is no simple, "follow these three steps to better decisions" book.Instead, Sittser dives head on into the theological issues surrounding the will of God. God's sovereignty, our free will, calling, and the role of suffering in our lives, all get ample attention.But what grabs me the most is his opening conversation about God's will for our life. What do we mean we say "it is God's will?" And how about following God's will. What if we make the wrong decision and head down a different path? Sittser explores these questions, and provides an answer."As I struggled with the issue of discovering God's will, I came to a startling conclusion. The will of God concerns the present more than the future; it deals with our motives as well as our actions; it focuses on the little decisions we make every day even more than the big decision we make about the future. The only time we really have both to know and to do God's will is the present moment. We are to love God with heart, soul, mind, and strength, and we are to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. These are the basic responsibilities Jesus challenges us to pay attention to."In other words, that job we are deciding on, that relationship we are struggling with, that question about our direction in life, are missing the point. Following God's will is reflected in how we live now, not in what the future holds for us. "We can, in good conscience, choose from among any number of reasonable alternatives and continue to do the will of God."And just as how this no simple self-help book, Sittser encourages us to seek God's direction in scripture, but not as as how-to book. "The Bible does not tell us what to do in every situation. It establishes guidelines and principles, not a long list of rules. It sets the overall direction."I should also note his strong work in the area of suffering and God's will. I reviewed his book, A Grace Revealed, which explores this topic in depth. He also deals with it in A Grace Disguised. Sittser's entire family was in the car when it was hit by a drunk driver, and he lost his mother, his wife, and a daughter, in an instant. He understands suffering.He sees God's story in our lives as a story of redemption. Like reading a novel, the author knows the plot, but the characters are learning as they go. But here, the characters know the ending, and it is a good ending. "Sinfulness and tragedies and suffering and everything else never have the final word. God has the final word. The cross is irrefutable proof that God's hidden will, mysterious and unfathomable at times, is real and redemptive."Sittser never dismisses suffering, but he recognizes our limited viewpoint. It is a humble viewpoint, and thus better focused on living God's will in the present, confident in the future.

I have read a Grace Disguised a number of times and decided to read some of Jerry Sittser’s other work. It has been an incredible encouragement to me. A Grace Disguised saved my faith when I was dealing with two of my children having a terminal illness. I read it again when my mom died and again after a second trimester miscarriage. This book is every bit as deep and impactful. He writes in a way that is easy to read but also deep and meaningful, tackling major issues of the faith with balance and scholarship. This is a must read.

As the author did an eloquent job counseling through this book on how to determine the will of God. There was little biblical reference. There were references to biblical allegories but not consistent direct scripture. Very well written though.

The author gives many examples of how we can do God's will in everyday living. He explains how to seek God, how to follow Him, and how to trust and be obedient to the Father. An added plus are several chapters regarding career vs. calling. As my son is newly married and working two part-time jobs, he can benefit greatly from reading this book. The book affirms my feeling that God has special ways each of us can serve Him whatever our circumstances. Though what I do may seem very insignificant to me, God can use it for His glory. I think you would benefit greatly from reading this book.

I wish I would have have read this book fifteen years ago. Easy read and a well constructed, practical way of viewing God's will for our life and the human race. Wish a few parts would have referenced biblical stories more often rather than other Christian authors, but I found everything added to creating a healthier view of God's will for His creation.

I have been over thinking and somewhat confused about decisions affecting my future, short term and long term. This is a very biblical approach, first of all, and very well written. My thought processes have really come into much better focus and I have much more peace from the careful reading and application of this book.

This was a really enjoyable book to read. Jerry makes the difficulties of life seem doable with God. I love how he weaves in so many books and cultural references. He is a good story teller and seems authentic.

Terrific and easy read. Shifted my perspective from one of popular culture to a God perspective.

A level and practical approach to knowing God and that his will for our lives requires complete dependency on Jesus.He knows.what is best for us,we just have to obey and trust him.Our present suffering draws us closer to him,realising that we cannot make decisions or know his will without trusting or having faith in him! We can be so busy with so many callings but simplicity,balance and flexibility are important elements to remember :-)

well written and a clear guide for anyone who has ever asked the question: "What IS God's will for my life?" Good to re-refer to it from time to time as a reminder...........stop searching and simply LIVE in His will every day!

This book is a page turner. I couldn't put it down. It successfully unravels the mystery of God's will. I will read it again.

using this book as a study guide with a friend. Finding it very challenging and helpful. Well worth the purchase.

Brilliant book which encourages you to look at your motivation for what you do, every decision you make on a daily basis.