When God Says "Go"

When God Says "Go" by Elizabeth Laing Thompson is a wonderfully inspirational book that encourages readers to grow in their faith, to grow in their relationship with a God who gives us what we need, when we need it. With wit and humor, the author has crafted an easy to read book that is infused with truths from God's Word.  Using ten individuals from the Bible, the author tells their story in a conversational manner to convey a different concept from each one. From Moses we are reminded that God is always calling--how will we answer His call. From Mary Magdelene readers are encouraged to not let a shameful past destroy our present joy. From Peter we learn that there is a time to go all in when Jesus says, 'come' and that even though we might fail cataclysmically, God still has a plan and we can trust Him to fulfill it. At the end of each chapter is Let's Go Deeper section with suggestions for Further Study, Journal and Prayer Prompts. I liked this book as it is a wonderful reminder that as God has called me to surrender to His will, He is with me always, and He is the answer. The pressure is off of me to perform because whatever the situation is, it is about Him and He is able. When God Says "Go" is an insightful devotional for personal use or for gift-giving.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

"God's call isn't about our age, our experience, our qualifications, our giftedness, our skill set, our appearances, our intelligence, our connections....". This is the common clarion call that Christians get throughout their lives to participate in various forms of ministry. However, their main challenge is reconciling one's heart, mind and actions. Elizabeth L. Thompson understands these inner struggles and attempts to help her readers take down the various inner barriers that prevent them from "making the jump".

Elizabeth injects her own creativity to bring to life several characters and the possible ways that they might have reacted when they got their own direct and indirect calls to fulfil their missions despite their perceived inadequacies. Readers will immediately imagine Moses at the burning bush or Mary having the talk with Joseph about her extraordinary pregnancy.

She does not give the wrong impressions that readers should take up all the opportunities that come their way. This might involve looking for ministry opportunities in  one's backyard: 

"Right now God may not be calling you to move to a new city or seek a new job or assume a new role. God always wants us to move forward but that forward motion often happens fight where we are, in the life we already have, among people we already know. Sometimes God tells us to go and stay: Stay home, Go back to an old place with a new attitude. Show His grace to our family. Share His love with our neighbours. Go deep. Love hard. Grow strong. Serving God isn't always loud and dramatic and full of transition, most of the time it's quiet. It's humble. It's simple. And it's hard work."

At the end of every chapter, she provides questions and resources for readers to reflect, meditate and journal as they reflect on various decisions that may be weighing on their minds. When God says "Go" will be a good book to use a chapter per day devotional because there is much to ruminate on.

Both encouraging but convicting this book is full of wisdom. The author clearly presents her points and backs everything with scripture and experience. These are the things that make books great and she does them so well. She has a clear writing style that makes it easy for the reader to understand and follow. She doesn’t make the reader feel trapped or bored. Love her inclusion of personal narrative. Overall great applicable book. 
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I was in no way required to write a review

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was easy to read. The author is inspiring and challenging as she shares the stories of people in the Bible that were used by God yet they had their own struggles with going also. When God tells us to go we have to remember that he never said we have to go alone. As she shares these stories she reminds us that we need to lay down the fears that are standing if the way of walking out our calling. So many of us think we are so unworthy to walk out something God has called us to do and the author does a great job at helping you see the truth and lay down the lies that the enemy has placed on you that keep you bound. At the end of each chapter she has a section that is called "Let's Go Deeper" which is very good and makes us think through thoughts or feelings that are keeping us down and then she ends with a prayer. The author also provides practical advice that will help you as you decide to follow "When God Says GO" I highly recommend this book to anyone who is struggling in this area. I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.

We have all been there. Stuck in a rut and just overwhelmed. This book helps us learn firstly that we are not alone and that Christ is on our side. This book is like a coaching session in print. It offers everyday examples, humor and permission to "feel your feelings" 

God gives us free will. Will you stay where you are and suffer, will you stay and be content (yes) or will you be open to the voice of God and go running where/when he tells you to do so (double yes!)

Using 10 examples of various men and women from the bible, along with plenty of scripture reference and a little imagination, When God says "Go" is an inspiring read that will encourage you to trust God when he prompts you to move in a direction you might not be sure of.  Including prayers as well as Journal Prompts, the author guides you to take a leap into the unknown and to be able to trust that God is directing and guiding your path.  Thank you to Net Galley for the read.