Confessions of a Book Addict: God is Able (Giveaway)
In case you forgot, I love to read. Stacks of books seem to pile up all over the house — most of them half read. Other women buy shoes; I buy books.
I am happy to report that I finally managed to finish reading one book from cover to cover this year, so today, I am sharing my insights on this great read.
Photo Credit: Going Beyond Ministries
God is Able by Priscilla Shirer unpacks the beautiful promise of Ephesians 3:20-21 phrase by phrase. Each chapter delves deeply into the nuances of Paul’s words written while in prison and under inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Shirer challenges her readers to place their hope and focus firmly on the One for whom nothing is impossible.
Here are some “take away” truths that captured my attention:
God allows us to go through seemingly impossible situations to draw us into greater intimacy with Him: “As soon as you connect your current circumstances to your God, He raises a banner of hope in your heart and mind. As soon as you believe He can do this–that He is able–something called abundant life actually shows up, right in the middle of the dreariness” (p. 36).
In difficult times, I must believe that God is good and trust in His sovereign hand: “Just because you can’t see it or feel it or tell your friends about it right now means only one thing: not that He’s unable, but that His sovereign love is acting right this moment out of sight and without your knowledge” (p. 65).
My God cares about the nitty gritty of my life: “Nothing escapes His attention” (p. 104). “The same God who is saving you from hell is also willing and able to save what’s left of your nerves and your workweek” (p. 107).
I should rejoice that my life is a display case for His glory: “…everything He restores, rekindles, and resurrects in our lives is specifically designed to exhibit His power, to bring Him glory” (p. 141). “Relax in the hope infused into you by God’s power, no matter what your today or tomorrow looks like” (p. 157).
I loved this book. We are in a valley season right now at my house, and looking at the details of this powerhouse promise truly encouraged my spirit. Priscilla melded personal examples and sound doctrine together to weave an encouraging message for the Body of Christ. Here is a little video inspiration from Priscilla’s Going Beyond Ministries to whet your appetite a bit:
#GodisAble from Going Beyond on Vimeo.
I would love to hear about what you are reading. Feel free to share in the comment section below and then click on the Rafflecopter to be entered in a Giveaway of Priscilla’s book.
Just make sure to enter on or before April 21st to participate.
I am sharing “God is Able” and joining like-minded sisters at Three-Word Wednesday, Words of Life Wednesdays, Tell His Story, A Little R and R, Testimony Tuesday, Soli Deo Gloria, Rich-Faith Rising, Sharing His Beauty, Playdates with God, and Hear it on Sunday: Use it on Monday.
I am in between reading right now, focusing on reading with my boys. So grateful that He continues to lead you to share your heart sweet sister!
Love it that you are being intentional about reading with your boys!
I love Priscilla Shirer! She always has such great insights! Thanks for sharing about her new book.
I am a big fan of Priscilla’s — love her heart for Him! 🙂
I’ve been wanting to read this book but just haven’t gotten around to it. Currently, I’m reading Jeff Goins’ In Between. Really inspiring as he talks about taking note of the small things and showing gratitude for them.
That sounds like a good read, Sherrey.
I am reading Praying for Boys by Brooke McGlothlin. It is really wonderful. I also recommend Shauna Niequist’ s Bread and Wine as well as Things Your Mother Never Told You by Kim Gaines Eckert. Great reads! As far as fiction, I love Laura Frantz’ s books.
I read Bread and Wine last year, and quickly bought one of Shauna’s older books to start reading. Love her!
Great review, Lyli! I’ve heard Priscilla teach on this same passage and it is awesome. I hadn’t heard of the book though so I’ll have to put that on my ever-growing list of thing to read. Thanks for linking up to Testimony Tuesday friend!
I’d love to hear her speak live. She and her brother were here in town a couple of weeks ago at a local church, but I couldn’t swing it.
I am currently reading “rhinestone jesus” by Kristen Welch & “A Promise in Pieces” by Emily Wierenga. Both wonderful so far. I haven’t read “God is Able” but I love Priscilla’s writing & just finished the Gideon study. On my “to read” list for sure!
What books am I reading? I’m reading…’The Maker’s Diet’ and ‘Becoming the Woman God Wants Me to Be’. I have my pre-order in for the book – Love, Skip, Jump: Start Living the Adventure of Yes, looking forward to reading it. Actually I have this book sitting in my Amazon wish list (hoping I win) now!
I haven’t read any of those, Martha. Taking notes…
I’ve been reading, reading, reading! Love Idol, Spiritual Misfit, and A Promise in Pieces!
I really, really, really want to buy Love Idol and Spiritual Misfit (love both those ladies), but I made a promise to not buy any more until I read what I have in the “to be read” stack.
God is Able has been on my must read list since the beginning of the year. I’m reading Restless by Jennie Allen right now, and my small group is doing the Nehemiah study by Kelly Minter. Would love to sink my teeth into God is Able!
I love Kelly Minter. I really enjoyed that Nehemiah study.
Hi Lyli! Fellow book addict here! And none of that virtual books either 🙁 I never finish those! Out of sight, out if mind.
I just finished Jennie Allen’s Restless. Amazing! I am reading Erwin McManus The Artisan’s Soul–amazing!!
Priscilla’s book sounds soooo good, thank you for sharing your personal highlights. And for the giveaway. xoxo
I bought Restless — that’s on my hit list. I loved Jennie’s book Anything (read that last year.)
I feel almost silly saying this, but I just finished the Restless study (with video, study guide and whatnot) by Jennie Allen. It was incredible. So incredible, I grabbed the book on Kindle. I had never read anything by her before. It definitely will not stop there. And for fiction I just finished Scent of Lilacs by Ann H Gabhart.
Thanks for sharing this book.
I love Jennie Allen, Kelly. I have Restless in the big pile of books “to be read” on my desk.
Oh Lyli, I got a big smile on my face when I saw your post title. I am in love with books. Real, hold in your hand books. Once they are read, I find it hard to give them up. I have shelves and shelves I collect. I don’t even like to loan them out. Maybe a little obsessive perhaps…hmmm. Happy Easter.
#KIndredSpirit! 🙂
I love to read, too Lyli. On the stack right now: Reliving the Passion, Give them Grace, Kisses From Katie and Days of Terror—the last two are current read-alouds to my children, and Studies in the Sermon on the Mount, plus other devotional reading.
I haven’t read Kisses from Katie, but have heard so much about it.
I’m reading Restless and Kingdom Woman! So good!
I’d like to read Kingdom Woman. Sounds like a great book!
I’m in the middle of Surprised by Motherhood by Lisa-Jo Baker. So very good!!
Lisa-Jo is awesome!
Ephesians is one of my favorite books so I think I will need to check this book out. Thanks for sharing your take-away’s, Lyli.
It’s an easy read, but packs a good punch.
Hi Lyli,
Thanks for sharing Priscilla’s book; it sounds like a great read and I’m glad her words encouraged you….praying today that God continues to encourage you as you walk through this valley that He is with you and He is able…Thanks 🙂
thank you, Dolly 🙂
I read half of God is Able and had to return it to the library. I really enjoyed and was encouraged by what I read.
I just started Melanie Shankle’s Sparkly Green Earrings, but I’m thinking it will also need to be returned before I finish it. Do you see my pattern? lol
I really want to read Melanie’s new book about marriage. She has such an amazing humor and voice as a writer. Love her!