A special thank you to Howard Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Pastor and bestselling author, Dr. Charles F. Stanley delivers a powerful book of faith, hope, and perseverance, with Waiting on God: Strength for Today and Hope for Tomorrow.

As a former pastor of mine at First Baptist Church – Atlanta, GA for years, as well as his outreach ministry—In Touch, Dr. Stanley is highly respected and have always enjoyed his heart felt messages, strong leadership, and numerous Christian books over the years, as well as his strong faith and wise counsel.

In his latest book, WAITING ON GOD, Stanley dives into every believer’s continuous question of why God does not seem to hear prayers. When the “nevers” of life are discouraging, this is the book for you. Dr. Stanley reiterates to anyone facing problems and darkness, that hope, even though it is not always on our terms or time, He is listening with a bigger and better plan in mind.

There is meaning and hope in these times of waiting on Him to respond. He demonstrates through the pages of the book, that the only “never” you should focus on is that God will never let you down (Deut. 31:6,8). Our heavenly Father is working in the unseen on our behalf and we are not just waiting around for nothing.

No one likes delays. We lack control over our circumstances. None of us are alone, as we all face a common faith-building challenge of Christian life, and trusted pastor Dr. Stanley offers us guidance to endure victoriously. God has his own very specific schedule—vastly different than what we expect.

He reminds us through His message and scriptures, God has a purpose and plan and sometimes we need to wait and be patient in order to fulfill His ultimate plan. We need to learn to be directed by God's timing and wisdom not our own, as an important lesson to be learned as believers.

The message, The Lord has very special plans for us and the way He most often prepares us for them is through times of directed, purposeful, active, and courageous waiting. Of course, herein lies the most difficult task of all, to wait expectantly.

Dr. Stanley gives us timeless, biblical teaching and practical wisdom that will help you make the most of the delays and follow the Father’s lead to the blessings you long for. He offers encouragement by drawing on personal experience and biblical principles no matter where you may be on your spiritual journey.

What we can draw from all this is that waiting on the Lord signifies an expectant endurance that is demonstrated by a directed, purposeful, active, and courageous attitude of prayer. Claiming God’s promises by actively expressing faith in the delays, as the example he points out of working in the gym, this time of waiting is an opportunity to develop our spiritual muscles—faith, hope, and perseverance.

Perseverance is key for receiving the very best God has planned for us. Therefore we must endure—no matter what happens or how long it takes—staying on track when the view becomes dark, as we survive the wait with courage.

Turn the joy of waiting and reaping the rewards by humbling yourself before the Lord and focus on Him versus the desire, remain obedient to His will, and have faith that God will do as He promised and be courageous.

•Accept God’s Direction
•Value God’s Timing
•Prepare for His Blessings
•To Strengthen our Faith
•To Sift our Motives and Desires

How do we seek His guidance?
•By Reading God’s word
•Through Prayer
•Through Godly Counsel
•Through Circumstances

WAITING ON GOD is an inspiring book of faith hope for all ages, offering prayers, scripture, easy to follow steps and guidance, combined with steps and Points for Active Waiting. ( )

√ Change Focus from Gift to the GIVER

WAITING ON GOD answers the question, "Why God doesn't seem to answer my prayers?" Charles Stanley admits that it is a challenge to wait on God. "It's the ability to keep hoping when the numbers of life bombard us." First of all, keep your focus steady: "There is absolutely nothing more important than keeping your focus on God rather than dwelling on your circumstances."

This book offers hope for the believer facing dark times. Dr Stanley reminds the reader that "The father has an awesome plan for you--purposes that are fantastic, perfectly suited for you--and that will give ultimate meaning to your life."

He gives a touching example of his granddad, whose plans seemed to be amiss. Grandad kept praying, "Lord, you called me to preach and know how much money I need for a tent. This is the best I can do, but I know you can help me. Father, please show me what to do." Later, the granddad would receive an a surprising gift of 300 one-dollar bills exactly what he needed for his ministry.

♦ Dr Stanley points out that we sometimes have to wait. "Waiting is sometimes necessary for you and me as well. Learning to be directed by God's timing and wisdom not our agenda is one of the most important lessons we ever learn as believers."

♦ Dr Stanley points out that one of the most frequent questions he receives is, "How do I know what the Lord wants me to do with my life?" He lists 4 ways:

(1) The Bible is the first way: "The main way he reveals His purposes for you is always through scripture."
(2) Secondly we have to seek the Lord's will through prayer.
(3) Thirdly God uses circumstances to help us discern is well.
(4) Fourthly God expects us to seek godly counsel.

To help confirm God's will, the author suggests a 7 step process. For example, is it consistent with the Scriptures; and, is this a wise decision?

♦ This book includes a wonderful story about the great philanthropist J.C. Penney and how we came to trust in God after a terrible financial set-back (stock market crash and the Great Depression.) J.C. Penney became a born again believer listening to the classic hymn, "God will take care of you."

√ WAITING ON GOD is an uplifting book--it's one that gives hope, thoroughly grounded in the Bible. This is also a practical book. For example, at the end of each chapter are some activities called points for active waiting.

For another excellent book by Dr Stanley, my favorite is, "Success, God's Way."

♫ A Review by Chris Lawson

Note: Review copy courtesy of Edelweiss. I do not know the author of this book, and no one requested I write this review.
( )