God has blessed me with the opportunity to publish another book this year. The title is Knowing God’s Will: Discovering His Plan For Your Life.
I’ve written this book for the everyday reader. I’ve kept things simple and I explain theological terms instead of assuming the reader already knows them. The first chapter is a simple gospel presentation, so you could even give it to someone who is seeking but does not yet know the Lord. Having said all this, I also believe this book will encourage believers who have been walking with the Lord for decades. In other words, I think this book would benefit anyone who wants a deeper understanding of how to know God’s will for your life.
This book came together quickly in once sense–I wasn’t really planning on publishing again this year. But the book is partly based on some messages and blog posts I wrote nearly 20 years ago while living in Manila. I even ran across a 2013 email in which I mentioned turning these ideas into a book. I’ve expanded what I wrote back then a great deal, of course. I’ve also included some of the devotions from this blog that are related to the topic.
I’d like to thank Erwin Cabalang for the cover design, Mary Fortner for her proofreading/editing, and PublishingServices.com for the formatting.
Here’s a preview:
Introduction
How can I know God’s will for my life?
I’ve heard this question multiple times in my life and ministry. Sometimes it’s very general. Sometimes it’s a more specific inquiry, like, “How do I know if he/she is the one I’m supposed to marry?” or “How do I know if this new job offer is God’s will for me?”
I have wrestled with these kinds of questions myself in my fifty-plus years here on Earth.
Many sincere believers ask this question with great anxiety instead of great joy and anticipation. This is unfortunate, because I am convinced that God is eager to reveal Himself and His will to His children. I am also convinced His plan will bring glory to Himself and great joy to you, His child.
God has a plan that will bring Him great glory and you great joy.
I preached and wrote on the topic of discerning God’s will about twenty years ago when I was a missionary in the Philippines. The series and blog posts were well-received at the time, and I hope I helped my young audience in their pursuit of God’s will. I’ve now had more time to think about this topic and to learn more life lessons.
Knowing God’s will is a topic of supreme importance, so I’m not the first person to write about it. As a matter of fact, I’m currently reading JI Packer’s Knowing and Doing the Will of God as my daily devotional. It has blessed me greatly. I’m sure other pastors and authors have made similar points to what you will be reading in my book. This book is simply my thoughts, illustrations and reflections on the timeless truths and principles of Scripture. I hope I have expressed these concepts in a way that is simple, concise, and widely accessible (even to those who may not know much about God or the Bible). This is one reason I have chosen to use the New Living Translation for Scripture quotations: it is a very understandable translation. Feel free to look up the passages in your preferred translation.
I have no idea how widely this work will be read. If nothing else, I hope my dear son Clark might find it helpful someday on his journey.
There’s one more thought I’d like to add before you go further:
Many of the personal stories I share have to do with my life as a missionary and pastor. You may be tempted to think my experiences do not relate well to those with more “ordinary” jobs/lives. But I am convinced what I share here applies to every believer. It doesn’t matter if you are a businessman, plumber, or homemaker: God has a plan for your life. There are no second-class citizens in the Kingdom of God!
About this book:
This book consists of four sections. The first includes some truths that are foundational to knowing God and His will. The second section is based on six crucial questions for discerning God’s will. The third section, entitled “The Journey,” includes biblical advice for different life issues. The fourth and final section consists of devotionals that are related to this topic (these first appeared on my blog, and I have edited them for the book).
May God bless you in the divine adventure of pursuing Him and His will for your life!
-KS
Here’s how you can support me:
Please consider ordering it and leaving a review on Amazon and/or Goodreads.
I’d also greatly appreciate you sharing this blog post (or the direct Amazon link) on your social media accounts. You are my marketing, so I greatly appreciate any help in getting the word out.
Radio show hosts, Podcasters, and social media influencers: I’m open to doing interviews about the book as my schedule allows. Just contact me if you’re interested.
Here’s an interview I had an opportunity to do at KELP Radio here in EL Paso:
To God be the Glory!
