Priscilla Shirer's God is Able ~ Reviewed

God Is Able [Paperback]
By Priscilla Shirer (Author)
Pages 157
Release Date Jul 1, 2013
Publisher Broadman And Holman
ISBN 1433681919

Description

Got an "IMPOSSIBLE "situation? The anxiety it brings can wake you in the middle of a needed night's sleep and then stalk you in the middle of broad daylight. It can sneak up on you and cast a cloak of fear and concern over your shoulders that you can't seem to shake no matter how hard you try. It can take you down. Squash all hope. Stop you in your tracks. 

"IMPOSSIBLE. IMPENETRABLE. UNCHANGEABLE. "Maybe so . . . until God gets involved. No matter the details of your circumstance, His raw power potential and immeasurable ability refuse to cower in the face of any challenge. Nothing is impossible with God. "Nothing." Not even "that "thing. This is the uplifting, well-reasoned answer from "New York Times" best-selling author Priscilla Shirer--not a denial of life's adversities and troubles, but a biblical reminder that God is always up to great things, even when His great things are greater then instant remedies and visible change. He is a God who cares . . . and a God who CAN. Believe it. Experience it. "God Is Able."

Review:

I’ve not read Priscilla Shirer before this little study. This won’t be my last. Though God is Able is a short read ( about 150 pages) and though it essentially covers 2 verses it’s packed with truth and much to think about.

It would be lovely if we could grab hold of scripture and embrace it fully as truth and live our lives by the principles. However, in my experience, taking apart verses, considering them in light of the context and the entire counsel of the Word of God, and having pictures painted to show me what exactly the truth means for me and my life, is most often necessary. Shirer does just that. She presents the truth about God’s character through stories, examples and word pictures. She encourages active listening, wherein you hear, really hear what’s being said and act on it. She transparently shares her own insecurities and challenges, her own struggles in the process of embracing truth.

Overall, this is a good study that probably should be read every year or so. (Another thing I’ve learned…truth fades when I stop exposing myself fervently to it.) A small women's group discussion over each chapter (which generally takes on one portion of the verse) could easily be a group activity. Shirer’s voice is very poetic and sing-songy in delivery. She is often snappy and humorous, other times vulnerable, sometimes the delivery is a little overwhelming and I had to take it in small portions. If you are looking for a group study or to add some solid foundational truth to your life you might want to look further into this book. 

Reviewed by: Kelly Klepfer