Key Takeaways
1. God Speaks Clearly to Those Who Listen
Hearing God’s voice had more than once brought my family and me to turning points that changed lives.
God's communication. God actively communicates with those who are willing to listen, often guiding them through pivotal moments in their lives. This communication can come in various forms, including an inner voice, impressions, scripture, dreams, and visions. The key is to cultivate a relationship with God that allows one to recognize His voice amidst the noise of the world.
Active listening. Hearing God requires intentionality and a willingness to set aside one's own desires and plans. It involves creating space for God to speak, whether through prayer, meditation, or simply being still and attentive. This active listening is essential for discerning God's will and direction.
Guidance is personal. God's guidance is often tailored to the individual and their unique circumstances. What God speaks to one person may not be the same for another. Therefore, it's crucial to seek God's personal direction rather than relying solely on the experiences or advice of others.
2. Family History Shapes Our Understanding of Guidance
I have always been intrigued by what happened next.
Inherited faith. Family history and upbringing significantly influence one's understanding and approach to seeking God's guidance. The examples of ancestors who have faithfully followed God's call, despite challenges, can inspire and encourage future generations. Conversely, negative experiences with religion can create skepticism and resistance to spiritual guidance.
Positive and negative examples. Loren's family history provides both positive and negative examples of responding to God's call. His grandfather's unwavering obedience, despite personal tragedy, serves as an inspiration. However, his aunts' rejection of faith due to their difficult childhoods highlights the potential for negative experiences to shape one's spiritual path.
Individual interpretation. Each individual must ultimately discern God's will for themselves, even within the context of their family's beliefs and experiences. While family history can provide valuable insights and perspectives, it should not dictate one's own relationship with God or their response to His call.
3. Obedience to God's Call Requires Sacrifice
If I heard God right and didn’t obey, that’s when I’d be the fool.
Cost of discipleship. Following God's call often requires sacrifice, whether it be financial security, personal comfort, or the approval of others. Obedience to God may lead down paths that are unconventional or even unpopular, demanding a willingness to prioritize God's will above all else.
Examples of sacrifice. Loren's father's decision to forgo a college education in order to pursue ministry, despite his sister's offer to pay for it, exemplifies the sacrifices that may be required. Similarly, Loren's own decision to decline his aunt's job offer in order to pursue his vision for Youth With A Mission demonstrates a willingness to prioritize God's call over worldly success.
Eternal perspective. The sacrifices made in obedience to God's call are not in vain. While they may not always make sense in the short term, they have eternal significance and contribute to God's larger purposes. This eternal perspective provides strength and encouragement to persevere through challenges and setbacks.
4. Visions and Dreams Can Direct Our Path
Suddenly I was looking at a map of the world, only the map was alive and moving!
Supernatural encounters. God often uses supernatural means, such as visions and dreams, to communicate His will and direct His followers. These encounters can provide clarity, inspiration, and a sense of purpose, guiding individuals toward their unique calling.
Loren's vision. Loren's vision of waves of young people spreading the Gospel across the continents serves as a powerful example of how God can use supernatural experiences to ignite a passion and shape a life's work. This vision became the driving force behind Youth With A Mission, guiding Loren's decisions and actions for years to come.
Discernment is key. While visions and dreams can be powerful, it's crucial to discern their true source and meaning. Not all supernatural experiences are from God, and even those that are may require careful interpretation. Seeking counsel from trusted spiritual mentors and grounding experiences in scripture can help ensure that one is accurately understanding and responding to God's guidance.
5. Testing and Cleansing Prepare Us for Greater Ministry
Getting God’s leading for someone else is tricky.
Spiritual warfare. Following God's call is not always easy. It often involves facing opposition, challenges, and temptations that test one's faith and commitment. These trials can serve as opportunities for spiritual growth and refinement, preparing individuals for greater ministry.
Testing in the wilderness. Just as Jesus was tested in the wilderness before beginning His public ministry, so too are His followers often tested before being released into their calling. These periods of testing can involve financial hardship, relational conflict, or spiritual dryness, requiring perseverance and reliance on God's strength.
Confession and repentance. A crucial aspect of preparing for ministry is the cleansing of one's heart through confession and repentance. Unconfessed sin can hinder one's ability to hear God's voice and effectively serve Him. By humbly acknowledging their shortcomings and seeking God's forgiveness, individuals can experience a renewed sense of clarity and purpose.
6. Partnership Enhances Our Ability to Fulfill God's Purpose
You’re absolutely right, Cunningham!
Teamwork. God often calls individuals to work together in partnership to accomplish His purposes. These partnerships can provide support, encouragement, and diverse skill sets that enhance the ability to fulfill God's call.
Marriage as partnership. Loren's marriage to Darlene serves as a prime example of how partnership can enhance one's ability to fulfill God's purpose. Darlene's unique gifts and strengths complemented Loren's, enabling them to work together more effectively in building Youth With A Mission.
Diverse gifts. Recognizing and valuing the unique gifts and talents of others is essential for effective partnership. By working together in unity and mutual respect, individuals can accomplish far more than they could on their own.
7. The Great Commission Requires Both Evangelism and Mercy
I was left with an overwhelming desire. I wanted to be able to say to those who were still alive: There is hope, and His name is Jesus.
Holistic ministry. The Great Commission, to go into all the world and preach the Gospel, encompasses both evangelism and acts of mercy. Sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ is essential, but it must be accompanied by practical expressions of love and compassion that meet people's physical and emotional needs.
Hurricane Cleo. The experience of Hurricane Cleo in the Bahamas highlighted the importance of combining evangelism with acts of mercy. Seeing the devastation and suffering caused by the storm, Loren realized that Christians must reach out to those in need, providing practical assistance and sharing the hope of the Gospel.
Balance. Maintaining a balance between evangelism and mercy is crucial. Neglecting either aspect diminishes the fullness of the Gospel message. By integrating both word and deed, Christians can effectively demonstrate God's love and transform lives.
8. Success Can Obscure God's Voice
But, son, you need to keep everything on the altar. If you get proud, God won’t be able to use you. Remember that.
Danger of pride. Success can be a dangerous obstacle to hearing God's voice. When things are going well, it's easy to become self-reliant and lose sight of one's dependence on God. Pride can creep in, blinding individuals to their own shortcomings and hindering their ability to discern God's will.
Humility is essential. Maintaining a humble and teachable spirit is crucial for staying attuned to God's guidance. This involves regularly examining one's motives and attitudes, seeking feedback from trusted mentors, and remaining open to correction.
Focus on God. The key to avoiding the pitfalls of success is to keep one's focus on God rather than on the accomplishments themselves. Remembering that all good things come from God and giving Him the glory for every success can help prevent pride from taking root.
9. Humility and Repentance Restore Clear Guidance
I knew that I had done the right thing.
Turning from sin. When one has strayed from God's path, humility and repentance are essential for restoring clear guidance. This involves acknowledging one's sin, confessing it to God, and turning away from it.
Soul surgery. The process of confession and repentance can be likened to soul surgery, where God removes the impurities and obstacles that are hindering one's relationship with Him. This cleansing process can be painful, but it ultimately leads to greater freedom and clarity.
Forgiveness and restoration. God is always willing to forgive those who humbly seek His mercy. When one has confessed and repented of their sin, they can experience a renewed sense of peace and purpose, and their ability to hear God's voice is restored.
10. Multiplication Occurs When We Release Others
Let’s do it!
Empowering others. True leadership involves empowering others to fulfill their God-given potential. This means releasing control, delegating responsibility, and providing opportunities for others to grow and develop their gifts.
Kalafi's story. Kalafi Moala's story serves as a powerful example of how releasing others can lead to multiplication. By entrusting Kalafi with leadership responsibilities, Loren enabled him to reach his own people and expand the reach of Youth With A Mission.
Trust and delegation. Releasing others requires trust and a willingness to let go of one's own agenda. It involves recognizing that God can work through others just as effectively as He can work through oneself.
11. God's Guidance Extends Beyond Our Comfort Zone
I’m ready to die for Jesus!
Embracing the unknown. Following God's guidance often leads into uncharted territory, requiring a willingness to step outside of one's comfort zone and embrace the unknown. This may involve leaving familiar surroundings, taking on new challenges, or venturing into unfamiliar cultures.
The world is the mission field. God's call extends to all nations and peoples, not just those that are familiar or comfortable. Embracing a global perspective and seeking opportunities to serve in diverse contexts is essential for fulfilling the Great Commission.
Flexibility and adaptability. Following God's guidance requires flexibility and adaptability. Plans may change, obstacles may arise, and unexpected opportunities may present themselves. Being willing to adjust one's course and embrace new directions is crucial for staying aligned with God's will.
12. Don't Give Up the Ship: Perseverance in God's Call
Don’t Give Up the Ship.
Long-term commitment. Fulfilling God's call is not a sprint, but a marathon. It requires perseverance, resilience, and a long-term commitment to the vision that God has given.
Setbacks are inevitable. Setbacks and disappointments are inevitable along the way. However, they should not be viewed as signs that one has missed God's will. Rather, they should be seen as opportunities for growth, refinement, and renewed reliance on God's strength.
Trust in God's plan. Even when the path ahead seems unclear or the challenges insurmountable, it's crucial to trust in God's plan and remain steadfast in one's commitment to His call. Remembering His faithfulness in the past can provide hope and encouragement for the future.
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FAQ
What is "Is That Really You, God?: Hearing the Voice of God" by Loren Cunningham about?
- Personal journey of guidance: The book chronicles Loren Cunningham’s personal and ministry journey, focusing on how he learned to hear and obey the voice of God.
- Birth of YWAM: It details the founding and growth of Youth With A Mission (YWAM), emphasizing the role of divine guidance in its development.
- Supernatural experiences: Cunningham shares numerous stories of supernatural guidance, visions, and miracles that shaped his life and ministry.
- Practical teaching: The book offers practical principles and steps for Christians who want to discern God’s voice in their own lives.
- Legacy and impact: It highlights how hearing God’s voice can lead to world-changing actions and the multiplication of ministry.
Why should I read "Is That Really You, God?" by Loren Cunningham?
- Learn to hear God: The book provides clear, relatable examples and steps for discerning God’s voice, making it valuable for anyone seeking spiritual guidance.
- Inspiring true stories: Cunningham’s real-life accounts of faith, risk, and obedience are motivating and faith-building.
- Foundational for missions: It’s essential reading for those interested in missions, as it shows how YWAM’s global impact was birthed through listening to God.
- Applicable principles: The guidance principles are practical and can be applied to everyday decisions, not just ministry.
- Encouragement in challenges: The book addresses doubts, failures, and setbacks, offering hope for those struggling to discern God’s will.
What are the key takeaways from "Is That Really You, God?" by Loren Cunningham?
- Hearing God is for all: Every Christian can learn to hear God’s voice; it’s not reserved for a select few.
- Obedience is crucial: Guidance is not just about hearing, but also about obeying what God says, even when it’s difficult.
- God uses various methods: God speaks through Scripture, inner impressions, dreams, visions, and confirmation from others.
- Humility and repentance matter: A clean heart and humility are essential for clear guidance; pride and unconfessed sin can block God’s voice.
- Multiplication through guidance: When people hear and obey God, it leads to multiplication of ministry and impact, as seen in YWAM’s growth.
How does Loren Cunningham define and describe "hearing the voice of God" in "Is That Really You, God?"?
- Inner leading: Cunningham describes hearing God as an inner impression or voice that aligns with God’s character and Scripture.
- Multiple channels: God may speak through the Bible, dreams, visions, audible voice, or the quiet inner voice.
- Confirmation principle: True guidance is often confirmed by others or by circumstances, following what he calls the "Wise Men Principle."
- Relationship focus: Hearing God is rooted in relationship, not just technique; it’s about knowing and communicating with the Father.
- Accessible to all: Cunningham insists that hearing God is a basic right of every believer, not just leaders or missionaries.
What are the main principles and steps for hearing God’s voice according to "Is That Really You, God?" by Loren Cunningham?
- Three steps to hearing God: 1) Submit to God’s lordship and silence your own thoughts, 2) Resist the enemy’s deception, 3) Expect an answer and wait for God to speak.
- Allow God’s method: Don’t dictate how God should speak; be open to His chosen way of communicating.
- Confess sin: Keep a clean heart, as unforgiven sin can block God’s guidance.
- Use the Axhead Principle: If you lose clarity, return to the last thing God told you and obey it.
- Seek confirmation: Use the Wise Men Principle—look for confirmation from other spiritually sensitive people.
What is the "Wise Men Principle" in "Is That Really You, God?" and how does it work?
- Independent confirmation: The Wise Men Principle means that God often confirms His guidance by speaking the same thing to multiple people independently.
- Biblical example: Just as the wise men in the Bible followed the same star and arrived at the same place, God leads different people to the same conclusion.
- Prevents error: This principle helps prevent personal bias or deception by ensuring guidance is not just subjective.
- Used in YWAM: Cunningham and his team regularly practiced this by praying separately and comparing what they sensed God was saying.
- Builds unity: It fosters unity and shared vision among teams and organizations.
How does "Is That Really You, God?" by Loren Cunningham address the dangers and pitfalls of seeking guidance?
- Pride and presumption: The book warns that pride, presumption, and talking about guidance prematurely can lead to error and confusion.
- Success as a danger: Success itself can become a distraction, causing people to focus on the gift or tool rather than the Giver.
- Counterfeit guidance: Cunningham cautions against counterfeit spiritual experiences and stresses that true guidance aligns with Scripture.
- Rebellion vs. yieldedness: He distinguishes between rebellious independence and God-led steps that may go against human authority.
- Importance of humility: Regular repentance and humility are necessary to stay on track and avoid being misled.
What role did supernatural experiences and miracles play in Loren Cunningham’s journey in "Is That Really You, God?"?
- Vision of the waves: Cunningham’s foundational vision of waves of young people going out as missionaries was a supernatural experience that shaped YWAM.
- Miraculous provision: The book recounts stories of miraculous financial provision, healings, and even supernatural catches of fish.
- Guidance through dreams: Both Cunningham and his family received dreams and visions that provided specific direction at critical moments.
- Verification required: The team only included stories in the book that could be verified by two or three witnesses, emphasizing discernment.
- Encouragement for readers: These stories are meant to inspire faith that God still acts supernaturally today.
How did Loren Cunningham’s family background and early experiences influence his understanding of guidance in "Is That Really You, God?"?
- Heritage of faith: Cunningham grew up in a family that valued hearing God’s voice, with parents who modeled prayer and obedience.
- Early lessons: Childhood experiences, like finding lost money through prayer, taught him to trust God for practical guidance.
- Handling disappointment: Family stories of both obedience and mistakes (such as his grandfather’s partial obedience) shaped his understanding of the need for ongoing listening.
- Encouragement to seek God: His mother’s advice that God would speak directly to each person became a foundational principle in his life and ministry.
- Family involvement: The book shows how guidance was a family affair, with each member learning to hear God for themselves.
What is the significance of the "ship" and the "university" in "Is That Really You, God?" by Loren Cunningham?
- Symbols of vision: The ship (Anastasis) and the University of the Nations represent the twin callings of YWAM: mercy ministry and training.
- Guidance and delay: Both projects were birthed through specific guidance, faced significant delays, and required surrender and resurrection of the dream.
- Lessons in obedience: The journey with the ship, including failure and eventual success, taught lessons about priorities, humility, and God’s timing.
- Multiplication effect: The university became a center for multiplying leaders and missionaries, fulfilling the vision of waves going out.
- Confirmation of calling: The eventual realization of both dreams confirmed the importance of persistent, obedient listening to God.
What are the "Twelve Points to Remember" about hearing God’s voice in "Is That Really You, God?" by Loren Cunningham?
- Simple guidance steps: Don’t complicate guidance; submit, resist the enemy, and expect an answer.
- Let God choose the method: Be open to how God wants to speak.
- Keep a clean heart: Confess sin regularly.
- Return to last guidance: Use the Axhead Principle if you lose clarity.
- Get your own leading: Don’t rely solely on others for God’s word.
- Wait to share guidance: Don’t talk about it until God gives permission.
- Seek confirmation: Use the Wise Men Principle.
- Beware of counterfeits: Test guidance against Scripture.
- Recognize opposition: Sometimes resistance is God’s redirection.
- Unique calling: Each person has a unique ministry.
- Practice makes perfect: The more you listen, the easier it becomes.
- Relationship is key: The ultimate goal is deeper relationship with God.
What are the best quotes from "Is That Really You, God?" by Loren Cunningham and what do they mean?
- “Don’t give up the ship.” – This phrase, given to Cunningham by his mother, symbolizes perseverance in pursuing God’s vision despite setbacks.
- “Guidance is first of all a relationship with the Guide.” – True guidance is not about methods, but about deepening your relationship with God.
- “Put your dreams on the altar. They will be resurrected into something even grander.” – Surrendering your plans to God allows Him to fulfill them in ways beyond your imagination.
- “If you know the Lord, you have already heard His voice.” – Every believer has the capacity to hear God; it’s not a mystical or exclusive experience.
- “The will of God is doing and saying the right thing in the right place, with the right people, at the right time, and in the right sequence, under the right leadership, using the right method, with the right attitude of heart.” – This comprehensive definition emphasizes the multifaceted nature of
Review Summary
"Is That Really You, God?" receives mostly positive reviews, with readers praising its inspiring stories of faith, guidance on hearing God's voice, and insights into YWAM's founding. Many find it encouraging and challenging, appreciating Cunningham's transparency about his journey. Some criticize his interpretation of divine communication, while others view it as a powerful testimony of obedience and God's faithfulness. The book resonates particularly with those interested in missions or seeking to discern God's will in their lives.
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