Key Takeaways
1. Saying Yes to God Transforms Your Everyday Life
"Whatever God says do, do it."
Everyday adventures with God. Saying yes to God isn't about perfection, but about being willing to follow His lead in daily life. It's about recognizing divine appointments and being open to God's guidance in unexpected moments. This attitude transforms ordinary experiences into extraordinary encounters with God.
Practical steps:
- Start each day with a simple prayer of surrender
- Look for God's activity in your daily routines
- Be willing to step out of your comfort zone when prompted
Benefits:
- Deepened relationship with God
- Increased awareness of God's presence
- Opportunities to impact others' lives
2. Discerning God's Voice Requires Practice and Reflection
"God wants us to live in expectation of hearing from Him."
Five-question filter. Developing the ability to hear God's voice is a skill that improves with practice. It involves learning to distinguish between our own thoughts and God's promptings. A helpful tool is the five-question filter:
- Does it align with Scripture?
- Is it consistent with God's character?
- Is it being confirmed through other sources?
- Is it beyond my own abilities?
- Would it please God?
Practical application:
- Regularly study Scripture to understand God's character
- Seek confirmation through prayer, wise counsel, and circumstances
- Be open to challenges that stretch your faith
3. Radical Obedience Often Challenges Our Comfort Zone
"If it were easy, it wouldn't be worth doing."
Growth through discomfort. Radical obedience often requires stepping out of our comfort zones and trusting God in uncertain situations. These moments of faith stretch us and lead to personal and spiritual growth.
Examples of radical obedience:
- Giving away a cherished possession
- Changing career paths in response to God's call
- Sacrificing personal desires for a greater purpose
Benefits of radical obedience:
- Deeper trust in God's provision
- Increased faith and spiritual maturity
- Unexpected blessings and opportunities
4. God Uses Ordinary People for Extraordinary Purposes
"You never know how God will use you until you let Him."
Embracing your unique calling. God doesn't require perfection to use someone for His purposes. He takes ordinary people with willing hearts and uses them in extraordinary ways. Your life experiences, both good and bad, can be used by God to fulfill His plans.
Examples of ordinary people used by God:
- Moses: A stuttering shepherd who led a nation
- David: A young shepherd who became a king
- Peter: A fisherman who became a leader in the early church
Key principles:
- Be willing to say yes to God's promptings
- Trust that God can use your weaknesses
- Look for opportunities to serve others
5. Overcoming Doubts and Naysayers in Your Spiritual Journey
"Never let others' compliments go to your head or their criticisms go to your heart."
Staying focused on God's approval. When you choose to follow God radically, you may face criticism or discouragement from others. It's crucial to stay focused on God's approval rather than human opinions.
Strategies for overcoming doubts:
- Ground yourself in Scripture
- Surround yourself with supportive believers
- Remember past experiences of God's faithfulness
Dealing with naysayers:
- Respond with grace and kindness
- Use criticism as an opportunity for self-reflection
- Stay committed to your convictions
6. Maintaining Clear Vision Amidst Life's Distractions
"Our life will follow where we focus our vision."
Keeping God at the center. In a world full of distractions, it's essential to maintain a clear focus on God's purposes for your life. This requires intentional effort to prioritize spiritual growth and obedience.
Practical steps for maintaining focus:
- Regular prayer and Bible study
- Establishing spiritual disciplines
- Periodically reassessing priorities
Benefits of clear spiritual vision:
- Clarity in decision-making
- Resilience during challenging times
- Increased awareness of God's activity in your life
7. Embracing Sacrificial Giving and Generosity
"We are managers, not owners, of God's resources."
Cultivating a generous heart. Recognizing that all we have belongs to God frees us to be more generous with our resources. Sacrificial giving isn't just about money; it includes our time, talents, and possessions.
Principles of sacrificial giving:
- Give beyond what feels comfortable
- Trust God's provision
- Look for opportunities to bless others
Benefits of generosity:
- Increased joy and fulfillment
- Freedom from materialism
- Participation in God's work in the world
8. Finding Joy in Surrendering to God's Will
"Radical obedience is born out of delight, not duty."
Cultivating a heart of surrender. True joy comes from aligning our will with God's purposes. This surrender isn't about reluctant duty, but about finding delight in following God's leading.
Steps toward joyful surrender:
- Regularly practice gratitude
- Seek God's perspective in all situations
- Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth
Results of joyful surrender:
- Peace that transcends circumstances
- Increased intimacy with God
- A life marked by purpose and meaning
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FAQ
What's "What Happens When Women Say Yes to God" about?
- Author's Journey: The book is a personal account by Lysa TerKeurst, sharing her experiences of saying "yes" to God and the transformative impact it had on her life.
- Radical Obedience: It explores the concept of radical obedience to God, encouraging women to listen to God's voice and follow His guidance in their daily lives.
- Spiritual Growth: The book aims to inspire spiritual growth by illustrating how obedience can lead to extraordinary experiences and blessings.
- Practical Guidance: It provides practical advice and biblical insights to help readers discern God's voice and make decisions aligned with His will.
Why should I read "What Happens When Women Say Yes to God"?
- Inspiration for Faith: The book offers inspiration for those seeking to deepen their faith and experience a more fulfilling spiritual journey.
- Personal Stories: Lysa TerKeurst shares relatable personal stories that demonstrate the power of saying "yes" to God, making the book engaging and encouraging.
- Practical Application: It provides practical steps and questions to help readers discern God's voice and apply His guidance in their lives.
- Community and Support: The book encourages readers to find support in community and engage in discussions that enhance their spiritual growth.
What are the key takeaways of "What Happens When Women Say Yes to God"?
- Obedience Leads to Blessings: Radical obedience to God can lead to unexpected blessings and a deeper relationship with Him.
- Hearing God's Voice: The book emphasizes the importance of discerning God's voice and provides a framework for recognizing His guidance.
- Trust and Surrender: Trusting God and surrendering personal desires can lead to a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life.
- Community and Accountability: Engaging with others in faith-based discussions and Bible studies can enhance spiritual growth and understanding.
How does Lysa TerKeurst define radical obedience in the book?
- Biblical Obedience: Radical obedience is described as aligning one's actions with biblical teachings and God's will, even when it's challenging.
- Beyond Comfort Zones: It involves stepping out of comfort zones and trusting God with the unknown, embracing His plans over personal desires.
- Daily Surrender: The book encourages daily surrender to God's guidance, making obedience a consistent practice rather than a one-time decision.
- Transformative Impact: Radical obedience is portrayed as a transformative journey that leads to personal growth and deeper faith.
What practical advice does Lysa TerKeurst offer for hearing God's voice?
- Scripture Alignment: Ensure that what you hear aligns with Scripture, as God will not contradict His Word.
- Character Consistency: Consider if the message is consistent with God's character, as revealed in the Bible.
- Confirmation: Look for confirmation through sermons, Bible studies, or conversations that reinforce what you believe God is saying.
- Beyond Personal Ability: Assess if the guidance is beyond your personal ability, indicating a reliance on God's strength.
What are some of the challenges of saying "yes" to God, according to the book?
- Fear of the Unknown: Saying "yes" often involves stepping into the unknown, which can be intimidating and require significant trust in God.
- Naysayers and Criticism: The book discusses dealing with naysayers who may not understand or support your decision to follow God's guidance.
- Personal Sacrifice: Obedience may require personal sacrifices, such as giving up comfort or material possessions.
- Spiritual Warfare: The author acknowledges that spiritual warfare can intensify when one commits to radical obedience, requiring perseverance and faith.
How does "What Happens When Women Say Yes to God" address the concept of trust?
- Trust in God's Plan: The book emphasizes trusting God's plan over personal desires, believing that His ways are higher and better.
- Provision and Protection: It reassures readers that God provides and protects those who trust Him, even when circumstances seem challenging.
- Letting Go: Trust involves letting go of control and allowing God to lead, which can be difficult but ultimately rewarding.
- Faith Over Fear: The book encourages choosing faith over fear, trusting that God will guide and support those who say "yes" to Him.
What role does community play in the journey of saying "yes" to God?
- Support System: Community provides a support system for those seeking to live a life of radical obedience, offering encouragement and accountability.
- Shared Experiences: Engaging with others allows for the sharing of experiences and insights, which can strengthen one's faith and resolve.
- Bible Study Groups: The book suggests participating in Bible study groups to deepen understanding and foster meaningful discussions.
- Collective Growth: Community involvement leads to collective spiritual growth, as individuals learn from and inspire one another.
What are the best quotes from "What Happens When Women Say Yes to God" and what do they mean?
- "Whatever God says do, do it." This quote encapsulates the essence of radical obedience, urging readers to act on God's guidance without hesitation.
- "We have become so familiar with God yet so unaware of Him." It highlights the danger of complacency in faith, encouraging a renewed awareness of God's presence.
- "Obedience becomes radical when we say, 'Yes, God, whatever You want,' and mean it." This quote emphasizes the depth of commitment required for true obedience.
- "God is using all of your experiences, both good and bad, to develop your character to match your calling." It reassures readers that every experience is purposeful in God's plan.
How does Lysa TerKeurst suggest dealing with naysayers?
- Consider the Source: Evaluate whether the naysayer is actively pursuing a relationship with God and has your best interest in mind.
- Seek Truth: Look for any truth in their criticism, but let go of negativity that doesn't align with God's guidance.
- Forgive and Release: Forgive those who discourage you and release their words, focusing instead on God's voice and direction.
- Stay Focused: Keep your focus on God's calling and purpose, rather than being swayed by others' opinions.
What does "What Happens When Women Say Yes to God" say about the blessings of obedience?
- Deeper Relationship with God: Obedience leads to a deeper, more intimate relationship with God, characterized by trust and love.
- Adventurous Life: Saying "yes" to God opens up a life of adventure, filled with divine appointments and unexpected blessings.
- Inner Peace: Obedience brings a profound sense of peace, knowing that one's life is aligned with God's will and purpose.
- Eternal Perspective: It provides an eternal perspective, focusing on lasting significance rather than temporary gains.
How can readers apply the lessons from "What Happens When Women Say Yes to God" in their daily lives?
- Daily Surrender: Begin each day with a prayer of surrender, asking God for guidance and the strength to obey His will.
- Scripture Study: Regularly study Scripture to better understand God's character and align your actions with His Word.
- Community Engagement: Join a Bible study group or find a spiritual mentor to discuss and apply the book's teachings.
- Trust and Act: Trust God's plan and take action on His guidance, even when it requires stepping out of your comfort zone.
Review Summary
What Happens When Women Say Yes to God receives mostly positive reviews, with readers praising Lysa TerKeurst's relatable writing style and personal examples. Many find the book encouraging and insightful, appreciating its focus on obedience and deepening one's relationship with God. Some readers, however, feel the examples are too simplistic or middle-class oriented. The book is often recommended for women seeking to strengthen their faith, though a few critics find it lacking depth or comprehensive Biblical analysis. Overall, it's viewed as an accessible, inspiring read for Christian women.
About the Author
Other books by Lysa TerKeurst
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