Finding Your Way Back to God - Book Review

When I first saw the title of this book I thought it would be a great resource for a new believer. I actually thought, “well most of this won’t apply to me (since I am no longer considered a new or recommitted believer), but I am going to read it so that I can recommend it to others.” On man, was I ever wrong. I underestimated how much this book would also bless me. And can I also acknowledge God’s timing? It took me way longer than it should have to finish this book - not that it was hard to read at all - I just didn’t make time to read. Then when I actually spent time with this book what I was reading matched up so much with what I was going through - God Loves Me Deeply After All. I found myself underling and making notes in this book because there is so much I want to share with others. 

Finding Your Way Back to God, 5 Awakenings to Your New Life is intended to be used as “a road map for discovering the satisfying spiritual experience we all want” (or so the jacket sleeve says) by taking you through five awakenings: Awakening to Longing, Awakening to Regret, Awakening to Help, Awakening to Love and Awakening to Life. 

Dave and Jon Ferguson use the parable of the lost son to illustrate their five awakenings to a new life. I’ve heard sermons on this parable many times and they have each driven home different messages, but I have to say I really do love the way the Fergusons' used Jesus’ teaching in book. Dave and Jon also did an amazing job with allegories - telling stories from other people to illustrate their points. The stories of real (at least I think real) people helped to bring this parable to life and make it applicable to today. 

I do have to admit that I wasn’t completely on board with the first two chapters. I found myself questioning some of their statements. At one point I wrote, “I always thought God searched for us, not us searching for God.” I also cringed at this statement: “If that sounds good to you, let me assure you that finding your way back to God is possible. But I won’t lie to you. There is no guarantee. It can go either way.” I may have been meant to have a reaction to that and it was also stated before the introduction to the parable, so I really could not see where they were going with that statement. 

I am happy to say that after the second chapter I was in complete agreement with their writing. This book not only helps new believers with understanding who God is, but brings so much hope. I opted out of the 30-day wager that is included in the book because as I said before I didn’t really think this book was going to apply to me. Dave and Jon proved me wrong, though, and I found my self even sharing quotes on Facebook. I actually have plans to lend this book out already, but am praying I get it back because I can see myself referencing it for years to come. 

I look forward to seeing how this book helps others. I was very excited to see there was also a bible study (with DVD) to accompany this book and trust me it will be at the top of my list if I am ever in the position to lead new or recommitted believers. 

To find out more information on this book: more info

To find out more about Dave and Jon Ferguson: author bio

I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.