Friday, March 2, 2018

A Purpose Driven Life - Chapter 14

A Purpose Driven Life Chapter 14 - When God Isn't There

Chapter Overview:  Rick asks the question 'what do you do when you don't feel god?'  He says that most Christians go through this desert experience at least once.  He points to the examples of job and David in the Bible.   

2011 (40 years old)

I was reminded of one of my favourite John Dawson teachings on 'precious valleys'.  God hides or withdraws himself from us for a while - sort of the whole 'absence makes the heart grow fonder' kind of idea.
I've got to say, I'm not so sure that the book's title jives with me for as much of the book as I've read so far. It's more of a discipleship book to this point. It really is a good book with small bite sized chapters on major topics for Christians though. I'm interested to see if Rick helps the reader discover their purpose specific, individual purpose any more in the book.

2016 (40 years old)

God is real, no matter how I feel. How can I stay focused on Gods presence even when he feels distant?  The test of faith - one we all must face. Will I continue to love, trust, obey, and worship God, even when I have no sense of his presence or visible evidence in my life. Am I seeking an experience rather than seeking God?  To answer the first question above, I can be encouraged that God is beginning to trust me in our relationship. I can remember everything that he has done for me - my list of stories, and the work of Jesus on the cross. I can be honest and tell God how I feel.

For background on what these 'Purpose Driven Life' posts are about, click this link.


When God isn't there - small man in field on foggy day

  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 1 - Its Not About Me
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 2 - You Are Not an Accident
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 3 - What Drives You?
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 4 - Eternity In Our Hearts
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 5 - What is Life?
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 6 - Life on Earth is a Temporary Assignment
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 7 - The Reason for Everything
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 8 - You Were Planned for God's Pleasure
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 9 - What Makes God Smile?
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 10 - The Surrendered Life
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 11 - Friend of God
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 12 - Friend of God II
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 13 - Worship That Pleases God
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 15 - Part of God's Family
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 16 - What Matters Most
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 17 - You Belong
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 18 - Life is Meant to be Shared
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 19 - Made for Community
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 20 - Restoring Broken Fellowship
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 21 - Unity of the Church
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 22 - Transformed to be Like Christ
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 23 - Transformed by Thought
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 24 - Transformed By Truth
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 25 - Transformed by Trouble
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 26 - Transformed by Temptation
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 27 - Defeating Temptation
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 28 - It Takes Time
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 29 - Shaped for Serving God
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 30 - Our Place in Serving
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 31 - Finding Your Specific Purpose
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 32 - Using What God Gave You
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 33 - How Real Servants Act
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 34 - Thinking Like a Servant
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 35 - God Uses Our Weaknesses
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 36 - You Were Made for a Mission
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 37 - Sharing Your Life Message
  • My Appendix to Chapter 37
  • My Testimony Based on Chapter 37
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 38 - Becoming a World-Class Christian
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 39 - Balance
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 40 - Living With Purpose
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