Finding your wayFinding Your Way Back to God by Dave Ferguson and Jon Ferguson identifies many of the longings of the heart that enable us to recognize God’s love.  The authors use the spiritual journey of the prodigal son as a framework to help the readers see themselves as God sees them.  They emphasize that “Identity always precedes behavior” (p. 11).  The book examines five awakenings in an individuals life:

  1.  Awakening to Longing – “There’s got to be more.”
  2.  Awakening to Regret – “I wish I could start over.”
  3. Awakening to Help – “I can’t do this on my own.”
  4. Awakening to Love – “God loves me deeply after all.”
  5. Awakening to Life – “Now this is living!”

The authors point out that God’s love was revealed at the cross.  “The cross upon which Jesus died, as awful as it was, demonstrates God’s love for the world.  The cross says that God is not uncaring, God is not indifferent.  The cross means Jesus went through the ultimate suffering for us” (p. 55).

Throughout the book the authors present stories how these awakenings worked in the lives of people to help them to come back to God.  “The early theologian and philosopher Augustine said this about knowing God in Jesus, ‘You made us for yourself and our hearts find no peace until they rest in you'” (p. 112).  These awakenings help us to see our need for God.

If you know people who may be struggling with their past, this book can give them hope that God can change their future.  The authors lead us on a journey that leads to a life committed to helping others.  “We’ve looked at celebrating (relationship with God) and connecting (relationship with others) in the preceding chapters.  The third relationship that is vital to living with God is all about contributing” (p. 154).  You may want to explore their website:  yourwayback.org for more information.  (I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review).

RickAssociate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

Follow me on twitter:  rickhiggins5