We all want to live a meaningful life and for each of us, this will look differently. Purpose. Passion. Calling. Dreams. Every day we hear those words tossed about to the point, I wonder if we even truly “hear” them any longer.
Sure we hear those words with our ears, but with our hearts? I am not so certain.
We are each placed here on the planet earth for a reason. There is something we are to do and our lives will seem empty, until we begin to engage our hearts and do it.
“From one man he [God] made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places they should live.” (Acts 17: 26, NLT)
God places each of us at the time and in the place He knows we belong and will have the most impact. He wants us to be ourselves and do good for He has positioned us, so we are able to make a difference.
In his book, Be You. Do Good.
Jonathan pursued his dream and forged ahead to become the founder of Land of a Thousand Hills, a coffee company providing a living to farmers and their families living in Rwanda. He shares about himself, his dream, and the challenges he faced along the way with gripping transparency. He shares his faith, his successes, and his failures while always pointing us to God who is with us through each.
The book is more than a narrative, as each page causes one to waken to the truth that we have been created for more and to do more. We’ve been created to live a life that is full, abundant, and engaged as we become who God created us to be.
Our unique selves have been created to do unique things for God.
Jonathan leads us through twelve points designed to help each reader find their calling. Each point will surely lead to a deeper relationship and commitment with God. More than the twelve points, Jonathan wants each reader to discover three truths:
- God calls us to himself. God desires above all else be in a relationship with us.
- God calls us to be ourselves. He wants us to be who He has created us to be.
- God calls us to do good. God loves this world and the people in it. He wants us to make a difference here.
This book is about pursuing what we have been created to do so that we find purpose. But to find our purpose, we must fully pursue the One who created us. Jonathan beautifully points us to pursue God more than the calling for in pursuing God, we will find our calling.
The organic nature of your calling might mean that to be faithful, you will be asked to release what may seem “good” but is not where God is leading you next. The secret to moving in sync with the One who is walking is to follow, not force.” (page 163)
May we follow God, for then …
We will be ourselves.
And we will do good.
*** I was given a copy of the book to review. It has truly been my joy, and to my own benefit, to read each word. It’s a powerful book which will impact every reader deeply.
You can read more about Jonathan Golden HERE .
You can also join him on FACEBOOK and TWITTER .
Today I am joining … Testimony Tuesday and Unite and Intentional Tuesday and True Story and #RaRaLinkup and Literacy Musing Mondays and Booknificent Thursdays .
Thank you for sharing about Jonathan’s book. I like the last three Truths that sums up the book.
Blessings Joanne
Thank you, Ifeoma. How wonderful to see you over at Literacy Amusing Mondays. Great post!
Thanks for the reminder to pursue God in the small things too. You are so right, small acts, really do make a big difference. Thanks for the encouragement to follow God using my unique calling and passions. What a great message!
Wishing you a blessed week as you pursue you unique calling in both the big and the small areas of life.
Jed, thank you for encouraging me tonight!
Jonathan’s book sounds very powerful. I love hearing about new books but especially when you get the feeling that the book could make a huge difference in your own life.
These words spoke to me today… “We are each placed here on the planet earth for a reason. There is something we are to do and our lives will seem empty, until we begin to engage our hearts and do it.” I am seeing this in my own life right now. As 2016 began, I have embraced hope and have begun to engage my own heart. It is making a difference. Thank you for the wonderful review. Have a blessed week!
Mary, it was a wonderful book which both challenged and encouraged me. When our hearts are engaged it truly does make a difference. Mary, thank you for always encouraging me. Blessings!
I love this thought: [It is in] pursuing what we have been created to do so that we find purpose. But to find our purpose, we must fully pursue the One who created us. I’,m currently reading Longing for Paris and this book sounds like a good follow-up.
Debbie, I enjoyed Longing for Paris as well 🙂 And yes, it all comes down to pursuing Him. May we pursue Him all of our days!
Sounds like a book to add to the list. As this year is beginning (and maybe more because I’ve just celebrated a rather significant birthday) I’m rather overwhelmed with the realization that my life is but a moment in His timing. Purpose is important & I want my purpose to be His. (Visiting from #RaRaLinkup today.)
Karlene, it is amazing how some birthdays do bring a deeper realization of how quickly life passes. May we make our days count, moment by moment.
I love these truths you have shared for us. God indeed has called me and He has made me who I am. I want to please Him – do good – every day.
Amy, we can do it moment by moment as we rely on Him.
Joanne, this truly sounds like it was an enjoyable and inspiring read. And the quotes you shared made me want to pause and commit them to heart. Being faithful in the small, seeking God for who He is, and then finding our purpose with how He created us. Thank you, friend, for sharing your heart at #IntentionalTuesday. : )
Crystal, thank you for always encouraging all of us who join you. It was a most inspiring book. Jonathan brings the message powerfully to be ourselves and do good, all of our days. Blessings!
This book looks so good, and I love the quote you opened with! Loved it so much that I pinned it! Thanks so much for sharing this at Booknificent Thursday on Mommynificent.com this week!
Tina
Tina, it was an inspiring read for sure. Thank you for hosting the linkup & for the pin. Blessings!
“Our unique selves have been created to do unique things for God.” This is so true and the book sounds like a great one to read. It’s true that when we spend time with God and pursue the dreams he has put in our hearts regardless of what others think, our lives will make a difference. We may say the same thing as someone else but we all have our own unique style and God will use it to reach different people. Blessings to you!
And some of us need repeating! Like me! So keep on saying and doing those things God places on your heart.
This sounds like a great book. I’m reminded of Ephesians 2:10, “For you are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which he prepared beforehand that we might walk in them.” Thanks for linking up at Literacy Musing Mondays #LMMLinkup. Please come back often.
So glad you shared & reminded us all of that verse, Leslie.