Created To Be God's Friend - by Henry T. Blackaby

Book Review (Sonia Yoon)

 

By closely following the life of Abraham, Henry T. Blackaby seeks the answer to the question; "How do we open ourselves to the intimacy with God so evident in His friendship with Abraham?  How can we experience more?"

Created To Be God's Friend is filled with the author's insightful, mind opening findings, which will help those who seek the full intimacy with God and those who desire to live out God's eternal purpose through their own lives. This book not only uncovers biblical principles, but also will equip the reader with spiritual tools - tools that will enrich your Christian life with absolute faith, obedience, endurance, and better yet, excitement.

Three main areas impacted me: a response of faith, caution of consequence of wrong counsel, and His plan.

"A response of Faith is based on Fact - that is, what we know, not on what we do not know.  Faith is never blind!  Faith is based on the God we know!' (p. 46) Getting to know God's character and His way through daily devotion is crucial to our faith. Without knowing God, there is no trust.

"God's people are a people not of 'vision' but of revelation (that is what God reveals of His will)…. Though Abram did not fully understand it, it was very simple and very real.  But it could be understood by experience - one day at a time and one step of faith at a time." (p. 54)

Once you know who God is, the issue becomes trusting Him, believing in Him that He has nothing but good plans for us.  And, plunging into the water of life instead of just dipping your toe in it. As you begin to trust Him fully, you will be able to follow whatever He has prepared for you without any fear.

"… all we said we believed about God.  Everything we said we believed about God would now be tested and made into character in us by the Loving Hand of God." (p. 64)

"True faith persists until the promise is fulfilled.  That is what makes it faith that pleases God!… Delayed promises can diminish faith or strengthen faith!" (p. 100)

It is easier said then done, to endure until God's promise is fulfilled. When we don't find His grace, which comforts us and sustains us, we often fall into temptation to compromise during the testing time.  Our ears seem to be thinned towards advises of others that are based on their own understanding, not of God’s guidance.

" 'Godly' counsel is never a substitute for a word from God!  God may use our friends to speak His word to us, but mere counsel from godly family or friends is never a safe substitute for a word from God and obedience to Him."(p. 108) "But from Abram's experience in the birth of Ishmael, never again can anyone say he does not realize what can happen when we follow the counsel of others as a substitute for God’s counsel in our daily lives." (p. 110)

After tasting some of its sour fruits I have to confess that I am not an exception to giving or receiving such wrong counsel with blindness of consequences. I have learned that it is wiser to pray quietly for those who are being tested rather than try to offer advice based on one’s own understanding and experience under the name of "Christian sistership/brothership". Proverbs 14:12 writes, "…there is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death".

Indeed it is crucial to have conscious faith that is based on knowledge and understanding of God and His promise to us.  Holding tight to His words until His promise prevails.

For it is not about my plan, but it is about His plan.

It is about how God walks with me, not how I walk with God.  After all… HE IS GOD.