Is That Really You, God?  Hearing The Voice Of God, Loren Cunningham

Book Review by Jason Ma.

 

 

"The discoveries in ways of Hearing God are never just theory. They come out of your own adventures."

Loren Cunningham

 

 

Have you ever questioned yourself on hearing God's voice, whether it is for a life changing decision or a passing thought?  Have you ever been inches away from your goal and wondered,  "Is this really you, God?"  If so, then this book is for you.

 

Is That Really You, God? Hearing the Voice Of God is the story of how one man's dream of seeing young people impact the nations by sharing the good news of Jesus Christ became Youth With A Mission, widely known as YWAM, an inter-denominational and international Christian missions organization.  It shares the amazing journey that Loren Cunningham and his wife Darlene shared in discerning God's voice and trusting in His direction.  In his book, Cunningham shares both the trials and triumphs of seeing God turn his dream from vision into reality.   He shares that the most important tool one could have is to be able to discern the voice of God personally.  The reliance on others to have your redeemed relationship with God was unacceptable to Cunningham. Consequently, the key principle of the importance of having a personal relationship with God directly translated into the guiding principle of all YWAM schools:

 

"Ministry doesn't have to fit some long-held stereotype: 

God has a unique work for each one.  And each person

has to hear it from God directly - not just accept my word

for what He is saying."

 

I have had the great pleasure of personally meeting the author, Loren Cunningham last spring while in Kona, Hawaii attending a missions training program.   As a student at the University of the Nations, which is also YWAM's home base, I attended weekly corporate gatherings that included everyone on campus. There, I witnessed first-hand his priority for listening to God.   All who attended the meetings were asked to submit to God, resist the devil in his attempts to deceive, and to expect to hear God's voice. Besides sharing these basic principles with us, the rest was for us to find out, to discover for ourselves.

 

I personally believe that the most encouraging and transformational Christian books are the ones that share not only victories but also the heart-breaking setbacks as well.  Cunningham's, Is That Really You, God? is one of such books. He takes the time to include many examples of both such victories and disappointments, and how these experiences have honed his ability to not only hear God but also to obey His leading, be humble to change and to wait to receive confirmation as well.  Sometimes, it's just good to know that even "holy" men and women lived lives full of the same temptations that we would go through: "Jesus always checked with His father, and so should we."

 

Another important lesson that Cunningham conveys through his testimony is that although God is delighted in obedience and victories, it is ultimately our relationship with Him that pleases Him most:  "Guidance is first of all, the relationship with the Guide."

 

Loren Cunningham's book has become mandatory reading for all students desiring to attend any YWAM school or course, and with good reason.  It not only sheds light on YWAM's humble beginnings, but also how it all started with one young man willing to hear God to speak to Him.  I recommend this book to anyone who has ever questioned if God speaks to us today, or for those looking for some encouragement in listening to God.