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When fear is whispering
When fear is whisperingb When you want to stop worrying about tails on the tailbrThis book draws deep inner fears behind our expression of pretending to be well and finds my fundamental solution. The author points out that our problem is not really a matter of fear but a matter of faith. So our goal is not to be less afraid, but to believe in God more. The journey of faith, in other words, is the journey of surrender to God. It is not a surrender, but a surrender to victory. What if the day is going to be difficult? If you are sleeping in unknown anxiety, are you getting more nights? Now it is time to boldly sort out things like faith but things that are not faith. Change the owner of your life through this book. This book examines itself through the question section "Everything is just a thought" at the end of each chapter, and says, "This is all you need to do. I will encourage you to take the steps of faith toward the dreams and plans God has given through the Mission Corner. Even if you are afraid, take one step. Walk in fear. iframe
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First published May 5, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
August 4, 2018
This book is a lot about conquering fears. Oh that we would trust God so much that our fears would disappear.
May 5, 2015
[Note: This book was provided free of charge by BookLook/Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for an honest review.]
As someone whose mind never seems to rest and who is a chronic insomniac, this is the sort of book that was written for someone like myself. And yet there is nothing particularly surprising about this book. It is not as if the author has very much that is new to say, for the essentials of this book are very straightforward: overcoming fear and developing faith and courage require trust in God and a lot of practice. The lack of novelty is not a bad thing at all--the author mixes personal stories along with a large amount of accurate paraphrases of biblical passages and insightful examples from history and literature to make his point, and it is well done, entertaining, and immensely encouraging. There is little more to ask for in a book about such an obviously difficult struggle as living a life of overcoming fear than the author does. A solid and heartfelt job of presenting fundamentals is far better than superficial novelty, any day of the week.
In terms of its organization, each chapter of this book is about 20 pages or so, a pretty standard length, and it straightforwardly looks at such issues as impatience, coincidence, truly letting God be in control of one's destiny, trust, fear, conflict, adventure, encouragement, difficulty, and so on. Even though the book's cover features a lot of glitz, looking alarmingly like the last birthday card I purchased (which featured a slightly off-color joke about attractive sheep), but at its heart this is a book that seeks to remind its reader about what it takes to walk along with God. It is not a book that strays into theologically murky waters or debates doctrine, but rather focuses on a clear area of importance in practice that is basically without serious dispute--our need to trust God and develop faith in Him. This book goes about that task with considerable humor and insight, but it remains a straightforward task well-suited to a book like this.
One aspect of this book that pleases me as a reader is that it is filled with explanatory headers, each chapter reviews its main points, and there are thoughtful questions at the end of every chapter for reflection. This is not a novel technique, but it is one that pleases me. It is the little details that make a book great, especially a book which seeks to encourage change in behavior. By keeping points simple, by making sure one's organization and train of thought is clear and marked with plenty of reminders and signposts, it is easier to examine what is necessary to go about doing something worthwhile, even if it merely means feeling a bit less anxious as one waits for God to reveal a solution to a situation that is being set up obviously for one. If such encouragement is not new, at least it is welcome, and that is enough to appreciate without demanding a difficult task. After all, it is hard to surprise someone who reads as often as I do, but that does not make a bit of familiar ground any less welcome. This is a book that should please those looking for encouragement to rest, enjoy God's Sabbath, and build a little bit of trust and faith, to work on it over time and help it grow for times when a great deal of moral courage will be necessary.
As someone whose mind never seems to rest and who is a chronic insomniac, this is the sort of book that was written for someone like myself. And yet there is nothing particularly surprising about this book. It is not as if the author has very much that is new to say, for the essentials of this book are very straightforward: overcoming fear and developing faith and courage require trust in God and a lot of practice. The lack of novelty is not a bad thing at all--the author mixes personal stories along with a large amount of accurate paraphrases of biblical passages and insightful examples from history and literature to make his point, and it is well done, entertaining, and immensely encouraging. There is little more to ask for in a book about such an obviously difficult struggle as living a life of overcoming fear than the author does. A solid and heartfelt job of presenting fundamentals is far better than superficial novelty, any day of the week.
In terms of its organization, each chapter of this book is about 20 pages or so, a pretty standard length, and it straightforwardly looks at such issues as impatience, coincidence, truly letting God be in control of one's destiny, trust, fear, conflict, adventure, encouragement, difficulty, and so on. Even though the book's cover features a lot of glitz, looking alarmingly like the last birthday card I purchased (which featured a slightly off-color joke about attractive sheep), but at its heart this is a book that seeks to remind its reader about what it takes to walk along with God. It is not a book that strays into theologically murky waters or debates doctrine, but rather focuses on a clear area of importance in practice that is basically without serious dispute--our need to trust God and develop faith in Him. This book goes about that task with considerable humor and insight, but it remains a straightforward task well-suited to a book like this.
One aspect of this book that pleases me as a reader is that it is filled with explanatory headers, each chapter reviews its main points, and there are thoughtful questions at the end of every chapter for reflection. This is not a novel technique, but it is one that pleases me. It is the little details that make a book great, especially a book which seeks to encourage change in behavior. By keeping points simple, by making sure one's organization and train of thought is clear and marked with plenty of reminders and signposts, it is easier to examine what is necessary to go about doing something worthwhile, even if it merely means feeling a bit less anxious as one waits for God to reveal a solution to a situation that is being set up obviously for one. If such encouragement is not new, at least it is welcome, and that is enough to appreciate without demanding a difficult task. After all, it is hard to surprise someone who reads as often as I do, but that does not make a bit of familiar ground any less welcome. This is a book that should please those looking for encouragement to rest, enjoy God's Sabbath, and build a little bit of trust and faith, to work on it over time and help it grow for times when a great deal of moral courage will be necessary.
May 11, 2015
Learning to trust God–His ways and His timing. Sounds easy. We all know it’s not. Pete Wilson’s new book, What Keeps You At Night, is about overcoming paralyzing fear, doubts, and insecurities and moving forward, just taking that next step of obedience and trusting God with the results.
Something about the way Pete Wilson writes makes it easy to connect with him. Maybe it’s his storytelling, his examples, his easy-to-read style; I always enjoy his books. I found myself highlighting and underlining throughout this one. It was encouraging without being Pollyana-style blindly optimistic. He faced hard truths—like we will have trouble in this world, and we will have to wait, and there will be uncertainty, and sometimes we will be rejected or disappointed. But God. That’s really what it all comes down to. Yes, life can be tough, But God.
My favorite quote in the book is housed in his chapter on embracing uncertainty. He writes, “We think the more spiritually mature we are the more clarity we should have. The fact is, the more spiritually mature we are the less clarity we need.” This one sentence nailed it for me. I find that God asks me more and more to live with unknowns or take steps of faith without neon sign confirmation. It’s because He’s asking me to trust HIM and Him alone more and more.
This book includes key ideas and reflection questions at the end of each chapter, as well as an action point of some kind called “Your Next Step.” It’s these next steps that I loved the most. Some of the ‘assignments’ he gave were unique and could really prod you into growing spiritually and stepping out in faith. In one chapter, he asks you to do something you are afraid of this week: Like strike up a conversation with a stranger if you’re shy or go a day without social media if you are addicted to it or speak up about some injustice that you see. On the surface, none of these seemed like life-changing, faith-altering, huge faith-steps. And yet, how often do we let the smallest fears or bad habits turn into strongholds that absolutely keep us from obeying God and His call in our lives? Too often we get hung up on looking for the grand vision for our lives or we are overwhelmed by that one giant of opposition and really God is just asking us to take that next right step.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Something about the way Pete Wilson writes makes it easy to connect with him. Maybe it’s his storytelling, his examples, his easy-to-read style; I always enjoy his books. I found myself highlighting and underlining throughout this one. It was encouraging without being Pollyana-style blindly optimistic. He faced hard truths—like we will have trouble in this world, and we will have to wait, and there will be uncertainty, and sometimes we will be rejected or disappointed. But God. That’s really what it all comes down to. Yes, life can be tough, But God.
My favorite quote in the book is housed in his chapter on embracing uncertainty. He writes, “We think the more spiritually mature we are the more clarity we should have. The fact is, the more spiritually mature we are the less clarity we need.” This one sentence nailed it for me. I find that God asks me more and more to live with unknowns or take steps of faith without neon sign confirmation. It’s because He’s asking me to trust HIM and Him alone more and more.
This book includes key ideas and reflection questions at the end of each chapter, as well as an action point of some kind called “Your Next Step.” It’s these next steps that I loved the most. Some of the ‘assignments’ he gave were unique and could really prod you into growing spiritually and stepping out in faith. In one chapter, he asks you to do something you are afraid of this week: Like strike up a conversation with a stranger if you’re shy or go a day without social media if you are addicted to it or speak up about some injustice that you see. On the surface, none of these seemed like life-changing, faith-altering, huge faith-steps. And yet, how often do we let the smallest fears or bad habits turn into strongholds that absolutely keep us from obeying God and His call in our lives? Too often we get hung up on looking for the grand vision for our lives or we are overwhelmed by that one giant of opposition and really God is just asking us to take that next right step.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
July 8, 2015
What Keeps You At Night is a lot more than just a study on how to overcome your fear of the unknown and try to get to the bottom of the issue of those thoughts that keep you from getting good night's sleep. This has been one of my problems for a very long time since my brain is always working, figuring out possibilities on the future, the next day, and going over all the worries that I have on my plate.
This book is highly recommended to those that are strong in their faith but also those that are in question with God and His existence. It gave me a lot to think about and try to understand the process that my brain goes through while trying to get to sleep and going through the day. It is extremely well written and very enjoyable.
This book is highly recommended to those that are strong in their faith but also those that are in question with God and His existence. It gave me a lot to think about and try to understand the process that my brain goes through while trying to get to sleep and going through the day. It is extremely well written and very enjoyable.
June 30, 2017
"When God had finished making the universe, He sat back and looked at what He had done. Then He said, “It is very good.”
He made it just as He intended it. Nothing was wasted; nothing was out of place. It was perfect.
I realize that not long after, according to the Bible, sin came along and messed up God’s original intentions for the universe. Humans, aided and abetted by the devil, allowed their own pride and self-will to spoil the perfect relationship God had with His creation. But the principle still applies: nothing God has designed is wasted. This is true in our lives when we are pursuing God’s will. Nothing—loss, discouragement, joy, victory, achievement, failure, illness, success—that we gain or
experience during the journey is ever wasted. It all has a purpose. Everything becomes a stitch in the grand tapestry God is weaving, throughout time and eternity. And you and I—our lives, our hopes, our dreams, our victories, and our defeats—are part of that grand design."
Wise, witty book with lot of insights and well-aimed advice. We live in the broken world and the fight good vs. evil is real. The encouragement to fight the good fight is needed and the author can give his hand in this issue well.
Mr Wilson is a very gifted narrator (speaker) as he can use very concise comparisons, stories and examples.
Mr Wilson shows the reader the way - to look at the face of God constantly - but not in the preachy way. His words are honest yet warm, well-thought and practical help. He obviously knows quite enough about pain and fear to understand the stumbles on the way.
Solid, serious, yet engaging and encouraging tone can add some balm and also some fuel to your fights and your way with God.
I have been quite inspired by this book, and I am not saying this lightly.
He made it just as He intended it. Nothing was wasted; nothing was out of place. It was perfect.
I realize that not long after, according to the Bible, sin came along and messed up God’s original intentions for the universe. Humans, aided and abetted by the devil, allowed their own pride and self-will to spoil the perfect relationship God had with His creation. But the principle still applies: nothing God has designed is wasted. This is true in our lives when we are pursuing God’s will. Nothing—loss, discouragement, joy, victory, achievement, failure, illness, success—that we gain or
experience during the journey is ever wasted. It all has a purpose. Everything becomes a stitch in the grand tapestry God is weaving, throughout time and eternity. And you and I—our lives, our hopes, our dreams, our victories, and our defeats—are part of that grand design."
Wise, witty book with lot of insights and well-aimed advice. We live in the broken world and the fight good vs. evil is real. The encouragement to fight the good fight is needed and the author can give his hand in this issue well.
Mr Wilson is a very gifted narrator (speaker) as he can use very concise comparisons, stories and examples.
Mr Wilson shows the reader the way - to look at the face of God constantly - but not in the preachy way. His words are honest yet warm, well-thought and practical help. He obviously knows quite enough about pain and fear to understand the stumbles on the way.
Solid, serious, yet engaging and encouraging tone can add some balm and also some fuel to your fights and your way with God.
I have been quite inspired by this book, and I am not saying this lightly.
July 12, 2017
This is the first and only book I've read (or actually, "listened to") by Pete Wilson, so I ventured into it with neutral expectations. This book ended up speaking to me in a number of ways in my current season of life, for which I'm really grateful for. What I found most encouraging and wise in what Wilson carried as a continual thread throughout as he spoke of the process for discovering and responding to God's specific will for us (taking into consideration our gifts, abilities, passions, etc.) was that clarity comes from trusting God and walking in intimate relationship with Him - not from simply asking the question, "God, what is your will for me?" isolated from any real intentional time spent with Him in His Word and in prayer. In other words, we discover our personal (or secondary) callings as a result of daily responding to our primary calling (to know and follow Jesus). Perhaps then the better question (or at least the first) we should be asking God as we seek His will is, "God, help me to know and trust You above everything else". I also really appreciated the chapter summary points, reflective questions, and next steps listed at the end of each chapter. Overall, I found this book to be doctrinally sound with wise counsel in terms of the practical action steps of walking by faith as a response to what we know to be true of God and His desires for us.
December 10, 2018
RATING 4.24 STARS
I started reading this book years ago and never finished it. I get distracted sometimes, what can I say. Revisiting this, I found many solid insights and tactics for dealing with fear in my life. Fear, you know, that we all have on some level. I don't know that this book makes it any easier to deal with your fear, but it certainly makes it more difficult to deny it.
As a book, it reads like a sermon series, which is good - easy to put down (maybe too easy) and return to at will. Wilson is charming and direct in his message, offering plenty of examples and illustrations for those of us who like to hear things from multiple perspectives.
I started reading this book years ago and never finished it. I get distracted sometimes, what can I say. Revisiting this, I found many solid insights and tactics for dealing with fear in my life. Fear, you know, that we all have on some level. I don't know that this book makes it any easier to deal with your fear, but it certainly makes it more difficult to deny it.
As a book, it reads like a sermon series, which is good - easy to put down (maybe too easy) and return to at will. Wilson is charming and direct in his message, offering plenty of examples and illustrations for those of us who like to hear things from multiple perspectives.
July 31, 2019
This book was an easy read, and I appreciated that Wilson was practical and also biblical in his approach to pursuing dreams. Although much of the information I have read in other places, this one book takes some solid ideas and packs them together into one resource. I would highly recommend it for new adults who are embarking on new opportunities or wanting to find encouragement while going for their goals.
March 10, 2018
The title implies a motivational book, and it is - but more in a spiritual sense. The author encourages believers’ steps in faith and recognizing God’s will. I underlined quite a few sentences - an indication for me that there is some good counsel to revisit. 4 1/2 stars
December 22, 2018
This is a book to read in chuncks and pieces. Makes the thinking happen.
February 6, 2019
really recommended
January 6, 2020
Good read, worth the read but nothing revolutionary
April 5, 2023
Es una respuesta a muchas preguntas
June 9, 2015
5 of 5 Stars (Writing Quality) & 2 of 5 Stars (Personal)
I know I’ve probably confused you right from the start of this review. Why two ratings? After I read the book I actually considered not reviewing it because of some personal conflict with the content. I really couldn’t figure out a way to give a single rating that both incorporated my personal feelings and the actual quality of the book because they are so different. So instead of just one rating – I’m giving two.
Writing Quality
I found this to be incredibly well written. The layout for each chapter is just enough to get you thinking before a summary with extra questions to further discussion. Because of this I think it would be great for a group at church. My absolute favorite part was how stories from the bible were retold with a slight modern twist making them far more understandable and even relatable. The style of writing was amazing and I enjoyed it a lot. It didn’t feel heavy or overly pushy. Even with my personal conflicts you’ll read below I never felt it was shoving anything in my face.
Personal
The biggest reason I almost didn’t review this book had very little to do with the book itself. I consider myself a questioning Christian. It’s hard for me to really believe in these “just trust God” type ideas which a majority of the book was really aiming for. I understood the concept completely and feel for many people this works. I often felt irritated by it though because I have such conflict with my own faith, so many questions that simply don’t have answers. I also hold a few big resentments with ‘organized religion’ and it all tainted my ability to just enjoy the book. There were some things in the book that I found incredibly valuable and others that I disagreed with. Again this really is my own very personal issue and not so much a true representation of the book. I did however feel that I couldn’t truly review the book without sharing this aspect of my experience while reading.
In Summary
I think this book has a very specific target audience that I don’t quite fit into. Christians with stronger faiths or more mainstream beliefs than my own would most likely really love this book. As I said before a bible study surrounding just the topics that are in each chapter would be interesting even for me. I’m glad I read the book as it gave me a lot to think about and I’ll most likely reference it in the future as I explore what my own faith is and isn’t. I highly recommend it for the audience it is intended for because it is a very good book. Because of how well it’s written I do think it’s worth a shot for those questioning their faith.
This was provided free from the publisher through BookLook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review. This in no way effected my opinion and I was compensated in no other manner.
I know I’ve probably confused you right from the start of this review. Why two ratings? After I read the book I actually considered not reviewing it because of some personal conflict with the content. I really couldn’t figure out a way to give a single rating that both incorporated my personal feelings and the actual quality of the book because they are so different. So instead of just one rating – I’m giving two.
Writing Quality
I found this to be incredibly well written. The layout for each chapter is just enough to get you thinking before a summary with extra questions to further discussion. Because of this I think it would be great for a group at church. My absolute favorite part was how stories from the bible were retold with a slight modern twist making them far more understandable and even relatable. The style of writing was amazing and I enjoyed it a lot. It didn’t feel heavy or overly pushy. Even with my personal conflicts you’ll read below I never felt it was shoving anything in my face.
Personal
The biggest reason I almost didn’t review this book had very little to do with the book itself. I consider myself a questioning Christian. It’s hard for me to really believe in these “just trust God” type ideas which a majority of the book was really aiming for. I understood the concept completely and feel for many people this works. I often felt irritated by it though because I have such conflict with my own faith, so many questions that simply don’t have answers. I also hold a few big resentments with ‘organized religion’ and it all tainted my ability to just enjoy the book. There were some things in the book that I found incredibly valuable and others that I disagreed with. Again this really is my own very personal issue and not so much a true representation of the book. I did however feel that I couldn’t truly review the book without sharing this aspect of my experience while reading.
In Summary
I think this book has a very specific target audience that I don’t quite fit into. Christians with stronger faiths or more mainstream beliefs than my own would most likely really love this book. As I said before a bible study surrounding just the topics that are in each chapter would be interesting even for me. I’m glad I read the book as it gave me a lot to think about and I’ll most likely reference it in the future as I explore what my own faith is and isn’t. I highly recommend it for the audience it is intended for because it is a very good book. Because of how well it’s written I do think it’s worth a shot for those questioning their faith.
This was provided free from the publisher through BookLook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review. This in no way effected my opinion and I was compensated in no other manner.
March 21, 2016
"Just because a dream is delayed, doesn't mean it's denied." <---- THIS!
"What would you do if you knew God had already given you the victory?"
"If Jesus, (John 13) who knew all things were being placed in subjection to him, could then turn in humility, to teach His disciples about the true meaning of love, how can anyone who claims to follow Him do otherwise? We do not become less by serving others, we become more."
"When gifts given by God are given freely, they tend to be multiplied back to the giver. Take love, for example, love just grows more and more, the more you give it to others."
"Jesus, our great hero, who pursued God's plan all the way to the end, and achieved it in a way no one else ever will, taught us once an for all, that the more you empty yourself in God's name, for the benefit of others, the more you will be filled."
"Nothing God has designed on our journey is wasted."
"Sometimes trusting God means accepting our paths must diverge from the people, places and things that have become familiar to us. As we are willing to let go and continue trusting God, we are enabled to continue our journey toward all that God wants us to become."
------
About a month ago He taught me in a sermon that Jesus was excited about His obedience because He wanted to show the world how much He valued the Father. It resonated straight through my scaredy catness enough to encourage me to whisper in His ear whatever He had coming in my life I'd say yes to. If it was a total fail, God would be no less good. This audio book came during one of those "God, wait, what? I'm willing, just hold my hand and You're going to have to do everything." leaps of faith. This book is chock full of encouragement to acknowledge your fear but to combat it with truth and the reality of our identity in Christ. It had stories that drew you in, but they all had a Biblical base. It didn't have me focusing on the author, but definitely had me focusing on The Author. LOVED IT.
LOVED IT.
LOVED. IT.
"What would you do if you knew God had already given you the victory?"
"If Jesus, (John 13) who knew all things were being placed in subjection to him, could then turn in humility, to teach His disciples about the true meaning of love, how can anyone who claims to follow Him do otherwise? We do not become less by serving others, we become more."
"When gifts given by God are given freely, they tend to be multiplied back to the giver. Take love, for example, love just grows more and more, the more you give it to others."
"Jesus, our great hero, who pursued God's plan all the way to the end, and achieved it in a way no one else ever will, taught us once an for all, that the more you empty yourself in God's name, for the benefit of others, the more you will be filled."
"Nothing God has designed on our journey is wasted."
"Sometimes trusting God means accepting our paths must diverge from the people, places and things that have become familiar to us. As we are willing to let go and continue trusting God, we are enabled to continue our journey toward all that God wants us to become."
------
About a month ago He taught me in a sermon that Jesus was excited about His obedience because He wanted to show the world how much He valued the Father. It resonated straight through my scaredy catness enough to encourage me to whisper in His ear whatever He had coming in my life I'd say yes to. If it was a total fail, God would be no less good. This audio book came during one of those "God, wait, what? I'm willing, just hold my hand and You're going to have to do everything." leaps of faith. This book is chock full of encouragement to acknowledge your fear but to combat it with truth and the reality of our identity in Christ. It had stories that drew you in, but they all had a Biblical base. It didn't have me focusing on the author, but definitely had me focusing on The Author. LOVED IT.
LOVED IT.
LOVED. IT.
July 21, 2015
Summary:
What Keeps You Up At Night is a study on anxiety and fear, and how to overcome them.
Pete Wilson begins by addressing how fear has disoriented us, held us back, and changed our mindset. Further, he explains Satan's battle-plan in using fear to cause us to feel isolated and alone. Wilson explores several points that will pilot away from anxiety and fear, and towards freedom.
Chapters:
"One Steps in the Darkness"
Two Expect Conflict
Three Hang On to What Lasts
Four Embrace Uncertainty
Five Learn to Wait
Six Give Up Your Container
Seven Endure the Dip
Eight Recalibrate
Nine Lean into Transition
Ten Live for the Adventure
Eleven Anticipate Confirmation
Twelve Pass It On"
At the end of each chapter there are three sections listed:
1. "Key Ideas.
2. Reflection Questions.
3. Your Next Step."
My Thoughts:
I'm a heavy reader who has widely read books on the topics of fear, anxiety, insecurity, trust, faith, and courage. What Keeps You Up At Night does not hold new teachings, but expounds on previous teachings I've read. It is for this reason alone I gave What Keeps You Up At Night 4 stars for very good. A new Christian, or a Christian who is not well-read on these topics, this book is excellent.
One point that stood out to me is the teaching of eternal perspective. This is something I wished I'd learned as a young person. The trials and waiting periods of life have an eternal purpose. I can only see the finite, but there is an eternal perspective that God sees. It requires trust on my part. Trusting in God for the significant and eternal purpose of what I'm going through. God has a plan. A unique plan for my life. My task is to trust in Him.
What Keeps You Up At Night is a study on anxiety and fear, and how to overcome them.
Pete Wilson begins by addressing how fear has disoriented us, held us back, and changed our mindset. Further, he explains Satan's battle-plan in using fear to cause us to feel isolated and alone. Wilson explores several points that will pilot away from anxiety and fear, and towards freedom.
Chapters:
"One Steps in the Darkness"
Two Expect Conflict
Three Hang On to What Lasts
Four Embrace Uncertainty
Five Learn to Wait
Six Give Up Your Container
Seven Endure the Dip
Eight Recalibrate
Nine Lean into Transition
Ten Live for the Adventure
Eleven Anticipate Confirmation
Twelve Pass It On"
At the end of each chapter there are three sections listed:
1. "Key Ideas.
2. Reflection Questions.
3. Your Next Step."
My Thoughts:
I'm a heavy reader who has widely read books on the topics of fear, anxiety, insecurity, trust, faith, and courage. What Keeps You Up At Night does not hold new teachings, but expounds on previous teachings I've read. It is for this reason alone I gave What Keeps You Up At Night 4 stars for very good. A new Christian, or a Christian who is not well-read on these topics, this book is excellent.
One point that stood out to me is the teaching of eternal perspective. This is something I wished I'd learned as a young person. The trials and waiting periods of life have an eternal purpose. I can only see the finite, but there is an eternal perspective that God sees. It requires trust on my part. Trusting in God for the significant and eternal purpose of what I'm going through. God has a plan. A unique plan for my life. My task is to trust in Him.
September 1, 2015
What keeps you up at night? What is your worst fear?
These are the questions that Pete Wilson greets you with in the Introduction to What Keeps You Up At Night – How To Find Peace While Chasing Your Dreams.
What Keeps You Up At Night is a field guide for Christians who need to close the gap between fear and faith in their lives. In each chapter of the book, Pete challenges us to ruthlessly trust in God’s plans and discusses how to embrace God’s call for our lives, based on Scripture and his personal observations and experiences.
Each chapter opens with an inspirational quote, contains helpful subheadings to guide you through the material, and closes with a summary of key ideas, reflection questions and your next step at the end of each chapter.
Psalm 121:1-3, a key passage in Pete’s life, sets the tone for the book:
I lift up my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip – He who watches over you will not slumber/
Now, I am a fan of Pete Wilson’s – I thoroughly enjoyed his previous book, Empty Promises – but this particular book did not speak to my heart in the same way as his previous book did. The content, while solid, was not nearly as compelling as I hoped it would be, and it took me a long time to work my way through the book.
I’m sure that the right reader will learn a lot from What Keeps You Up At Night, but for me, this is a 3 out of 5 star book.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
These are the questions that Pete Wilson greets you with in the Introduction to What Keeps You Up At Night – How To Find Peace While Chasing Your Dreams.
What Keeps You Up At Night is a field guide for Christians who need to close the gap between fear and faith in their lives. In each chapter of the book, Pete challenges us to ruthlessly trust in God’s plans and discusses how to embrace God’s call for our lives, based on Scripture and his personal observations and experiences.
Each chapter opens with an inspirational quote, contains helpful subheadings to guide you through the material, and closes with a summary of key ideas, reflection questions and your next step at the end of each chapter.
Psalm 121:1-3, a key passage in Pete’s life, sets the tone for the book:
I lift up my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip – He who watches over you will not slumber/
Now, I am a fan of Pete Wilson’s – I thoroughly enjoyed his previous book, Empty Promises – but this particular book did not speak to my heart in the same way as his previous book did. The content, while solid, was not nearly as compelling as I hoped it would be, and it took me a long time to work my way through the book.
I’m sure that the right reader will learn a lot from What Keeps You Up At Night, but for me, this is a 3 out of 5 star book.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
July 27, 2015
I’ve read a few of Pete Wilson’s books now, and they always blend encouragement with conviction, personal stories with biblical ones, and reminders with love. This newest book keeps up with Pete’s recognizable tone.
This book is really about fear, focus, and trust.
“The faithfulness of God is stronger than whatever fears or challenges are holding you back.” – p. 44
Pete Wilson is a good storyteller, and he hears and experiences a lot of stories as pastor of Cross Point. He uses this skill to both notice powerful stories and then relate them to his readers as examples of biblical truths and wisdom and evidence of a present God.
This book won’t tell you what your ultimate God-given dreams are, but it does help readers see reasons to focus and trust. In a world where we’re often told we have to pave on our paths—totally on our own—Pete reminds us that God is constantly with us and community offers a solid journey.
“What if we were to think of depending on God not as the absence of strength, but, rather, as the presence of courage?” – p. 62
His approachable tone makes this a good read for people of varied situations and backgrounds. While readers may not come away with totally clear steps for their specific dreams, this book reminds us all that we play a part in a much bigger story, which helps reframe and remind us of our focus, no matter what our circumstances and dreams are.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher as a part of the BookLook blogger program in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
This book is really about fear, focus, and trust.
“The faithfulness of God is stronger than whatever fears or challenges are holding you back.” – p. 44
Pete Wilson is a good storyteller, and he hears and experiences a lot of stories as pastor of Cross Point. He uses this skill to both notice powerful stories and then relate them to his readers as examples of biblical truths and wisdom and evidence of a present God.
This book won’t tell you what your ultimate God-given dreams are, but it does help readers see reasons to focus and trust. In a world where we’re often told we have to pave on our paths—totally on our own—Pete reminds us that God is constantly with us and community offers a solid journey.
“What if we were to think of depending on God not as the absence of strength, but, rather, as the presence of courage?” – p. 62
His approachable tone makes this a good read for people of varied situations and backgrounds. While readers may not come away with totally clear steps for their specific dreams, this book reminds us all that we play a part in a much bigger story, which helps reframe and remind us of our focus, no matter what our circumstances and dreams are.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher as a part of the BookLook blogger program in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 28, 2015
Pete Wilson is the founding and senior pastor of Cross Point Church in Nashville, Tennessee. What Keeps You Up at Night? is his fourth book, where the main idea is that God has a purpose for each of us. Though Wilson never uses the word, you could refer to it as your vocation. What keeps us up at night is fear and uncertainty about fulfilling this God-given purpose.
From there, Wilson explores various ways in which fear keeps us from chasing our dreams – or God’s dreams for us. Fear prevents us from living into the holy life God has called us to. Wilson also provides some practical steps to overcome that fear. Prayer and trust in God are the strongest recommendations. Wilson writes:
“Sometimes, trusting God means accepting that our paths must diverge from the people, places, and things that have become familiar to us. As we are willing to let go and continue trusting, we are enabled to continue our journey toward all that God wants us to be.”
The book is good, and I am appreciate Wilson’s other books, especially Plan B. There are some excellent points and illustrations that I foresee making an appearance in a sermon or teaching sessions. However, it was a book that I found myself getting bored with. It doesn’t take long to read, but it felt like there was a word/page requirement that needed to be met. Like those college papers where you’ve said everything you needed to say in the first five pages, but you still have five more to go. That’s what it begins to feel like at times.
Read more at http://jasoncstanley.com/book-review-...
From there, Wilson explores various ways in which fear keeps us from chasing our dreams – or God’s dreams for us. Fear prevents us from living into the holy life God has called us to. Wilson also provides some practical steps to overcome that fear. Prayer and trust in God are the strongest recommendations. Wilson writes:
“Sometimes, trusting God means accepting that our paths must diverge from the people, places, and things that have become familiar to us. As we are willing to let go and continue trusting, we are enabled to continue our journey toward all that God wants us to be.”
The book is good, and I am appreciate Wilson’s other books, especially Plan B. There are some excellent points and illustrations that I foresee making an appearance in a sermon or teaching sessions. However, it was a book that I found myself getting bored with. It doesn’t take long to read, but it felt like there was a word/page requirement that needed to be met. Like those college papers where you’ve said everything you needed to say in the first five pages, but you still have five more to go. That’s what it begins to feel like at times.
Read more at http://jasoncstanley.com/book-review-...
October 30, 2015
I would suggest What Keeps You Up At Night for anyone wanting to take that next step in life (career, school, relationship, dream, etc). The overlying message of this book is to trust the Lord with our uncertainty. Each chapter gives tips on how to do that through waiting patiently, recognizing our dreams vs. God's dreams for our lives, enduring when it gets tough (because the best stories are the ones where people made it through), seeking confirmation from relationships and situations that the Lord places in our daily lives. Each chapter has a helpful review, questions, and a next step challenge which make it a great book for small groups or on your own.
Some of my favorite takeaways from the book include:
“But instead of spending our lives running towards our dreams, we are often running away from a fear of failure or a fear of criticism.” Eric Wright
“Fear should not deter us in the pursuit of the lives God has for us, nor should it paralyze us.”
“We are most focused on what is happening to us, but God is more concerned about what is happening in us.”
“[God] sees you for who you really are, not who life has convinced you that you are. You carry His image; it is stamped in your soul.”
“Like the ancient kings who stamped their images on coins, God has stamped His image on us.”
“As long as you think you are the central character in the story, you are out of calibration. You’re playing out of tune.”
Some of my favorite takeaways from the book include:
“But instead of spending our lives running towards our dreams, we are often running away from a fear of failure or a fear of criticism.” Eric Wright
“Fear should not deter us in the pursuit of the lives God has for us, nor should it paralyze us.”
“We are most focused on what is happening to us, but God is more concerned about what is happening in us.”
“[God] sees you for who you really are, not who life has convinced you that you are. You carry His image; it is stamped in your soul.”
“Like the ancient kings who stamped their images on coins, God has stamped His image on us.”
“As long as you think you are the central character in the story, you are out of calibration. You’re playing out of tune.”
January 3, 2017
Some of this trended into neat little Christian cliches, but to some extent that is unavoidable and entirely forgiveable. I thought I had selected a book about peace, but What Keeps You Up at Night is not really about peace per se, it's about having the courage to pursue your God given dreams.
So although it wasn't exactly what I expected, I found it really encouraging and inspirational. Wilson;s style is very easy to read, and his nutshellizing of familiar bible stories was very good. He even managed to shed new light on some of these stories for me which was great. I really felt God speaking directly to me at times through this book. I had to stop from time to time and walk way and think about what I read. The structure of the book is really good to with a summary at the end fo each chapter and a series of reflection questions. Not only did Wilson demonstrate his points with Bible stories but he also shared his personal experience and talked about the experiences of people he knew personally. This is very important, I think.
The basic message I took form What Keep You Up at Night was to not allow fear stop me from pursuing my dreams, and trusting that these things of which I dream are God given and therefore he will, in his time- not my time- make them happen.
So although it wasn't exactly what I expected, I found it really encouraging and inspirational. Wilson;s style is very easy to read, and his nutshellizing of familiar bible stories was very good. He even managed to shed new light on some of these stories for me which was great. I really felt God speaking directly to me at times through this book. I had to stop from time to time and walk way and think about what I read. The structure of the book is really good to with a summary at the end fo each chapter and a series of reflection questions. Not only did Wilson demonstrate his points with Bible stories but he also shared his personal experience and talked about the experiences of people he knew personally. This is very important, I think.
The basic message I took form What Keep You Up at Night was to not allow fear stop me from pursuing my dreams, and trusting that these things of which I dream are God given and therefore he will, in his time- not my time- make them happen.
May 14, 2015
What Keeps You Up At Night by Pete Wilson gives us a clue on "how to find peace while chasing your dreams".
Courage to do what we were meant to do. We all need that. This book will show us how to trust in God to lead us through our dreams. Because doing what we want/need/dream to do isn't always easy. As a matter of fact, the Bible shows that when we do what God wants is usually when we will face the most opposition in life.
That's scary.
This book encouraged me to keep chasing my dreams. Whether they are big or small, they are important. God presses certain desires in our heart and we should listen. Trust. Follow.
Wilson shows us verses on why we should chase our dreams. And then gives us ways to do so with a little more strength and courage than we currently possess. He does so in an interesting and non-preachy way, even though he himself is a preacher. :)
This book was given to me by BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest opinion. Full review at http://www.trenchesofmommyhood.blogsp...
Courage to do what we were meant to do. We all need that. This book will show us how to trust in God to lead us through our dreams. Because doing what we want/need/dream to do isn't always easy. As a matter of fact, the Bible shows that when we do what God wants is usually when we will face the most opposition in life.
That's scary.
This book encouraged me to keep chasing my dreams. Whether they are big or small, they are important. God presses certain desires in our heart and we should listen. Trust. Follow.
Wilson shows us verses on why we should chase our dreams. And then gives us ways to do so with a little more strength and courage than we currently possess. He does so in an interesting and non-preachy way, even though he himself is a preacher. :)
This book was given to me by BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest opinion. Full review at http://www.trenchesofmommyhood.blogsp...
July 21, 2015
What Keeps You Up at Night?
How to Find Peace While Chasing Your Dreams
by Pete Wilson
Thomas Nelson–W Publishing
Thomas Nelson
Christian
Pub Date May 5, 2015
image
What Keeps You Up at Night is a book that reminds that it is okay to dream, that infact the Lord gives us dreams, and we do not have to be afraid of
them. But sadly we so often are. Not only does he speak about dreams but he also speaks about fears which is something we all face.
The author reminds us that some of the greatest names of today, went through failures, before they made a name for themselves, before they found sucess.
In a day and age that is often full of discouragemet and disheartening news, it is importatnt to read a book like What Keeps You Up At Night, because we are reminded that even in the midst of stuggles, and even fears there is Hope, and that it is indeed okay to dream.
I give What Keeps You Up At Night: How to Find Peace While Chasing Your Dreams Five out of five stars.
Happy Reading
How to Find Peace While Chasing Your Dreams
by Pete Wilson
Thomas Nelson–W Publishing
Thomas Nelson
Christian
Pub Date May 5, 2015
image
What Keeps You Up at Night is a book that reminds that it is okay to dream, that infact the Lord gives us dreams, and we do not have to be afraid of
them. But sadly we so often are. Not only does he speak about dreams but he also speaks about fears which is something we all face.
The author reminds us that some of the greatest names of today, went through failures, before they made a name for themselves, before they found sucess.
In a day and age that is often full of discouragemet and disheartening news, it is importatnt to read a book like What Keeps You Up At Night, because we are reminded that even in the midst of stuggles, and even fears there is Hope, and that it is indeed okay to dream.
I give What Keeps You Up At Night: How to Find Peace While Chasing Your Dreams Five out of five stars.
Happy Reading
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2016
This book was a great follow-up to The Ragamuffin Gospel. Pete Wilson encourages us to see beyond our fears and see God's hand at work in our lives. He exhorts us to trust in God's perfect timing and arrangement of all the circumstances of our lives, regardless of how they appear to us (Romans 8:28). He discusses how fear is not the only thing that keeps us up at night, that it may be our passion calling out to be fulfilled, if we are open to the risk, danger, and change that stepping forward with God can involve. Yet we can trust that He will never forsake us and always resources those He calls.
A very encouraging book for those ready to take that next step on the journey to becoming all that the Lord wants each of us to become.
A very encouraging book for those ready to take that next step on the journey to becoming all that the Lord wants each of us to become.
June 10, 2016
It took me awhile to finish the book since the book seemed to lack an overall structure. It was when I went back to re-read and highlight the main points that the main messages in the book became clearer. Overall, I think the author makes some good points about how to follow God through the uncertain periods when following your life's calling. I liked the summary of main points at the end of the chapter -- many of which will be useful and motivational.
February 4, 2017
I was keen to read this book because I'd previously read both his blog, and that of other members of his church. There's lots to like about this book - Wilson's style is engaging and his topic relatable for many people. I was slightly disappointed by the lack of 'weight': this isn't a book which will stay with me. It was interesting and thought-provoking in places, but not life-changing.
I received a digital copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a digital copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 4, 2015
Very inspiring! This is a book that I will be reading again and again. I see myself using it as a reference manual and as a journal. There is a depth to this book that can both inspire you as well as help you no matter where you are on your faith journey path.
July 22, 2015
Another great book by Pete Wilson, a good read, easy to understand and Wilson has a great gift of connecting with his audience. Plan B is my favorite of his books (one of my favorite books period), but this one is also well worth the read.
December 29, 2015
I listened to the audiobook which was very good.
August 7, 2015
Easy read about facing your fears as you pursue the dreams God has given you.
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