Intentional Interruptions: Learning to be Interrupted the Way God Intended

by Jonathan Thomas

We are busy and constantly bombarded. Notifications, pings, we carry in our pockets devices that are designed to capture and keep our attention. We are never fully present, always thinking ahead to the next thing, distracted by an email, playing worries over in our minds. But what effect is this having on our lives, relationships and, most importantly, our spiritual health? We need rest – the rest that only Christ can give. But this book is not simply meant to get you off your phone, make more time to stop, or help you simplify and digitally detox. Instead, you are invited into the greatest life imaginable, where we have the openness to be interrupted by God and used in a way that will bring Him glory. At the end of each chapter, Thomas encourages us to take time to ponder and pray – or Selah – and gives us guiding questions to consider. A challenging read for anyone who feels overwhelmed by all that calls on their attention and for those who long for peace.

Genres: Christian

168 pages, Paperback

Published July 11, 2023

Reviews

[Caitlin Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gives a fresh perspective on how we shouldn’t condemn all interruptions. In a time where we can instantaneously remove boredom and be interrupted 24/7, this book does a good job in understanding that small solutions will be different for everyone but the big solution is through God. Thomas elaborates through a series of Divine Interruptions that demonstrate the benefits and challenges of living in a way that allows for God’s Interruptions to shine through.

He backs up a lot of his points with scripture and past comments from theologians and other Christian writers. He also doesn’t shy away from expressing His own experiences and relates to readers in sharing his own struggles with evangelism and distractions through social media.

I enjoy the prayers and reflection points at the end of each chapter which helps you to not feel stranded if you’re unsure what to do next and I strongly recommend reflecting after each chapter.

[Peter Dray · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely little books, seeking to free Christians from the beeps, bleeps and vibrations and to create space in our lives and hearts so that we can be truly 'interrupted' by the God who wants to us know him and share his heart. Particularly suitable for newer believers and younger adults. A combination of heart-warming theology and practical exhortation. I look forward to recommending the book to university students!

[Ed Creedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic. One of my books of the year without a doubt.

A challenging but generous read, with many encouragements to look to and be filled with Christ. Encouraging to read a book like this, grateful for Jonathan's wisdom here.

[Nathan Munday · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Jonathan's book in one sitting.

Challenging, encouraging, and well-written. Excellent reading for any Christian; necessary reading for any minister especially in today's interrupting climate. So refreshing to read a twenty-first century book seeped in the all-too-often forgotten Calvinistic Methodism. The writer functions as an old-fashioned soul doctor, helping us today by stressing the importance of that experiential knowledge of God. How important it is to 'stand still and see the salvation of the Lord' (Exodus 14:13).

Having read it, I long for divine interruptions by that 'Shepherd of Israel and mine, the joy and desire of my heart, For closer communion I pine, I long to reside where thou art'. This is a big, small book which I wholeheartedly recommend.

[Gareth Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve enjoyed reading a number of books this year but none has challenged me like this one. I, like many of you, waste so much time on screens that I miss lots of what’s going on around me. I liked how the book doesn’t condemn smart phones but rather asks us to think about what the Lord Jesus was like and then apply that to our attitudes to our phones. Thank you for the gracious correction! Throughly recommended.

[Aneurin Britton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would give this a 5 star but Jonathan needs to hear his book is a four star book. ;)

Jon's done an excellent job with this thought provoking book. He does what he sets out by highlighting the stuff that interrupts us. He then puts a great case that God wants to interrupt us. He then really hits home that God is worth being interrupted by.

It's a four star, because the publishers should have asked for more pages. I would have loved to just read on and on and on. But I suppose I couldn't be distracted by this book for too long.

[Jonathan Thomas]

As I wrote it, I don't feel I can review it.

Maybe you should read it and write a review?

Thanks.

[Melanie Mead · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how this book addressed the way our digital devices constantly interrupt us and what we can do about it, as well as challenging us to learn to spot how God fills our lives with divine Interruptions for our good. The author constantly points to Christ and how the ultimate goal of our Christian lives is to commune with Him. The chapter on "Communion" with Christ, is by itself worth the price of the book, though every bit of it is thought-provoking, honest and biblical. I would highly recommend it.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A helpful and practical book to consider how life distracts us and how God might want to get our attention. I appreciated Jonathan’s gracious approach to the use of technology and that he took it further than just negativity, but how it can be used well, and even more, the relationship that God is calling us further into.

[Mike Nicholls · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. Some great insights that provoke challenge, would recommend.

[Natalie Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so grace filled that it was a comfort to read whilst also being really challenging. It lifted my eyes to Jesus and stuck with me throughout the day. Well applied and well illustrated. Read it and pay attention to those Divine Interruptions!

[Ellelein Kirk · Rating 4 out of 5]

it is a a very enjoyable and readable short book. it makes you think about your priorities and see if those things we call interruptions are actually good for us. I enjoyed it and have taken notes on some of the advice given.

[Rhodri Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diolch Jon.

[Alison Prowle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoughtful and impactful. The idea if digital sabbath is providing an opportunity to switch off from the world and switch on to what God is saying. I've recommended this book to so many people

[Augustine Celmina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not expect this book to be this good!
It is timely, it is practical and it is filled with the gospel, that has power to free us from the business that we create for ourselves to make us 'comfortably numb'. I am guilty of this, and it is a blessing to read, that in doing so I am actually missing something - a life filled by divine interruptions, the possibility to be confronted by God, and to ultimately change into the person He wants me to be.
I recommend this book!

[Bec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping, heart warming, engaging and life affirming. This book acknowledges the pressures and interruptions of life in the 2020’s. Engagingly it prompts us to slow down and look around and up for the ways God can and will interrupt our lives to enjoy him. Weaved through with personal stories and insights from others, when I picked it up I couldn’t put it down!