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I Didn't Sign Up for This: Navigating Life's Detours
Without the least bit of notice, life can take a sudden turn down a road we never anticipated or never would have chosen to travel. I Didn't Sign Up for Navigating Life's Detours offers insights from the life and times of the prophet Elijah to encourage readers who have suddenly veered off the road into a wilderness experience. It provides guidelines and tools to help readers align their expectations with God's plan, fuel their lives with faith to overcome their fears, and find their way home. It offers fresh perspective on the need for God's direction throughout life's journey.
- GenresReligion
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2012
11 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
Aaron Sharp
10 books20 followersAaron E. Sharp is the author of five books and a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary. His writing has appeared in numerous magazines, and he is a weekly columnist for the Odessa American newspaper. He and his wife, Elaina, live near Dallas, Texas, with a zoologist, a ballerina, a fashionista, and a slugger – their four young children.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 20, 2017
Sometimes life throws us an unexpected turn, and it seems like everything is awful. It may or may not be our own doing, but it can feel like there’s no way out, and sometimes we think we just can’t deal with it anymore. Aaron Sharp calls it a detour. The title grabbed me immediately, since I believed I was in the midst of a big one. I was not disappointed. It is not a “self-help” book, and would be shelved among spiritual or Christian books, but it is not “preachy” or judging.
It is a brilliant telling of the prophet Elijah’s story and how it can apply to our lives in the twenty-first century. Peppered with anecdotes and historical lessons, the book amazed me many times, and going forward from here, when I’m caught up in another of life’s detours, I know that I will be reassured by the wisdom in this book.
One chapter, my favorite of all, is “Detours and Reality.” Have you ever truly believed one thing to be absolutely true, but later learned that you were wrong? The theme of this chapter is that, as Sharp writes, “When we are on a detour, our ability to discern reality can often become compromised.” He starts with a story (as he often does), by telling the World War II story of the Allied Forces’ 23rd Headquarters Special Troops, known as the Ghost Army, described here by Smithsonian Magazine:
1,100 soldiers formed the unit, also known as the Ghost Army. They were artists and illustrators, radio people and sound guys. Handpicked for the job from New York and Philadelphia art schools in January 1944, their mission was to deceive the enemy with hand-made inflatable tanks, 500-pound speakers blasting the sounds of troops assembling and phony radio transmissions.
Over the course of the war, they staged more than 20 operations and are estimated to have saved between 15,000 and 30,000 U.S. lives. The illusion
was never broken and not even their fellow soldiers knew of their existence.
(Source: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history... )
Their purpose was to make the Germans believe that the Allies were going to invade Germany far to the north along the Rhine River from where it actually happened, and in this they were stunningly successful. These men succeeded in changing the entire German army’s perception of reality.
Sharp goes on to discuss how we develop distorted and often inaccurate viewpoints that are “less than authentic.” This truly hit home for me as I applied the thinking to my own foibles and misunderstandings as well as those of people I know.
The book is structured in terms of components (such as Imperfect Understandings) of life’s detours, and makes clear and understandable connections with each one, not only in reference to Elijah’s story in 1 Kings 19 but also in our world today. My own take-away was: first, knowing how I can help myself when life again sends me on a detour, and second, having a lot of things to think about in terms of processing and understanding (in a big picture way) the detours I have already survived.
It is a brilliant telling of the prophet Elijah’s story and how it can apply to our lives in the twenty-first century. Peppered with anecdotes and historical lessons, the book amazed me many times, and going forward from here, when I’m caught up in another of life’s detours, I know that I will be reassured by the wisdom in this book.
One chapter, my favorite of all, is “Detours and Reality.” Have you ever truly believed one thing to be absolutely true, but later learned that you were wrong? The theme of this chapter is that, as Sharp writes, “When we are on a detour, our ability to discern reality can often become compromised.” He starts with a story (as he often does), by telling the World War II story of the Allied Forces’ 23rd Headquarters Special Troops, known as the Ghost Army, described here by Smithsonian Magazine:
1,100 soldiers formed the unit, also known as the Ghost Army. They were artists and illustrators, radio people and sound guys. Handpicked for the job from New York and Philadelphia art schools in January 1944, their mission was to deceive the enemy with hand-made inflatable tanks, 500-pound speakers blasting the sounds of troops assembling and phony radio transmissions.
Over the course of the war, they staged more than 20 operations and are estimated to have saved between 15,000 and 30,000 U.S. lives. The illusion
was never broken and not even their fellow soldiers knew of their existence.
(Source: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history... )
Their purpose was to make the Germans believe that the Allies were going to invade Germany far to the north along the Rhine River from where it actually happened, and in this they were stunningly successful. These men succeeded in changing the entire German army’s perception of reality.
Sharp goes on to discuss how we develop distorted and often inaccurate viewpoints that are “less than authentic.” This truly hit home for me as I applied the thinking to my own foibles and misunderstandings as well as those of people I know.
The book is structured in terms of components (such as Imperfect Understandings) of life’s detours, and makes clear and understandable connections with each one, not only in reference to Elijah’s story in 1 Kings 19 but also in our world today. My own take-away was: first, knowing how I can help myself when life again sends me on a detour, and second, having a lot of things to think about in terms of processing and understanding (in a big picture way) the detours I have already survived.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2017
I found this book at a 2nd hand store. Goodwill. $0.99. Talk about a steal!
What I appreciate the most is the way Aaron uses the term 'detour' instead of crisis, tragedy, catastrophe, or heartache. I'm a Christian therapist and I constantly looks for ways to interject hope into broken lives. The psychology or ancient wisdom the Bible has offered for thousands of years is priceless. The human stories and events in my mind are unparalleled.
In this book if the readers can follow the 'road map' and not fight the detour concept but rather embrace the concept, I believe lives can be transformed.
It reminded me a bit of Viktor Frankl who wrote about suffering and the meaning one gives to their own suffering. This book though adds much more if God's presence then I believe Frankl does.
I wish this book was being taught in high school before these kids go off to college or alternatively into 'the real world'. - M
What I appreciate the most is the way Aaron uses the term 'detour' instead of crisis, tragedy, catastrophe, or heartache. I'm a Christian therapist and I constantly looks for ways to interject hope into broken lives. The psychology or ancient wisdom the Bible has offered for thousands of years is priceless. The human stories and events in my mind are unparalleled.
In this book if the readers can follow the 'road map' and not fight the detour concept but rather embrace the concept, I believe lives can be transformed.
It reminded me a bit of Viktor Frankl who wrote about suffering and the meaning one gives to their own suffering. This book though adds much more if God's presence then I believe Frankl does.
I wish this book was being taught in high school before these kids go off to college or alternatively into 'the real world'. - M
May 17, 2019
Great read! Down to earth, practical, insightful, and applicable, I will be reading this again.
June 28, 2020
A real eye opener
May 25, 2022
No thank you
May 25, 2012
"I didn't sign up for this", like many books, isn't meant to be a cure all or an answer for everything, but rather, it does what it successfully reaches to its intended audience, in which,"We are unique individuals, and what God is attempting to do in our detours will never be exactly the same from one person to another. Rather than a one-size-fits-all answer, the following principles are meant to function much as additional fuel to keep you going even if your unexpected journey is a lengthy one.".
Many of us have had times in our lives, when something comes up that doesn't come up as planned or scheduled, or maybe what we thought our lives were imagined to be; Maybe we have unexpected surprises that finds us having to re-adjust and change courses or keep strong and sail through while managing with whatever it is, which has come up.
Whatever is the case, "I Didn’t Sign Up for This!: Navigating Life’s Detours" by Aaron Sharp is a book about dealing, adapting and support through the changes that we can and also cannot expect in our lives.
From the look of the cover, it is a reminder, we will have moments of "wildernesses" in our lives, however minor or major and using an example of Elijah (though we may not find ourselves in such the same position as Elijah was), I like how, "I Didn’t Sign Up for This!: Navigating Life’s Detours" reminds us that, "Though we all have expectations, we must remember that we cannot write our expectations in stone. If we are honest with ourselves, we would have to agree with James’s point that we can do nothing on our own. The only reason we make it from one day to the next is because God has provided the breath and life for us. We must approach our expectations with the understanding that we have not been promised tomorrow." as we are poignantly reminded in Matthew 6:25-34.
Trouble is that for many of us who are planners, organizers, basically type A personalities who like to know what happens second by second, what the next hour will bring, and schedule to the "T" tomorrow, often life does have other plans and we have to learn to be able to readjust, to re-plan and often, to weather whatever it is that tomorrow (or even today) may bring, and with that, "I Didn’t Sign Up for This!: Navigating Life’s Detours" does that very thing.
We are all going to have times of wildernesses in our lives that will test our faith, our hope and our strength, and "I Didn’t Sign Up for This!: Navigating Life’s Detours" reminds us through scriptural and personal insight, that we are capable of doing that.
People will fail us.
Places will fail us.
Life will fail us, but God never will though it is easy to feel that.
So if you are looking for an inspiring, encouraging, and a you can get through this, book,"I Didn’t Sign Up for This!: Navigating Life’s Detours" is a wonderful read to help you go forward, not backward or stay in place....be inspired...be encouraged!
Many of us have had times in our lives, when something comes up that doesn't come up as planned or scheduled, or maybe what we thought our lives were imagined to be; Maybe we have unexpected surprises that finds us having to re-adjust and change courses or keep strong and sail through while managing with whatever it is, which has come up.
Whatever is the case, "I Didn’t Sign Up for This!: Navigating Life’s Detours" by Aaron Sharp is a book about dealing, adapting and support through the changes that we can and also cannot expect in our lives.
From the look of the cover, it is a reminder, we will have moments of "wildernesses" in our lives, however minor or major and using an example of Elijah (though we may not find ourselves in such the same position as Elijah was), I like how, "I Didn’t Sign Up for This!: Navigating Life’s Detours" reminds us that, "Though we all have expectations, we must remember that we cannot write our expectations in stone. If we are honest with ourselves, we would have to agree with James’s point that we can do nothing on our own. The only reason we make it from one day to the next is because God has provided the breath and life for us. We must approach our expectations with the understanding that we have not been promised tomorrow." as we are poignantly reminded in Matthew 6:25-34.
Trouble is that for many of us who are planners, organizers, basically type A personalities who like to know what happens second by second, what the next hour will bring, and schedule to the "T" tomorrow, often life does have other plans and we have to learn to be able to readjust, to re-plan and often, to weather whatever it is that tomorrow (or even today) may bring, and with that, "I Didn’t Sign Up for This!: Navigating Life’s Detours" does that very thing.
We are all going to have times of wildernesses in our lives that will test our faith, our hope and our strength, and "I Didn’t Sign Up for This!: Navigating Life’s Detours" reminds us through scriptural and personal insight, that we are capable of doing that.
People will fail us.
Places will fail us.
Life will fail us, but God never will though it is easy to feel that.
So if you are looking for an inspiring, encouraging, and a you can get through this, book,"I Didn’t Sign Up for This!: Navigating Life’s Detours" is a wonderful read to help you go forward, not backward or stay in place....be inspired...be encouraged!
November 19, 2014
Many times we plan our life and think we know where we are headed. Then, something happens, and we find ourselves going in a direction we never expected. Often that is someplace we would never have chosen to go. These detours in life can derail many of us unless we learn to expect them as a part of life and accept them as a new challenge.
Using the story of Elijah in First Kings as he challenges and then destroys the prophets of Baal and then ends up running and hiding when threatened. Here is the story of a man that is willing to trust God during an incredible challenge and acts powerfully. Then he turns around and runs and hides when the response to his actions are not what he expected and his own life is threatened.
We often let our emotions or times of isolation side track us or we begin comparing ourselves to others and coming up short. As a Christian the only comparison we should be making is comparing ourselves to Jesus and working on the places we come up short. The words of encouragement should be that if someone like Elijah has these struggles maybe we should be learning from his experience.
We have to deal with what is the current reality and honestly assess our situation. Often our perceptions are wrong and make it difficult to understand what the reality of the situation is. Maintaining our perspective is important and one of the best ways to do that is to remain in the Word of God during those challenging time in life. One of the keys is to avoid making life changing decisions during those times of high stress.
If you are like me life has taken many twists and turns that you didn't expect. Maybe you are in one of those places right now and need a word of encouragement. I think you will find this book helpful as you are reminded that God can use many of the most challenging times in our lives to help us grow or see God at work.
I recommend this for anyone that is going through a challenging time right now but also for those that want to be better prepared for the next challenge life is likely to throw at you.
Using the story of Elijah in First Kings as he challenges and then destroys the prophets of Baal and then ends up running and hiding when threatened. Here is the story of a man that is willing to trust God during an incredible challenge and acts powerfully. Then he turns around and runs and hides when the response to his actions are not what he expected and his own life is threatened.
We often let our emotions or times of isolation side track us or we begin comparing ourselves to others and coming up short. As a Christian the only comparison we should be making is comparing ourselves to Jesus and working on the places we come up short. The words of encouragement should be that if someone like Elijah has these struggles maybe we should be learning from his experience.
We have to deal with what is the current reality and honestly assess our situation. Often our perceptions are wrong and make it difficult to understand what the reality of the situation is. Maintaining our perspective is important and one of the best ways to do that is to remain in the Word of God during those challenging time in life. One of the keys is to avoid making life changing decisions during those times of high stress.
If you are like me life has taken many twists and turns that you didn't expect. Maybe you are in one of those places right now and need a word of encouragement. I think you will find this book helpful as you are reminded that God can use many of the most challenging times in our lives to help us grow or see God at work.
I recommend this for anyone that is going through a challenging time right now but also for those that want to be better prepared for the next challenge life is likely to throw at you.
June 23, 2024
Not written very well. Repetitive.
March 19, 2013
This is an excellent book and should be read by all Christians. Everyone goes through a time in their life when they questions if being a Christian should be this hard. This book shows you how to take those moments and turn them into positive growth. Once you realize that the hard times are the times you need the Lord the most, you will learn to rely on Him to help you instead of trying to do it on your own.
I gave this book 5/5 stars. I thought the examples used were excellent and related well to the principle the author was highlighting. I liked the tone of the book, very encouraging and uplifting. I would recommend this book to anyone who is going through difficult circumstances and needs a reminder of the Lords love and support. I would also recommend this book to all Christians, as it is a great reminder of the Lords presence in your daily life.
I would like to thank the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.
I gave this book 5/5 stars. I thought the examples used were excellent and related well to the principle the author was highlighting. I liked the tone of the book, very encouraging and uplifting. I would recommend this book to anyone who is going through difficult circumstances and needs a reminder of the Lords love and support. I would also recommend this book to all Christians, as it is a great reminder of the Lords presence in your daily life.
I would like to thank the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.
August 7, 2013
Everyone goes through a valley season (or two) in their life when they question if being a Christian is worth it or if they should just give up. This book shows you how to take those dark valley days and focus on the Lily in the valley. Once you realize that the hard times are the times the Lord has carried you and you need the Lord the most, you will learn to rely on Him to help you instead of trying to do it on your own. I would recommend this book to anyone who is walking through their valley and need a reminder of the Lords love and support. This book is a great reminder of the Lord’s presence with you in every moment of your life.
November 5, 2014
This book's deep reflection on and exegesis of Scripture as well as its humble quotation of other theologians were incredibly refreshing. The main arguments were clear, organized, memorable, and helpful.
The writing was encumbered by many cliches (example: "life throws us curveballs," page 193) and fluff (example: "bear in mind," page 202). A disarming word choice ("adapt" and "evolve" on page 198) and improper assumption ("Then after college you get married . . ." on page 77) could have easily been removed. Also, I wished for more applicable, raw, deeply examined stories of detours--preferably in the author's experience.
The writing was encumbered by many cliches (example: "life throws us curveballs," page 193) and fluff (example: "bear in mind," page 202). A disarming word choice ("adapt" and "evolve" on page 198) and improper assumption ("Then after college you get married . . ." on page 77) could have easily been removed. Also, I wished for more applicable, raw, deeply examined stories of detours--preferably in the author's experience.
August 1, 2013
Really liked the beginning. Did not like the end as much. Just wish my detour would end! :)
March 29, 2017
Good reminder of the things I know, with a few new insights.
Reminds me that even if the detour may be long and difficult, it will end. Even if we can't see the light at the end of the tunnel yet, we will see it and reach it.
Reminds me that even if the detour may be long and difficult, it will end. Even if we can't see the light at the end of the tunnel yet, we will see it and reach it.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews