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AHA: The God Moment That Changes Everything
We've all had "aha!" moments in our lives, times when a sudden revelation surprises us with insight. According to pastor and bestselling author Kyle Idleman, we can experience this same kind of "aha!" in our spiritual lives. With everyday examples and trademark testimonies, Idleman draws on Scripture to reveal how three key elements can draw us closer to God and change our lives for good.
"Awakening" to the reality of our true spiritual condition, we see ourselves and our need for a Savior with renewed "honesty." This realization leads to "action," obeying God's commands and following the example set by Christ. As we see in the transformation of the prodigal son, the result is a life-changing, destiny-altering collision--an "AHA" moment that leads us home to our loving Father.
"Awakening" to the reality of our true spiritual condition, we see ourselves and our need for a Savior with renewed "honesty." This realization leads to "action," obeying God's commands and following the example set by Christ. As we see in the transformation of the prodigal son, the result is a life-changing, destiny-altering collision--an "AHA" moment that leads us home to our loving Father.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2014
276 people are currently reading
1995 people want to read
About the author
Kyle Idleman
78 books622 followersKyle Idleman is the teaching pastor at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky, the fifth largest church in America. The bestselling author of the award-winning book Not a Fan and AHA is a frequent speaker at conferences and events around the world. Kyle and his wife, DesiRae, have four children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
January 12, 2016
Wonderful! I felt I could have highlighted the whole book!
October 27, 2015
This is the first book by Kyle Idleman I've read, and I thought it was really good. He uses the parable of the prodigal son throughout the book. I found it very insightful. I think it is a book that I will read again in the future. I would recommend this book.
November 28, 2013
Book Review AHA Awakening Honesty Acton
AHA
Awakening Honesty Action
Kyle Idleman
2014
In the beginning of this book Idleman points out that it is not a self help book, it is a Jesus help book.
I love that the book reminds us of that moment we found God. The moment Christ came into our lives and changed it forever.
Idleman asks if we had that moment when the Holy Spirit opens our eyes to something that we are missing. Perhaps it could be that closeness we desired, or a truth we had not yet realized until that moment.
We are also reminded the importance of having a friend that can "Flip that switch" when needed, can tell us the truth, can encourage us the way we need. AHA also reminds us that we need to have a closer look at ourselves, we need to make sure that we are being a good witness to those who may be looking to us for a Christian example.
Aha reminds us to have a deeper look at ourselves, at our faith, and to be a better example to those around us.
This is definitely a great addition to your library...
AHA
Awakening Honesty Action
Kyle Idleman
2014
In the beginning of this book Idleman points out that it is not a self help book, it is a Jesus help book.
I love that the book reminds us of that moment we found God. The moment Christ came into our lives and changed it forever.
Idleman asks if we had that moment when the Holy Spirit opens our eyes to something that we are missing. Perhaps it could be that closeness we desired, or a truth we had not yet realized until that moment.
We are also reminded the importance of having a friend that can "Flip that switch" when needed, can tell us the truth, can encourage us the way we need. AHA also reminds us that we need to have a closer look at ourselves, we need to make sure that we are being a good witness to those who may be looking to us for a Christian example.
Aha reminds us to have a deeper look at ourselves, at our faith, and to be a better example to those around us.
This is definitely a great addition to your library...
August 2, 2018
Really enjoyed this book. It was challenging and inspiring. There was things in this parable that Idleman brought out that I never noticed before. I used my highlighted up on this book. 😊
March 9, 2016
This was a fabulous book. It belongs on the shelf of anyone who is involved in pastoral counseling on either a personal or professional level. The process of Awakening, Honesty, Action, rooted in the biblical parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15) provides powerful handles for anyone needing to make positive change in their lives. Kyle writes with warmth and compassion and a great sense of Gen X humor (don't be surprised if there's a profound insight into Scripture in the same paragraph as a reference to Saved By the Bell).
Lots of us have had "Sudden Awakenings" (and if you never have, you probably will) that are the result of either difficult circumstances, deserved consequences, or both. What we do with them makes all the differences. If we try to take action without honesty, we fail. And if we have the courage to be brutally honest with ourselves without taking immediate action, we will just lose hope and believe we are beyond redemption. AHA walks you through how to do all three.
The last chapter of the book is especially relevant for those who feel like they haven't messed up. By turning his attention to the older brother in the parable, Kyle helps us deal with our response to the prodigals in our lives.
Lots of us have had "Sudden Awakenings" (and if you never have, you probably will) that are the result of either difficult circumstances, deserved consequences, or both. What we do with them makes all the differences. If we try to take action without honesty, we fail. And if we have the courage to be brutally honest with ourselves without taking immediate action, we will just lose hope and believe we are beyond redemption. AHA walks you through how to do all three.
The last chapter of the book is especially relevant for those who feel like they haven't messed up. By turning his attention to the older brother in the parable, Kyle helps us deal with our response to the prodigals in our lives.
January 19, 2023
Loved this book, and I did it for my scholarship for church
May 24, 2024
A good small group study about Awakening, Honesty, and Action (AHA). The author walks you through moments like these with comparisons to the parable of the Prodigal Son. Chapter questions are included, but our group did not find them very insightful. We had good discussions just reviewing each chapter and what it told us about God in our lives.
August 5, 2017
This was a thought provoking book. There were a lot of interesting ideas and ways to look at the events of life.
Good read.
Good read.
March 25, 2018
Another great book by Kyle Idleman. Tom & I read this book together & it really hit home with me. I plan to read this book again & use the study guide
April 15, 2020
It was ok. Quick read.
May 16, 2024
AHA was a nice read. It was a quick read with humorous stories sprinkled throughout. I enjoyed the book overall, but did find it somewhat repetitive. I liked the dive into the Prodigal Son parable.
"God often uses desperate moments to wake us up. Only when things start to fall apart do we finally open our eyes."
All in all, AHA wasn't my favorite book by this author, but it was worth the read.
"God often uses desperate moments to wake us up. Only when things start to fall apart do we finally open our eyes."
All in all, AHA wasn't my favorite book by this author, but it was worth the read.
January 25, 2015
You probably don’t think of yourself as a prodigal. I didn’t. I’ve been a Christian for decades. But when Kyle Idleman began to probe my heart with the details of the Parable of the Prodigal Son, I began to change my mind. In Kyle’s mind, the return of a prodigal to the father is not a one-time occurrence, but a recurring event that needs to take place in our lives.
In his model, based on the tale of the prodigal son, he suggests we need a good Awakening to the condition of our spiritual lives. Then we need to face the facts about ourselves with raw Honesty. And finally, we need this newfound awareness of our condition to lead us to Action. In steps that are incredibly simple, readers learn to identify areas of their lives ripe for change BEFORE we hit rock bottom.
I really enjoyed this book. It was easy to read and laced with stories, many of which were laugh-out-loud funny. (My favorite was the one he told about his ears. I was laughing so hard I was crying.) I actually think this is the model of what every good Christian book should be—easy to read, enjoyable, and packs a punch.
Until we learn to love people the way Jesus loved people, we still have prodigal hearts. I learned to look at things differently and see areas of my life where I’ve been prodigal and I need to return to the Father for help.
I’m sure you will enjoy and feel challenged by AHA. Take time to read it so you can discover your AHA moment.
In his model, based on the tale of the prodigal son, he suggests we need a good Awakening to the condition of our spiritual lives. Then we need to face the facts about ourselves with raw Honesty. And finally, we need this newfound awareness of our condition to lead us to Action. In steps that are incredibly simple, readers learn to identify areas of their lives ripe for change BEFORE we hit rock bottom.
I really enjoyed this book. It was easy to read and laced with stories, many of which were laugh-out-loud funny. (My favorite was the one he told about his ears. I was laughing so hard I was crying.) I actually think this is the model of what every good Christian book should be—easy to read, enjoyable, and packs a punch.
Until we learn to love people the way Jesus loved people, we still have prodigal hearts. I learned to look at things differently and see areas of my life where I’ve been prodigal and I need to return to the Father for help.
I’m sure you will enjoy and feel challenged by AHA. Take time to read it so you can discover your AHA moment.
February 17, 2016
"God often uses desperate moments to wake us up. Only when things start to fall apart do we finally open our eyes.”
After reading Not A Fan and Gods at War by Kyle Idleman and loving them, I decided to read this one. This book was amazing. Kyle Idleman has a way of taking a Bible story I'd heard a million times before and pointing out things that I'd never noticed or even thought about. His points are very inspiring and I felt convicted on many things that he discussed throughout the book. I started taking notes in a notebook towards the end of the book and I wish I would have done that from the beginning. I don't want to forget a single word of this book and I'll probably re-read it and write down everything I want to remember so that I don't forget it. This is a book all believers in Jesus Christ should read. Even if your not a believer, you should still give this book a try. I think everyone has something to gain by reading this book.
After reading Not A Fan and Gods at War by Kyle Idleman and loving them, I decided to read this one. This book was amazing. Kyle Idleman has a way of taking a Bible story I'd heard a million times before and pointing out things that I'd never noticed or even thought about. His points are very inspiring and I felt convicted on many things that he discussed throughout the book. I started taking notes in a notebook towards the end of the book and I wish I would have done that from the beginning. I don't want to forget a single word of this book and I'll probably re-read it and write down everything I want to remember so that I don't forget it. This is a book all believers in Jesus Christ should read. Even if your not a believer, you should still give this book a try. I think everyone has something to gain by reading this book.
April 10, 2021
Against the backdrop of the parable of the prodigal son, Idleman gives a pleasant narrative on the steps taken to go from being separated from the father in the distant country to coming back home. From sudden awakening to brutal honesty and immediate action he takes the reader through several derailment activities that can prevent one's return home. Using some funny illustrations , his writing is light. Definitely not a theological masterpiece but a nice light read on a wholesome subject.
October 16, 2016
Kyle Idleman is a fairly young pastor with a fresh way of looking at faith. "Aha" delves into the area when you finally get the concept of faith and what it entails. It's that moment when the light bulb clicks on and understanding happens. He gives numerous practical examples of any concept he puts forth and wants you to think about. I wish that this book had been around when I was in college.
July 6, 2015
it confirms thoughts that I had when I experience God and question its relevance. Helped me to understand that looking at life as a continuous communication with the Creator and the created.. and just getting that one moment in the line of the journey and say "AHA"
April 14, 2015
I really liked this book. It's based on the prodigal son and how he had that AHA moment. We all flounder in our faith but God is always there waiting. The book was very well written, with very good real life examples. I found it very relatable.
May 26, 2022
Very repetitive, but it may be good for someone that needs a deeper understanding of a relationship with God.
April 18, 2024
Book ritten by a pastor about *drum roll* religion... Personally, prefer buddhism or stoicism, but book is written in a manner so as to initiate conversation with the down trodden and outcast. Might help a person out.
No references to literature of any kind, especially not scientific literature. Written as author's reflections on the theme of prodigal son, and contains huge amount of stories from personal experience, trust me bro, about how people have had their revelation (acc. to Mr. Idleman - AHA) in Christ.
Conclusion: 1/5. Book related to religion of Christianity, but lacking any direction. Left me with the feeling of having listened to the ramblings of a person at the train/bus station that speaks to you (to air in general) even as you don't reciprocate, but you are still hearing something as you have to be in near proximity while waiting for the transport to arive. As far as biographies, biography memoirs go, I would recommend Driving Over Lemons by Chris Stewart.
Cp.1
Fear mongering, key takeaway - practice financial literacy.
Cp.2
Desperate times call for church (alt. faith), key takeaway - prevention beats treatment.
Cp.3
Christian parents (according to Mr. Idleman) wish hardship for their children, key takeaway - occasionally spend time planning your life, personally, stoicism offers much more on and for suffering.
Cp.4
Practice meditation, journaling.
Cp.5
Acknowledge what are character virtues for you and aim to cultivate them.
Cp.6
Religion CAN limit the masses of great apes murdering each other.
Cp.7
Accountability is a virtue (acc. to Mr. Idleman), key takeaway - individuals' conscientiousness levels are different, laws exist for a reason.
Cp.8
Author made fun of 'dumb' warning labels in Cp.7, and emphasizes watching out for 'dumb' warning labels in Cp.8. Key takeaway - stoicism offers more responsibility for the individual.
Cp.9
Side note, I recall Michael Greger mentioning in one of his videos on NutritionFacts.org YouTube channel that stents aren't even that helpful, because operation is very intrusive and typical patient has another stent in next 2-3 years, next in shorter time period etc.
Humans are creatures of habit, key takeaway - proactivity beats reactivity.
Cp.10
"Red pill" movement for the males living in modern age, 4th wave of feminism, extra blame points if you are heterosexual white male, key takeaway - hooking Jordan B. Peterson's audience, males need their rites and rituals for mental well-being.
Cp.11
Proactivity beats reactivity. Learn to set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Assignable, Realistic, and Time-bound).
No references to literature of any kind, especially not scientific literature. Written as author's reflections on the theme of prodigal son, and contains huge amount of stories from personal experience, trust me bro, about how people have had their revelation (acc. to Mr. Idleman - AHA) in Christ.
Conclusion: 1/5. Book related to religion of Christianity, but lacking any direction. Left me with the feeling of having listened to the ramblings of a person at the train/bus station that speaks to you (to air in general) even as you don't reciprocate, but you are still hearing something as you have to be in near proximity while waiting for the transport to arive. As far as biographies, biography memoirs go, I would recommend Driving Over Lemons by Chris Stewart.
Cp.1
Fear mongering, key takeaway - practice financial literacy.
Cp.2
Desperate times call for church (alt. faith), key takeaway - prevention beats treatment.
Cp.3
Christian parents (according to Mr. Idleman) wish hardship for their children, key takeaway - occasionally spend time planning your life, personally, stoicism offers much more on and for suffering.
Cp.4
Practice meditation, journaling.
Cp.5
Acknowledge what are character virtues for you and aim to cultivate them.
Cp.6
Religion CAN limit the masses of great apes murdering each other.
Cp.7
Accountability is a virtue (acc. to Mr. Idleman), key takeaway - individuals' conscientiousness levels are different, laws exist for a reason.
Cp.8
Author made fun of 'dumb' warning labels in Cp.7, and emphasizes watching out for 'dumb' warning labels in Cp.8. Key takeaway - stoicism offers more responsibility for the individual.
Cp.9
Side note, I recall Michael Greger mentioning in one of his videos on NutritionFacts.org YouTube channel that stents aren't even that helpful, because operation is very intrusive and typical patient has another stent in next 2-3 years, next in shorter time period etc.
Humans are creatures of habit, key takeaway - proactivity beats reactivity.
Cp.10
"Red pill" movement for the males living in modern age, 4th wave of feminism, extra blame points if you are heterosexual white male, key takeaway - hooking Jordan B. Peterson's audience, males need their rites and rituals for mental well-being.
Cp.11
Proactivity beats reactivity. Learn to set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Assignable, Realistic, and Time-bound).
February 13, 2021
There was some good stuff I took away from this (Action! Get up and go! - although I failed at this). Unfortunately for me, there were 2 typos within the first 50 pages and I thought I was going to have trouble getting beyond that. I just had to put it down and go back later. Get over it and go on. Phew! I enjoyed (enough) the snippets of real life/other's AHA moments that were shared, but struggled a little with the preaching. I wasn't sure if the author was trying to reach those who were definitely at rock bottom (as he often stated) or those who were just heading there (as he also commented you didn't have to wait til you reached rock bottom) to have an AHA moment. I'm sure it was a little or a lot of both and everything in between - which made it less relevant for me, in a way. And the Prodigal Son story - it was relayed in a way that I felt you had to be either the elder brother or the prodigal brother, although I feel like I am neither. Except in the way that they were both "lost" and I will admit I am "lost" - and not yet found. Overall, a good read and one easy enough to pick up and read again (maybe until I get hit over the head with that AHA moment). I'm still wandering.
April 10, 2018
Read this for FCA (leader meetings); It was a good book to read for FCA. Everyone seemed to connect to it on their own level and really pull something raw and new out of it. We all shared at the meetings, and there were times were I felt a little nervous to share, but I did anyway. I love that God can just boost my confidence! Making it so natural to share my experience and walk with God with others! This book definitely helped me form my first ever message. I will be speaking at FCA in May over Job and how God USES your situation, not CAUSES them. Jeremiah 29:11 and 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. It was dry in some areas, but: It challenged me and caused me to reflect on things like God using my situations, not causing them and reminding me that I am created in God's image. To stop letting the thought of "am I doing enough? am I doing as much as her/him" get in the way of the relationship I am trying to form. To end with my favorite quote from the book that hit me right at the end, "God loves who just as you are, but He doesn't leave you that way."
February 13, 2022
Wow! Wow! Wow! The God moment that changes everything thing- We ALL need to read this - Kyle uses the Parable of the Prodigal Son, to draw us closer to God- The AHA; sudden revelation of needing God- The Awakening and honesty that leads to action- I saw my AHA’s written in the pages- I needed a box of tissue next to me for this book- Allow the Holy Spirit to work in you as you read this book. Allow it to open your eyes to reflect on your a-ha moments-I love his analogy of our distancing ourselves removing ourselves away from God as being going to a distant country. He lists or names some of the events or things that would make us leave our father and go to this distant country. The understanding of how our sins our choices an our self will keeps us in this distant country. He explains our perception of who we think God is and that perhaps based on our choices, decisions or lifestyle God wouldn’t welcome us back back to him-
January 18, 2020
Took me awhile to finish this book, but it was a book that I needed in my life!
We grow up hearing the story of the prodigal son, but we don’t ever take the time to read between the lines and see the bigger story being told.
I love how Kyle Idleman writes with pure honesty and authenticity saying the things you need to hear and calling you out in what you are trying to avoid in your life. The AHA moments are so important for transformation and overarching theme that God unconditionally loves his children and wants them to experience his love fully...without anything holding them back is a message we all need to be red minded of!
I would definitely recommend this book! It might make you uncomfortable to read because the words speak to the things you might be struggling with, but we all need truth spoken into our lives to experience AHA!
We grow up hearing the story of the prodigal son, but we don’t ever take the time to read between the lines and see the bigger story being told.
I love how Kyle Idleman writes with pure honesty and authenticity saying the things you need to hear and calling you out in what you are trying to avoid in your life. The AHA moments are so important for transformation and overarching theme that God unconditionally loves his children and wants them to experience his love fully...without anything holding them back is a message we all need to be red minded of!
I would definitely recommend this book! It might make you uncomfortable to read because the words speak to the things you might be struggling with, but we all need truth spoken into our lives to experience AHA!
January 27, 2019
Aha is that moment when something clicks, makes sense, you see the big picture. Kyle Idleman uses the "Aha" moments throughout the Bible to not only show God's mercy and grace that he extends towards man but also the doom and desperation that follows one who rejects or never comes to that ground breaking truth. The proof of an Aha moment is evidenced in the actions - the belief that wakes us up then compels us to move and act upon it; one necessarily can't say they came to an "Aha" moment if it has changed your actions and lifestyle.
I appreciate how simplistic Kyle's writing is as well the content use of Bible stories, Bible passages, as well as real life stories to reach the reader. Good book, not great, but good. Definitely enjoy Kyle Idleman's book!
I appreciate how simplistic Kyle's writing is as well the content use of Bible stories, Bible passages, as well as real life stories to reach the reader. Good book, not great, but good. Definitely enjoy Kyle Idleman's book!
April 14, 2018
I bought this book shortly after its release in 2014 because Kyle Idelman is one of my favorite authors and I like everything he writes. I read the first chapter and stopped. It didn’t resonate with me. Four years later, I decided I needed to read the book, so I picked it up, started reading it again, and couldn’t stop until I’d finished it. What had seemed so off four years ago was what I needed to read now. AHA is the type of book that makes me think about my own walk with God. It isn’t comfortable to read at times, but it’s necessary. Using the story of the Prodigal Son, Idelman provides the elements we all need for AHA to occur. So, this book that “wasn’t speaking to me” is actually one of my favorite books by Idelman.
July 30, 2018
Kyle Idleman once again delivers a message that reaches the recesses of the heart. By taking readers through the parable of the prodigal son that Jesus taught—one phrase at a time—Idleman is nearly guaranteed to strike at least one cord in every reader’s experience or attitude. Like his Not A Fan book, AHA challenges Christians to look, I mean really look, at how they relate and respond to God’s Word and the promptings of the Holy Spirit. He unmasks excuses we have falsely felt secure behind and nudges us toward a relationship we weren’t sure was ours to have. How great to know the Father is actively watching, waiting, and readying.
January 19, 2020
This book is awesome. It’s nothing like I expected—I caught myself clapping in solidarity (“Saved by the Bell” for the WIN!), laughing so hard my stomach hurt, and ... convicted in my soul. It only took a couple sittings to read through, and was one of the few nonfiction books I have genuinely been excited to pick up again and keep reading like a fiction book. It’s so easy to read from a writing perspective, and constantly points the reader back to the Word. Idleman is humble, quick to share stories (and not always “positive” ones) from his life experiences, and you can tell just how much he loves God and wants us to know Him better. Fantastic read.
Read
June 22, 2024This is my second by by this author - the first being Not a Fan. While the subject matter is serious he injects moments of humor - spiritual growth does not have to be dull and tedious after all. Each chapter ends with a few questions to contemplate our personal growth. He gives lots of examples to make various points, although I could have done with a few fewer. But overall an excellent read - well worth my time and study.
PS - if you read this alongside the accompanying 40 day challenge, don't
be surprised if you get a feeling of dėja vu - some of the text is copied almost verbatim from this book. I was confused until I figured that out🤪.
PS - if you read this alongside the accompanying 40 day challenge, don't
be surprised if you get a feeling of dėja vu - some of the text is copied almost verbatim from this book. I was confused until I figured that out🤪.
February 19, 2023
First of all I want to say I have zero complaints about this book, it was honest and true to the Word from beginning to end. However, there simply wasn’t anything that stood out about it for me. The whole book was a deeper study into the parable of The Prodigal Son, which is great, but it read as though he could’ve expanded beyond what he wrote, or the book could’ve been shorter and more direct. I liked the explanations he gave about Jewish law and the original meanings of some words, but the book as a whole was average for me.
August 1, 2017
If you're looking for a book that's as soul-wrenching as Not a Fan, this is not the book for you.
There's nothing really wrong with the book. I enjoyed it and got things out of it that I likely needed to hear, but it wasn't almost fluffy compared to Not a Fan. I don't always need a major gut-check, so that's o.k. Kyle is good at what he does, so I would still recommend the book to someone looking for a good daily devotional.
There's nothing really wrong with the book. I enjoyed it and got things out of it that I likely needed to hear, but it wasn't almost fluffy compared to Not a Fan. I don't always need a major gut-check, so that's o.k. Kyle is good at what he does, so I would still recommend the book to someone looking for a good daily devotional.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews