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Finding God in Unexpected Places
In this collection of penetrating inspirational vignettes, Philip Yancey, best-selling author of The Jesus I Never Knew, helps us to recognize God's presence in overlooked and ordinary times and places.
256 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 1997
190 people are currently reading
874 people want to read
About the author
Philip Yancey
299 books2,394 followersA native of Atlanta, Georgia, Philip Yancey earned graduate degrees in Communications and English from Wheaton College Graduate School and the University of Chicago. He joined the staff of Campus Life Magazine in 1971, and worked there as Editor and then Publisher. He looks on those years with gratitude, because teenagers are demanding readers, and writing for them taught him a lasting principle: The reader is in control!
In 1978 Philip Yancey became a full-time writer, initially working as a journalist for such varied publications as Reader’s Digest, Publisher’s Weekly, National Wildlife, Christian Century and The Reformed Journal. For several years he contributed a monthly column to Christianity Today magazine, where he also served as Editor at Large.
In 2021 Philip released two new books: A Companion in Crisis and his long-awaited memoir, Where the Light Fell. Other favorites included in his more than twenty-five titles are: Where Is God When It Hurts, The Student Bible, and Disappointment with God. Philip's books have won thirteen Gold Medallion Awards from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association, have sold more than seventeen million copies, and have been published in over 50 languages. Christian bookstore managers selected The Jesus I Never Knew as the 1996 Book of the Year, and in 1998 What’s So Amazing About Grace? won the same award. His other recent books are Fearfully and Wonderfully: The Marvel of Bearing God’s Image; Vanishing Grace: Bringing Good News to a Deeply Divided World; The Question that Never Goes Away; What Good Is God?; Prayer: Does It Make Any Difference?; Soul Survivor; and Reaching for the Invisible God. In 2009 a daily reader was published, compiled from excerpts of his work: Grace Notes.
The Yanceys lived in downtown Chicago for many years before moving to a very different environment in Colorado. Together they enjoy mountain climbing, skiing, hiking, and all the other delights of the Rocky Mountains.
Visit Philip online:
https://www.philipyancey.com
https://www.facebook.com/PhilipYancey
Catch his monthly blog:
https://bit.ly/PhilipYanceyBlog
In 1978 Philip Yancey became a full-time writer, initially working as a journalist for such varied publications as Reader’s Digest, Publisher’s Weekly, National Wildlife, Christian Century and The Reformed Journal. For several years he contributed a monthly column to Christianity Today magazine, where he also served as Editor at Large.
In 2021 Philip released two new books: A Companion in Crisis and his long-awaited memoir, Where the Light Fell. Other favorites included in his more than twenty-five titles are: Where Is God When It Hurts, The Student Bible, and Disappointment with God. Philip's books have won thirteen Gold Medallion Awards from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association, have sold more than seventeen million copies, and have been published in over 50 languages. Christian bookstore managers selected The Jesus I Never Knew as the 1996 Book of the Year, and in 1998 What’s So Amazing About Grace? won the same award. His other recent books are Fearfully and Wonderfully: The Marvel of Bearing God’s Image; Vanishing Grace: Bringing Good News to a Deeply Divided World; The Question that Never Goes Away; What Good Is God?; Prayer: Does It Make Any Difference?; Soul Survivor; and Reaching for the Invisible God. In 2009 a daily reader was published, compiled from excerpts of his work: Grace Notes.
The Yanceys lived in downtown Chicago for many years before moving to a very different environment in Colorado. Together they enjoy mountain climbing, skiing, hiking, and all the other delights of the Rocky Mountains.
Visit Philip online:
https://www.philipyancey.com
https://www.facebook.com/PhilipYancey
Catch his monthly blog:
https://bit.ly/PhilipYanceyBlog
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
February 28, 2011
One of my favorite attributes of Yancey's writing is that you never get the sense he's aiming to be right, but rather to encourage people to be unafraid to ask questions, to embrace child-like wonder as it relates to learning the heart of God, and to gain greater global perspective on people, culture, and issues.
While this particular book is not one of my favorite Yancey creations, the title delivers on the content. I most certainly experienced chapter after chapter of how God's goodness and love prevails, even in the darkest places and seasons of life.
While this particular book is not one of my favorite Yancey creations, the title delivers on the content. I most certainly experienced chapter after chapter of how God's goodness and love prevails, even in the darkest places and seasons of life.
August 18, 2023
I planned on reading one essay/article per day but ended up gobbling them up in a couple of sittings. I love Yancey's kindness, gentleness, and humor.
December 19, 2020
Short (and some longer) pieces Yancey wrote over the years, here collected in this book. Really enjoyed it. Not his best book, and obviously a different read than his other works, but it still had much wisdom and food for thought. Some of the pieces seem to have grown into books, others are a take on an experience he had, some event or something he read. As with his other books it's a recommended read.
July 13, 2012
Much of this book consists of anecdotes written during Yancey's travels around the world as a journalist. He visits high-security prisons, some of them with appalling conditions: yet there he finds criminals converted to Christianity, who have the most incredible serene faith. He speaks to leaders in ex-communist countries and finds them hungering for spiritual teaching, for news of the church in the West, and for God.
All this is contrasted with the sad condition of much of the church in Europe and the USA, where our lifestyle is so comfortable - and often separated from the rest of the world - that we can barely understand why the poor and the broken-hearted are blessed. Because it's amongst the most unlikely places that Philip Yancey discovers evidences of God - where culture and conditions are such that there is no logical or rational explanation for the peace and love which people find.
He asks thought-provoking questions, and ponders them in the book. How can we appreciate the finer things in life without becoming snobbish? Does religious commitment damage psychological health? Knowing that God can forgive anything ('grace') can we sometimes be justified doing something we know to be wrong, in the confident assurance of future forgiveness?
I don't suppose this would be of much interest to anyone other than Christians, but I recommend it anyway. I'll be re-reading this frequently.
Note after re-reading for the third time in 2012: good stuff, very readable, but didn't enjoy it quite to five-star level. Still well worth reading, though.
All this is contrasted with the sad condition of much of the church in Europe and the USA, where our lifestyle is so comfortable - and often separated from the rest of the world - that we can barely understand why the poor and the broken-hearted are blessed. Because it's amongst the most unlikely places that Philip Yancey discovers evidences of God - where culture and conditions are such that there is no logical or rational explanation for the peace and love which people find.
He asks thought-provoking questions, and ponders them in the book. How can we appreciate the finer things in life without becoming snobbish? Does religious commitment damage psychological health? Knowing that God can forgive anything ('grace') can we sometimes be justified doing something we know to be wrong, in the confident assurance of future forgiveness?
I don't suppose this would be of much interest to anyone other than Christians, but I recommend it anyway. I'll be re-reading this frequently.
Note after re-reading for the third time in 2012: good stuff, very readable, but didn't enjoy it quite to five-star level. Still well worth reading, though.
February 2, 2011
Menemukan Tuhan di tempat tak terduga. Yups, ada banyak hal di dunia ini yang seakan lepas dari campur tanganNya, seolah terlupakan. Tetapi ternyata kitalah yang tidak bisa merasakannya, tidak bisa menduga atau memang cuek dengan berbagai kejadian 'normal' itu. Kita lupa tidak semua kehadiran Allah dalam cara-cara mujizat yang luar biasa, Ia malah lebih banyak bekerja dengan cara-cara yang sesuai dengan hukum alam, bekerja melalui hati manusia ciptaanNya.
Buku ini memberikan contoh-contoh nyata tentang kehadiran Allah dalam kehidupan manusia baik secara pribadi, kelompok maupun sebuah negara. Dari kehidupan pribadi seorang petani sampai pekerjaan Tuhan di negara-negara komunis.
Yancey menyajikan cerita dan pengalaman-pengalaman yang membuat kita menyadari bahwa Allah sanggup bekerja dimana saja, kapan saja di dalam diri siapa saja. Ia membuat kita tergugah dalam menilai tanda-tanda kehadiran Allah dalam kehidupan kita yang seolah tidak terduga di pekerjaan, di berita, di masyarakat yang terpuruk atau dimanapun.
"Yesus sendiri bukan mencari Tuhan di antara orang-orang saleh di sinagoge, tetapi di dalam diri janda yang hanya punya dua peser dan dalam diri pemungut pajak yang tidak tahu caranya berdoa secara resmi. Ia menemukan pelajaran rohaniNya pada burung pipit yang dijual di pasar, pada ladang gandum dan pesta perkawinan dan ya, bahkan dalam pengamatan perempuan blasteran dengan lima perkawinan yang gagal. Yesus adalah pakar dalam soal menemukan Tuhan di tempat-tempat yang tidak terduga." p008.
Buku ini memberikan contoh-contoh nyata tentang kehadiran Allah dalam kehidupan manusia baik secara pribadi, kelompok maupun sebuah negara. Dari kehidupan pribadi seorang petani sampai pekerjaan Tuhan di negara-negara komunis.
Yancey menyajikan cerita dan pengalaman-pengalaman yang membuat kita menyadari bahwa Allah sanggup bekerja dimana saja, kapan saja di dalam diri siapa saja. Ia membuat kita tergugah dalam menilai tanda-tanda kehadiran Allah dalam kehidupan kita yang seolah tidak terduga di pekerjaan, di berita, di masyarakat yang terpuruk atau dimanapun.
"Yesus sendiri bukan mencari Tuhan di antara orang-orang saleh di sinagoge, tetapi di dalam diri janda yang hanya punya dua peser dan dalam diri pemungut pajak yang tidak tahu caranya berdoa secara resmi. Ia menemukan pelajaran rohaniNya pada burung pipit yang dijual di pasar, pada ladang gandum dan pesta perkawinan dan ya, bahkan dalam pengamatan perempuan blasteran dengan lima perkawinan yang gagal. Yesus adalah pakar dalam soal menemukan Tuhan di tempat-tempat yang tidak terduga." p008.
November 14, 2018
4.5 stars -- not 5 stars simply because it's very similar to but not quite as good (or as current) as What Good Is God?
December 10, 2021
3 and a half stars. An imperfect book, a bit scattered with some overly simplified perspective, but with good intentions to shift one's thinking to outside the box. Potentially a bridge for churched people who've lost touch with the world outside its walls. Several really important thoughts which, just in my opinion may have had more impact standing alone.
October 17, 2022
Picked this lovely book up on my birthday in one of those re-purposed telephone boxes in Cambridge.
Standouts were the chapters on the collapse of communism and the travelogue describing the prison ministry.
Standouts were the chapters on the collapse of communism and the travelogue describing the prison ministry.
Read
September 4, 2007yancey pieces together several reflections on "finding god in unexpected places"--whether that be in prisons, the former athiestic soviet union, or in his own work. yancey's observations are right on, as always, and his honesty about his doubts and disillusionments with the church are refreshing. the book isn't the most tied together, the essays are only loosely tied together and the ending is somewhat abrubt. but the overall message and thought provoking reflections along the way is is worthy of any christian's time.
September 24, 2009
Another person is very right in saying that this book is rather scattered. This is not to say that it is not worth reading, but more that in can be hard to follow and in some cases frusrating because he does not seem to delve too much into any one idea. This is a shame, because that is when Yancey is at his best. He has an incredible outlook and I am thankful for his writings. This is still worth reading, but possibly not one you need to rush and read.
December 4, 2010
I'm starting to sound like a broken record when it comes to short story/essay collections, but this falls into the same loop: Some of the essays are nothing short of amazing--others, while well-written, just didn't do much for me.
However, the section devoted to Yancey's own writing struggles were just the things I needed to hear right now. That section alone made this book entirely worth my time.
However, the section devoted to Yancey's own writing struggles were just the things I needed to hear right now. That section alone made this book entirely worth my time.
October 2, 2008
Despite it's warm-fuzzy, touchy-feely find God by feeling pain approach, a worthwhile read.
September 22, 2019
3.5
This was my first Philip Yancey book, and I must say, I wasn’t disappointed. I enjoyed his writing style (he is a very good writer, a class above the usual non-fiction Christian writers I read), although I did expect much more theological content from him in this book, which I didn’t really get (clearly, this is not one of his books in that category). Nevertheless, his captivating style kept me going till the end.
Along the way, I learnt a lot of human history, prevailing world conditions (at the time of some of his writing; this book is a collection of previously published but reworked articles, you see), about biblical history, and even the science of nature (the wonder and magnificence of God’s creation), all against the backdrop of an omnipresent God, who is ever-present with us—even in the least likely of places.
Yancey unveils God among malnourished inmates in dingy prisons in Peru and Chile, amidst persecuted believers in Communist Russia and China, ailing citizens in South African communities, amidst traumatized New Yorkers after the September 11 attacks, oppressed nationals under a despotic regime in Myanmar (former Burma), amidst poor and decrepit communities in Chicago at the height of the Civil Rights Movement, in a feeding pod of whales in Alaskan waters, and in the wonderful and intricate biological design of the polar bear, among other unique places.
Yancey shows that God appears in places we least expect Him, places we think—because of their derelict conditions—He has abandoned, through the wondrous beauty of His creation, and through the love of His Church.
I was inspired by the stories of believers around the world who are venturing into territories unknown and sometimes perilous in foreign countries, and even in familiar and neglected neighborhoods in their own home countries, to preach, no, live out, the message of the love of God in a practical way to people that are lost and dying, and in so doing affording the world a glimpse of the Heavenly Father who earnestly yearns for them to return home.
Yancey says something profound in one chapter—and I paraphrase: that God, during the most difficult times in our beautiful but sometimes perilous world, appears to the broken and hurting, the lost and confused, the wounded and grieving, the downtrodden, downcast, and disillusioned, with healing and comfort in His wings, through the gracious hands and feet of His Church. And he proves this to be true in the many stories he shares with us in this book.
This was my first Philip Yancey book, and I must say, I wasn’t disappointed. I enjoyed his writing style (he is a very good writer, a class above the usual non-fiction Christian writers I read), although I did expect much more theological content from him in this book, which I didn’t really get (clearly, this is not one of his books in that category). Nevertheless, his captivating style kept me going till the end.
Along the way, I learnt a lot of human history, prevailing world conditions (at the time of some of his writing; this book is a collection of previously published but reworked articles, you see), about biblical history, and even the science of nature (the wonder and magnificence of God’s creation), all against the backdrop of an omnipresent God, who is ever-present with us—even in the least likely of places.
Yancey unveils God among malnourished inmates in dingy prisons in Peru and Chile, amidst persecuted believers in Communist Russia and China, ailing citizens in South African communities, amidst traumatized New Yorkers after the September 11 attacks, oppressed nationals under a despotic regime in Myanmar (former Burma), amidst poor and decrepit communities in Chicago at the height of the Civil Rights Movement, in a feeding pod of whales in Alaskan waters, and in the wonderful and intricate biological design of the polar bear, among other unique places.
Yancey shows that God appears in places we least expect Him, places we think—because of their derelict conditions—He has abandoned, through the wondrous beauty of His creation, and through the love of His Church.
I was inspired by the stories of believers around the world who are venturing into territories unknown and sometimes perilous in foreign countries, and even in familiar and neglected neighborhoods in their own home countries, to preach, no, live out, the message of the love of God in a practical way to people that are lost and dying, and in so doing affording the world a glimpse of the Heavenly Father who earnestly yearns for them to return home.
Yancey says something profound in one chapter—and I paraphrase: that God, during the most difficult times in our beautiful but sometimes perilous world, appears to the broken and hurting, the lost and confused, the wounded and grieving, the downtrodden, downcast, and disillusioned, with healing and comfort in His wings, through the gracious hands and feet of His Church. And he proves this to be true in the many stories he shares with us in this book.
December 7, 2020
I have mixed feelings about this book. Yancey covers a lot of territory, not necessarily a straight line with seeing where God is in our world. Like much of what Yancey writes, you can look at it and ponder and see how you want to apply it. But do not look for something cohesive in this book. It is 49 article length chapters where he explores things from his own background to current topics of when this was written.
And that last sentence is the starting place of the weakness of this book. In the early 2000’s, this would have been interesting to read to see Yancey’s take on things. Now close to 20 years later-some of it is 30-35 years later-there is a sense of we have passed on from what he was talking about.
Also many of the chapters are lifted from his Christianity Today column. In many ways this book reads more like a “Best Of” book, created to fulfill a publisher's contract. If you are a Yancey fan, you will probably buy the book. But there are better Yancey books out there. By the way, I think the title, Finding God in Unexpected Places, is not very appropriate as that is not where Yancey’s emphasis is.
For more of my notes and thoughts, please see mybook blog.
And that last sentence is the starting place of the weakness of this book. In the early 2000’s, this would have been interesting to read to see Yancey’s take on things. Now close to 20 years later-some of it is 30-35 years later-there is a sense of we have passed on from what he was talking about.
Also many of the chapters are lifted from his Christianity Today column. In many ways this book reads more like a “Best Of” book, created to fulfill a publisher's contract. If you are a Yancey fan, you will probably buy the book. But there are better Yancey books out there. By the way, I think the title, Finding God in Unexpected Places, is not very appropriate as that is not where Yancey’s emphasis is.
For more of my notes and thoughts, please see mybook blog.
July 31, 2018
I enjoy reading Philip Yancey. This was my third book of his. He seems to write like he's articulating his own thoughts, which causes me to think too. This book is like a loose collection of essays that take him all over the world and shares fascinating individual stories that all point back to the title of the book. My favorite parts were his trip to Russia, just after the fall of communism there, and the stories shared from visiting South American/African prisons. We've been taught that US capitalism defeated the communist Soviets, but to hear those who were oppressed by the USSR, it goes way deeper than that. That part along makes this book worth reading.
Also, I really find Philip Yancey and his dry sense of humor hilarious at times. I felt like the chapter dealing with his musings over all the various charities and such mailing him donation solicitations could have been written by myself.
Also, I really find Philip Yancey and his dry sense of humor hilarious at times. I felt like the chapter dealing with his musings over all the various charities and such mailing him donation solicitations could have been written by myself.
February 27, 2023
I am a big Philip Yancey fan. But Yancey had an uphill road to climb with this book of essays. A collection of essays is a tough book to write. There are some that are great and some that are horrible. It is that way with every book of essays. Yancey's talent couldn't rise above that.
This book reminds me a lot of "What Good is God?", which is another collection of essays
He breaks his group of essays into seven parts. My favorites were part three entitled "Finding God in the Rubble", which consists of seven different essays talking about 9/11 and the effects it had on the population. It also covered how God was there in the midst of the brokenness of individuals and our country.
Another good part was part 6 which was entitled "Finding God in the Cracks". Yancey is at his best in this part talking about faith, healing, and forgiveness.
Some good, some bad. But everyone should give Yancey a taste. Short bursts might be best for this.
This book reminds me a lot of "What Good is God?", which is another collection of essays
He breaks his group of essays into seven parts. My favorites were part three entitled "Finding God in the Rubble", which consists of seven different essays talking about 9/11 and the effects it had on the population. It also covered how God was there in the midst of the brokenness of individuals and our country.
Another good part was part 6 which was entitled "Finding God in the Cracks". Yancey is at his best in this part talking about faith, healing, and forgiveness.
Some good, some bad. But everyone should give Yancey a taste. Short bursts might be best for this.
December 28, 2021
Another volume of edifying spiritual nuggets from Yancey to remind us to look for God in unexpected places. A collection of testimonial chapters that God, indeed, likes to visit places and people when he is least expected. He dwells in the unseemly, not just in the glamorous. That is what Yancey want us to get. Thus, he structures his points in seven thematic parts and 49 short chapters. As always, he does the superb job of provoking us to think about uncomfortable topics without barraging us with dogmatic declarations. Gentle and firm at the same time, his Christ-like style summons us to identify with the God’s kind of good and align ourselves with the Kingdom’s values. God bless you, Mr. Yancey!
November 30, 2024
Reading this book was like listening to my unemployed neighbor that never shut up. I would walk inside carrying something very heavy and he would talk nonstop oblivious of my discomfort. I'd say goodbye and he wouldn't let me go. He would try to impress me with facts about everything. He would just drivel on, talking about boring people he met or boring places he visited, or boring things other people said. So glad I moved. So glad to heave this book in the trash. Couldn't even recycle it. It was a hardcover.
January 14, 2019
A surprisingly easy and engaging read. Profound insights into people and the world, served in French cuisine portions. Yancey's love for people and deep faith are obvious throughout the book without being forceful or preachy.
His extensive reading and intellectual depth provide weight to each chapter without weighing it down.
A potentially dry topic brought to life by Yancey with heart and traces of (heavens!) humour.
I enjoyed this book, and I didn't expect to.
His extensive reading and intellectual depth provide weight to each chapter without weighing it down.
A potentially dry topic brought to life by Yancey with heart and traces of (heavens!) humour.
I enjoyed this book, and I didn't expect to.
July 10, 2023
A few things I disagree with and I felt his logic was noticeably lacklustre a couple of times but overall this was an awesome read. Also a big thing was that this book subscribes to all anti-progressive ideas. ‘Communism is totalitarian and the same as nazism’ type stuff which is definitely grating
May 18, 2018
I feel like Yancey failed to address God moving through the everyday hustle and bustle of life. Rather this novel seemed to address how much the world, and Christians need to depend on God. Needless to say I am disappointed by this work.
December 2, 2018
As always Philip Yancey has written clearly and provocatively. He always presents clear explanations about how to live in the Faith along with thoughtful challenges for us the reader. In this book it is a number of short articles that I found good to include in my daily devotions
December 12, 2024
Yancey compiles a number of previously written articles into categories which are thought-provoking and challenging to Christian readers. I was surprised by how relevant and current these pieces are since this collection was published close to 20 years ago.
March 7, 2025
An interesting book that reads like twenty short articles from a journalist thrown together. Some moving stories, and causes you to think, but not really an amazing read. My first Yancey, doubt it will be my last.
May 14, 2025
Not what I was expecting
This was an easy read . I always enjoy Yancey’s writing. I was expecting this book to be different. Still enjoyed it, but was not blown away by it as I have been by some of his other stuff.
This was an easy read . I always enjoy Yancey’s writing. I was expecting this book to be different. Still enjoyed it, but was not blown away by it as I have been by some of his other stuff.
May 27, 2017
Compilation of Ponderings
Created thought-provoking moments for me and lead me to seek out what God says in his Word. I enjoy books that make me reflect
Created thought-provoking moments for me and lead me to seek out what God says in his Word. I enjoy books that make me reflect
September 13, 2017
When I read Yancey I like to read the book as a devotional with my Bible. I could not do that with this one. I do like him as an author and will read all I can find.
September 2, 2017
Refreshing thoughts on various subjects. Yancey is always worth reading!
October 27, 2017
Hard to sum up. Definitely worth reading.
He does a great job yet again of pouring over a topic in an interesting way with wise insight.
He does a great job yet again of pouring over a topic in an interesting way with wise insight.
November 16, 2017
The book gives some thought provoking insight into Christianity through the ages. The excerpt of Christianity vs. Judaism vs. Islam was very helpful.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews