Surrendering Certainty: Hearing God Today by Letting Go of Tomorrow

by Abby McDonald

The God of the universe is trying to communicate with you. Are you listening?

Have you ever felt like God was prompting you to do something but questioned whether it was his voice? Instead of acting, you waited for another sign. What if God has already given us what we need to know if a word is from him?

Surrendering Certainty addresses a key misconception about God's that it will tell what will happen tomorrow. We've mistaken God's voice in our lives for a means of obtaining knowledge instead of embracing its power to give us peace for today. Since the fall in the garden of Eden, humanity has carried the same deception that misled Eve. We think more information will give us more freedom. But if we look at Jesus's teachings, we that his direction was never intended to give us a roadmap.

We can trade the yoke of certainty we carry for a better Jesus's yoke. By focusing on three promises Jesus gave us in John 10, Surrendering Certainty shows a better way to live, empowered by God's Word instead of a false sense of security. We will be free from a weight we never intended to the burden of being "like God."

With deep biblical insights, Surrendering Certainty explores how to:

- Grow confidence that we can hear from God without second-guessing ourselves.
- Embrace our ability to make decisions as one of the biggest means for growing our faith.
- Release our false sense of security in tomorrow and equip ourselves with promises that are guaranteed.

208 pages, Paperback

Published May 6, 2025

About the author

Abby McDonald is a writer, speaker, wife, and mom whose work has been featured on (in)Courage, For Every Mom, Crosswalk, and more. She also writes for Proverbs 31 Ministries' daily devotional, Encouragement for Today. Her passion is to empower women to grow in faith and hope, even when life is messy. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English from the University of South Carolina, and loves to teach about writing at conferences each year. When she's not reading or writing, you can find her wrangling her three kids and black lab while drinking copious amounts of coffee. Abby lives with her husband and three children in western Maryland. You can connect with her at abbymcdonald.org.

Reviews

[Taylor McGee Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute must read.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surrendering Certainty by Abby McDonald writer on Facebook, is a treasure trove of insight for anyone who craves certainty, especially when seeking God’s guidance! Through biblical references and personal experience, the author guides readers toward finding peace in today while pursuing assurance of the unknowns of tomorrow.

[Sarah Freymuth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surrendering Certainty is a balm for a worried mind like mine who wants to make decisions but often feels stuck wondering if I am hearing from God. Abby walks us through how we can live in the tension of the unknown while guiding us to Scriptural truths of God’s character and how He interacts with us. We can gain clarity when we settle in with God. This is a helpful and practical book on learning to discover God’s voice and help us walk into situations while leaning on Him. Highly recommend!

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you struggle with control, perfection, decision making, surrendering all to God? Surrendering Certainty – Hearing God Today by Letting Go of Tomorrow by Abby McDonald has written a helpful biblical-based book to help you answer these questions and more!

If you have questions, need direction, and/or wisdom, this book will help guide you to the One who knows all and will help you. While going through John 10, Abby helps her readers surrender to God and trust His ways.

I like how she set up each chapter, with the question, along with a short relatable personal story and then diving into biblical application. Following up each chapter with some questions for you to answer and ponder on. This would make a great individual read or group discussion.

A few of my highlights:

The enemy’s yoke says this: we need more information than what God chooses to give us.
Much like scrolling on the internet in an endless loop, we keep looking for more answers before we act.
Jesus tells us to come to Him and to lay down all our what-ifs.
When we focus all of our time and energy on obtaining a specific outcome on the outside, we forget the heart work that is taking place on the inside.
We are bombarded with messages each day telling us to keep our focus on ourselves, our comfort, and our safety.
When we rely solely on someone else to digest the words of God for us, we have a problem.
We can’t let the counsel of others replace the counsel of the living God.
How many of us have spent days and months waiting for God to show us an exact path, thinking there was only one correct way to go?
Sometimes, God asks us to take a step into the unknown, but the only clear direction He gives us is go.
Our motivation is key to everything.
When we focus on our appearance and others’ opinions, fear will lead us.
When we make decisions and encounter difficulties, how do we know the difference between a closed door and a distraction?
What if distractions can be holy moments?
What if we viewed waiting as a space for us to seek God’s heart more?

This will definitely be a reread for me and one I recommend to friends!




Many thanks to Netgalley for providing this book for review! Opinions are 100% my own! I did receive the product in exchange for this review and post.

[Dawn R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say? This book has my name written all over it. I have wrestled with the need to know before I push “go” many times in my life. Surrendering Certainty helps us identify triggers keeping us stuck and afraid to move forward. The author’s gift for storytelling captivated my attention as I saw my own story written on every page. To say “she gets me” is an understatement.

The book is written in three parts: You Know His Voice, He Helps You to Make Good Decisions, and Your Place with Him is Secure. The titles alone gave me the confidence to step into uncharted territory knowing the Lord will lead me and guide me as I follow Him. Each chapter concludes with discussion questions for personal reflection or group discussion.

For anyone facing an unknown future, Surrendering Certainty will help you move forward with boldness.

[Desiree Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those of us who have battled with needing to know what's happening next, and have desired the false security of knowing all the details, this new book, Surrendering Certainty, by my friend Abby McDonald, will be your new best friend. Abby sheds light on why we attempt to live this way, the pitfalls of knowing too much, and the ways we get stuck in needing a definite answer before taking the next step. When you leave this book, you will be reminded of how much God loves you, the truth that God has not left us alone, but has given us a helper to live this life well, and the undeniable reality that God is always and forever faithful. You will want to grab a copy for yourself and one to give away.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abby McDonald mentions things being unveiled in God's timing. Recently, for me that meant receiving a complimentary copy of Surrendering Certainty from Leafwood Publishers via NetGalley without obligation. God knew that this message of relinquishing my concerns for tomorrow in favor of trusting God for today was just what I needed. I am grateful Abby McDonald listened to God's prompting to write this book. I appreciate her sharing personal experiences to make her points relevant and applicable. This book was a big part in helping me to realize my longing for and dependence on certainty, and the impact that was having on my relationship with Christ. I highly recommend this insightful book, and plan on rereading it myself.

[Maree Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever found yourself unable to hear God’s voice, wondering if He still speaks or if you’ve somehow drifted too far away to recognize His whisper? Surrendering Certainty is an excellent book you need. Abby McDonald writes with wisdom in a friendly way, incorporating relatable stories with biblical truth that draw you in.

Abby reminds us that we don’t need others to tell us what God is saying—we can recognize His voice ourselves. Abby’s thought-provoking questions and practical steps will stir your heart to pursue a deeper, more intimate relationship with Jesus.

Reading Surrendering Certainty stirred a fresh desire in me to pursue Jesus more intimately—to slow down, listen, and believe that I can hear His voice. It’s honest.

[Sarah Butterfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book for the chronic overthinkers, the doubters, and the control freaks (like me) who think security comes from knowing outcomes and having all the answers. Abby reminds us that our peace can only come from trusting God, and offers us inspiring and practical suggestions for discerning his voice in our lives.

This book is centered around Jesus's promises in John chapter 10, and is structured in 3 parts: You know his voice; He helps you to make good decisions; Your place with him is secure.

I loved this book and would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to discern God's voice and calling on their lives, as well as for those who want to learn to trust him more and more!

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abby shares valuable insight in this book about “Surrendering Certainty” of the future to obey the Lord’s leading in our individual missions for His Kingdom. I especially love her emphasis on hearing God, that we as sheep know His voice and can be intentional about making space to hear Him more clearly by prayer, Scripture reading, etc. I’ve had and heard many times that question of “What is God’s will for ______?” Abby walks through this gently with the reader using clear and Biblical direction and providing study questions that bring us to introspection and honesty with the Lord. I loved this read and will definitely be recommending it!

[Kim Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re ever unsure about hearing from God, especially when making big decisions in your life, look no further! This book will help you understand where God is leading you even if you’re not so crazy about that direction. Plus, if you find that all the other voices you’re allowing to speak into you are becoming a little too much and making the future even more uncertain you’ll find inspiration for surrendering that too. Highly recommend you grab your girlfriends and use this resource as a book study!

[Adaia Schultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This book has come at a very critical time in my life. It has been a reminder of God’s M.O. in my life. When you’re walking through difficult situations that make you question whether it was God’s voice leading you or your own, words and experiences like the ones in Abby’s book , they become a reminder of all God has spoken. It has helped me to continue forward confidently.

Surrendering Certainty, is an easy read with practical application. The questions asked challenge your thinking and cause you to go deeper into God’s word.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever questioned whether you heard God clearly - or wondered if He would ever speak to you? Maybe you've heard His voice clearly in the past, but want to be reminded of the ways He has worked in your life. "Surrendering Certainty" by Abby McDonald reminds us of the simplicity of release. Hearing God doesn't have to be hard, and Abby reminds us that the best way to live is in His palm with humble reliance. Whether you want to strengthen your faith or find certainty that God will never forsake you, I recommend this book.

[Ellen Chauvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm the kind of person who always likes to "know" things before I make a decision or jump into something new. I find myself wondering (as I'm sure we all do), "Is this God's will?" In Surrendering Certainty, Abby McDonald gives practical, scriptural advice to hearing and heeding God's voice. Abby provides probing questions we can ask when facing decisions. I would tell you what they are, but you really need to read the book for yourself, LOL!

[Lyli Dunbar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Surrendering Certainty helped dispel all my fearful thoughts about taking the wrong next step and ruining my life. Abby invites her reader to ask the right questions and to rest in the certain faithfulness of our Heavenly Father. Every chapter is grounded in Biblical wisdom and provides practical guidance so that even indecisive people like me can make well-informed choices and move forward with confident faith.

[Cheri Swalwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book I'm glad I picked up. This is one that makes you laugh, think, pray, and connect deeper with our Heavenly Father. I'm glad I read it and I definitely would encourage others who want to know God's will in our lives, which is pretty much everyone who loves God and is cultivating a relationship with Him.

I received this book as a complimentary copy from netgalley but wasn't obligated to write a review. All opinions are my honest opinions.

[Kristine Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who likes to overthink and figure things out, letting go of outcomes has often been a challenge for me. Author Abby McDonald’s book is a refreshing read that is helping me see the beauty of my relationship with the Lord and how that relates to my ability to hear and know his voice! I highly recommend this book.

[Calvonia Radford · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Surrendering Certainty, Abby McDonald shares her personal story of learnng to hear the voice of God. Using John chapter 10 as a foundation she shows us the shepherds love for us and helps us discern his voice in the midst of a plethera of voices. Through vivid stories laced with scripture, she helps us grasp the truth of God's love for us.

[Rebecca Hastings · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know about surrendering to God but I struggle with actually doing it. Surrendering Certainty is exactly what I needed! McDonald walks the reader through practical ways to connect with God instead of trying to control everything. It’s an honest invitation to surrender to live a full, beautiful life with God.

[Bethany McIlrath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book meant so much to me. I've marked many pages I plan to return to again and again. If you are in a season of uncertainty or simply long to live a life more surrendered to God, this is a thoughtful book that will encourage, convict, and comfort you as you seek God's leading.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a wise and gentle nudge to trust God more in your prayer life. It personally ministered to me as I learned how to be more discerning and self-aware while I read it. It's a great follow-up to Abby's first book Shift, and I look forward to reading more of her future books.

[Alex Banwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, I wish I could give this 100 stars. I got so much out of it I can’t put it all into words. I’m definitely going to read it again, more slowly next time, so I can make notes and digest everything God has been saying to me through this beautiful book.

[Tondi Wheat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Living in the moment is such a difficult task for planners and control freaks like me. Only by surrendering our own ideals and control can we find peace in God. Abby’s flow of words in easy to understand and relatable stories help to recognize God’s Sovereignty in every situation.

Highly recommend this especially for those who like to have life planned out.

[Samm Deniz · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many good things from this book! I definitely recommend!

- Book Club 2025 Read -

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read, lots of food for thought and take aways

“Instead of worrying about God’s will and purpose I my life, I could be living it. “

Book club 2025