God Knows You: Getting Real about Spiritual Challenges

by Matthew C. Godfrey

Do you ever feel invisible? Do you feel like no one really knows who you are? Maybe you are quiet, and people tend to overlook you. Maybe you don’t have many friends—or even any friends. Maybe you have a lot of friends, but you feel like you can’t be yourself around them. Maybe you go to church every Sunday, but your bishop never selects you for a class presidency or asks you to speak in sacrament meeting. Maybe you just don’t feel seen.

In God Knows Getting Real About Spiritual Challenges, historian Matthew C. Godfrey shares his testimony of the power found in authenticity. By exploring the real challenges and questions he has faced throughout his life—and some of the challenges and questions to be found in Church history—he invites readers to learn how to handle their own difficulties with faith, hope, and grace. This book is a powerful testimony that no matter your age, no matter what your relationship with God currently looks like, God sees you. He knows you. And He loves you.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction

112 pages, Hardcover

Published June 17, 2025

Reviews

[Emily Osborne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this author's honesty and vulnerability.

[Melynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I definitely recommend it to everyone.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and I read it within just a few hours. I would recommend it to your teens if they belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He shares neat stories and makes great points. :-)

[jyweniverel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am definitely glad I found this book. I empathize with this author is so many ways, pretty much all of them (except for the parachute pants…and I won’t hold that against him!). I felt this book speak to me. There are many times I have felt I just wasn’t seen by God, or that Jesus wasn’t there. I now believe that They were there, I just need to realize it’s not always in an explosive type of way, it’s the quiet nudges way. Thank you for writing this book, I love the journal suggestion and plan on keeping a separate one for my daily spiritual experiences. Thank you 😊 for helping me be “seen”.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very easy book to read. It was writen for young adults in mind, but it is a good reminder for any age. There are only 8 chapters. The titles of the chapters are He Knows Your Name, Seeking and Getting Revelation, Maintaining Faith in Times of Difficulty, Repentence and Forgiveness Lead to Happiness, Seeing Jesus Christ in Your Life, Trusting Prophets, Friendship and Inclusion, You Can do Great Things! All chapters gave me help.

[Eloise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the author's authenticity as he shares experiences from his own life and from the lives of others concerning the challenges of drawing close to Heavenly Father and feeling His influence in day-to-day living. And, to be fair, I love the author himself! He's my nephew.

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a really well written book for youth. It covers many topics youth struggle with in terms of spirituality and does so in a very relatable and approachable manner. This helps me as a seminary teacher to have a healthy perspective and relevant approach.

[Sharon Wheeler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Libby. Different book. Talked about all he couldn’t do then how he turned sone things around to be able to live the commandments.

[Kaitlyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great reminder of my divine identity!

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short but so great. Though based for YA, it really resonated with me, I must have needed its message. Would be great for anyone.

[Melynne (mels_booknook) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this one and the thoughts he had in it.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Direct personal point of view is interesting, some good stories and solid points.