What do you think?
Rate this book
Wasteland: Encountering God in the Desert
How do we understand and stay close to God when things may not always go right? In Wasteland Mike Pilavachi explores those difficult times in our lives when our dreams are unrealised and our spirituality feels dry and lifeless. Drawing from characters in the Old and New Testament, he puts together a biblical survival kit, so that hope shimmers on the horizon like a distant oasis.
- GenresChristian
112 pages, Paperback
First published July 4, 2003
4 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 9, 2018
"Don't settle for a superficial version of Christianity. Superficial Christianity is the most boring thing in the world. Go for broke."
Lent this by a friend who found it helpful and it is good- you get the impression that Pilavachi is a thoroughly gospel man; he loves Jesus, wants people to grow in him, hates prosperity thinking, loves faithfulness and understands that life can be really hard.
You can tell he is a speaker more than a writer- it is rambly at times, a little unclear, full of anecdotes and the chapter divisions don't seem to make much sense. But there are some brilliant quotes and the chapter "Life is a bitch but God is good" was fantastic- worth publishing on its own really...
Quotes:
"This is the true gospel that will change the world, not some shallow version that is all about God finding us parking spaces instantly on a rainy day." pg83
"I am wary of trusting any leader who does not walk with a limp." pg87
Of Joseph in Genesis 45- "When eventually the family found themselves bowing down before Joseph, he knelt with them." pg103
"I believe [miracles] happen to remind us of our destiny, to cause us to look up. They speak to us of eternity." pg109
"Don't settle for a superficial version of Christianity. Superficial Christianity is the most boring thing in the world. Go for broke. Ask your Lord to take you deeper. Don't be satisfied any longer to exist in security; choose to live in adventure." pg110
Lent this by a friend who found it helpful and it is good- you get the impression that Pilavachi is a thoroughly gospel man; he loves Jesus, wants people to grow in him, hates prosperity thinking, loves faithfulness and understands that life can be really hard.
You can tell he is a speaker more than a writer- it is rambly at times, a little unclear, full of anecdotes and the chapter divisions don't seem to make much sense. But there are some brilliant quotes and the chapter "Life is a bitch but God is good" was fantastic- worth publishing on its own really...
Quotes:
"This is the true gospel that will change the world, not some shallow version that is all about God finding us parking spaces instantly on a rainy day." pg83
"I am wary of trusting any leader who does not walk with a limp." pg87
Of Joseph in Genesis 45- "When eventually the family found themselves bowing down before Joseph, he knelt with them." pg103
"I believe [miracles] happen to remind us of our destiny, to cause us to look up. They speak to us of eternity." pg109
"Don't settle for a superficial version of Christianity. Superficial Christianity is the most boring thing in the world. Go for broke. Ask your Lord to take you deeper. Don't be satisfied any longer to exist in security; choose to live in adventure." pg110
April 13, 2024
'In a culture that worships success and values results we are called to value people and express our worship in their service.'
This book, though written twenty years ago, is as relevant now as it was back then. It examines themes like humility, investing in obscurity and service with a common thread of purpose in the desert place. I particularly liked the analysis of Song of Songs in chapter 4 and the amusing anecdotes that are told throughout the book.
This book, though written twenty years ago, is as relevant now as it was back then. It examines themes like humility, investing in obscurity and service with a common thread of purpose in the desert place. I particularly liked the analysis of Song of Songs in chapter 4 and the amusing anecdotes that are told throughout the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2019
I really enjoyed this. Mike liberally peppers it with amusing anecdotes, yet also manages to say something very valuable about what desert times can teach us. I especially liked the 'investing in obscurity' chapter on the upside-down values of the kingdom, and also how he gave a new perspective on old truths throughout.
August 1, 2019
A inspiring book about how to learn from God during the desert time we all faces.
February 7, 2022
Great timing and really helpful book. Worth a read for anyone going through a tough time.
August 29, 2022
Mike Pilavachi and Soul Survivor (The Netherlands) have truly shaped me as a young adult. I bought this book mainly because of a feeling of nostalgia. I am not disappointed! The humor he used to display at the conferences can also be found in this book! Mike Pilavachi has never become as famous as the Bethel and Hillsong leaders because he does not preach the typical “word of faith” message. This book in particular proofs this. God can bring us to the desert because of disobedience, He can bring us to the desert to get our attention. And finally He can bring us to the desert of obedience.
January 20, 2013
Good thoughts and advice, and very entertaining, but nothing groundbreaking for me personally. I would definitely recommend this to a friend though.
June 30, 2020
Where is God when times are tough? Why do we have to go through these tough times as Christians? This book answers both of these questions. Highly recommended reading for new and mature Christians.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews