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When God Winks at You: How God Speaks Directly to You Through the Power of Coincidence
A surprising answer to prayer comes at just the right moment. Could God be showing you that He cares about the details of your life? Best-selling author SQuire Rushnell says these silent little miracles are godwinks--messages of assurance that no matter what is happening in your life or how uncertain things may seem at the moment, God is with you and will help you move toward certainty. When God Winks at You is an amazing array of real-life stories that will help you begin to recognize the god winks in your own life and attain an unshakable confidence that you are never alone . . . and never have been. With delightful warmth and familiarity, SQuire has masterfully crafted a timeless collection of inspiring and faith-building stories that can be enjoyed again and again.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2000
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 412 reviews
January 24, 2015
This is not a review, but rather a Godwink of my own that I will share. If you enjoy this then yes, this book is filled with little stories you will enjoy.
I was hanging out with a best friend at her house. There is never any room in her driveway so when I go there I always park in the front lawn, next to the driveway but also underneath a pecan tree.
As young adults with free time, we randomly decided a trip to the movies would be a nice way to spend the evening. We had over an hour to kill before the movie. No problem, we decided to go get ice cream beforehand! As I walk outside to get into my car my best friend said "Wait! I'm going to go to the bathroom." And, as females who generally flock to the bathroom together, I followed her back into the house. No sooner had that happened then we heard a CRASH. We thought someone was breaking in. But then her dad yelled, "Jess! You need to come to your car!" We both run out and there is a 6+foot tree branch sticking through the windshield of my car. It went straight in through the glass and the dashboard, then fell over the hood of the car. Upon further inspection, we found glass everywhere in the front seat and even in the back seat. It had pierced the head rests. My Godwink saved us from getting hurt from the glass. Despite the damage and the headache that usually comes from car repairs, we all looked at the situation positively and continue to praise God.
I was hanging out with a best friend at her house. There is never any room in her driveway so when I go there I always park in the front lawn, next to the driveway but also underneath a pecan tree.
As young adults with free time, we randomly decided a trip to the movies would be a nice way to spend the evening. We had over an hour to kill before the movie. No problem, we decided to go get ice cream beforehand! As I walk outside to get into my car my best friend said "Wait! I'm going to go to the bathroom." And, as females who generally flock to the bathroom together, I followed her back into the house. No sooner had that happened then we heard a CRASH. We thought someone was breaking in. But then her dad yelled, "Jess! You need to come to your car!" We both run out and there is a 6+foot tree branch sticking through the windshield of my car. It went straight in through the glass and the dashboard, then fell over the hood of the car. Upon further inspection, we found glass everywhere in the front seat and even in the back seat. It had pierced the head rests. My Godwink saved us from getting hurt from the glass. Despite the damage and the headache that usually comes from car repairs, we all looked at the situation positively and continue to praise God.
January 23, 2012
This was a very enjoyable book. The anecdotes throughout were fun to read and inspirational. This book was given to me as a Christmas gift. When I read the title, I had to laugh. Someone once told me that "Coincidences are God's way of remaining anonymous." I have repeated that quote to so many people in my day! This would have been a 5-star book for me except for a few things. The first was that I didn't think it was necessary to have so many famous people in it. Does that give credibility to the stories? I think not. Perhaps those stories could have been collected for a separate book about Godwinks and famous people. The other is that there was a bit of redundancy. The author kept saying to reflect on your own life. He didn't have to say that or could have said it just once.
I have had many, many "Godwinks" in my life, but two really stand out.
The first happened when I was driving my son home from kindergarten. Driving home, I actually passed our street! When I did it, it was the strangest thing. How on earth could I have passed my own street?! As I prepared to make a u-turn, I noticed an elderly man walking on the opposite sidewalk. As I turned I saw him trip and fall, hitting his head! I quickly u-turned and pulled over, telling my son to wait while I helped this man. He was on the ground when I approached him, looking dazed. I asked him if he was OK, and he kept asking me what happened. He was clearly confused. Another man stopped to help. We decided it was best to call 9-1-1 because the man was so disoriented and didn't seem to know where he lived. The paramedics were wonderful. They decided that he needed to go to the hospital but were very honest with us: it was going to cost the man a lot of money either with or without insurance. They wondered if one of us would be willing to take him. I took him to the hospital and, with my 6-year-old son, waited until a family member arrived. I have absolutely no doubt God wanted me there to help this man! It was an amazing, spiritual experience that has stuck with me throughout my life.
The second happened when I was going to an interview for a teaching job. My parents had given me a nice, leather briefcase when I had graduated with my credential years and years ago. I used this same briefcase for many interviews throughout the years. I had been thinking of my dad who had passed away several years earlier. A very skilled writer, he used to help me with letters of application and resumes before he died of prostate cancer. Although my dad and I were not super close, this was one area where he was a wonderful parent and always gave great advice. The second thing you need to know about my dad is that he was notorious for leaving price tags on gifts. It was pretty much a family joke. On the way to the interview, I was praying for confidence and the appropriate words to come to mind throughout the interview. Nothing would be worse in an interview than having one of those days when you can't think of words! I parked at the school, brushed my hair, checked in the mirror to make sure I didn't have anything on my face or in my teeth. I got out, opened the trunk of my car, and reached for my briefcase. Something caught my eye on the inside of one of the briefcase handles. Darned if there wasn't a receipt sticker!!! How on earth had I gone that many years without ever seeing it? I was flooded with happiness! It was just the Godwink I needed to give me a confidence boost right before the interview. And yes, I got the job!
This book is all about perspective and recognizing when God has given you a direct message. I can't wait for my next Godwink!!!
I have had many, many "Godwinks" in my life, but two really stand out.
The first happened when I was driving my son home from kindergarten. Driving home, I actually passed our street! When I did it, it was the strangest thing. How on earth could I have passed my own street?! As I prepared to make a u-turn, I noticed an elderly man walking on the opposite sidewalk. As I turned I saw him trip and fall, hitting his head! I quickly u-turned and pulled over, telling my son to wait while I helped this man. He was on the ground when I approached him, looking dazed. I asked him if he was OK, and he kept asking me what happened. He was clearly confused. Another man stopped to help. We decided it was best to call 9-1-1 because the man was so disoriented and didn't seem to know where he lived. The paramedics were wonderful. They decided that he needed to go to the hospital but were very honest with us: it was going to cost the man a lot of money either with or without insurance. They wondered if one of us would be willing to take him. I took him to the hospital and, with my 6-year-old son, waited until a family member arrived. I have absolutely no doubt God wanted me there to help this man! It was an amazing, spiritual experience that has stuck with me throughout my life.
The second happened when I was going to an interview for a teaching job. My parents had given me a nice, leather briefcase when I had graduated with my credential years and years ago. I used this same briefcase for many interviews throughout the years. I had been thinking of my dad who had passed away several years earlier. A very skilled writer, he used to help me with letters of application and resumes before he died of prostate cancer. Although my dad and I were not super close, this was one area where he was a wonderful parent and always gave great advice. The second thing you need to know about my dad is that he was notorious for leaving price tags on gifts. It was pretty much a family joke. On the way to the interview, I was praying for confidence and the appropriate words to come to mind throughout the interview. Nothing would be worse in an interview than having one of those days when you can't think of words! I parked at the school, brushed my hair, checked in the mirror to make sure I didn't have anything on my face or in my teeth. I got out, opened the trunk of my car, and reached for my briefcase. Something caught my eye on the inside of one of the briefcase handles. Darned if there wasn't a receipt sticker!!! How on earth had I gone that many years without ever seeing it? I was flooded with happiness! It was just the Godwink I needed to give me a confidence boost right before the interview. And yes, I got the job!
This book is all about perspective and recognizing when God has given you a direct message. I can't wait for my next Godwink!!!
March 21, 2018
Very good book, made me cry when I was reading it while waiting for the oil to be changed in my car. Lots of interesting stories, kind of like a Chicken Soup for the Soul book, only the theme of the stories is how God reaches us through "coincidences". I also liked that the book had three pages of notes citing where the stories all came from. Made them that much more real to me. Excellent read for Lent this year, I'm glad I picked it up. 4, I was smiling through the tears, stars. Highly recommended.
March 16, 2023
If you enjoy diving into your faith and reading stories about life’s enjoyable moments this book’s for you. I’ve always believed that coincidence’s are Gods way of staying anonymous. I’ve had many Godwinks in my life. It’s all perspective. Can’t wait for my next Godwink.
July 15, 2009
We just finished this in my ladies' Bible study. There are some neat stories in this short book. Some are better than others, and a few memorable ones made me tear up (which probably made fellow diners at the various places where I read the book while eating lunch wonder if I was crazy). I especially love the stories where human compassion and reaching out to a fellow person changed everyone's lives for the good.
One problem I have with the book, however, is believing that EVERY coincidence shows the will of God -- as if God is actually "micromanaging" our lives and the world. If it was a Godwink that so and so got that call inviting him to dinner just before he was about to kill himself, or it was a Godwink that led that person to drive instead of take the train that day there was a horrible crash, then why didn't God bother to wink at the others who went through with their terrible hopeless decision or tell the people who died not to take the train that day (or help keep the conductor awake, or have the technician inspect the track that day to find the problem before the crash). This, I guess, is the eternal question -- one that this book does not even acknowledge, let alone try to address.
One problem I have with the book, however, is believing that EVERY coincidence shows the will of God -- as if God is actually "micromanaging" our lives and the world. If it was a Godwink that so and so got that call inviting him to dinner just before he was about to kill himself, or it was a Godwink that led that person to drive instead of take the train that day there was a horrible crash, then why didn't God bother to wink at the others who went through with their terrible hopeless decision or tell the people who died not to take the train that day (or help keep the conductor awake, or have the technician inspect the track that day to find the problem before the crash). This, I guess, is the eternal question -- one that this book does not even acknowledge, let alone try to address.
March 13, 2010
Even though I have almost two shelves full of "inspriational" books, I picked this one up the other day. Why? Because right now my life is still a series of question marks. And to be 30 and still have question marks along the major pathways is difficult. Will my book(s) sell? When will they sell? When will I finally find the right guy and get married? When will I become a mom? I'm totally searching for answers to these questions and to understand what's going on in my life.
The really cool thing about this book is how he talked as a writer about getting the idea, the process of writing, being ready to give up on his writing career entirely, and then boom, he gets a godwink. A small pub takes him out and through the power of God's plan he ultimately lands at a major publishing house. I loved the story about how he soo wanted to be on Oprah to talk about Godwinks. For some reason, it always seemed to come close and fall through(the book had been passed to an assistant, etc.) Then one day he gets a phone call that as Oprah was doing a televised tour of her home, she picked up HIS book off her nightstand. Things went from there.
Great stories of Godwinks from everyone from Billy Grahm to Diane Lane to Tim Conway. However, the stories I enjoyed the most were the real life people and how Godwinks effected their lives. Overall, it really made me realize how much God is working in my life, even when I don't think he is. I'm just waiting to raise my eyes to the heavens and nod, fully realizing how the plan has unfolded.
The really cool thing about this book is how he talked as a writer about getting the idea, the process of writing, being ready to give up on his writing career entirely, and then boom, he gets a godwink. A small pub takes him out and through the power of God's plan he ultimately lands at a major publishing house. I loved the story about how he soo wanted to be on Oprah to talk about Godwinks. For some reason, it always seemed to come close and fall through(the book had been passed to an assistant, etc.) Then one day he gets a phone call that as Oprah was doing a televised tour of her home, she picked up HIS book off her nightstand. Things went from there.
Great stories of Godwinks from everyone from Billy Grahm to Diane Lane to Tim Conway. However, the stories I enjoyed the most were the real life people and how Godwinks effected their lives. Overall, it really made me realize how much God is working in my life, even when I don't think he is. I'm just waiting to raise my eyes to the heavens and nod, fully realizing how the plan has unfolded.
September 23, 2019
Nope nope noppity nope. I read 10 pages and immediately realized that this was horribly written with dangerously terrible theology to boot. I encourage you to actively run away from this book. It takes scripture out of context (the little that it uses) to work for its own agenda. Just don’t even touch it with a ten foot pole.
July 22, 2018
I could only hear the voice of Robert Stack narrating as I read this one, which made it even more enjoyable! This book has the flavor of the old "Unsolved Mysteries" TV show... only here, the episodes all have positive resolutions, nothing remains unsolved, and you don't go to bed scared half to death. Some of the "coincidences" described in this book have no explanation other than God orchestrating the events to align as perfectly as they did, and this book serves a dual purpose.
Not only will you enjoy and be inspired by the collection of true stories presented here, but you will also start to reconsider previously unexplainable things that may have happened in your own life. With so many different types of stories presented here, most readers will find something that sounds familiar and many that will bring a smile.
Not only will you enjoy and be inspired by the collection of true stories presented here, but you will also start to reconsider previously unexplainable things that may have happened in your own life. With so many different types of stories presented here, most readers will find something that sounds familiar and many that will bring a smile.
December 16, 2024
Should be called “When an Evangelical Christian Winks at You.” I love the premise of embracing coincidence and found many of these stories heartwarming and powerful. However, Rushnell’s writing dilutes rather than enhances the power of each story. By painting over each vignette with his own lackluster voice, he turned potentially potent stories into trite examples of “God’s work.” The message then becomes less about the mystery of the universe and the spirituality imbued in seemingly ordinary moments and more about Rushnell’s attempt to convince you that God exists. I think the stories would shine better in a format like The Moth, where readers are allowed to draw their own conclusions. Furthermore, this book perpetuates the harmful notion that Christians are blessed and favored by God because they believe in him, while those who don’t believe in him face hardship until they embrace The Church. The most prominent examples are the stories where someone battles a serious health issue and miraculously recovers as soon as they pray to God. While I believe in the power of prayer, what about all the people who pray and then don’t make it? And what about all the people who don’t pray— does that mean their struggles are their fault? Is God punishing them for not believing? Lastly, as mentioned above, Rushnell seems to conflate God with The Church, or at least blurs the lines too much for my faith. I especially noticed this when someone resolved their story by suggesting they started going to church or doing some kind of missionary work after experiencing a “godwink.” This is ridiculous given the whole concept of a “godwink” is that it a) comes to you and b) comes to you in everyday life! All in all, I appreciate the concept and individual stories. I recommend this to people searching for confirmation of their faith not original meaning.
August 5, 2014
I'm on the fence with this book. On the one hand, it IS very encouraging, especially if you read it at a crossroads in your life or you're down in the dumps where everything looks bleak and reading this book couldn't make your situation any worse. The author believes that each and every good coincidence in your life is the result of a "godwink" and evidence that God works in your life. Yes, I do believe God is in control of this world and everybody's lives within the parameters of His God-given human will, but this book only writes about good coincidences that happen in the lives of mostly rich and influential people who already believe in God or, at least, are nominally Christians if not needing a huge push/sign to finally believe and give them affirmation that what they're doing is actually going to eventually make them what they are today, i.e, the coincidences or godwinks made them rich and influential today. What of those Christians who only get strings and strings of bad coincidences and circumstances despite all their prayers? Do we call them devilwinks? Does that mean God doesn't work at all in their lives because they can't get godwinks? The section in this book about unanswered prayer actually shows answered prayers. I just wish Rushnell explored or spoke more with Christians like that. On the other hand, I believe in life circumstances and events (good and bad) that play out in different stages of your life, together with your personal Christian decisions, that lead a person to where you are today. They're not coincidences or godwinks, just part of His divine plan for your eternal life--said life being partly up to you where you're gonna end up spending it, even though God will try to make sure you end up with Him rather than with someone else.
July 16, 2010
This book gives examples of things that have happened in people's lives that have had special meaning to them. Some of the stories (all short) gave me goosebumps and made me smile (and get teary eyed), and some of them I didn't find especially appealing to me but didn't really mind reading. The God winks are categorized by such topics as "loss," "family," "job," and so on. Some topics may resonate with you more than others.
Some of my favorites: the family who lost a talented young daughter to a tragic accident... the father asked God for a sign that his daughter was OK, then for a sign that his daughter was with God - and the answers were pretty awesome. Another was the story of Emmitt (sp.?) Kelly (I think that's his name - the artist who did the crying clowns) - just really amazing. I'd give you details but don't want to ruin the surprise.
What I got from the stories in addition to inspiration, feeling good, etc., was a reminder to notice the God winks in MY life - I've begun writing them down and realizing that they're important to remember and be thankful for.
Some of my favorites: the family who lost a talented young daughter to a tragic accident... the father asked God for a sign that his daughter was OK, then for a sign that his daughter was with God - and the answers were pretty awesome. Another was the story of Emmitt (sp.?) Kelly (I think that's his name - the artist who did the crying clowns) - just really amazing. I'd give you details but don't want to ruin the surprise.
What I got from the stories in addition to inspiration, feeling good, etc., was a reminder to notice the God winks in MY life - I've begun writing them down and realizing that they're important to remember and be thankful for.
July 14, 2012
Coincidences are not coincidences is the main lesson in this book but signs from God you are perhaps on the right or the wrong path. Some of the anecdotes were particularly moving and inspirational while others were not. It's an easy read and brought me closer to my faith and reconfirmed thoughts I've had before about messages from God. The writing could have been stronger but overall I learned something from it. The book was recommended to me from someone very dear to my heart and I'm grateful for this book in that it had such a huge impact on someone who has been quite lost for a long time.
March 13, 2017
A good little book filled with what I like to call "Godcidences" not "coincidence." It makes a nice uplifting gift. Just a great reminder of God's omniscience and omnipresence.
January 24, 2015
nice short read, can definitely be read in one sitting. nice reminders of coincidences in our lives. very pure!
March 26, 2020
We’re in the midst of a crisis (COVID19) where Mother Earth and the Holy Spirit have joined forces to convince us that as a culture we need to slow down. I thought this book would shed some light on what’s going on. It doesn’t.
It lacks depth and reads like Chicken Soup for the Soul, which isn’t bad if you like that sort of thing. But I don’t.
There’s absolutely no discussion of people who desperately need those happy accidents but don’t get them. It is fitting that so many of his examples are rich and famous people.
I do like the coined word godwinks though.
It lacks depth and reads like Chicken Soup for the Soul, which isn’t bad if you like that sort of thing. But I don’t.
There’s absolutely no discussion of people who desperately need those happy accidents but don’t get them. It is fitting that so many of his examples are rich and famous people.
I do like the coined word godwinks though.
February 16, 2018
A wonderful collection of short stories about “coincidences” that aren’t really coincidental at all. The author coins them “God-winks” and they fill you with hope about the future and the world around us that God still holds in the palm of His hands. I call these “bathroom books” because each short story is no more than 2-3 pages long and the book can be digested in regular bites each morning around 6:05am.
December 14, 2019
It was too much like a Chicken Noodle Soup For The Soul book for me. I enjoyed the stories and the messages, but I would not have picked this up if it wasn't given to me by a friend. It was nice to read the reassuring stories in a time of doubt.
April 13, 2022
I read this book every year. Great reminder to slow down and remember there is a higher power.
November 23, 2023
honestly would give this book 6 stars if possible. encouraging, uplifting, challenging. literally just the fact i’m reading this book right now is a Godwink.
May 19, 2020
So many Godwinks that have occurred during my life!
June 9, 2024
Heartfelt and uplifting
December 11, 2021
This was 5+ stars. Really made me think and to look at all those coincidences we experience in a whole new light. How God is speaking to us. Breaks up in 9 chapters. Winks are personal, winks of hope, winks on transitions, winks on comfort, winks on prayer, unanswered prayer, just in time, on family, and winks on quests. With each chapter he then gives all those examples with actual life stories. Gave me goose bumps and some I had tears in my eyes. I plan on going back and revist my own life and see if some "winks" were sent to me. Plan on paying closer attention for sure.
December 14, 2020
Lovely, amazing and uplifting stories that go way beyond normal circumstances. These stories show that God is still working in our lives and has a plan for each of us. It was a wonderful and uplifting. Even if you are not a strong christian, I would recommend this read.
February 14, 2021
This book was chock full of heartwarming stories that surpassed coincidence and illuminated the beautiful ways in which God clears a path for amazing things to happen. I would definitely read a follow-up to this!
January 30, 2013
This was a book I had received as a gift. I would have never picked this up myself. I’m not a Christian reader for the most part and this isn’t my normal genre of reading material. And what’s with the super capitalized first name?
Regardless, I sat down and read this book in about a day and enjoyed it quite a bit. It’s like a Chicken Soup for the Soul book only with a different author and a more prayerful theme. It warms your heart and may even remind you that good, serendipitous things do happen in the world.
This book is certainly geared towards Christian readers. However, it’s not preachy. Rushnell does not tell the reader what to do or believe; instead, he shares how many others experienced an event where they felt God was winking at them. He will show the reader a strong argument for prayer. Any reader who has an open mind when it comes to other religion's views won’t find any offence in the religious theme of this motivational book.
If you’ve had a crummy weekend, or just want to read something positive for a change, pick up this quick read.
Regardless, I sat down and read this book in about a day and enjoyed it quite a bit. It’s like a Chicken Soup for the Soul book only with a different author and a more prayerful theme. It warms your heart and may even remind you that good, serendipitous things do happen in the world.
This book is certainly geared towards Christian readers. However, it’s not preachy. Rushnell does not tell the reader what to do or believe; instead, he shares how many others experienced an event where they felt God was winking at them. He will show the reader a strong argument for prayer. Any reader who has an open mind when it comes to other religion's views won’t find any offence in the religious theme of this motivational book.
If you’ve had a crummy weekend, or just want to read something positive for a change, pick up this quick read.
January 2, 2012
I just finished reading this book, When God Winks At You, written by Squire Rushnell. It was my vacation book of choice, and one that offered me relaxation and rejuvenation like a good vacation should. This book is full of various stories of God winks; things that could be perceived as coincidences, but better perceived as divine winks of hope, encouragement, and reassurance. Each story was empowered by faith and for faith. I found myself often times reflecting on various situations in life and having no doubt that I'd experienced many God winks of my own, and that's what's so great about this book: it proves to us that we all have a story to tell and that our faith can bring us through anything. It encourages us all to review happenings in our lives and to pay closer attention in the future. This book is a quick and easy read that leaves a heart warm. It's one I'd highly recommend.
December 31, 2012
I thought it was a very good book! The writing was simplistic in contrast to the amazing, breath taking stories! It truly is a book for everybody. I think that everyone has seen traces of "God Winks" in their lives. I know I definitely have! In the Conclusion the author challenges the reader to look for these "God Winks." It is definitely an important message for everyone to hear- God is watching, he is present and he cares. I know I have needed to hear this often from Him. This book only reaffirmed my faith and makes me want to put my faith in God even more.
May 22, 2015
This book was life changing. You can't help but look at your own past to find the "God Wink" moments and there's been many more than we recognize upon first glance. I loved this book and will be recommending it to the world. I've already written about it on my Facebook page. It took me 3 days of evening into the night reading and usually I take a lot longer with books. I couldn't get enough of the stories. I will look for the others as I believe this is a series.
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August 31, 2011I loved it! I truly feel everything happens by a coincidence, meaning that God has His hand on our daily lives. Absolutely love knowing that He is giving me a sign to say, "hang in there kid, I got this." :)
March 13, 2013
This book was a gift from a family member. I was so excited to read it since the title brought tears to my eyes. I think it was a good effort and not a waste of my time but I wanted so much more from this book.
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