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Follow the Cloud: Hearing God's Voice One Next Step at a Time

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"Stickl explains how hearing the still small voice of God and obeying his call will lead us into a deeper, more passionate relationship with him.”
—Robert Morris, founding senior pastor, Gateway Church, Dallas/Fort Worth

There is a big difference between being set free and living free.
 
How do I know what to do with my life? How do I hear God’s voice? Maybe the answer is easier than we think. When God led the Israelites from Egypt to the Promised Land, He gave them a cloud to follow. He led them in an intimately personal, ever-present way one next step at a time. He led them without revealing the whole picture because he wanted them to follow by faith.
 
In Follow the Cloud, Pastor John Stickl uses this image to ask, “What if we stopped letting obligation drive us and instead let grace lead us? What if instead of focusing on our faithfulness toward God, we focus on God’s faithfulness toward us?” 
 
The cloud of God’s presence is moving in your life right now. Maybe God is inviting you to follow him to a new career or relationship. Maybe he is inviting you to extend forgiveness, share your story, or give up your addiction. Whatever your next step is, God is leading you to discover who you are, who he is, and what you were created to do. He is inviting you to a life of freedom. Inviting you home - one step at a time.

240 pages, Paperback

Published August 1, 2017

81 people are currently reading
357 people want to read

About the author

John Stickl

4 books7 followers

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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Paige Norwood.
70 reviews1 follower
January 25, 2022
Do you feel like you've been stuck in a rut? Feel like you need to preform or "do church" to get God's favor?

Can I tell you a secret?? You don't. The truths in this book resonate if you're questioning God, walked away from him, a new follower or are struggling in your journey. I don't have the answers, but I'm walking with new revelation and a renewed promise. The message in this book is soo powerful.

Come and discover it for yourself...and then share it with someone who needs it!

#popsugarreadingchallenge: 2017 publication
1 review
July 28, 2017
The truths contained in this book are transforming my life. I am receiving the grace of Jesus and discovering who I am. I am experiencing the presence of God and discovering who He is. As a result of discovering who I am and who He is, I am discovering what I am created to do – my purpose. This is the Father’s Heart. This changes everything.

The only thing hard about reading this book is having to set it down. Pastor John’s personal journey of discovering and living free in the Father’s Heart enables him to lead us on that journey with passion and enthusiasm. He truly wants this for all of us! His writing style is life giving, encouraging, inspiring, and motivating.

If you embark on this journey to living free, you will learn that you have nothing to achieve, prove, or earn – that you have everything to receive, discover, and explore.

When family, friends, and former colleagues ask why I left an executive-level corporate position, with the high income, the large office, the travel and perks, the material possessions it afforded – I can now answer by pointing them to this book. When they see that I’m living my life differently, that my passions have changed, that my time, gifts, talents, and finances are spent in new areas – I can now explain the changes by pointing them to this book. This book captures, in an inspiring and compelling way, the “why” behind my transformed life. This is my story and the story of all those who have asked, listened, and responded and are following the Cloud one next step at a time to a life of freedom. My prayer is that this will become your story, too.
Profile Image for Jessica Marick.
2 reviews1 follower
July 14, 2017
This book has the power to transform lives, from biblical scholars to those knowing nothing about God. It was written for those seeking to discover their identity, those wanting to be freed from their bondage (shame, broken marriages, addiction, etc.), those feeling stuck in their current season, or those wanting to walk in all the glory God has for them.

Author, Pastor John Stickl, was gifted with the ability to take what many of us would find to be complex biblical topics and passages and break them down in a way that is understandable, relatable, and applicable.

In this book, Pastor John, shows his readers the freedom that can be found when you know your identity, walk in relationship with God, and live out the purpose God has for you. He gives practical ways through a next step approach to show others how to hear and follow what God's next step is for them so that they can live a life of true freedom.
Profile Image for Bethany McIlrath.
Author 10 books16 followers
September 13, 2017
In Follow the Cloud, pastor and new author John Stickl echoes and expands on this concept of following God’s leading just one step at a time.

As you might suspect, Stickl refers often to the Old Testament experience of Israel. God led His chosen people out of bondage and through the wilderness with a cloud. The people weren’t given a roadmap or told the exact location or timeline of God’s plan. Their directions were simply to move when and where God’s cloud moved. That’s faith-training!

Stickl explains that: “a journey of next steps isn’t really about where we go, what we do, or what we accomplish; it’s about who we become.”

With that thesis in mind, he shares personal and Biblical stories and illustrations to discuss elements of God’s leading like:

• God’s invitation to come with Him
• Gaining momentum through change
• Receiving God’s grace
• Recognizing God’s voice
• The importance of obedience
• God’s purposes and invitation

The cadence of Follow the Cloud is casual. Most of the sentences are short. The concepts focus on more practical application than academic understanding. Stories, Scripture, and tweetable quotes make it a fast and engaging read.

Examples of quotable statements (of which there are many) include:

“God speaks in sentences not paragraphs because you can only obey one sentence at a time.”
“I don’t want to come and see. I want to see and then decide if I want to come.”
“Don’t lower your theology down to your personal experiences; raise your experiences up to your theology.”
“Identity determines behavior, because you do who you are.”
“You were never meant to live a life of what-ifs; you were meant to live a life of He is and He has.”

Some of Stickl’s illustrations break down a bit before he wraps them up and his examples from Scripture are sometimes based on presumptions. However, I found his conclusions seemed in line with God’s Word. As usual, it’s wise to check teachings against what God says in the Bible.

Follow the Cloud is an encouraging read that will likely be meaningful to people who are wrestling with making big life decisions.


1 review
June 21, 2017
This is the best book I have read in a long time! It opened my eyes to how God intended us to live… FREE! A life where we know who we are, who God is, and what we were created to do sounds so easy, but most of us never attain it. This book is a manual with simple, but not simplistic, next steps that we can all take to live a life of freedom. No matter where you are in your journey, this book will enlighten you with its wisdom, make you laugh with its humor, and inspire you with its simple message… follow the cloud, and live free.
Profile Image for Lovely Loveday.
2,848 reviews
June 14, 2017
Follow the Cloud is a book about letting God take the lead in your life instead of following obligations. I found this book to be an eye opener. A truly incredible book that explains how to live your life more meaningful and with a purpose. The author does a good job in explaining and teaching you how to give your life to God and let him take lead. Overall, I found this to be a very informative read.
Profile Image for Maria Therese.
281 reviews7 followers
July 6, 2017
This book truly was a call. John Stickl did a wonderful job likening God's call in our lives to the cloud which the chosen people followed in the dessert. I loved this analogy because it so clearly showed that God is always there with us. He is one step ahead of us, just waiting to lead us where we should be going.

To anyone who is struggling discerning what God wants for them; to anyone searching for God; to anyone down or depressed; to anyone anywhere really, this book is a great help to realizing that God is with us. He cares, and that he'll always be there for us. Even when we're lost in a dessert of pain, suffering, or confusion, he will be our cloud guiding us to a promised land.

Profile Image for Ivo Stoyanov.
238 reviews
September 10, 2022
Джон е страхотен пастор , който всяка неделя дава уроци за вярата по един много близо до хората начин.
Вкарва и много хумор в проповедите си .Книгата е във абсолютно същият дух и за мен това е заслужена петица най-вече за силата на духа , вярата и тези душевни неща .
111 reviews1 follower
January 11, 2018
FOLLOW THE CLOUD by pastor and first-time author John Stickl takes a relatively brief, yet
fulfilling and encouraging look at the desire that God has to lead His children on a continual
basis, and that this type of intimate and relational expression of life with God is available to all
Christians now. Using the Old Testament example of how the Lord led the Israelites through the
wilderness to the Promised Land through a cloud by day (and fire by night) to lead the people
exactly where they needed to go when they needed to go. Stickl challenges readers to “follow
the cloud —- courageously taking next steps when we see God move.
The author breaks his explanation of following God more closely into four sections. Section 1
— Awaken to Life — makes the case that believers today have more access to God than the
Israelites did in the Old Testament, and that the Lord means for us to follow Him in a dependent
and trusting daily walk. Section 2 — Receive His Grace — builds a foundation for this intimate
walk by demonstrating the love and grace of God, and believers’ identity as sons and daughters
rather than servants or sinners. Section 3 — Experience His Presence — goes into detail to
describe what “following the cloud” entails, and all the various ways that God communicates
with us. Finally, Section 4 — Release His Kingdom — lays out a vision of what a willingness to
trust and obey God can mean in the individual believers’ lives, as well as in the lives of their
family, friends, coworkers, church members, communities and society at large.
Stickl writes in an honest, self-effacing manner as someone who has only recently learned more
about the love of God and His desire to lead him and all believers in all things; so that striving
and despair can cease, and Christians can live in the joy and freedom that Christ desires and
delivered to us through His sacrifice and obedience to the Father. This aspect of Stickl’s writing
reminds me in a good way of other authors like Craig Groeschel who write not as “super
Christians” who have had very extraordinary experiences and blessings with God that would
make readers feel guilty and self-conscious; but rather as a follow struggler who has had to learn
some difficult lessons, but now wants to share his joyful discoveries with others. This book is
extremely encouraging and uplifting, and as a believer who has had many ongoing struggles inextremely encouraging and uplifting, and as a believer who has had many ongoing struggles in
learning to trust God and totally depend on Him, this book was like a breath of fresh air to me. I
would highly recommend this book for all believers.
Profile Image for Madison Lawson.
Author 20 books219 followers
November 14, 2017
Numbers 9:16-20:

“The cloud would cover it by day, and the appearance of fire by night. Whenever the cloud was lifted from over the tent, afterward the sons of Israel would then set out; and in the place where the cloud settled down, there the sons of Israel would camp. At the command of the LORD the sons of Israel would set out, and at the command of the LORD they would camp; as long as the cloud settled over the tabernacle, they remained camped. Even when the cloud lingered over the tabernacle for many days, the sons of Israel would keep the LORD’S charge and not set out. If sometimes the cloud remained a few days over the tabernacle, according to the command of the LORD they remained camped. Then according to the command of the LORD they set out.”

Reading this book truly excited to follow the cloud, to follow Jesus. This book is so well written and very encouraging. It's filled with fresh knowledge and reminders, such as I’m not in charge. I’m being led by the cloud.

The Israelites, while lost and afraid, were led by the embodiment of Jesus. By day, a cloud, and by night, a pillar of fire. They stopped when it stopped and followed it when it moved. They didn’t know the end journey, only the next movement of the cloud. Jesus was leading them into the promise land, but he revealed the journey in segments. He doesn’t show you the finish line, but lights up the next step of the path along the way. We might be afraid, but we don’t have to be because we can trust in him.

Anyways, read this book. It's a good reminder, filled with love and encouragement. And, something you don't always get in this genre, John Stickl is a good writer who explains things thoroughly.
Profile Image for Paige Gordon.
Author 4 books68 followers
January 24, 2018
I found this book while browsing the shelves at Barnes and Noble and instantly felt like I needed to read it. So much of the past few weeks of my life, and the major life decisions they've involved, has been surrounded by the theme of "following the cloud" so it seemed like this might be just the book I needed to read for this season.
Was it ever!
This book spoke to so many things I've been thinking and feeling recently, echoing many of the major lessons I'm learning in my own walk with God. John's wisdom regarding identity determining actions, the important of dealing with your orphan spirit, what the Father's heart is for His children, and how following God is really always about obeying 'one next step at a time', is inspiring, life-giving and a message the modern church is sorely I need of. I seriously can't recommend this book highly enough. If you need an encouraging, Jesus-centered read to start your year off right and help you realign your heart and mind towards Christ and His plan for your life, this is the book to read!

Favorite Quote: "But when it comes right down to it, when Jesus asks us 'Do you want to get well?', our answer is often no. We don't really want to get well, because we have found our identity in our brokenness. Our lives are defined by those jobs we hate, the toxic relationships we are in, the skepticism we have, the addictions we are gripped by, or the mundane routines we constantly complain about. As much as we like the thought of getting well, we don't know what we would be without our mats. If we are honest, sometimes we prefer godless security to God-led change."
Profile Image for Michele.
7 reviews1 follower
August 2, 2017
Follow the Cloud is a life changing book. It's so easy to read. You don't want to put the book down. The questions at the end of each chapter help you dig deeper into the truths that God is teaching you. The three circles have helped me see myself through God's eyes as a beloved daughter of the King. For so many years as a Christian, I struggled with performance. I tried to do more and could picture God shaking his head every time that I failed. Now I know that I'm fighting from victory not for victory. It gives me freedom to live the life that God has planned for me. He created me to be a Kingdom Leader in my family, my job, my neighborhood, my church, and every area of my life. As we follow cloud and take each next step, we don't always see the big picture. God reveals to us each piece of the picture when we are ready to see it. I'm enjoying this journey with God so much more now that my focus is on obeying what God is telling me to do not on what he hasn't revealed to me yet. This book showed me that everything is possible as a cloud follower
Profile Image for C.L. Burger.
17 reviews
July 31, 2019
Follow the Cloud is one of the best books I've read on the Christian Life. Pastor and Author John Stickl, articulates God's move of Holy Spirit in a way that resonates for many Christians. I found myself saying "Yes!" so many times while reading the book and sometimes loud enough to scare my cat!

For me, the mark of a good book is when I (an extreme introvert) start telling people in the grocery store line just how great this book is. Stickl's explanation of the difference between being drawn by grace and not driven by expectations is a message so many of us need to hear today and that is just one point in the book. I highlight favorite parts of books and right now, my Kindle version of Follow the Cloud is one long highlight. I found great hope in the revival of the Christian church as I read this book and cannot recommend it highly enough. Well done!
1 review
July 29, 2017
This book is a must read! It has taught me (and will teach you) that with each next step I take, I can clearly see more of Jesus while discovering more of who I am. That, my friends, is walking in true freedom! But what, there's more - so much more - it also helped me learn that I am not defined by the pains of my past, I am defined by my identity in Him, and Him alone! All I need to do is to lean into his voice, and ask, listen, and respond to his invitation. Whatever God is inviting you to do, his cloud will always provide whatever is needed. So what does all this mean? Buy the book today and you will soon find out. This book is a life-changer!
Profile Image for Brian Virtue.
154 reviews1 follower
October 4, 2024
There's a lot of great nuggets in this book. But for me it felt like a more general, pastoral exhortation of key teachings related to walking with God. So helpful, especially for those that may not read a lot because it's a survey of solid perspective and Scripture. But it isn't a book focused on deeply helping people hear God's voice in the way many might be looking for, though some things are helpful.
Profile Image for Sundi.
Author 12 books18 followers
October 29, 2017
One of the most powerful books I've ever read. I'm a fast reader, but this book I had to slow down, process, journal through. A new friend whom I'd never met felt led to give me this book the first time we ever met for lunch. It was definitely part of God's plan. This book is a must read for everyone!
Profile Image for Christina.
78 reviews8 followers
August 9, 2018
I don’t remember the last time I highlighted so much in a book! This one was filled with so much wisdom and life-changing information, and I’m thankful I decided to read it. It’s hard to believe it’s Pastor John’s first book! I hope he ends up writing more. This is one I will keep and refer back to throughout my life and in my journey with God.
Profile Image for Bethany Hunter.
41 reviews
March 24, 2022
What a phenomenal read! A friend of a friend handed me this book to borrow and said, “I think this will blow your mind.” He was right. The message isn’t all that complicated, but sometimes the simplest things are the hardest for us to understand. If you want to walk with God, you can’t stand still. You have to actually follow Him where He leads.
Profile Image for Emma Watkins.
66 reviews
December 18, 2023
I would describe this book as an encouraging pat on the back. In other words, was it anything revolutionary that I haven’t heard before? No, but packed full of reminders of simple, important truths. Easy and quick read focused on seeking the presence of God and obedience in the next steps that the Lord calls us to.
Profile Image for Jim Toner.
300 reviews7 followers
August 17, 2017
This is one of the best Christian books I've read in a long time. It was as though the author had sat down with me and wanted to know how I felt about the modern church. He gives no pat answers to today's modern church issues, but clearly tells the reader to constantly seek after God.
1 review
October 9, 2017
Best book I've read in a long time. I'm inspired to follow God's leading.

John's insight into the love of God will encourage you to find hope and direction. Follow the Cloud is a must read!
5 reviews
November 25, 2019
Amazing and inspirational book. Before I realized it, I was highlighting almost the whole book. The author is the pastor of my niece's church in Texas.
483 reviews87 followers
December 1, 2023
By chapter 2 he was starting to create his own interpretation of Peter as a failed fisherman and I thought if he's going to be that loose with scripture, I really don't want to read his book.
Profile Image for Mark Dunker.
203 reviews1 follower
April 16, 2025
Too many platitudes and too many verses taken out of context to be worth reading.
Author 1 book68 followers
May 15, 2025
Encouraging and inspiring to help us go deeper into the Kingdom of God.
Profile Image for Stacy Milacek.
114 reviews1 follower
April 28, 2022
Stickl is my mom's pastor, so she got me his book for Christmas. At first I thought it was pretty basic stuff, but then I realized it's stuff most Christians intellectually know, but don't spiritually know. I would highly recommend this book to any Christian who struggles with negative self-talk and low self-esteem. This will become one of those books I reread every few years.
Profile Image for Joe Oaster.
275 reviews2 followers
October 3, 2022
great book about the idea of going all in and following the cloud. I made a lot of highlights in this book. Some great wisdom in this book
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