This I Know: Trusting Your Unknown Future to a Known God

by Laura Dingman

How to live like God's in control Do you worry often about what the future holds? Do you long for peace but don’t know how to have it? Do you know factually that God is trustworthy, but not practically how to live that out? This I Know is a 6-week Bible study for those who want to walk upon the water. It guides women into biblical truths about the character of God so they can step faithfully into the unknown, confident in the God they do know. Corrie Ten Boom said it best, “Never be afraid to trust your unknown future to a known God.” Join Laura Dingman as she journeys through Acts 17, James 1, Habakkuk 3, Psalm 46, 2 Chronicles 20,  and Joshua 3, diving into subjects like abundance in Jesus, the goodness of God in trial, and the value of remembering God’s past faithfulness. Each week offers opportunity for prayer, interaction with the biblical text, journaling, and group discussion. Using Scripture, insights from her own life, and prompts for reflection, Laura points readers continuously to the unchanging character of God, helping them surrender their lives to Him and give Him all their trust.

Genres: Christian Non Fiction, Christian

256 pages, Paperback

Published January 2, 2018

About the author

LAURA DINGMAN spends most of her time creating and leading worship experiences that help connect people with the story of God. She has served in vocational ministry as the Creative Arts Director at The Creek, a large church in Indianapolis, for over a decade. She loves to show people where their story intersects with God's story. She enjoys belting Broadway, laughing hysterically, reading great books, and living life with her favorite two people in the whole world, her husband, Matt, and her spunky daughter, Abigail. She is the author of Life Rhythms: Learning to Live in God-Centered Time and I Am Found: Quitting the Game of Hide and Seek with God, Ourselves, and Others. You can learn more about her journey and connect with her at www.lauradingman.com.

Reviews

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This I Know

Trusting Your Unknown Future to a Known God

by Laura Dingman

Moody Publishers

Christian

Pub Date 02 Jan 2018

I am reviewing a copy of This I Know through Moody Publishers and Netgalley:

If you worry about what the future holds, and honestly who doesn’t from time to time this book will help you to live like God is in control, (because he is).

We are reminded that we are often trying to fill in the unknown. We are also reminded not to make a God of Idols!

This book reminds us too that we need to think about what we believe.

We are reminded too that Prayer does change things.

This six week study takes us through Acts 17, James 1, Habukuk 3, Psalms 46, 2nd Chronicles 20 and Joshua 3. Dealing with subjects such as abundance in Jesus, along with the goodness of God in trial. As well as the value of remembering God’s past faithfulness.

This study would be beneficial for both individual and group Bible Studies.

Five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

[Prairie Sky Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever had an experience where it feels like God sends you a gift at just the right moment in your life, when He knows you need it most? I’ve had this happen to me several times recently... “This I Know: Trusting Your Unknown Future to a Known God” is a 6-Week Bible study written by Laura Dingman, and is part of the Bible Studies for Women series from Moody Publishers. I haven’t quite finished the study yet, but so far nearly every lesson has felt like a special message from God to me.

All of the Moody Bible Studies for Women have been incredible and taught me so much, but “This I Know” is extra-special. It arrived in my life in a very timely manner, and it truly feels that many of the daily lessons were written just for me. Of course, I think many women will feel this way as they journey through the pages of this study, diving into topics such as understanding the true meaning of knowing God; surrendering to him as Mary did; believing without fear; reflecting on what you really believe about God and remembering to LIVE as though you believe it; and much, much more.

Each of the six weeks of the study are divided into an introduction and five daily lessons. The lessons are comprised of opening thoughts from the author, followed by deeper study of a selected passage of Scripture, questions for reflection, a closing prayer and space to write your own prayer, and a journaling prompt. Laura uses various methods to help each Scripture passage come to life, including: Listen, Linger, Learn, and Live; SOAP (Scripture, Observations, Application, and Prayer); and various charts, diagrams, meditation exercises, and simple question/answer sequences.

If you are questioning God’s plans for you, or if you simply need a reminder to “trust your unknown future to a known God”, I definitely recommend spending the time to complete the powerful Bible study entitled “This I Know”. You will learn about, be reminded of, and come to truly embrace the answers to the questions of whether “God really cares about us, if He really knows what He’s doing, and if He can actually be trusted.” Even if you know the answers deep down, let this Bible study be a beautiful reminder.

I received this book courtesy of Moody Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Lghiggins · Rating 4 out of 5]

In This I Know, Laura Dingman invites the reader to participate in a Bible study where “our unknown future doesn’t look so daunting” as we “know and experience God.” It is a six week investigation into the “truths of God’s nature.” Each week has five lessons followed by a day of contemplation.

I am not a theologian or even an aspiring theologian, but I am a Christian and I enjoy Christian literature and Bible studies. I found This I Know to be a little esoteric in its beginnings. Week 1, Day 4 held a turnaround for me. Up until this point, Dingman’s writing only seemed “real” to me in her prayers and in some of her journaling prompts. She comes down to earth for me as she examines Mary’s response to the angel who told her she would be the mother of Jesus. This is a discussion I can relate to. This makes clear the kind of experiential knowledge of God that Dingman has previously expounded on.

Dingman challenges her readers to examine what they really believe about God. Her Week 3 focus on Jesus as the Cornerstone is really well thought out and well written. In Week 4 Dingman devotes the introduction to the lengthy but fascinating story of Jehoshaphat and encourages the reader to keep her eyes on God. In Week 5 we look at the goodness of God in times of trouble and joy. Week 6 explores the importance of remembering what God has done for us.

I recommend this book for people who are looking for a structure to their Bible study or are devotees of the “Listen and Linger” method of Bible study or the “S.O.A.P.” method. If you want an introduction to these methods, this would be appropriate for you as well. Dingman uses a type of guided reading with questions to direct your attention as she alternates by day through the two methods.

I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Moody Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trusting your future to the Lord when so much is going wrong is not an easy task.

In This I Know, Laura Dingman takes readers through a journey of discovery of scripture with the goal of getting to know the Lord better. A better knowledge of the Lord helps us to live life with less free and anxiety even when hit with life’s storms and an uncertain future. It’s important to note that Laura is not addressing medically diagnosed anxiety in this book.

Each week begins with an introductory study day to set a foundation for the concepts and study for the week. The next 5 days are a more in-depth study of the concepts with study questions to really make you think about the scriptures you are reading and the ideas contained within. The final day is meant for reflection and taking action of the ideas learned that week.

Laura has done a nice job of creating a study that allows you to really think about who the Lord is and how He wants to take care of you. She’s laid out how this translates into less anxiety and fear if we allow it to do so. I personally felt some of the questions were repetitive and some of the studies were too analytical. While I am an analytical person, I think that sometimes we have a tendency to try to over analyze scripture and miss out on what the Lord is really trying to teach us. That said, I know a lot of people enjoy this depth of analyzation.

The Bible study book is set up in a way that you can write directly in the book or you can use a separate journal. It’s a thorough study which lends itself not only discovery of one’s self but also a better understanding of the Lord and scripture.

[Narita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life in our times is filled with stress, pressures, and so many unknowns. The modern world with all its advancements has greatly complicated our lives and added a myriad of unknowns. It is not surprising that anxiety and fear have multiplied also. As Christians we have hope and help in these daily struggles. We have a mighty God who is here to help us and carry us through whatever we may face.
Ms. Dingman’s book gives us six weeks of study gives great encouragement and scriptural guidance to put life’s distress where it belongs: in the hands of our loving God. The book is a treasure chest of reassurance and tools to trusting God with whatever life may throw your way, enabling you to have complete faith. This changes our view whatever happens, making it a total game changer! When we focus on the Lord instead of our circumstances we receive “The peace of God, which passeth all understanding….” mentioned in Philippians 4:7.
I found this to be a dynamic, mind changing study! We think we KNOW about God but often what we know is a passing thought, not a deeply rooted truth in our lives.
I liked everything about this book! The author’s writings and questions motivated me to dig deeper (which she helped me do). I also liked that that questions weren’t “busy work” like many studies but truly thought provoking ones. This is an excellent Bible study and I feel a not only learned but was given scriptural insights trusting God with the future. I have no need to worry about the unknown because God already does and is taking care of it.
I received this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have stated are my own.

[Edythe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This I KNOW is a 4-6 week bible study guide that Laura Dingman incorporates bible scriptures, personal experiences, and learning opportunities. Each of the six chapters begins with an introduction followed by five days of study in one week. Every day the bible study ends with a “Prayer for the Day” that the participant reads and is encouraged to create prayer of their choosing. Lastly, the “Journaling Prompt” is where questions are asked of the reader to prepare a written response.

In Week 2 – Day 2, you are introduced to the.”SOAP study method of engaging with Scripture.” SOAP is Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. The study guide also includes poems and prayers from people of different backgrounds such as a bishop, a Christian King and a Christian Author.

Dingman explores the uneasiness of not knowing where your future is heading, but gives reassurance to Christian followers through discussion and studying bible scripture. She discusses the difference between gnosis (what is known-knowledge) and epignosis (what is definitely known-definite and full knowledge).

Laura Dingman’s this I KNOW is a great way to study the Bible and either begin or continue journaling. I recommend to all bible study persons on an individual and or group setting.

This book was provided to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions Guidelines.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"This I Know" is a six-week Bible study. The first week was about the importance of experientially knowing God, the second week was about what you really believe about God, the third week was about Jesus being the cornerstone of your life and decisions, the fourth week was about keeping your eyes on God, the fifth week was about trusting God even things aren't turning out as we expect, and the six week was about things we can do to remember God's goodness. Each week has a several-page-long introduction that should count as a day, then five days of study on the theme introduced for that week.

The introduction had a lot of commentary about the theme for that week and provide some verses to read. Each day had some commentary, had you read some verses, and ended with the prayer and journaling prompt. Day one was usually reading the main verses and putting yourself in the scene using your imagination. The other days would use different study methods to look at certain verses related to the theme. For example, sometimes you would read the verses four times but look at it for different things each time. Other times, you read Scripture, wrote down what observations you made about text and what stood out to you, and came up with an application for your life. I thought she brought out important, impactful points in her commentary. Overall, I'd recommend this Bible study for personal study.

I received a review copy of this book from the publishers through Amazon Vine.

[Laura - Book In Still Life · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laura Dingman sat on the precipice of an unknown future. Unsure of what was to come, God nudged her in to write in her journal, not about all the things that she did not know, but what she did know. What flowed was a list of affirmations of the characteristics of God, who is unchanging even in turbulent times.

Laura has taken this personal moment with God and turned it into a Bible study that feels like getting back to basics - in the best way. Over the course of 6 weeks, this study takes readers through an exploration of who the Bible says God is (he is sovereign, creator, cornerstone, helper, with us) and then asks the question, do we really believe it?

Throughout the study, Laura gently teaches readers many different ways to study and immerse oneself in scripture, making use of the S.O.A.P. method of studying the Bible, the 4 L’s (Listen, Linger, Learn, Live) and a modified version of Lectio Divina, to name a few. This study would be appropriate for someone just beginning to read the Bible, while being challenging enough for someone who is quite Biblically literate.

I really appreciated the way the weeks were organized thematically, the layout of the study which offers space to write directly into the book, and the beautiful poems, prayers and quotes that were included.

As Corrie Ten Boom once famously said, we can trust an unknown future to a known God.
Thank you to Moody Publishers for this complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Create With Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you ever find yourself struggling with fear and anxiety? If so, Laura Dingman’s 6-week Bible study can help!

This I Know was written for those of us with minds that are prone to wander and stress about things that are beyond our sphere of control. In this Bible Study, you'll learn how focusing on things that we don’t control keeps us caught up in the enemy’s cycle of fear, anxiety and worry, while focusing on God brings us peace, hope and joy.

This study is fabulous! Each week has 5 days of lessons and interactive journaling assignments, beginning with Acts (Paul and the Unknown God), but taking us all over the Bible as we explore a variety of topics including idolatry, the foundation of our faith (and whether it’s solid or faulty), our identity in Christ.

Whether you are reading This I Know by yourself or with friends, you will walk away a more grounded, faith-filled women as a result of this study!

This excerpt is part of an original review that is published on my blog. To read my review in its entirety, please visit Create With Joy.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own, based on my assessment of this book.

[Mary Elsbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life is never easy. We are bombarded with deadlines to meet and pressure to perform. Families struggle to pay bills, while setting money aside for the future. Worry and anxiety continue to press in from all sides. What’s next?

In This I Know – Trusting Your Unknown Future to A Known God, we are reminded that God is always with us. In the happy times. In the sad times. In dark days and in days of celebration. Author Laura Dingman encourages us to focus on who God is and not on our circumstances. When we rest in Him alone, we gain a different perspective.

Through multiple Scriptures, this study helps readers examine their hurts and recognize when God was with us in times of pain and sorrow, how we can gain a new mindset, and respond to God’s invitation to cast our cares on Him. This I Know encourages us to remember where we have been and to trust God to handle the future.

God used this study to help me see that, even in my darkest times, He was always there, providing encouragement from His Word and placing people in my path that would help me on my journey. Each of us are known, valued and loved by a God who truly cares.

I received an advance copy of this study from Moody Publishers. All views and comments are my personal opinion.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

“this i know” is a 6-week Bible study learning to trust God more and fear less. Laura Dingman explores a different truth about God each week that will show you how much He really cares about you, and that He can really be trusted. You will learn how to apply this truth to your life so you can live worry free and fearless.

Through Scripture memory, personal reflection stories and questions that go deeper so you can internalize what you are learning, Dingman highlights Scripture in a way that will help you in your spiritual ewalk.

In your study of “this i know”, you will grow in trust and learn to operate in faith. You will definitely learn more about God and yourself in this insightful six-week study. The study is a daily study that leads to an excellent small group discussion.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Moody Publishers, as part of their Book Review Blogger Program. I was not required to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Julie D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The thing I love about every Moody published Bible study is that I can trust it to be Biblical and beautiful.

This is a six week study and it was such a blessing to me as it addresses those horrible feelings of fear, anxiety and worry - all things I've been dealing with. I loved how she points out who God is, His promises for us and all this helped to alleviate those horrible fearful feelings.

I really liked how she pulled her own personal stories into this Bible story, too, making it feel more personal and also reassuring me that she knew how I was feeling when I get into those fearful areas of my life.

The five days of study were perfect for each week, leaving the weekend free for time with family or for making up a day if I missed one. I also love the beautiful turquoise font throughout and how they did so much to make this study beautiful for the eyes as well as for the soul.

I love this study and highly recommend it! I give it 5 out of 5 stars and hope that you'll make this your next study.

*This Bible study was provided to me for my honest review by Moody Publishers

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

`This I Know` is a six-week Bible study by author Laura Dingman. Great while studying alone or in a study group. Unless otherwise stated and scripture verses used are from the NIV Bible.

I love the layout of this study because it is easy to use even for someone with limited Bible knowledge.Each week begins with a prayer to guide the reader through the week and a memory verse to work. I like the idea of a memory verse but some seemed too long for someone who has a busy life. In general, the print is easy to read and I would recommend this study to others.

The weekly studies are specially written for those who feel compelled to control. Throughout the study, the student begins to learn how to give control over to God. This book is my first introduction to Laura Dingman and I would like to do more of her studies.

Disclaimer: "I was provided a free copy of this Bible study. All opinions are my own."

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm amazed at how good this study is...one of the things I enjoy in a bible study is going deeper and this one fits the bill. Interactive questions, scripture to search, thoughts to keep you focused along with a big helping of prayer kept this so interesting and left me hungry for more. There are 6 weeks of study with daily homework that help you learn to live without fear and anxiety or how to help someone else experiencing those strongholds.

THIS I KNOW reminds us God is with us, He cares about our lives and everything that effects us and most of all He will never leave us.

I received a copy of this book free from Moody publishers in exchange for an honest review.​ ​

[Shannon Whitehead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice study. My favorite parts were actually the author's comments about each day's subject. She also included a few good questions to ask when engaging the selected Scriptures. I appreciated her focus on the God who knows our unknown future and the emphasis the study placed on the reader learning to focus on the character of God as well.

*This review is based on a free digital advance copy provided by the publisher. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book courtesy of Netgalley and its publisher, Moody Publishers. This book guides you with prayer, scripture and inspiration for six weeks with daily stories and prayer. Lessons with Bible references are provided to expand spiritual growth. It is an easy step-by-step book that provides guidance and structure for spiritual development. I recommend this book to anyone who wants guidance and structure in daily prayer. I found it inspirational.

[Janelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you longing to experience God’s presence and protection? Lara Dingman has done it again in This I Know, a Bible study for women who are struggling to find a secure future in this uncertain time we are currently living in. Current events are consistently discouraging and our personal situations may be as well. Spend time with God in this rock solid theological study on who God is and why He is trustworthy to hold our future. I am so thankful for this study and I pray you will be too!

[Tresha Mcfadden · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great book for a women's bible study, this is a 6 weeks bible study so that is really awesome. I recommend this book for bible study and you will learn about biblical truths and getting to know God and learn about how you can feel confident int the God we do know.

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This I know - Laura Dingman

This is a NetGalley bible study. It is designed to be used over 6 weeks, each week being subdivided into 5 days. Each week covers a new topic which is unpacked gradually across the 5 days.

The book has a subtitle; trusting your future to a known God. Each of the topics are a truth about knowing God.

There are different methods of studying and meditating scripture used and explained. The point is to teach us to dwell in Hod and let the Holy Spirit to do His work. Each day there are suggested prayers and journalling prompts.

The 6 topics challenge what we believe about God, teaching how to see Him as our cornerstone, how regarding God's goodness is helpful in our daily walk. Another week explains the importance of remembering.

The author bases each teaching on scripture, including Paul's address in Athens, the story of Jehoshaphat's victory among others. Additionally she includes her own personal experiences of growth.

The writing is easy to follow, very clear and straightforward. The teaching is basic but good. The bible study would be useful for both young and mature christians seeking a deeper relationship with God.

The author's main aim is to offer a resolution to anxiety and worry. I am not convinced how useful the book is for these problems, but the book is good as a study and for strengthening our relationship with God. I would recommend this book on these terms.

[Vnunez-Ms_luv2read · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you feel that you are concerned about your life and your future, this is the book for you. I really enjoyed the writings,and the questions. In answering the questions, it felt like bible study and a chance to center myself. Very good book. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC of this book in return for my honest review.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This I Know is a wonderful Bible study geared toward women who struggle with the unknown, fear, or worry. You can do this study either on your own or as a group. Each chapter has lessons, questions, takeaways, and Scriptures to memorize and meditate on. I really liked this style of study and would recommend as a great small group study.