"Whatever, God": Rediscovering the One I Thought I Knew

by Anthony Messeh

God isn't far away; He's near. God isn't watching from a distance; He's active and involved. God doesn't want to ruin your life; He wants to fulfill it. Too many people stumble through life with an inaccurate view of who God is. They believe in His existence, but don't know how to relate to Him in a practical and meaningful way. As a result, they fail to achieve anything beyond a superficial relationship with their Creator, and live less-than-fulfilling lives. In "WHATEVER, GOD," Fr. Anthony Messeh attempts to change that. He shares his unique story and the lessons he's learned that helped him go from a "don't-get-too-close-to-God-because-He-might-ruin-your-life" Christian, to a fully devoted "I-can't-get-enough-of-God-in-my-life" believer. In his own words, "I wrote this book to show you what that life can look like, and help you take a step or two to get there. My goal is to help you see where God wants you to be . . . how He wants you to live . . . and what your life should look like and could look like if you allowed Him to lead it for you." All you need is to say, "WHATEVER, GOD" and you'll see for yourself that God is REAL, God is RELEVANT, and God is always REWARDING.

Genres: Christian, Spirituality, Nonfiction

232 pages, Paperback

Published October 31, 2017

Reviews

[Robin Jacob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably the best book on Practical Orthodoxy

Father Anthony Messeh is incredibly gifted to be able to explain the fundamentals of establishing a relationship with God in a very simple manner. The book delves into seemingly complex topics such as repentance, faith, prayer etc. and is able to elucidate them in a manner that makes logical ( and divine) sense. A light read in a genre which is full of complicated theology.

[Michael Milad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unique and Inspiring

I love this book! It's not the first book that discusses faith, but it's by far one of my favourite. It's both serious and funny, and written with any parables that makes the teachings easy to understand. Father Anthony is very relatable and not your typical Coptic Priest - I'd love to meet him sometime. I'll definitely be referring back to this book from time to time

[Hanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great way to start 2025! This book by Fr. Anthony really came at a time when I’m learning that trusting in God throughout the good and bad circumstances in life is extremely hard (especially when you’re type A and always need a concrete plan for everything😅) but rewarding.

I also love when non-fiction writing sounds like I’m having a conversation with someone, especially when the topics explored hit so close to home.

Here are some takeaways I had:

“Repentance doesn’t mean that we sin no more, it means we strive to sin no more. It means we’ve made a true change of mind. We no longer see our sin as harmless and insignificant; instead we see it for what it is - a deadly disease that threatens our relationship with God”

“As much as the devil would love to get you to live in sin, he’d be just as happy to have you attribute the God-things in your life to your own efforts”

“Faith isn’t so much about what we believe but in whom we believe. The question is who or what is your faith in? Is it yourself and your own efforts? Or is your faith in God and His grace?”

Key reading: Psalm 25
Main takeaways: God is real, relevant and rewarding
- when He guides, He provides
- when He corrects, He protects
- when He works, the ordinary becomes extraordinary

Jeremiah 29:13
And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart

[Maria Lotfi · Rating 4 out of 5]

just finished #reading this #book by Father Anthony Messeh, "Whatever, God." this book was very easy to #read and helpful in many ways. it explains God, who He is, how He works things out and why. it's a first for me to read about a priest's personal #experience and to share it and that makes the book #relatable. so not only is it theological and #spiritual but it's also personal. i'd recommend it for people new to the #faith or who have just discovered God, or who are simply #lost and don't know where to start. i have the admit that the #writing style made me cringe at times, but it's a #beautiful and important read, as the #author uses relevant analogies and #bibleverses and passages. y'all should give it a try! #bookstagram #bookshelf #bookclub #christian #christianity #orthodox #bibleverse #bible #godisgood

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book. You can spiritually benefit from every single chapter. Just a tip for Abouna (Father in Arabic) Anthony if he ever sees this: for your next book (you have to write another one), could you possibly change the font? Times New Roman isn't the best for a book like this. Otherwise, it was great!

[Marina Rady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t put this book down. It’s not only straight religion it’s also personal. Fr. Anthony Messeh presents every message in this book through a story or personal life experience. My favorite part of this book was Chapter 14 relating the 5 loaves and 2 fish to how we should be contributing to our relationship with Christ. Perfect way to start off the school year and remind myself not to lose focus of what’s important.

[Joseph Mosis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unlike any other Christian book!

Father Anthony has provides his readers with a refreshing take on Christianity. Beyond the typical "call to faith" that most Christian literature presents Whatever, God presents a faith based life with boldness and unusual reliability. For anyone who's seeking a push to restart your walk with Christ, this book is surely a good fit!

[Nathalie Edward · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have tried to drag this book on for so long. I didn't want it to end!!
Whenever I felt sad or unsettled I'd pick it up and every single time it was like God was addressing my exact issue and was giving me the message and advice I needed.
Father Anthony explains things in such a relatable way, the words go right to your soul.

[Maria Iskander · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. It really hits the nail in exposing the truth about who God is. Too often, this day and age leads to many misconceptions and misinterpretations. So, I am forever grateful that this book exists. Overall, the book is well written, making it easy to read.

P.S. Fr Anthony Meseeh must write some more books. I will be waiting.

[Phillip William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing and easy read. Very insightful into the Christian faith. This book has inspired me to have different perspectives. It’s also told me bible stories that I already knew but allowed me to understand them through easy to digest examples. I have shared quotes with others that really stood out. I have gifted this book to many people, including a priest!

[Hamilton Nguyen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life changing ! Fr Anthony is a master at telling how God works in our lives in an entertaining and engaging way. Not a dull moment reading this from front to back. Feels like I'm a different person now. Highly recommend this book to anyone no matter what your relationship with God is !

[Arsany Basily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is where you start

Everything you are looking for as far as where to start your life with God. Easy and applicable read. Highly recommend it.

[Jithin Zachariah · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awesome book by Fr. Anthony - finally back into the routine of reading books!

Truly enjoyed reading this book and I could keep it reading it over and over again!

[Samir Malak · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed my life!

[Lidya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful and doable, I loved it.

[Joseph Noun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best and greatest elementary book to put trust in God thanks to author Father Anthony Messih

[Adam Eskandar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great beginner book for your spiritual life!

[Nardine · Rating 5 out of 5]

listened to the audiobook. Best listen ever, this book changed my pov entirely

[Andrew N · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very conversational tone, with many examples and anectodes, and actionable steps to get closer to God. Good read

[Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! Very down-to-earth and relatable! It makes the concept of God and faith easy to understand! Highly recommend!