A nationally-known Bible teacher addresses the healthy role doubt can play in a Christian’s life and encourages addressing doubts head-on to feed faith while teaching that misgivings and fears can be happily resolved through the grid of God’s Word—without leading to an unbelieving way of life.
Sheryl Giesbrecht Turner’s “It’ll Be Okay: Finding God When Doubt Hides the Truth” is a short but powerful work of nonfiction that addresses the doubt that we all feel at one time or another. As with the fact that trees grow deeper roots when they are exposed to winds and storms, so it is with our faith in God. Trials may cause us to doubt, but as long as we continue to talk with God and spend time in the Bible, doubt can make our faith grow. “Life offers opportunities to doubt or believe God through many unwanted circumstances, and you will find him present, faithful, and true in all of them.” God will never let us down, and He will work all things for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28), even if we can’t see it. He understands our emotions, and He desires for us to discuss our doubts and fears with Him and to read His Word; doing both will ensure that doubt does not become unbelief, a distinction that the author makes in this book. Furthermore, she makes the point that never doubting is dangerous because it means that you are not connecting with God and His Word.
Part of what makes this book so relatable to readers are Giesbrecht Turner’s personal anecdotes. Through the hard times of her own life, she demonstrates how she has learned to draw closer to God despite tragedy and seemingly overwhelming situations. Because, she affirms, “Disruptive moments are opportunities for God to strengthen us and deepen our faith if we let him. They are opportunities to place our trust in an all-knowing God rather than rely on our limited human perspective.” While this book does not have any particularly revelatory information, it serves as a ready reference for times of spiritual drought, when God seems distant and our problems appear magnified. When we choose to confront doubt, faith moves to the forefront and becomes more resilient. “As believers, a Christ-centered hope must be the foundation of our lives”, so start doubting your doubts and leaning into the Lord and you truly will be okay.
I recommend “It’ll Be Okay” to everyone who is facing doubts, big or small, in their lives. It is an easy book to understand but still contains plenty of insights into life’s nadirs. Each chapter opens with a relevant quotation and concludes with a “Can you relate?” section that includes discussion questions for individual or group study. The only real issue I had was that, throughout the book, “He” and other personal pronouns referring to God are not capitalized, but because this is a work of nonfiction, it is clear Who is being referenced. I do love the “Love Letter to My Readers” that Giesbrecht Turner includes at the end; it summarizes the main tenets of the Christian faith and offers a prayer for devoting (or recommitting) your life to Jesus.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
This is a book for both non-believers and Christians because doubt visits everyone at some point and time. Author Sheryl Giesbrecht Turner assures us that even when Christians doubt, it doesn't mean they have stopped believing. I personally think that God understands the times when we're overwhelmed, feeling lost, and have permitted doubt to enter our lives. God understands but he doesn't want us to let that doubt turn us away from Him. He is there and He is aware!
Turner relates all of the times in her life when she was faced with obstacles, both physical and emotional, and her experiences illustrate how God stepped in to help her. She also shares countless examples of people, both biblical and secular, who faced doubts but managed to conquer them. It'll Be Okay has nine chapters filled with these accounts and each chapter ends with Can You Relate?, a section filled with statements and questions to help readers analyze what they've just read.
This is an interesting book and Turner's personal trials and triumphs should inspire all who read it. She shares scripture to support her theories and at the end of her book, Turner explains to non-Christian readers how they can also gain the peace and comfort that comes from having a personal relationship with God.
I received a copy of this book from the author and Celebrate Lit. I wasn't obligated to leave a positive review and these are my own opinions.
It’ll Be Okay is a book where the author uses her life experiences to teach us. Also has stories of other people experiences. One was where a lady tried to live on nothing but water for six months. The woman realized that could not live on just water. The story of this lady is referenced to Jesus being the living water and our relationship to him.
I found the book very interesting. The author has been through a lot and overcame it. This is a book that everyone should read. A lot to learn from the author. Like a lot of books there are questions at the end of each chapter. The author shows us there is always hope.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit. This book review is my own opinion.
A genuine look into one of the hardest topics for Christians to face - doubt in times of struggle. Doubts of God's goodness, doubts of what the future will hold... Sheryl gives us an honest discussion about the struggles we face and how to draw near to God in spite of/because of them. Read and be encouraged and challenged in the best way possible!
One question sets the course for this book. The author asks the reader, "Is it okay for Christians to doubt?"
From there, the book unravels like a ball of yarn as the author peels back the layers of that question like an onion until she reaches its core and at the core is the answer to everything: Jesus (Christ).
I truly enjoyed reading this book! The author's transparency and heart for Jesus could be felt throughout the book. She's not afraid to share the good, the bad and the ugly from her personal life experiences.
Sheryl (the author) writes in a way that encourages the reader and inspires their heart to keep trusting in God through it all. I like how she tells the reader that doubt can be a healthy part of your faith journey with God. I like how she reminds the reader that God is not afraid of your doubting Him and He can handle your honesty. I like how she encourages the reader to go to God with your doubts and trust Him to give you the answers that you need.
I liked the cover of this book. I think that the picture of a person walking through dense fog was appropriate, as was the brightness of the light in the lighthouse that stood in the background. I found it to be metaphorical because it's true to real life!
Oftentimes, as believers in God, we feel like we're trying to navigate our way through a spiritual fog that's so dense that we can barely see what's in front of us or around the corner. But all the darkness and fog in the world cannot prevent God's Guiding Light of Love from breaking through (enter the bright yellow light from the lighthouse). I love it!
I also appreciated how the author says, "Our doubts express a yearning to be sure of what—and who—we trust. When our questions are answered by trust, faith is fed and our doubts transform into deeper belief that pushes us toward a decision."
What a powerful truth and life lesson that we can all benefit from learning!
The author taught me a few things that I did not know, mainly this point: "When we address doubt head-on, faith can grow." I didn't know that because prior to reading this book, I always had the impression that doubting God is not a good thing and it should be avoided at all costs. I was taught to praise Jesus through every storm and never question God. But this book reminded me that God is not afraid of our doubts and He can handle our honesty!
It also reminded me of the Bible story that church people call "Doubting Thomas." He was one of Jesus Christ's followers and he didn't believe that Christ had risen from the dead, saying that he wouldn't believe it until he could see it (see Jesus in person and see the marks on His hands and feet from the nails that the Roman soldiers used to fasten Him to the cross). So what did Jesus do? He showed up! He appeared to Thomas and instructed him to touch His hands and see the scars from the nails. He also ate a piece of fish to prove that He was human and alive. And finally, Thomas believed!
I like how even to this day, Jesus Christ is patient will all of us because He wants us all to be saved. If we doubt, He's okay with it but He doesn't want us to doubt him forever. So He shows up in so many different and wonderful ways to prove that He's real, He loves us and that He has good plans for the stories of our life (Jeremiah 29:11).
Finally, Sheryl Giesbreacht Turner's career as a Bible teacher truly shines through her storytelling in this book. I was captivated and learned a lot of life lessons from her teaching!
And like any good teacher, she didn't leave me as the reader without writing about how I can apply these principles discussed in her book to my every day life. It was a really worthwhile read, well deserving of five stars!
*Celebrate Lit provided me (Alexis A. Goring) with a complimentary copy of It'll Be Okay (book). My opinions in this book review are my own.
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book but I read it with anticipation of getting nuggets of wisdom from God's Word. I can say that I have doubted God at times. I have even questioned why things happened and He didn't stop it. It doesn't mean I fell away from Him, it only means I couldn't see what His plan was.
The author talks about people who don't have a father in their life and how it affects us on a spiritual level. My relationship with my father was horrible and I know what it feels like to be abandoned by a father. I have never heard the saying, " Spiritual fatherlesness," before reading this book. I'm not sure I totally agree with the author and her point of this but I continued reading the book.
I did like the chapter about depression and her visit to seek help from a psychologist. Many of us have deep rooted hurts that have overtaken our feelings. We have anger issues, depression, rejection and the list goes on. Through all the things I have been through I would not change one thing about my life. Why, you ask? It is because it has made me the person I am today. If my testimony can help one person, then it has all been worth it. I believe that God knows the right time for each of us to start healing from our past and will guide us when the time is right.
The author quotes many well know people and I did like some of the things she shared through them. The problem I started having was the way she came across in the book. I felt as though she was bragging almost at times and I was put off by her attitude. The statement, "I feel empowered; I was given amazing opportunities to share hope and healing with individuals and groups in my local community and eventually overseas," hit a nerve for me. Yes God opens doors for us but we don't need to brag or feel as if we are saving the world.
There are many points the author makes in the book that for me don't agree with what the Bible says. I was confused at some things she wrote and uncomfortable with others. Some readers may see the book as helpful and that is why we each get to decide what we allow to minister to others and what we decide is not aligning with our beliefs.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
"It’ll Be Okay" by Sheryl Giesbrecht Turner is a book that tells us it is ok to doubt. The author points out that there is a difference between doubt and unbelief. She says the unbelief is the wrong thing.
The author shares her struggles with doubt as she dealt with cancer and the death of her husband. She quotes, David Jeremiah, Neal T. Anderson, Mother Teresa, George MacDonald,and others that I have never heard of before, along with Scripture passages.
I have heard it was okay to question God and ask Him why, when we don't understand something but after reading this book, I am asking myself is the author saying doubt is just questioning why. I am not sure, because I think you can ask why and still be trusting but if you doubt something, is it really believing and trusting? I am going to have to reread this book to really know the answer to these questions.
I don't want someone not to read this book, because of the previous lines, because I really think this book is a helpful tool to someone who is doubting whether God is truly good and if he cares for them.
I am going to share a few things that I did like about the book. The author talks about our doubts need to be addressed. I really like that she included these statements along with the Scriptures to look up. I believe we all need to be reminded of these, I am accepted, I am secure, I am significant. The chapters on emotions are worth reading and pondering even if a reader doesn't agreed with some of the other things in this book.
I recommend this book to readers who are searching for answers and what to believe that it'll be okay.
I received a complimentary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit. These opinions are my own.
Oh, guys. So the phrase It’ll Be Okay has been heard by everyone I’m sure. Because let’s face it, it’s a saying that glibly comes off everyone’s tongue. Oh, your mom died? It’ll Be Okay. You poor thing you lost your job? It’ll Be Okay.
But what if we don’t have faith that It’ll Be Okay? What if we question and doubt? What if we’re not really sure this is God’s will or if we don’t think it’s all just going to work out for the best anyway?
I have to admit I am a horrible worrier. I’m always worrying and I have to remind myself daily, hourly really, to just let that worry go. Because worry isn’t going to change a thing, except make my health worse.
This book is written from a Christian perspective and lets us all know that it’s okay to doubt. It’s okay to question things too. It doesn’t mean that we’re not a Christian if we do. And it’s nothing to be ashamed of!
Within the pages of the book, Scripture and notable figures are quoted. Personal stories are shared to help illustrate the points that the author makes.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
I wanted to review this book because at the time I was really struggling with doubt. Dealing with my daughter’s torn ACL and surgery and how that changed everything for her senior year was very hard for me. She voiced doubts that I thought about but never said aloud. For me this book was timely. There is good content in this book. Sheryl is open and honest about her own struggles and doubts and how she walks through that. She has had her fair share so she can offer sound advice. On page 55 she writes: “Disruptive moments are opportunities for God to strengthen us and deepen our faith if we let him. They are opportunities to place our trust in an all-knowing God rather than rely on our human perspective.” I really liked the term “disruptive moments”. It’s just a moment not a life time, big difference. As I have stated many times on this blog I am really picky about non-fiction books. This was one my mind wandered a lot. I liked it but I didn’t love it, yet obviously there is a lot of good information in this book.
A copy of this book was given to me through the Celebrate Lit Team. All opinions are my own.
When I began reading this book, I was a bit reluctant because the subtitle to this book is "Finding God when doubt hides the truth" and I didn't think I was struggling with any of that. As I began to read, I found out that this book is applicable to any and all situations and while reading the book, I faced some challenges that made this book a lifeline to me. Sheryl Giesbrecht Turner's easy way of relating and writing made me feel like I was sitting at my table having tea with a friend. She shares her faith journey and her life in a genuine and helpful way. Rich with scripture, she relates stories from the Bible into battles you may be facing and she sets the stage for you to further investigate your own doubt and then to fully restore your faith in Him whom you can believe. Sheryl Giesbrecht Turner gives you permission to be totally honest and doubt and then brings you back to a place of rest and peace.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own. I hope you will take some time with this book and be guided into biblical truths in a positive way.
The author shares her struggles with doubt as she has dealt with a battle against cancer and the death of her husband. Throughout she quotes people representing a wide array of religious practices, David Jeremiah, Neal T. Anderson, Mother Teresa, George MacDonald, Blaise Pascal, to name a few. Throughout. she weaves in Scripture passages.
While there are many things in this book that may be helpful for Christ-followers who find themselves doubting God, my personal Bible study, research, and understanding lead me disagree with the author at numerous points. As a biblical counselor, I found myself thinking of ways, other than the ones the author provided, to help those doubting God to be transformed by the continual renewing of their minds. However, some of those who find themselves doubting God will find help through this book.
NOTE: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Sheryl Giesbrecht Turner for reviewing. I was not required to provide a positive review. Thoughts in “My Two Cents” are my own opinion.
Everyone experiences doubts—they’re a normal human reaction. Here is a book that addresses this common subject and offers reassurance and suggestions to turn doubts around into a positive. I love the subtitle of this book: Finding God When Doubt Hides the Truth. That is the purpose the author explores as she shares personal stories and biblical counsel to show God’s intention for our lives. Whether you deal with small daily doubts that nag at you or dark depression weighs you down, this text offers hope and help to transform those doubts into faith. I found it easy to relate to and understand. This short book has only nine chapters so it’s not overwhelming to go through. Don't be intimidated by the amount of words on a page. Just read it at whatever pace you need to and let the teaching sink in. But do check out the Bible for God’s ultimate truth. I do not agree with all the interpretations this author espoused. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.
This book was fine but I felt it was more a book on how to cope with pain and grief following the author's cancer diagnosis and then the death of her husband. I was expecting a book about Christians who have doubts for no particular reason whereas I think having doubts when such earth shattering events such as cancer and the death of a spouse is quite normal.
Sometimes I felt the writing was a little harsh with comments such as 'If you continue to ignore God's voice, someday you won't be able to hear it at all'. I think many ignore God's word as they don't recognise it as God's voice. These people often think that everyone else can hear it clearly and they can't. Suggesting that ignoring his voice cuts you off forever is not helpful. There is always hope in faith.
An interesting book about the life pf the author but not so practical about actually finding God when doubt sets in.
Deeply insightful, scripture-based, and altogether hope-filled. If you feel like you’re the only Christian struggling with doubt, then this book is well worth investigating. The author explores her own and others’ faith journeys and delves into scripture to conclude that God wants us to doubt our doubts so he can take us to a deeper faith. “We need to let the tension between doubt and belief become faith-producing as we tell God all about our doubts.” Giesbrecht Turner shares many other authors' insights as well. I’ve found this book to be a meaty, transparent, and application-focused read that can empower you to doubt your doubts, build up your identity in Christ, and strengthen your faith.
This little book askes and answers one question – Is it okay for Christians to doubt?
Okay where do I start with this one. I had a hard time reading though this one. Not because of the writing or topic. Because the author just got on my nerves. To me anyways, she came off as arrogant and it felt like she was bragging about being better than her readers. It was almost enough for me to quit reading the book.
Now this book does do a good job delving into doubt and goes into great length to answer the main question in a realistic and practical way. And it is helpful for anyone who struggles with doubt in their Christian walk. So it is still worth checking out.
I knew this was the book for me when I read Sheryl’s statement: “Doubt…its purpose is more to sharpen the mind than to change it.” That’s what Sheryl Giesbrecht did when she wrote IT’LL BE OK; her words cause us to sharpen our re-thinking and take us from doubt to truth. Sheryl writes with raw authenticity and God given wisdom. Her personal stories, intermingled with Biblical applications guide the reader to re-consider doubt and believe that when God is in control, it’ll be O.K. Thank you Sheryl for sharing your heart.
Although I'm not just a finished. God truly has me in a path revealing answers and showing and explaining the why's of my life of c current with this this book and many others. I have been a true God believer as I thought but things started to turn an not lining up with how I thought my life was in line with God so that started a path I wasn't aware was a path of God, but just to my understanding only my failures, losses, addiction and all of what I wasn't willing to let go of that would give me my new start. Th I s book was it....... Thank you for sharing yours so I could see mines.
Even the most faith-filled people experience times of doubt. In It'll Be Okay, Sheryl explains how God can even use our doubts for His glory. She not only gives the reader permission to examine their doubts head-on but provides the biblical truths needed to overcome them. Sheryl's personal stories met me right where I was with the truth of God's word and the grace needed to move from doubt to greater trust in Him.
I started this book over an year ago and shelved it. During my hour of need after my surgery i picked it up again and found so much in the book that i could relate with. I was so inspired and kept reading till the end. It is a great book that brings you closer to God in ways i never imagined. Reading Sheryl's story gave me so much hope and direction. It helped in clearing doubts and increasing my faith. I highly recommend this book
While I haven't experienced the tragic losses this author did, I have suffered loss in having to move and change jobs in the past few years. My plans were turned upside-down; it really threw me for a loop. I needed this book to remind me He is sovereign and I can trust Him as I wait ... and that doubts are okay, and will grow my faith
A really good book particularly for anyone experiencing doubt fueled by grief and loss. The author takes us with her along a painful and challenging road following a battle with cancer and the tragic loss of her husband. Her vulnerability allows her readers to travel with and experience not only the pain but the wonderful light of hope.
Was pretty honest about her struggles and I always appreciate that. Wish their was more advice then just give God Your doubts and faith and hope will come. Still gained wisdom from this book.
I enjoyed this book a lot. Doubt is part of the Christian experience and Turner does a nice job in exploring it and showing where hope and reassurance can be found.
Have you ever suffered for doubt and wondered where God was in the midst of it? If you have then this is a book you should read. Sharing her own experiences, Sheryl Giesbrecht Turner illustrates how it is okay to doubt as long as you look to God and the Bible for answers.
I think one of my favorite quotes from the book says, “God is not threatened by our questions, logic, science, or emotion.” It is hard to sometimes believe God loves us when we feel like He is not listening. So if you are suffering from doubts or questions, you should definitely check out this book.
When you have doubts, it is easy to get caught up in the lies Satan wants you to believe. But that is precisely when you need to see and believe God’s truths. It is important to reach out and lean on God.
So if you have doubts and wonder if God sees you or hears you, check out this book for yourself.
I received a copy of this book for my fair and honest review.