Boxing the Lord In: And Other Ways We Hinder Revelation

by Stephen K. Hunsaker, Michelle K. Hunsaker

Have there been times in your life when revelation was difficult to understand?Or times when it seemed you just couldn't get an answer from the heavens?Has it ever been hard to confidently act on an impression - or have you ever been confused after you did?It may be because you are unknowingly hindering that revelation in some way, much like shutting a door or covering a window blocks out the sunlight in a room. Those efforts - whether intentional or not - can't stop the sun from shining outside that room, but they prevent much of its warmth and illumination from coming in.Drawing on over 30 years of experiences in family life, church service, academic pursuits, and teaching in Seminaries and Institutes, author Stephen K. Hunsaker shares 10 ways we can block, interfere with, limit, or completely miss the guidance the Lord is giving us without even realizing it by: boxing the Lord in, giving reason to revelation, having an encumbered mind, being recipe-driven, not staying present, and many other ways. If you have ever struggled with receiving, understanding, or acting on revelation, Boxing the Lord In can help you recognize things you might be doing, feeling, or believing that are getting in the way of that revelation. This book is an essential piece in the bigger picture of understanding personal revelation.

180 pages, Paperback

Published August 20, 2018

Reviews

[Clinton Hutchings · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the idea of this book - getting in the weeds on revelation. But, I didn't think many of the examples really supported the book's premise and a book like this - showing when/how to obtain revelation and obstacles to the same - I think lives and dies on its real world examples. And the author didn't really seem to weave things together well: instead the book was kind of a laundry list of a whole host of revelation blocks, which at times seemed to contradict one another. Nevertheless, a read through a book on this subject forces one to evaluate the revelatory process and getting me in the game was worth the read. And a shout out to my mother-in-law who sent me this book to read!!

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was written by my Institute teacher at USU. It was so cool to read about his lessons, principles, and stories that I remember from class. This book offers some fantastic advice and I felt really happy and peaceful while reading it.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fantastic. I now see why I’ve said so many times in my life—the heavens are closed! It was me. Not the Lord. Shocker!! It very clearly outlined SPECIFIC ways that we get revelation ‘wrong.’ The chapter on ‘staying present’ is life changing. And every chapter has scripture, tying each idea to principles of the gospel. There were great real life examples but not so many that it left no room for an explanation of the basic principle. Was also really good about asking questions of us so we can figure out what situations in our own life we need to apply these ideas. Highly recommend!!

[Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really good book about revelation and about human nature, and the ways our thinking, expectations, and misconceptions about God, the gospel, ourselves, etc can hinder our ability to receive and understand revelation. I learned a lot of great things and I highly recommend this book to anyone trying to get better at receiving revelation.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful and solid principles presented in an easy to follow way, with just enough stories and anecdotes to make the point without adding unnecessary fluff.

[Erin Mackay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love learning from Stephen Hunsaker, he was my favorite institute teacher at USU and I took one of his classes every semester that I was there so when he released this book I knew I had to read it.
This topic is something that he talks about during his other classes and I did recognize some of the stories he used from the classroom but I loved being able to go in depth with the different ways we may unintentionally block off revelation.
It is a bit difficult to admit that you may be the problem as to why you don’t feel like you hear from Heavenly Father but going through this book was eye opening. But instead of just saying “this is what you are doing wrong” Stephen Hunsaker gives us ways to combat it and how to open ourselves up to better communication with our Father in Heaven and even some ‘homework’ to better apply the principles and lessons into our lives.
My copy of this book is covered in highlights and notes and this deep dive into receiving personal revelation is a great personal study aid.

[Aubrey George · Rating 5 out of 5]

First:
Using this book as a recipe for revelation misses the point.

I believe the author accomplished his goal: consolidating scripture and highlighting how individuals can strengthen their relationship with revelatory experiences. The book is rife with the principles needed to receive, interpret, and apply revelation in a more inspired way.

Second:
I will read this book many more times as I develop and sharpen my ability to discern revelation. This time through was significantly different than the first. Treasures untold for determining the many ways I stand between the Lord and what He is telling me.