Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Here I Am: Responding When God Calls Your Name

Rate this book
Constant noise and distraction clamor for our attention and make it difficult to distinguish God's voice from the voices surrounding us--both internal and external. We can be immobilized by fear of failure and our own insecurities, leaving us uncertain that it is God's voice we hear.

A fresh voice for a new generation, Brittany Rust teaches believers how to discern the voice of God and live out the plans God has for them by
· silencing the other voices so it's God's voice that prevails
· tuning out the world and tuning in to the voice of God
· gaining the confidence to step out in faith

It's time for us to separate the loud, external distractions from the quiet whisper of our beautiful God, who promises us that when we call his name, he is ready to respond.

192 pages, Paperback

Published June 4, 2019

10 people are currently reading
40 people want to read

About the author

Brittany Rust

17 books8 followers
Hi, I'm Brittany! I love a good outdoor adventure, Andy's Frozen Custard, nibbling on my son's yummy cheeks, and binge-watching Downton Abbey. I’m also a big fan of road trips, great food, and new experiences. Coffee is a must have in life and although some may call me crazy, I prefer the mountains, rain, and cooler weather!

A little about me: I'm an author, speaker, podcast host, and founder of For the Mama Heart. I'm also a regular contributor for Crosswalk, YouVersion, Propel Women, Focus on the Family, and have contributed resources to LifeWay Women, Single Christianity Magazine, iBelieve, ForEveryMom, and many more.

I'm married to the most wonderful guy in the world, the dashing Ryan Rust [as I affectionately call him]. He is on staff at Focus on the Family and together we make our home in the great state of Colorado, pursuing life, marriage, and ministry. We have a handsome son named Roman (his yumminess makes me want to channel Beverly Goldberg), a precious little one in Heaven, and a permanent puppy lab named Pepper!

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
16 (50%)
4 stars
9 (28%)
3 stars
5 (15%)
2 stars
2 (6%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
Profile Image for Nathan Albright.
4,487 reviews165 followers
June 17, 2019
This book comes with a worthwhile title that is the answer to an important Bible trivia question:  what is the response of a servant of God to receiving God's call?  This is the sort of book that comes with some context that a reader might not be aware of.  After all, one of the fundamental aspects of charismatic thought is that ordinary believers receive various gifts and calls from God, not only more conspicuous leaders, and so just as charismatic writers focus a lot on the gifts of the holy spirit and how they are present in the contemporary world for faithful believers and of the reality of spiritual warfare, so too there is also a focus on heeding God's call in one's life.  Given the many distractions in our world, it is particularly hard not only to hear the still small voice of God's word, but also to hold onto it with confident faith in the face of our doubts and insecurities.  And the author manages to give some very good encouragement to believers in this book, which is well worth appreciating.

This particular short book of a bit less than 200 pages begins with acknowledgments and an introduction and then contains twelve chapters in three parts.  The first part of the book contains two chapters that address the obstacles we face in heeding God's call (I), through the noises in our head (1) and the fears and doubts and insecurities that we face (2).  The second part of the book provides a lengthy series of caste studies of people who confidently responded to God's call in the pages of scripture (II):  Abraham the Patriarch (3), Jacob, the deceiver (4), Moses, the leader (5), Samuel, the judge (6), Isaiah the prophet (7), Ananias, the disciple (8), and various Old Testament pillars (9) and New Testament leaders (10).  Through this section of the book the author offers a rich selection of biblical quotations and very thoughtful analysis.  The third part of the book then contains two chapters on the great "Here I am," from Jesus Christ (III), looking at the obedience of the Son of God to the will of the Father (11) as well as God's Great "Here I Am" both to Israel and the contemporary church (12).  After that the book concludes with a few notes.   

One of the most interesting aspects of this book to me was the way in which the largest part of the book consisted of various case studies of ways that God called different people with a variety of different tasks.  The case of Ananias, for example, is instructive.  Ananias is listed as a member in Damascus, but not necessarily anyone who was viewed at the time as an important leader.  Yet he was asked to go to the blind Saul and pray on his behalf, when Saul had been on his way to Damascus precisely with the intent of torturing and persecuting people like him.  Yet despite Ananaias' entirely understandable concerns, he heeds the call that God gives him and goes to Saul and responds to the call of God, and Saul later becomes the Apostle Paul, with dramatic importance for the growth of Christianity and the development of the New Testament.  To be sure, not all of God's more obscure servants will be called to something so impactful, but this book gives the reader a great deal of encouragement that if we can overcome our own self-doubt and the distractions and cares of this world, that God can indeed work mighty things through us.  And that is a message well worth hearing and heeding.
52 reviews1 follower
June 10, 2019
The past year has been one of the most difficult in my life and during this season of pain, loss, and grief, I have turned back towards my Christian faith. Feeling a bit lost and overwhelmed, I have dived into books, blogs, music, and videos, to try and figure out how to reconnect with my faith and how to reconnect with God. I read an article by Brittany Rust and looked online to see what else she had written. I found out she was launching a book and was looking for people to participate in a weekly book study group. I signed up, not realizing how impactful the words she both wrote and spoke, would speak to me. “Here I Am” helped me to learn more about Old and New Testament faith leaders, some of who felt lost, inadequate, or stuck in a “desert” season, which are all feelings I have experienced this year. Brittany helped break down their stories into small, practical lessons and steps, and related them to today’s world. I read most of the book digitally and just received my hard copy today. I cannot wait to re-read the book, to highlight and take notes on all the wonderful and powerful advice she shared. I believe this book would be beneficial for anyone who is new to Christianity, rediscovering Christianity, or wishing to delve deeper into their already solid faith. I shook me, inspired me, and most of all taught me to trust in and listen for God.
Profile Image for Joan.
4,445 reviews128 followers
June 29, 2019
We want to respond when God calls but may not be confident we are hearing His voice. Rust helps us in this area by first identifying external and internal distractions. After that she has practical suggestions to help us step out when we think we have heard God's voice.

I like how Rust uses stories from the Bible as the base for her teaching. From Moses, for example, we learn how to overcome insecurity and doubt. We realize that recognizing God's voice takes time from Samuel. From Ananias we see how one “yes” to God can change the lives of so many. She retells the Bible stories so this would be a good book for readers who might not be very familiar with the Bible.

This is a very encouraging book. Rust does a good job of giving encouragement for when it seems like God is doing nothing (Joseph). She reminds us that God will still use us even if we have made mistakes in the past (David).

This is a good book for readers who want to learn how to hear God's voice and receive encouragement to act when we think God is calling us. There are no particular bullet points of strategy but the book is well written and full of general instruction and encouragement.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
34 reviews1 follower
July 13, 2019
In Here I Am, author Brittany Rust shares with the reader on how to hear and respond to the voice of God, especially concerning calling. The first two chapters are devoted to learning to hear God’s voice while the rest give biblical testimonies of people who heard God calling and responded. The author writes about people like Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Samuel, Isaiah, Ananias, and most importantly Jesus, as great examples to follow concerning how to respond in obedience to God. I highly recommend this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Chosen Books in exchange for an honest review.
1,324 reviews11 followers
July 17, 2019
I loved the examples the author used in this book. She starts with old testament examples, moves to new testament and ends with the ultimate “Here I Am,” Jesus.

Honestly, if you read nothing but the last two chapters you will be moved. That is the part that moved me the most. Being reminded about Jesus saying, “Here I Am,” was very powerful and made my heart very tender.

May we read these words and give God our “here I am”. We need to be willing to listen, and we must know His voice in order to know when he calls and then respond when he does.

A copy of this book was given to me. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Lisa Bowen.
3 reviews
June 10, 2019
“Here I Am” is a book that you are going to want to read slowly, so you can soak in all the soulful, scripture filled guidance, as Brittany’s love for the Lord shines through each page. You will hear her voice guiding you as you read each word. The way she teaches from the Bible and intertwines the stories from scripture throughout, making it relatable to one personally today, was enlightening. She speaks directly into your soul, inspiring you to breathe deep and become still. Each chapter will help bring you closer to knowing it is His voice you are responding “Here I Am”.
15 reviews1 follower
July 29, 2019
"Here I am, Lord, I come to do Your Will." This lyric from a childhood church song ran through my head many times while reading this book. We are called to be ready and willing to do what He calls us to do, to be present to those around us while listening for His voice in our hearts. Through the use of Scripture and story, Brittany helps to bring a deeper understanding to what "Here I am" means. This book contained a lot of wisdom and encouragement to be aware of His work around us.

I received a free electronic copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for victoria.
347 reviews2 followers
June 15, 2019
This book was amazing writing, inspiring and challenging to read with that also will taking you to discovery living out of unknowning what God truly wants to do in your life. This book will give you to feel more confidence and clearly to hearing God when you are ready and he will speak and call you out from the corner of fear darkness. I highly recommend to everyone must to read this book. “ I received complimentarily a copy of this book from Chosen for this review”.
Profile Image for Ashley Montgomery.
88 reviews4 followers
July 8, 2019
This book is put together in a really lovely way. It marries current everyday issues to people and situations from the Bible. I particularly enjoyed the breakdown of different issues that can get in the way of our walk with the Lord. I believe that this kind of writing style is very disarming and allows the author to speak to deep hidden places that are usually hidden from others. Great read!
Profile Image for Tiffany Nicole.
2 reviews1 follower
June 10, 2019
Brittany is such an amazing writer and I love her openness and honesty in her life and faith. Such a great read and I am so excited to read more of her books!! <3
16 reviews
January 15, 2020
A good book - not amazing but a great read for connecting the old testament to the current trials of every day life.
Profile Image for Shelly.
1,319 reviews
May 11, 2021
I’ve heard a lot of these examples before in books or sermons. However, she does give her personal experiences it would have been nice if there was more current world application.
Profile Image for Sarah.
Author 12 books157 followers
August 21, 2019
Do you want to hear more from God, and recognize his voice? This inspirational book from Brittany Rust will help you navigate a new path, based on biblical truth.

The first half of this book teaches you how to silence the noise in your life so you can hear God's voice. We all contend with a great deal of noise, fear, distraction and sins in our lives that block God's voice. Brittany deliberately explains each struggle and temptation, then tells us how to dismantle it. I especially appreciated her deep dive into the fears that we face but don't realize are keeping us distant from God.

The second half of the book describes how different people in the Bible responded to God's call with a "Here I Am" statement. I enjoyed how she selected these stories and connected them with this golden thread of commonality. In the final chapters of the book, she describes how Jesus himself responded to God's call.

This book is well-grounded, serious, and thoughtful. I appreciated Brittany's teaching and illumination of familiar Bible stories. It's not an ooey-gooey answer to how you hear from God--it's an inspiration based on Scripture itself, which I find refreshing. You'll enjoy it too if you like learning more from biblical examples.

I received a preview copy of Here I Am from Chosen.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews