You Can Trust God to Write Your Story: Embracing the Mysteries of Providence

by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth, Robert Wolgemuth, Joni Eareckson Tada (Foreword)

WHAT’S GOD DOING IN YOUR STORY? Our kids beg us for stories at bedtime or while we drive; we gather around firepits and dinner tables to tell and retell our favorite tales—the more dramatic the better. But when it comes to our actual lives, we prefer something less sensational, even boring—sunny skies and smooth sailing, please and thank you. We want our own stories to be predictable, safe, controllable, and catastrophe-free. When plans fall apart, jobs are lost, kids wander off, doctors give bad reports, we often wonder, "What are you doing, God? Are you sure you have this under control? It doesn’t really seem like it right now." God is the master Storyteller. He’s writing your story and it’s a part of His bigger, grander, eternal Story. But we’re still in the middle. We haven’t gotten to the happy ending yet, and it can be hard to trust Him in the thick of our struggles. That’s why Robert and Nancy share their own story, friends’ stories, and the stories of people in the Bible who have faced life-altering challenges, but, in the end, have found God to be faithful. Learn why you really can trust God to write your story—no matter what plot twists you may encounter along the way. "This is a unique and charming book, integrating stories of God’s providence from His people and His Word. Nancy and Robert write personally and beautifully, infusing readers with a Christ-centered vision, hope, and trust for the future." - Randy Alcorn , author of Heaven , Giving is the Good Life , and Deception "You Can Trust God to Write Your Story is an amazing book whose title says it all. For if you are a follower of Jesus, every day of your life—whether you feel like it or not—is weighted with kingdom purpose, eternal significance, and a royal destiny filled with joy and contentment. Let my dear friends, Robert and Nancy, help you embrace the mysteries of the Lord’s Providence. For when it comes to happy endings, you can’t find a better Author than the God of the Bible. Happy endings are His forte—turn the page, trust Him, and discover it for yourself." - Joni Eareckson Tada , Joni and Friends International Disability Center  

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Faith, Theology, Inspirational

224 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2019

About the author

Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth also known as Nancy Leigh DeMoss is the host and teacher for Revive Our Hearts and Seeking Him, two nationally-syndicated programs heard each weekday on over 1,000 radio stations. She is a mentor and spiritual mother to thousands of women and a leader of the True Woman movement.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started off the new year in listening to the audiobook. It was a great way to be reminded of God's goodness.

****
This is not going to be one of my normal book reviews because this was not a normal book. This was a book that God brought along just when I needed it. I’m twenty-nine years old and my life is nothing like I thought it would be at this point. That isn’t to say I don’t love my life. I am so grateful for where I am and what God has allowed me to do. However, though the spirit is willing, my flesh is weak. This last week, discouragement has been pulling at me.

So many people, with the best of intentions, have questioned my choices in life. They ask questions that make me wonder if I missed something. After all, what if I am doing something to scare off the guys? What if I do need to get a real job? I’m still living at home, what happens if my parents die? You get the idea, I’ve been doubting just about everything. On top of that, this week as been pretty stressful.

I came home from work to find this book had been delivered. Having a million things that needed my attention, I sat on my bed and read the whole book. Now, I feel like crying, I probably will as I finish writing this review. The words of this book washed over me, lapped around my heart and soaked into my dry soul. I can, and do, trust God to write my story.

Many well-meaning people don’t and won’t agree with the choices that God has called me to make. The story He is writing in my life is not going to look like the American dream, it isn’t going to reflect my hopes because I have trusted Him to do something better, and that is never, ever a mistake.

This book touches on many aspects of life that we struggle to trust God with. Each chapter shares personal testimonies of God’s faithfulness. Here is my testimony (the shortened version):

I’ve always wanted to be a wife a mom. I’ve also felt God’s call to write. I published my first book when I was twenty-one and God has used my books to impact lives. In the last few years, I’ve gone through some very serious bouts of discouragement. Being in your late twenties and never having a guy shown any interest has taken its toll on my perception of my value. God used some wonderful people in my life to help me refocus my vision to where it should have been: on Him and what value He places on me.

This summer, my sales have dropped to almost nothing. Now, they’ve never been amazing, but that’s been okay with me. However, while it isn’t about the money, an author does like to make some right? I’m still struggling to trust that no matter what the numbers say, I’m to follow Christ’s call. This reminds me I can trust Him no matter what.

The biggest struggle I face has been a life long one. I’ve struggled with fatigue since my childhood. In my teens, it was debilitating. It slowly, and for no apparent reason, started getting better in my twenties. Yet, I still battle all the time with having the energy to accomplish what needs to get done. I don’t have answers for why I don’t think I ever will.

However, this book reminded me that I can trust God to use that part of the story for good. He wrote that plot twist into my life before the creation of the world. He knew exactly where it would take me and where it will continue to
take me.

My dear friend, if you are struggling to trust God with your story, you are not alone. I highly recommend this book to you. I pray it will bless your heart as it did mine.

I received this book from Moody Publishers for the purpose of writing a review. I was not required to write a positive review. All the thoughts expressed are my own.

[Jami Balmet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you trust God with your own story? Or life? This may be easier when times are good (although how often do we forget God in those good times?) But how much harder when times are not good? I love the encouragement throughout this book that while we don't know the story that God is writing for us, we CAN trust Him!

[Linda Klager · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is loaded with great Scriptural Truths! I loved that the authors mentioned the word providence. I have heard many older generations speak of this word! I love that this word has a lot to do with God and His care for us.

You will read about Nancy DeMoss and how she met her husband Robert Wolgemuth and the great ministries that these 2 individuals have. Then they give other peoples' testimonies.

This book will strengthen your faith in God. I highly recommend it.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

"God is good and does good!" Great book on God's providence. I loved how they weaved Bible stories and real life stories to show how God works and moves in ways that bring him the most glory and cause us to grow to be more like him. We may not always like or understand what he's doing but his way is always best!

[Kelsey Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Encouraging!

[Keidy Sheilyn Reinoso · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXCELENTE! Hermoso
Este es un libro de aliento y reenfoque en la vida cristiana.

Nancy y Robert hacen un trabajo muy hermoso en ayudarnos a ver como Dios interviene en la historia humana a través de su providencia y como utiliza los acontecimientos de nuestras vidas para su bien y su propósito supremo. Ellos comparten varias historias de personas en diferentes etapas difíciles de su vida, tanto de la biblia como de nuestra época contemporánea.

Es bastante alentador y nos reorienta a entender que lo que sucede en la vida de los hijos de Dios no son acontecimientos al azar, si no mas bien parte de su plan perfecto para nosotros.

Este material lo leí en una etapa de mi vida en la que realmente necesitaba recordar que DIOS esta escribiendo mi historia.

[Caroline Parkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very encouraging and straightforward. They don't deep dive into theology or anything, but let what God has done speak for itself.
If we are faithful in our trials- and honestly even when we're not- God can take even unspeakable suffering and turn it into something that speaks life, hope, and love. There's literally nothing that God can't use to accomplish His purposes.
I pray that I might walk through my own suffering in such a way that God's faithfulness and power are seen through it for the building up of Christ's body.

[Meggie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Robert and Nancy have a story to tell. And while they could have written a book all about their journey over the last five years, they chose to use it as a way to tell many stories and the grandest Story of all. It is organized nicely and can speak to any situation you or I may be facing. It’s a great idea and full of truth.

However (you could tell that was coming, right?), I found the stories and their resolutions just a little too simple and easy. The tone of the writing just made the hard stories just seem not that hard but incredibly triumphant. There wasn’t any nuance. While yes, the truth of Jesus and our ultimate destination changes our perspective, I just couldn’t square with how each and every person’s story was full of gracious hope. While I believe that God will guide us throughout trials, I wanted to see more struggle and wrestle with God. I feel terrible sounding so skeptical (I love Nancy’s ministry and message), but I just couldn't imagine sharing a book like this with a non-Christian.

[Bess · Rating 1 out of 5]

I strongly advise women seeking to grow in the areas this author writes about to avoid her books. While l found this one to be an improvement over some of her others l still would say it’s not worth the time.. An excellent read on this topic is Timothy Keller’s book on Forgiveness.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a solid reminder that life sometimes turns out differently than we would like, but God is a master storyteller who is working on a story of redemption bigger than all of us. It’s good to be reminded of stories in the Bible and contemporary life that don’t have an immediately happy ending.

[Natasha Gómez · Rating 5 out of 5]

“For every child of God, in every circumstance, the best is yet to come”

“We’d like to experience the benefits and blessings of suffering… without suffering. We admire others’ stories of grace through fire, but we want our own stories to be fireproof. But God loves us too much to let us have that kind of life”

Story after story, assurance just build up: He is trustworthy and my life is part of a bigger story. His story. So I can rest, for I know the Author.

Loved it!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd recommend this book to just about everyone, especially if life didn't turn out quite like you expected. It includes some powerful stories reflecting Him as the author. It's worth the read.

[Rachel Lundy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is filled with stories that illustrate the truth that you can indeed trust God with the plan He has for your life. In addition to telling their own stories, Robert and Nancy Wolgemuth tell the stories of many different individuals who have gone through difficult trials. There are chapters containing modern day stories as well as chapters telling the stories of biblical figures. It was encouraging to read about people who have faced hard challenges, yet trusted God through it all.

I found this book to be very encouraging and easy to read. This book will be especially helpful to believers who are going through trials. You will be encouraged to keep trusting God and remaining faithful to Him in whatever He has called you to endure.

[Tracey Dyck · Rating 2 out of 5]

“Trusting God to write your story” is a premise I fully support. Unfortunately, the authors and I have a different stance on the topic of sovereignty, which made many of their conclusions slightly off for me.

I found the book to have great breadth—covering everything from sickness to singleness to grief—but it didn’t have the time to dig into much depth in each chapter.

I also would’ve liked to see a bigger focus on God’s promises and His character, which should be the very basis for our trust in Him. Instead, the book spent more time quoting pastors, teachers, and interviews.

All in all, this is a book that aspired to be deeply moving and inspirational. It did have many good points, but isn’t something I’ll read again.

[Jessica Vique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an encouraging & uplifting book. I Listened to it on Hoopla.

[Abbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughter gave this book to me as a gift, but we ended up reading it together and discussing it...the best part! It was great to be reminded of the faithfulness of our God. He can be trusted!

[Mary Madeline Whittinghill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Over the course of my life, I have seen the Lord work miracles and grant His deep peace in the midst of my hardest years, when layer upon layer of unexpected trials have come to take my breath away. Even over the past month, while reading You Can Trust God To Write Your Story, I have heard an unusual number of gut-wrenching, heartbreaking circumstances. In the midst of these people’s unimaginable pain, I have seen many displays of beautiful faith in the perfect character of God.

Trusting the character of God, as revealed in His Word, is the bedrock of trusting God to write our stories. We all have problems and trials in life, whether brought on by ourselves, brought on by the hurtful behavior of others, or brought by God’s sovereign hand. This wonderful book demonstrates that, regardless of the original cause, our faithful Heavenly Father is infinitely big enough to accomplish His sovereign purposes in our lives.

I love this quote from the book: “Not only can you trust God to write your story; you can also be sure that, in the end, He will right your story! Every sin or injustice committed against you, every sinful or foolish choice you made, everything you feared would permanently mark and mar your life... one day it will all be made right.”

When you read this book, you can expect to find a beautiful combination of the authors’ life experiences, stories from the Word of God, and personal testimonies of others who have endured deep suffering and unexpected trials. This is a book for everyone. I know I will keep a stash on hand to give as gifts to those who need encouragement in hard places. I cannot recommend it more highly!

[Šarūnė · Rating 4 out of 5]

You don't know things are happening until you read about them. This book was it - full of encouraging people, families who have experienced losses, sicknesses, deaths, and so much more, but still choose to see these stories as moulding their characters.

"God's story is about far more than just giving us an uneventful joyride to heaven. It is about His kingdom coming and His will being done on earth - in us! - as it is in heaven. It is about preparing and fitting us for eternity. And it is about changing us, growing us up from immature, self-absorbed, idol-worshipping, whining, sinning brats into mature, Christ-absorbed, God-exalting, grateful, obedient followers and friends. Like all good stories, it is about transformation." (p. 200)

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

"On this side of eternity, we can’t see how this picture will turn out in the end. But He knows the outcome, and He has promised it will end in great good for us and glory for Himself."

Especially in the current pandemic, leaning on and truly trusting God is the most important thing for all of us to do because only He knows the outcome of this situation and when it will end. It's easy to have blind faith when things are going well in life, but the true test comes during crises. This book is broken down into chapters that each deal with a potential difficult time when we should be trusting God, from divorce to dealing with grief and loss. I appreciated the testimony provided by numerous people who have seen God work in their lives through trials and have learned to trust Him.

I've previously read Adorned: Living Out the Beauty of the Gospel Together by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth, and have Lies Women Believe on my TBR list. I was glad to see this title as part of the Hoopla catalogue as an audiobook, and as a free ebook on Kindle. As always, the author and her husband provide Biblically based advice and inspiration. This is a must read book for anyone struggling in any way because it serves to reinforce that God is in control and that He has already won the final battle.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes this book was tough to read because it was an all too real reminder that in life, tragic things happen, things don't always work out how you'd like and sometimes there just isn't a neat explanation for the deep suffering we go through! However, this is ultimately a helpful read because it provides Biblical and anecdotal examples of how Christians can cope with tragedy and loss, no matter how excruciating it may be. The authors spare no detail in their recounting of gut-wrenching stories of unfulfilled dreams, broken marriages, financial loss, abuse, miscarriage and untimely death. Yet each story features believers who, even with the pain and perplexity, decide to trust in and praise God through it all. Talk about inspiring!

This book has me wrestling with God and reflecting on the ways that I have and am reacting to disappointments, unanswered prayers and pain in my life. Am I in a place of loving surrender? Am I praying "yes" to how God is ordering my life, even when it's not the way that I would order my life? How might I more deeply follow in Jesus' footsteps to earnestly struggle in prayer as he did in Gethsemane, yet ultimately pray from the bottom of my heart: "Not my will but your will be done"?

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book got off to a slow start for me, felt very Christian-y and formulaic. But then it started to grip me emotionally because it started dealing with tragic circumstances I’ve encountered recently.

This book turned out to w a great reminder that God is always good and He sees up our circumstances to bring Him utmost glory even when the way ahead is cloudy.

We CAN trust him to write our story.

The one topic that felt like it was missing was any discussion of lament.

[Sue-b-doo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trusting God = Peace in the din of chaos

You will find God's peace as you peek into several scenarios of other's stories. All puzzle pieces fitting together in God's perfect plan for YOU! TRUST HIM!

[Sarah Schurman · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, this couple gives so much truth and practical advice for our walk with the Lord. This book covers so many areas where we wonder if we can trust in God and His timing. There were real life examples from both the authors and others that left you encouraged, inspired, and challenged. This is definitely on my list to purchase a hard copy.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this encouraging book about the ways in which God leads us through life and towards him through hard things as well as good. Very encouraging and useful for pastoral support type issues.

[Danette · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Wolgemuths have written their first book together. It is a quick read but very encouraging and at times brought me to tears. Using the analogy of a story and the author of that story, we are encouraged to trust God when:
Your Marriage Is in Trouble
You Long for a Mate
You're Pressed Financially
You Lose Your Health
You've Been Sinned Against
Your Child Breaks Your Heart
You Lose a Loved One
You're Facing Death

I read the entire book on a cross-country flight

2022 A book by a woman conference speaker

[Emily Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

(3.5, rounded up)
Had a few qualms with the voice and stylistic choices, but overall was built up with the solid and Biblical reminders. The final chapter was highly encouraging!

[Addison S · Rating 5 out of 5]

My new fav book😍

[Amy Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

You Can Trust God to Write Your Story is the first book written together by the husband and wife team, Nancy and Robert, though each have written several books by themselves. This book has lots of stories of people who have had harrowing life events where God has shown Himself to be faithful. Not every story ends with a happily ever after but that's how life is. Nancy and Robert's own story has a few unique and unexpected twists. The central theme is that God is with us and has good plans even if they don't feel good to us at the time. I recommend this book for anyone who is struggling with where they are in life. The book may not give you the answers but will point you to the One who has the answers.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nancy Leigh DeMoss Wolgemuth is my modern day patron saint. Her books and Bible studies line the shelves of my hall of faith, and her podcast is my go-to for edification and encouragement at the end of my day. Two of the dear friends--twins!--and fellow teachers I met during my year of international work in Turkey bonded with me over Nancy, the video of Nancy’s wedding of Unexpected Grace was to us like the royal weddings of Will and Kate! So you can imagine my delight when I discovered their first co-authored rendition of their love story in print! I practically devoured it in one sitting. As an elementary teacher with a love for all things literacy, their explanation of the architecture of story resonated with me--these are the selfsame concepts I teach my students! During a recent FaceTime with my mother, I had been reminiscing about the way that I taught my second graders to structure their writing with an introduction sentence followed by the time transitions first, next, then, last, concluding with a wrap up sentence prompt “As you can see, this weekend/animal/book etc. was perfect for me.” My mom laughingly joked that I must have picked that up subconsciously from all of my Reading Rainbow days listening to Lavar Burton say, “As you can see” when he was introducing recommended books to read.

And then I read the Wolgemuth’s quote from South African pastor, teacher, and writer Andrew Murray, penned for his own encouragement:

In Time of Trouble Say:
First, He brought me here; it is by His will I am in this strait place: in that fact I will rest.
Next, He will keep me here in His love, and give me grace to behave as His child.
Then, He will make the trial a blessing, teaching me the lessons He intends me to learn, and working in me the grace He means to bestow.
Last, In His good time He can bring me out again – how and when He knows.

Let me say I am here,
(1) By God’s appointment.
(2) In His keeping.
(3) Under His training.
(4) For His time.

I burst into tears! The Holy Spirit burst forth from the pages of my admired author and screamed from ink and paper THE VERY TENENTS THAT YOU ARE TEACHING YOUR CHARGES ARE THE LESSONS THAT I AM INSCRIBING IN YOUR LIFE! THIS is your story! You may think the title is In Time of Trouble, but I say In the Beginning! Your first, next, then, and last may look different than the faces of the photos you see on Instagram but your story is the same: the gospel’s amazing grace! Your wrap-up sentence has yet to be written! May my “As you can see” be “Christ Jesus in me” (2 Corinthians 13:5)! Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Wolgemuth, for being God’s pen, “written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts” (2 Cor. 3:3)! “In every situation you face, God is always doing a thousand different things that you cannot see and you do not know.” A thousand stars for ...Your Story!

[Mary Vogelsong · Rating 5 out of 5]

You Can Trust God to Write Your Story: Embracing the Mysteries of Providence
This book opens with a few words from Joni Eareckson Tada, a well known Christian quadriplegic. She learned to trust God to write her story, not at all one she would have written herself, but one she praises Him for now.

Both Robert Wolgemuth and Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth have extensive backgrounds in writing, so it’s no surprise they should write a book about writing a story. First they cover the parts of a story, information I was familiar with and not so excited to cover again. Then they looked at a couple Bible stories – Joseph and Esther – which I was also familiar with, but now I was starting to see how to apply their premise: You can trust God to write your story.
The book continued with examples from the lives of people they knew personally, in sections which titles start, “You can trust God to write your story when…”
Some of the situations looked at included, you lose your health, your children break your heart, when you lose a loved one, and when you’re facing death.
Suddenly this book to which I was just giving mental assent, engaged every neuron. The synapses were firing, saying back up and take another look at that part about trusting God to write your story when your child breaks your heart.
One Christian couple (not the first ones I’ve read about or known in my life) had a son who had followed the Lord, then announced he was gay. Another Christian couple had a son who had moved away – they didn’t know where – carried by addiction. They hadn’t seen or heard from him in years. They didn’t know if he was dead or alive.
My own broken heart wasn’t born from the exact circumstances of either of those prodigal children, but my children’s situations are close enough for me to seize upon the conclusions the gay son’s parents have arrived at (paraphrased):
1. My husband and I cannot change my child’s heart.
2. We are not responsible to fix our child. Our adult child is responsible for his/her own decisions.
3. We won’t stop loving them or praying for them.
And to those I will add another:
4. I can trust God to write the rest of their story.
Is my heart still broken because my children are not walking with God? Of course! But my perspective is changed when I trust God that He is good, and His plan for me and my children is good.
Is there a chapter in your life you are wondering how it will end? Perhaps you can gain some insight from this book. I did.