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What If . . . God Has Other Plans?: Finding Hope When Life Throws You the Unexpected
What if your life hasn’t turned out the way you dreamed it would?
Popular Bible teacher Chuck Swindoll invites you on a journey through Scripture, exploring the hope the Bible offers to those who are dealing with life’s unexpected detours. Life can be humming along as usual, and then in a matter of seconds, everything falls apart. Maybe you have experienced sudden loss. Perhaps there is a heart-breaking betrayal. Maybe you are taking care of a family member with a disability and you never imagined in a million years that you would be doing such a thing. Life rarely follows our rules for it. There are U-turns and S-curves none of us are prepared to endure. This book is Chuck Swindoll at his best, opening Scripture and finding hope and wisdom for those who are struggling with the unexpected situations life has thrown at them.
What if . . . God has other plans for your life?
What if . . . you are designed for something more?
Popular Bible teacher Chuck Swindoll invites you on a journey through Scripture, exploring the hope the Bible offers to those who are dealing with life’s unexpected detours. Life can be humming along as usual, and then in a matter of seconds, everything falls apart. Maybe you have experienced sudden loss. Perhaps there is a heart-breaking betrayal. Maybe you are taking care of a family member with a disability and you never imagined in a million years that you would be doing such a thing. Life rarely follows our rules for it. There are U-turns and S-curves none of us are prepared to endure. This book is Chuck Swindoll at his best, opening Scripture and finding hope and wisdom for those who are struggling with the unexpected situations life has thrown at them.
What if . . . God has other plans for your life?
What if . . . you are designed for something more?
304 pages, Hardcover
Published September 3, 2019
47 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
About the author
Charles R. Swindoll
966 books836 followersCharles Swindoll has devoted over four decades to two passions: an unwavering commitment to the practical communication and application of God's Word, and an untiring devotion to seeing lives transformed by God's grace. Chuck graduated magna cum laude from Dallas Theological Seminary and has since been honored with four doctorates. For his teaching on Insight for Living, he has received the Program of the Year award and the Hall of Fame award from the National Religious Broadcasters as well as multiple book awards.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 8, 2019
"What if God has other plans" by Charles Swindoll is a non fiction book. Charles Swindoll is a pastor and wrote this book from very successful sermons. He many unexpected issues that can turn our lives around. Some of these unexpected issues are: sudden loss, betrayal, caring for a family member with a disability and many other issues. He explained the issue in a very personal way. He ties scripture into the issue to help us see life from God's perspective. These issues can send us spinning and wondering how to handle our lives. He gives very personal and practical examples that help the reader cope with their trials. The book is a great resource for the Christian facing various trials. I appreciate the publisher and netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book. I will send my review to Goodreads, Amazon, facebook, my blog, CBD.com and to the church staff. .
March 17, 2024
Que livro especial! Quando comecei a ler, não dei nada por ele. Pensei que seria mais um livro na minha vida, mas que engano o meu. Esse é, a partir de agora, um dos meus livros preferidos da minha vida inteira. Charles Swindoll lida com assuntos de suma importância como um verdadeiro pastor, de modo humilde, honesto, gentil, leve, engraçado e sério ao mesmo tempo. O último capítulo, mesmo, é um soco na barriga e um convite à esperança. Recomendo fortemente!
March 25, 2020
What If…God Has Other Plans? is a Christian book by author Charles R. Swindoll.
Well, this book was published in 2019 and I just kept putting off reading it. What better time to read it than during COVID-19. What if life throws you a curveball? Author Charles Swindoll has written a thought-provoking book for all people.
The book caught my attention from the very first chapter. The title asks: What If God Chooses You To Do Something Great? During COVID-19 we can all do something, even if we feel inadequate. Remember Moses (Exodus) who felt inadequate yet God used him mightily.
I appreciated that the author ended the book talking about life after death. I did, however, think the book a bit long and I began to lose interest in it. I then turned on my Kindle audio and listened to it which helped. I would recommend this book to Believers and Seekers.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
Well, this book was published in 2019 and I just kept putting off reading it. What better time to read it than during COVID-19. What if life throws you a curveball? Author Charles Swindoll has written a thought-provoking book for all people.
The book caught my attention from the very first chapter. The title asks: What If God Chooses You To Do Something Great? During COVID-19 we can all do something, even if we feel inadequate. Remember Moses (Exodus) who felt inadequate yet God used him mightily.
I appreciated that the author ended the book talking about life after death. I did, however, think the book a bit long and I began to lose interest in it. I then turned on my Kindle audio and listened to it which helped. I would recommend this book to Believers and Seekers.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
December 7, 2019
What If ...by Charles Swindoll is once again Pastor Swindoll at his best.
I love reading Pastor Swindoll as he makes everything so relevant to his readers.
I purchased this book for myself and two friends, one who like me loves the Bible teaching from Pastor Swindoll and the other who while not yet saved is going through some difficult situations at this moment of time.
I wanted to read this book because in helping my friend I wanted to approach the whole subject with him about, “What If...he cannot return to the job he loves and how God may have a different role for him to play in his family’s life as his job took him to sea for long periods of time. Also the teaching helped me in my own circumstances to realise that the ministry I am involved in, (Port Chaplain to Seafarers) is where God want me to be, so I can help and encourage others as in my own life my circumstances changed and God moved me into a different direction than I was going.
The book stresses that our worth is not in who we are, or what we do in this life. But our worth is found in God’s Son and what we do for Him.
The book reminded me of the old saying, Only one life will soon be past, Only what’s done for Jesus will last. In a world of uncertainty how true this saying is in the life of not just the unsaved, but those who profess Jesus is Lord of their lives.
I love reading Pastor Swindoll as he makes everything so relevant to his readers.
I purchased this book for myself and two friends, one who like me loves the Bible teaching from Pastor Swindoll and the other who while not yet saved is going through some difficult situations at this moment of time.
I wanted to read this book because in helping my friend I wanted to approach the whole subject with him about, “What If...he cannot return to the job he loves and how God may have a different role for him to play in his family’s life as his job took him to sea for long periods of time. Also the teaching helped me in my own circumstances to realise that the ministry I am involved in, (Port Chaplain to Seafarers) is where God want me to be, so I can help and encourage others as in my own life my circumstances changed and God moved me into a different direction than I was going.
The book stresses that our worth is not in who we are, or what we do in this life. But our worth is found in God’s Son and what we do for Him.
The book reminded me of the old saying, Only one life will soon be past, Only what’s done for Jesus will last. In a world of uncertainty how true this saying is in the life of not just the unsaved, but those who profess Jesus is Lord of their lives.
March 20, 2020
I have always enjoyed the winsome, engaging preaching and writing of Charles Swindoll (known to me for the longest time as Chuck). This latest book by Dr. Swindoll could not be more timely for what we are going through. Dealing with key bible stories that highlight how to have faith in difficult circumstances, Dr. Swindoll walks us through various situations from a godly focus and depth of understanding necessary in our day. Using anecdotes unique to his personality and experience, Dr. Swindoll takes the reader on a journey that causes them to see God bigger than ever before.
January 1, 2026
Each chapter covers a different "What If?" and uses scripture to answer the question. For example, What if You Suddenly Lose Everything? or What If You Need to Confront Someone? or What If You Struggle With a Disability?
My favorite was the final chapter: What If You Were to Die Tonight? This final chapter clearly lays out the gospel message and invites readers to receive the gift of salvation in Jesus Christ.
My favorite was the final chapter: What If You Were to Die Tonight? This final chapter clearly lays out the gospel message and invites readers to receive the gift of salvation in Jesus Christ.
July 29, 2025
3.5⭐️I listened to this audiobook, and while I didn’t care for this particular “reading” of it, the words were wise and good to hear. Skipped a few of the sections only because the chapters addressed situations unfamiliar to me. Would probably be better to read/have as a hard copy to serve as a resource and reminder.
April 29, 2022
God has a plan for our lives, we may not see it right away, but he does. Even through the tough times God will continue to use us, we just need to stay connected, trust and obey, no other way!!! An old friend named Randy told me once if God seems far away who moved??? Good point Randy.
November 28, 2019
Love chuck Swindoll. Solid bible teacher. Life is short. Enjoy the ride
January 15, 2020
Chuck Swindoll does an excellent job of answering many of life’s difficult questions with answers straight from the Bible.
March 21, 2020
Enjoyed the info and insight.
August 11, 2020
Some good answers to 11 tough questions.
December 4, 2022
I recommend this book even if you pass hard times, even if your life goes through nice periods. It really helps to have a good perspective of running life.
January 19, 2024
As someone who is experiencing God changing their path. This book was great insight to how we should respond to change and how to respond to those who have done us wrong! It’s a fantastic read!
September 25, 2025
A must read for what-if questions we may have along the way. Definitely well explained and cited.
November 16, 2025
Very practical biblical advice. Worth a reread.
November 4, 2019
Never Disappoints
This book is so practical and directs the reader to the truths of scripture. I have listened to Chuck for over 40 years and have read several of his books. He has not lost his touch!
This book is so practical and directs the reader to the truths of scripture. I have listened to Chuck for over 40 years and have read several of his books. He has not lost his touch!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews