Meant for Good: The Adventure of Trusting God and His Plans for You

by Megan Fate Marshman

Meant for Good is a power-packed, biblical look at the truth that you really can trust God's plan for your life--no matter what your life looks like right now. Dynamic Bible teacher Megan Fate Marshman will help you discover how to stop discounting yourself from a hopeful future, start living in active dependence on God, and find your way to the good plan He has for you. With authenticity and revelatory insights into the character of God, Megan shares an engaging and fresh look at the core themes within the well-loved scripture of Jeremiah 29:11-14. Through winsome and inspiring stories, Meant for Good will show you how to trust God in your daily life and, more importantly, how to trust God's definition of good above your own. You will God has a good plan for you--a plan to give you a hope and a future. Are you ready to believe it?

Genres: Christian, Faith, Nonfiction, Christian Living, Audiobook, Spirituality, Religion

208 pages, Paperback

First published August 4, 2020

Reviews

[Jennifer Malech · Rating 5 out of 5]

A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! If you want to get a deeper theological understanding of Jeremiah 29:11, you need to read this book. Megan writes with so much wisdom+grace as she invites you and I to see the goodness of God in our stories. We are meant for good because we are meant to know God, and when we know Him, all things are good, despite what our present circumstances may look like. I absolutely loved this book and will be reading it again! Thank you, Megan, for such a beautiful read!

[Marian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book became part of my morning devotion routine - one chapter a day. I saw the author at a woman's conference and met her later. Her dynamic, outreach and personal communication style translates onto each page and there's a sincerity in the message that is authentic and reaches the reader in a way that other Christian authors lack. Further, in addition to this being a good read, Marshman's book deepened my understanding of the meaning of Jeremiah 29:11-14, the good plan available to each of us, and how we can be used to positively impact one another. Highly recommend!

[Kacie Arrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was one of the best books I have ever read!! I bought it on a whim and didn’t think much of it, but it ended up being one of most transformational Christian books I have ever read. The author wrote things in such a simple way, yet I have truly never felt so impacted spiritually by someone’s writing. Read it now!

[Holly Dowell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was unfamiliar with Megan Marshman prior to reading this book. I was drawn in by the subtitle and hopeful for what I could learn from her work.

Meant for Good is structured around the verses Jeremiah 29:11-14, ostensibly covering ways in which this scripture unlocks God's plans for us. The book has nuggets of wisdom: Jesus's tendency to respond to questions with questions in order get others to be active participants in their learning; emphasizing that God's grace is not dependent on our worthiness; the centrality of trust in faith and how God works from a place of abundance; how to be more receptive and attentive to God's nudges in discernment.

However, I have two main critiques of the book. First, the structure of Jeremiah 29:11-14 was compelling and powerful, but I felt the execution fell flat (aside from a specific section or two, namely Chapter 5, "Who Before What") and relied on anecdotes and disjointed tidbits of theology rather than a robust case for her argument. Secondly, the tone of the book didn't work for me. I imagine Mrs. Marshman is a phenomenal and engaging speaker, but I don't know that the style translated well to text.

Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book. This review reflects my honest thoughts.

[Heather Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first met Megan at Hume Lake in 2007. She was our Spirit Girl (pumped the kids up for everything) and it was the perfect job for her! She exudes Spirit! She was our Spirit Girl again in 2008 and I had the chance to hear her speak. She’s the real deal! She has a true gift of speaking and her first book shows she has a true gift of writing as well. This book officially comes out August 4th, but you can pre-order on Amazon now. I highly encourage you to order it. It is perfect timing for what the world is going through now with this pandemic. (Can you say God’s timing!) Megan unpacks Jeremiah 29:11-14. Most people know Jeremiah 29:11 and stop there. Megan digs in deep. I will definitely re-read this when I get my hard copy and can highlight and make notes, but I did include one page that I highlighted on my digital copy. I’ve also included one page of the praise for her book because THE @bobgoff is on it (there’s also a story with him and Megan in the book!) So, do yourself a favor and order this book

[Dana Garretson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Megan Fate Marshman has such an easy-going, comfortable style that just draws you in and makes you feel like you’re chatting with a friend over coffee, and then wham! Great point! Real truth that makes you sit back and really reflect on what DO you believe? What truth are you really living? And whose plan is it really? Her style of delivering these messages entertainingly wrapped in anecdotes and wit puts Biblical truth in sharp perspective, and the examples linger long in your mind as truth lived out.

You put the book down challenged to go be a better person, even in small ways: to be a silent instructor, to spend Tuesdays (and other days) with Jesus, to reorganize your phone apps, to be bold with your truth, even if jaws drop, to be a Colin, a Norm, a Bob, or even a Megan - to be like Jesus, to a world that needs him. As Megan says in her book, “...God’s good plans are always given and lived out in community. His good plans are not for “me” but are for “us”.” Couldn’t we all use more good in our world these days? This is a bright, hopeful breath of fresh air with words that will resonate long after the last page.

[Katelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book! I really like this author. She kept my attention the whole time as she writes in a very down to earth but impactful way. I have lots of notes from it, but here are some of my takeaways:


“When you take the risk to believe God is powerful and trustworthy, you have the potential to see God show up because you need Him to. I wonder if the reason we don’t see God’s power is because we play it too safe.”

“When you call on God, you’re not just recognizing God and asking for help or answers. You’re submitting to the One you’re speaking to, and therefore submitting your plans and your agenda to His.”

“But if you’re not finding wholeness and completeness in God, who is love, then your love for others as often a weird attempt at control. And this leads to all kinds of codependent, unhealthy messes.”

“The essence of Christianity is not your works for God, but his works for you. Your doing is a response to what he has already done.”

“You can buy a lot of things, but you can’t buy time. Where we choose to spend our precious time is where we’re choosing to invest our lives. And where we invest our lives reveals what’s in our hearts.”

“Your heart follows your focus, whether it’s toward problems or toward Jesus.“

“Don’t limit God. Get him out of any box you’ve placed Him in. And, while we’re talking about boxes, get out of the box you’ve placed yourself in, limiting what God can do through you.”

“How would today look different if your plan was more about loving people than getting things done? While we could accomplish both, let’s prioritize God‘s plans and let our plans look like His.”

[Ansley Morlock]

It feels hard to rate this kind of book in the same sense that I do others because it means so much more. This book really did change my perception and my mindset about my relationship with Jesus. I loved the ideas and concepts and see them in play in my live so often. I admire Megan Marshman so much and feel so impacted by her messages. This one really effected home especially the “Tuesdays with Jesus” idea which is meant to be a joke but is so telling about seeing Jesus in all aspects of our lives. I feel so inspired after reading this book and ready to spread the good love of the Lord. I definitely recommend to anyone wanting to deepen their faith. It’s not so hard to read either it’s like having a conversation with a friend. As always, I so enjoyed the work of Megan Marshman.

[Micah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes I have a hard time summarizing the organization of a Megan Marshman book. They make more sense of following Jesus than most Christian non-fiction I’ve read and flow incredibly well from thought to thought, but I have a hard time feeling like I could outline them. This book is built around the idea in Jeremiah that God has destined a good future for us, but it is mostly about how much a good future doesn’t look like what we might dictate and how we can be faithful in all the small details of living as a sacrifice to God and being available to others in that state. An incredibly encouraging read that doesn’t shy away from hard truth or crushing reality but still manages to shine a light on the incredible opportunity we have has humans on the receiving end of so much love.

[Anna Wilkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

I genuinely hate to write a less than glowing review because this was recommended so highly to me and I’ve heard the author speak on podcasts and instagram reels that have profoundly moved me. I think she told some great stories that made me smile and were wonderful illustrations of her points. Her advice for putting the biblical principles into action were creative and practical. I think the audiobook narrator removed all the passion Megan normally speaks with from the text and I was left feeling like the actual words were a regurgitation of the same general ideas I find in every Christian self-helpy book from the last 7 years.

[Evelyn Sherwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a preview copy of Megan's latest book, and all I can say is, "Wow!" I couldn't put the book down! With the perfect blend of simplicity, clarity, and passion, Megan took me on an adventure through the Bible to discover a more profound beauty hidden in Jeremiah 29:11-14. This passage is not just a cliche to be tossed around to make us feel better; it is an invitation to step into God's plans and learn that He can be trusted completely. With the turn of every page, I could feel my weary heart coming alive.

[Teresa Skinner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am very much in sync with the first 3 chapters so far. If I had in hands I would read quicker. I love the challenges set forth. This book is written in a practical format that promotes not just reading but doing and I love that concept. I highly recommend this book for your personal relationship challenge journey in growth. #meantforgood #meganfatemarshman

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thorough reflection on Jeremiah 29:11-14. Often we look at verse 11 and stop. Context is of critical importance. Inspiring and filled with whimsical personal stories, this book is a good read for those who need encouragement, and have a desire to gain a deeper understanding of the goodness of God, despite life’s circumstances.

[Bianca · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was curious as to how the author would translate Jeremiah 29.11, which is God's promise to Jews living in exile in Babylon. It's not bad but not quite there yet either. I sure put off by hearing a quote of a person who swears...didn't really understand why it had to be place in the book. Either way, there are some things to be learned from it though not so engaging as I'd hoped.

[April Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked this book more than I thought I was going to... went deeper than it seemed it would at first glance. One of my favorite analogies was when she discusses the upper and lower story perspectives. The lower story is the 5-foot perspective, and the upper story is our lives is what God sees. Such a good reminder.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I thought it provided great context for the highly quoted Jeremiah 29:11. I found her writing style to be easy to understand, and I think believers of any maturity level would be encouraged by her words. I took off one star only because I personally would have appreciated a little more theological depth and less personal stories.

[Camie Treptau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect timing as I was considering Jeremiah 29:11-14 as our summer theme, and it was a great book to review these verses with personal stories from Megan's life. Quick read - and just an overall encouraging book on this passage of scripture. Would be a great book to do a basic Bible Study with.

[Madison · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is written like multiple sermons with an overarching theme, and there are some good simple truths in here. The theme is especially interesting considering her loss since writing this book and knowing she must really be testing what she wrote here.

[Brandi Fennell · Rating 4 out of 5]

While it was a somewhat simple read, it was encouraging and faith building and it challenges you to seek God and trust His plan. It includes personal and biblical examples and a lot of reference to scripture, which I appreciated!

[Allan Beeber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprisingly insightful

Megan does a great job fleshing out the additional ramifications of these familiar verses from Jeremiah. And her stories are memorable. Especially the one about the glasses.

[Kiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so timely for me. I’ve had it on my shelf for two years and finally picked it up and gave it a whirl. God always knows what I need to hear when I need to hear it. I recommend buying this and gifting it to a friend.

[Harryette Obrien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished!! Such a great book. I follow her on IG and often listen to her sermons/teachings. She’s great! I underlined something on nearly every page. I’m a huge fan. If you have time, add it to your to-read pile (but put it on the top).

[Kimi Dahl · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started off strong, but then kind of fizzled and swayed off topic by the end. There were good nuggets throughout, I just also found myself wondering how XYZ content related to the premise of the book.

[Bryan Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

Challenging, encouraging and clearly written by someone who loves the Lord. Thank you for sharing and teaching us, Megan! Highly recommend!

[Regina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great insights. Got a lot more out of the book and the video sessions than I did the study guide/workbook. Very thought-provoking.

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So helpful in both mind-engaging and practical ways. Reminder of important truths about who God is, and who I am because of Him. Encouragement on the road to trust Him more.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to the audiobook and loved it so much I bought the hard copy so I can read it again and highlight. I am so encouraged by Megan’s writing and God’s incredible design.

[Keahi Cambra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book. Clear language. Easy to read. Marshman’s voice rings true throughout the whole book. Incredible message of love, hope and purpose. Well done.

[Karla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful message. Very wordy. Many lines need rereading to understand. Passionate.