Searching for Certainty: Finding God in the Disruptions of Life

by Shelly Miller, Emily P. Freeman (Foreword)

We all long for certainty in life, yet things often don't go as we expect. When facing illness, job loss, strained relationships, and other struggles, our impulse is to question God and strive to fix things ourselves.

In this book, Shelly Miller, a trusted ministry leader, explores how difficult times can actually be purposeful times of spiritual growth. Weaving the exodus story from the Bible with her own story, she shares how to focus on God rather than trying to overcome challenges in our own limited strength. Each chapter features a simple spiritual practice to help us enjoy the peace and security that is only possible through Christ. Uncertain seasons will soon be translated as an aha instead of an oh no.

Genres: Faith, Christian, Nonfiction, Christian Living, Memoir, Christian Non Fiction

240 pages, Paperback

Published October 13, 2020

About the author

Shelly Miller is a veteran ministry leader and sought-after mentor on making rest a rhythm of life. She leads the Sabbath Society, an online community of people who want to make rest a priority, and curates Sabbath Society Circles, small groups that meet in neighborhoods and cities around the globe.

Her first book, Rhythms of Rest: Finding the Spirit of Sabbath in a Busy World, released with Bethany House Publishers in October of 2016. Sabbath Roots is the first volume of several upcoming resources for personal reflection and group study.

Shelly is a personal development coach and speaks at venues in Europe and the United States. She is married to H, an Anglican minister who resources church planting in the UK. Together they have two children, Murielle and Harrison. Having lived across the U.S. she moved to London in 2015 to start a new adventure in the land of her ancestors.

Find out more at ShellyMillerWriter.com and @ShellyMillerWriter on Facebook and Instagram; ShellyMillerWR on Twitter and Pinterest; and #SabbathSociety,#RhythmsOfRest, and
#SabbathRoots where she loves to share photos of the beautiful places she visits.

Reviews

[John Muriango · Rating 4 out of 5]

Its good that Christ promised us that while in this sin cursed world, we'll always face uncertainty and trials, and these should be moments of drawing us closer to Him as we thrive spiritually. The author in this book helps us to learn how we may find joy amidst troubling times.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are so many hope filled stories in this spiritual memoir. Comparisons are drawn between the uncertainties in the Christian life and the 40 years in the wilderness that Moses faced. There are study questions and scriptures to read at the end of each chapter as well as meditation exercises to make it more of a Bible study. I would recommend this book to any Christian that is struggling with uncertainty in their lives.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley for free for the purpose of review.

[Lauren Vandermeer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoyed Shelly’s first book, Rhythms of Rest, and can hardly wait to read her second! Some authors you know you can just count on to hit the mark every time and Shelly’s definitely in that camp.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Searching for Certainty by Shelly Miller. Definitely a timely read for our world right now. A couple of quotes from the book that really stood out to me:

"Ungratefulness sets in when I search for certainty through the lens of what I lack instead of the abundance right where I am. The voice of shame results in finger pointing; pointing at myself, others, and God for not being or doing enough. Ultimately, a lack of gratitude is rooted in striving for your worth and value outside of God, motivated by the fear of being unlovable."
"While I am calculating how my life should look, projecting the future based on today's circumstances, I miss the goodness of God right in front of me."

This book releases on October 13, 2020. Thank you Netgalley for the advanced copy!

[Cindy Fort · Rating 5 out of 5]

We naturally reach out to anything available to our grasp or that looks sturdy in the midst of being shaken... what we find may only give us a temporary solace, may serve to mask our fears, may result in other consequences causing more hardship...not giving us the rescue we are seeking.

This book is something worthy of grasping. In easy to understand fashion, Shelly lays out a case for trusting God when we are in the middle of uncertain times - no matter the cause. She gently coaches us through 'the wilderness of uncertainty' using Israel's exodus journey as the metaphor of our own wanderings through this life, helping us discover that He is really with us every step of the way, if we can discern it. Shelly assures us that "God speaks the language of nuance, and discerning his voice comes through fostering friendship with him." (Chapter 4). Shelly leads us each, through whatever our own wilderness is named, towards the promised land of friendship with God.

You might remember Tolkien's quote from his "Lord of the Rings" series - "All who wander are not lost". In reading 'Searching for Certainty' you find a road map that insures you won't be lost in your wanderings!

It is a masterpiece, and that is not a stretch of the imagination to say! Through the pages are woven thoughts about peregrinatio, spiritual disciplines, and hints on hearing the voice of God. Each chapter ends with thoughtful 'spiritual coaching' questions to ponder, and these are also sprinkled throughout each chapter. And if you have a creative bent, the book ends with wonderful 'Visio Divina' exercises aligned with each chapter that anyone with a camera embedded in their cell phone will enjoy attempting.

You will want a print copy of this book to keep on your shelf, right next to your Bible. The Holy Spirit is speaking in each and every page!

[Carrie Brownell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, my first introduction to Shelly Miller. My mother-in-law introduced me to her and I ordered this new release only to have it arrive the day before Miller passed away. I decided to read the book in honor of her the day she died and it didn't take me long to do! It was exactly the encouragement and admonition I needed at precisely the right time.

I don't agree with Miller in total, theologically speaking. She's a little more touchy-feely in her doctrine than myself. However, I appreciated much of what she shared and very much enjoyed her writing voice.

My favorite quotes:

"Being safe isn't wrong and seeking security isn't sinful, but according to God, achieving comfort isn't a priority to him. He doesn't promise safety and security; He promises that He will be with you (Exodus 3:12-15)."

"While I am calculating how my life should look, projecting the future based on today's circumstances, I miss the goodness of God right in front of me. We can insist on concrete assurances as a measuring tool for security, yet what we seek might be the death of us if we were to capture a small glimpse of it. Mystery is protection, not ambivalence. And specificity is applicable when it is good for us: Stand here on this rock next to me. When I pass by, I'll cover you with my hand. When I safely pass, I will remove my hand and you will see my back. But my face must not be seen.

I am with you.
I will protect you.
Clarity comes with distance.
I know what is best for you."

[Gail Helgeson · Rating 5 out of 5]

For such a time as these uncertain times, finding the book Searching for Certainty has been a balm for me. The reader steps into the writer's authentic self on page one. She gives us examples of how we can find certainty amidst life's hardships. The book reads somewhat like a journal giving snippets of the writer's life and how me as the reader can relate to what she's trying to relay in each chapter. Look for verses and quotes that speak calm as you read.
There's a part near the end of the book where I particularly was awakened by her words. I asked myself the hard question of what it really means to trust God. I say I do, but really, do I? It's easy when things are going good, but what about when the seas get rough? When the calm is nowhere to be found. When God seems silent?
I'm looking forward to going back and digging in deeper with the questions prompted at the end of each chapter.
I will reread this book again and again. There are so many golden nuggets in it.
"God wants us to experience life and not just endure it."
This book will help the reader do just that.

[Cece · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful and encouraging read. I’ve heard of Shellys work by Emily Freeman of whom I’ve followed for several years. She recommended Shellys first book, Rhythms of Rest and it’s been on my to-read list. Having heard of Shelley’s passing shortly after this book was released I felt an urgency to read it. I started reading a few days before Thanksgiving and got really busy. But I have read the majority of the book over this last week. I had to get a highlighter and basically highlighted so many passages. It was really like sitting with a friend over tea or coffee the way she easily shares her personal experiences and intermingled with scripture of Moses during the book of Exodus. Searching for Certainty was written prior to the pandemic and lock down, but reading this felt so applicable to what most of us are experiencing right now. Another thing I liked, being a photographer myself was her comparing certain aspects of photography with life’s moments. The entire book spoke to me on so many levels and although i savoured reading it I know I will re-read this one. So many things I take away from this. I want to share two of the many passages I highlighted: “Your uncertainty is God’s opportunity to release the abundance planned for your life”. This next one is so timely in today’s troubling times:”If you are allowing in the world to determine how useful you are to God, maybe it’s time to rethink who and what is informing your value and worth”. I can’t recommend this book highly enough.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shelly Miller, the author of Searching for Certainty is an encourager. She is someone that can take the written word and reach the reader's heart. The rest of the title of this book, Finding God in the Disruptions of Life, is what attracted me to this work as I have felt many disruptions about the time of this book's release.
The titles of each chapter are:

Reframing Uncertainty

Where Is God?

Shhh! Be Still

Breaking Habits

Help Me Decide

Practice Presence

Winning or Whining?

Beholding Beauty for the Big Picture

Rest When Shadowed by Worry

Named and Known

Gratitude Brings Focus to the Blur of Uncertainty

Remembering Restores Certainty.

The length of each chapter made it doable to read one a day, however, it would be possible to read more. By reading at this tempo I was able to reflect on what I had read throughout the day.

This book should remain on my bookshelf for a while, as I return to it to refresh the teachings that I have learned.

I was given this book by Bethany House Publishing in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Lynne Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shelly reflects openly and honestly throughout her book using stories from her own life to help lighten the way in our life. She has a beautiful way with her words that always leaves me thinking about how I can improve my Christian walk with God. I can relate to so much of what Shelly has written, and despite what she has been through, and is going through, she provides an overwhelming amount of hope.

Searching for Certainty is the hope that is needed right now in this world. We are faced with so much uncertainty and so many places to turn to to try and alleviate our suffering. Shelly’s book provides us with the One true Hope that we can turn to. She helps to reorientate our thinking to focus on what is certain in our lives.

If there was ever a time that this world needed a book about certainty, it’s now! And this is the book you need to have.

[Mary Geisen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved Shelly Miller’s words and writing style since reading Rhythms of Rest. Her new book, Searching for Certainty surpasses the first book as a powerful and timely read. Shelly Miller is a gifted storyteller and as she weaves her stories, she teaches the reader profound and Biblical truths about the uncertainty we face in our lives. Every word points the reader back to God and provides a space for each of us to process loss, grief, and the unexpected in our own lives. The practice section at the end of each chapter allows the reader to go deeper through a set of thought-provoking questions. This is a book I will be referring to time and time again.

[Heidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Uncertainty, like winter, clears the landscape of familiarity so we can see ourselves clearly as Christ’s masterpiece, bringing value and beauty into the world. Renewal is the outcome of trust in God’s hidden work within us.”
Shelly’s book has many insights that keep me oriented toward God, even in the midst of challenging circumstances. The autobiographical stories and applications from Exodus felt scattered, lacking clear direction. But the questions at each chapter’s end are fabulous, clearly posed by a gifted coach. Definitely worthwhile despite some weaknesses.

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Searching for Certainty is a book written for this time! I am longing for certainty. A quote that I am pondering from the book, God Chooses wandering through the mystery of the wilderness, not because you have missed the mark, but because he longs for you to experience the certainty of his love. I love the digging deeper questions and suggested reading at the end of each chapter.

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

2020 has been full of "firsts" …

Instead of naming the obvious ones related to the effects of a global pandemic,

I wanted to share a few of the sweeter ones where God used the words of His daughter Shelly Miller to bring truth, comfort and grace to my heart.

This is the first time I have been invited to be part of a book launch team.

This is the first time I have been included in a private virtual social media book "deep dive"

This is the first time I have written a book review on Amazon and Goodreads

This is the first time I have purposely not followed the suggested "deadlines"(and it's okay because I am a "grow-slow" reader)

I may be a little late to the launch party, but I come bearing virtual balloons & confetti in celebration of Shelly Miller's newest book Searching for Certainty 

When reading a really good book (one that on the first few pages makes me stop, and grab a pen, highlighter, and journal for taking notes!) I go slow.

When stirred to process what I feel, I go slow.

When challenged to know what I believe, I go slow.

When tears flow, I go slow.

This was a  grow-slow read for me, which is an honest compliment because it means that Searching for Certainty touched my heart in deep places.

There are so many takeaways (read all the reviews for yourself), but there are 4 main areas of focus I continue to chew & digest ...

Practice: A definition of "practice" means "the actual application or use of an idea, belief, or method, as opposed to theories related to it."  Shelly's 12 chapters provide 12 areas in which to "Practice" something.  Wow! These invitations toward application were amazing!  Thank you!

Ask: Shelly's book is peppered with rich, soulful questions that dig deeper, unpack, reveal, and acknowledge areas in need of clarity.  Again, Thank you!

CC: Creative Captures: Shelly invites us to capture our own stories through photography as a way of intentionally seeing life differently.  (A full list of photo prompts is located in the back of the book, p 222)

Epilogue:  Shelly writes in her closing epilogue, "A common truth many Christian authors share is that we are often tested by the message God is writing through us. Will the truths and practices penned prove trustworthy, timeless and true?"

My reply to Shelly Miller is a resounding "Yes!"

The truths & practices you have penned ARE trustworthy, timeless and true.  

Thank you for sharing these gifts with us in Searching for Certainty.

You practice what you preach in the most beautiful way.

[Kirby · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to reading this one. In this day and age we're living in, it's more important than ever to find certainty in God's word, and I couldn't wait to dive into how Shelly Miller was going to tackle this subject. Unfortunately, this didn't end up being quite what I was expecting, and it's not a title that I'll personally be recommending.

While I appreciated the way that the author connects the struggles of our daily lives to the story of Moses in Exodus, I didn't feel like a lot of the story really lined up in a way that made sense to the reader. Quite a few of the struggles that she was talking about seemed kind of frivolous to me, especially the one about how she struggled to pick out a silverware set in an expensive store. I think the message was fantastic, but the execution of it was lacking, and hindered my enjoyment of the overall story.

I also have to mention the fact that I really wish she hadn't included the message as one of the mentioned Bible translations. It made the theology seem not as sound, and that could have been easily resolved with using a more reliable translation.

Final Rating: 3/5.

A great premise, but didn't quite live up to what I was expecting.

Thanks so much to Bethany House for allowing me to advance read this.

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the publisher (Bethany House) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Julie D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so encouraging and lifted my spirits so much. It is full of hope in the Lord and shows us how we can be certain of God's love and comfort.

I absolutely loved her personal stories throughout and how she found God's love and steadfastness in her life despite the uncertain situations she was in. Just recently, like me, she has had to battle cancer and, again, the Lord provided the strength she needed in her life. This book has given me hope and help as I struggle with my own health and life issues. Each and everything she writes is grounded in Scripture and she never takes a verse out of context to fit what she wants. God's Word is perfect the way it's written and has everything we need and Shelly concentrates on sharing that fact.

I highlighted so many pages of this book! There were so many wonderful paragraphs and sentences that I knew I would want to remember or refer to again. In fact, I plan on re-reading this book again as it was such a joyful book and brought me so much hope!

No matter what you're going through, this book will show you how God is right there with you - your steadfast rock. He has all the certainty we need no matter our circumstances. We need search no farther than God. I highly recommend this book and give it 5 stars.

*This book was provided to me by Bethany House. I received a copy of this book to review but I was not financially compensated in any way. The opinions expressed are my own and are based on my observations while reading this book.

[Camie Schade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Searching for Certainty has spoken to my weary soul. I am worn out with the uncertainty of what is “today”—covid, the upcoming election, racial inequality and the grief of my hurting community. I need hope! Shelly Miller has written a book that brought me peace. She writes “The certainty of God’s love is a humbling realization; a revelation on how quickly we can be led by the fear of uncertainty to assume the worst will be our life sentence.” I so needed this truth.
She advises to adopt the spiritual practice of choosing to focus on the attributes of God. That doing this will help calm anxiety and identify truth among voices competing for influence. Amen! I am thankful for this book, Shelly’s communication of Gods love for us and the timing of it. Only God could have orchestrated this.

[Jacqui Stahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend this book if feeling lost, alone, insecure, or uncertain - and who isn’t in the current pandemic world we live in! Through personal memoirs, Shelly points us to the One who is our only true source of certainty in this world and the next. When everything is falling apart around us, we all need the perspective that God is holding us, he cares for us, and he is with us. Shelly helps us to remember truths about God, shows us how to hang on to his promises, and encourages us to hide ourselves in the perfect presence of a loving Father.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect read for such a time as this!

••••••••

“God isn’t as interested in our situational certainty as He is about sovereign perspective.”

“Uncertainty provides rescue from being stuck in the familiar ways of life that keep us from moving forward into the purposes of God. Wandering into the wilderness of the unknown is God’s divine re-orientation, from what we know in the present to what God knows about the future.”

“What if we translated current events through the lens of being loved by the Almighty who holds time in His hands? What if you and I were part of the few who interpret tumult and chaos as opportunity for God to reveal himself? What abundance might we be missing by going with the flow and basing future outcomes on today’s popular mind-sets?”

“When we look at uncertainty through the lens of being loved by God, what we discern is greater purpose, deeper meaning, and broad perspective. Love asks the most important question we are hesitant to ask ourselves: what are you relying on to feel at peace in the world?”

“In Psalm 90, Moses begins, ‘Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or You brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.’ You have been our dwelling place written by a man without a country, a fugitive from Egypt leaving the Israelites, who are also without a place to call home.Together, living as sojourners in the tension of the in-between, the place of uncertainty, (the Israelites) discover that a man’s dwelling is not a place but a Person. It is in God that we find safety, security, and peace that surpasses circumstances. From everlasting to everlasting, Israel’s dwelling place is God, and God is eternal. Therefore, Israel has a dwelling place that is certain and constant. And so do I.”

“At the intersection of the past and present—the mingling of our Polaroid history with God’s panoramic perspective—is the place of unexplainable peace, incomprehensible awe, overwhelming love, and unadulterated beauty. Slow down and identify God’s palpable presence.”

“As sons and daughters of God, we carry His name as our own. And so, we carry the family name and reputation of the King of kings wherever we go. And he warns us not to prostitute the reputation of the family name by living contrary to his character and attributes.”

“We practice adoration, not in hope that it changes God but because adoration changes us into people of hope. We become what we worship. We become that in which we put our trust. Adoration makes us more like Jesus and clarifies what and who we are worshiping. Whom do you adore?”

*Discovered this author on Sally Clarkson’s podcast in the fall of 2020 as this book was being released. Shelly very unexpectedly passed away a short time later on 11/1/20. What a treasure this book is indeed🌿

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Searching for Certainty, Shelly Miller explored how we can manage and handle life, when it doesn’t go the way we expect it too. Sometimes we lose jobs, experience illness, encounter broken relationships, addictions, marriage troubles, and any other struggles we may go through. Often times we question why God would allow certain things to happen. She begins the book by sharing how her parents divorced when she three years old. She has a child photo proof of her not smiling in photos and her relatives reminded her and told her stories of how depressed she was. She opened up about how her parents met and how her dad was 24 years old and was in his last year of law school. He was raised as a Catholic. He met her mother when she working as an agent for an airline company. A few months in their relationship, she became pregnant. They got married and hid it from their families until after she was born. But they figured it out by the calculation and they were judged. He never ended up practicing law. Their marriage was rocky and her mother ended up leaving him one day to an empty house. She shared how as a young child she refused to eat because of the divorce and separation. She also shared later how her mother eventually moved in with her lesbian girlfriend. She opened up about how she looking for proof that she was truly worthy of love and security. She explained the story of Moses and how he might have been wondering if he was worthy enough of love. She also looked at statistics and how depression, anxiety, loneliness, and suicide are on the rise. This isn’t even counting the covid-19 factors.


I would recommend this helpful book to anyone who is struggling with dealing with life changes and the uncertainty that we face. We can’t control what comes our way. This book will help readers to learn to handle and cope when the changes do come. I deeply connected with how real she was in the epilogue and how at the end of the book she shared a little on the covid-19 struggles and how she experienced a major health battle. She started having pain on the right side of her abdomen and then it travelled to her back. After many tests during the pandemic, they found out she had sarcoma cancer. She passed away on November 1. I liked how open she was in sharing the uncertainly she was now facing in her battle with her health. Her life story and book will become a testimony on how we can learn to find and discover our Savior even when faced with uncertainty.


"I received this book free from the publisher, Bethany House/ Chosen for my honest review.”

[Joanne Viola · Rating 5 out of 5]

We all long for life to be certain. We make the plans and hope for our days to be lived out as such, and yet, rarely can we count on life to go as expected.

Our plans have a way of being interrupted by illness, financial setbacks, job loss, betrayals, and strained relationships. We tend to question God and ask the “Why” question and wait for anticipated answers which often delay in coming.

Searching For Certainty, by Shelly Miller, is a transparent and vulnerable book about finding God in the midst of the disruptions of life. It is the perfect book to be read in 2020 – the year of disruptions and yet, the book was written before the pandemic hit.

Through her words and stories, the author shows us that God surely sees us with our questions and in fact, moves towards us as we bring our questions and doubts to Him.

She tackles the challenges of reframing uncertainty, finding God, breaking habits which keep us from Him, and practicing the art of stillness. Each chapter closes with a simple exercise for reflection, personal application, or group discussion.

A few of my favorite and underlined thoughts from the book are:

“Reframe uncertainty through the lens of certainty of God’s love, and interpret current events from the perspective of promise that is never revoked.” (from page 26)

“Only those who truly believe they are fully known and deeply loved can sing in times of adversity.” (from page 39)

“Be still in trust and steadfast in belief; only then will you be ready to wander into a spacious place – a strange place you could’ve never predicted as becoming home for you.” (from page 64)

“What looks tired, fallow, and unusable in your life is often God’s useful preparation for a new season he is planning.” (from page 73)

“We are born searching for certainty but begin living when we find the certainty of the Father’s love.” (from page 216)

The book was most encouraging for these challenging days we are living, depositing hope and assurance in the loveliest of ways. It’s a hard book to put down so pour yourself the largest cup of tea and get yourself comfortable for a spell. You’ll be glad you did!


*** I received this book from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's a recurring theme in this memoir, part spiritual guide, book by Shelly Miller and that is: God is trustworthy and always with us in the good and bad times, the certain and uncertain times. Miller repeats this theme in every chapter as she walks the reader through many of the uncertain times in her life starting as a child in a marriage that ended soon after her birth.

It's an important message, not just for now and these strange COVID-times we're all living through, but in any season of uncertainty whether it's as a result of a health diagnosis, a relationship ending, change in careers, and so on. I especially appreciated how Miller encourages the reader to cease being self-focused when uncertainty intrudes because it enhances our fears. I know this myself and it was encouraging for me to be reminded of turning to Jesus and others when anxiety flares in uncertain times or events.

Miller uses the Exodus story of the Israelites to illustrate her insights. At times, I find this connection a little clunky and forced and in some regards didn't feel the book needed it as Miller's stories were sufficiently relevant to the insights. Miller, an enthusiastic photographer, also relates a number of the stories to the art of photography.

Each chapter ends with a series of questions that in some respects require deep thought and contemplation for the reader to connect the chapter's insights into their own life.

In some regards, it was a rambling read as Miller shares her stories, some seemingly trivial and others significant, and being new to her work, I found this style both natural and beneficial in I got to see her heart and particularly the love she has for Jesus, her husband, children and dearest friends.

I received an early ebook version of the book from Bethany House via NetGalley with no expectation of a favourable review.

[Aurelia Mast-glick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm struggling to come to grips with this book. It was so very helpful for me; I thoroughly enjoyed it all the way through. The timing was providential; written in 2019, but released in October, 2020 in the midst of a very tumultuous year and you can't help but believe that God was orchestrating all of this. But then I read the epilogue and Shelly talks about Co-Vid yes, but she also talks about her cancer journey and how the very things she writes about she is now needing to put into practice. It made the book come alive for me a bit more. After finishing the book, I did some digging and discovered that Shelly died less than a month after the book was published. I didn't know you could grieve someone you didn't know, but this feels like a loss to me. Good writers shouldn't die young and yet Shelly is now experiencing the certainty she wrote about looking for. And I want to grab ahold and claim God's truth and cling to Him in the uncertainty in my own life.

This acronym apparently really stuck out to me since I wrote it down twice:
Surrender (to the)
Almighty
For
Eternal Perspective

"Being safe isn't wrong and seeking security isn't sinful, but according to god, achieving comfort isn't a priority to him....He promises that he will be with you." God is looking to perfect me and then best way to do that is often through discomfort. When I am comfortable, it is too easy to feel that I don't need God and I can make my way on my own, but nothing could be further from the truth. "The very things that bring comfort can keep us enslaved to the past and unable to move forward."

"We are most safe not when the details of life seem perfectly ordered, but when we are listening for the still, small voice of the I AM in the messy mundane of the everyday."

I could go on and on with quotes from the book, but I will stop with those. I just highly recommend this book to everyone. We are living in uncertain times, but we don't need to fear, there is safety in Jesus.

I received this book from Bethany House and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Jessie Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a perfectly timed book. Purely God-timed. It hits on everything we are all experiencing at this time in history - uncertainty. But it does something we all need - turns our eyes from ourselves and places them on to Christ. The author uses the promises of God to stir hope in the heart of the reader. She encourages action, not inaction. She describes how to find rest in uncertainty by sharing her personal story in great detail. Through introduction of good spiritual practices, asking questions, and use of scripture, she helps the reader learn how to find God in disruptions through intimacy and attentiveness to what God is doing in and around them.

I loved all her personal stories of life in London. I felt a kindred spirit in her and wanted to know more about her life. She is an example of what it looks like to walk through uncertainty holding God’s hand. I was sad to see she passed away shortly after the book was published. Her words are so timely and I am thankful for them.

I did struggle a little bit to see connections between chapters. All the ideas seemed to go together but it seemed to lack a seamless through line. I would have liked to see more connection linking one chapter to the next. This is the only reason I rated this book 4 stars instead of 5. Overall I love this book and am so glad I read it. I loved the concept of sacred echo, where God repeats things in different sources, where everything seems to be saying the same thing. I loved the label she gave to it.

I received a copy from the publisher. I was in no way required to write a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

[Nancy Dafoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Shelly’s first book, Rhythms of Rest, I was looking forward to reading Searching for Certainty. Shelly, very poetically shares glimpses of her captivating personal story, along with the story of Moses. Both stories have less than idyllic beginnings, but Shelly illustrates how the sovereign hand of God protects, guides and blesses His beloved children when they turn to Him as they navigate life in a broken world. He has a divine plan and purpose when we ask, seek and knock. Here is where the door will be open to a life of peace amidst uncertainty.

“Uncertainty provides rescue from being stuck in the familiar ways of life that keep us from moving forward into the purposes of God. Wandering into the wilderness of the unknown is God’s divine re-orientation, from what we know in the present to what God knows about the future.”

I found the questions at the end of each chapter helpful and challenging for self-examination and reflection. I am going to read the book again, but more slowly and deliberately, listening for what God is speaking to me personally.

Amid a global pandemic and Shelly’s personal health crisis, her steadfast faith in God, the Faithful One is evident on every page.

I encourage you to read Searching for Certainty.

https://www.amazon.com/Searching-Cert...

[Audiogeist · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Love asks the most important question we are hesitant to ask ourselves: What are you relying on to feel at peace in the world?"

Right there: just one of the spiritual arrows in this book, shot through my heart.

What am I relying on? My family and I thought last year was bad enough with a series of medical diagnoses and financial worries including the very real prospect of losing our home. But it’s nothing compared to what 2020 had in store!

To my shame, my knee jerk reaction to unanswered prayer and uncertainty isn’t to patiently continue to seek out God in it all...it’s normally to pour a second or third glass of wine...

So, as i read through the pages of this book i realised that, the vignettes of Shelly Miller’s life, and the questions she poses at the end of each of her chapters are seeds of wisdom: "Uncertainty provides rescue from being stuck in the familiar ways of life that keep us from moving forward into the purposes of God." (The questions make the book great for a Home Group/Book Club study by the way!)

Let me share something with you - I was holding my breath as i started to read this book. I knew it would be special. This beautiful author has, in the last month, been given a terminal cancer diagnosis. However, her certainty in God’s presence and love in this uncertain time is so vibrant!

I’ve not just been reading this book, I’ve been living it. I've had a constant lump in my throat as Shelly’s gentle wisdom and nudges point to God’s love. Like, she’s caught my hands and brought them together in prayer.

[Bronwyn Jardin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that arrives with perfect timing in the era of pandemic.
“If uncertainty is a vulnerability, is it also an opportunity for deepening relationship with GOD?” Shelly Miller poses this and numerous questions to quietly ponder in her lovely new book, "Searching for Certainty: Finding God in the Disruptions of Life."

Both poetic and practical, the author shares her own faith story with parallels to that of Moses and the Exodus in the Old Testament. Despite fears, doubts, and setbacks, Shelly urges readers to take courage in the search for the assurance that only faith in God can provide. She illustrates God’s timely intervention in many examples throughout the work.

Through glimpses into the author’s life, we know her words ring assuring and true. She has trod the hard road, sought the Face of God and made the life-altering decision to meet her battles head-on with a generous reach toward others.

Self-examination questions at each chapter’s end engage us more deeply in the book. More than simply absorbing her words, though, she wants the reader to search for and rest in the certainty of a faithful life.

If this is your first encounter with Shelly Miller’s work, also read “Rhythms of Rest.” It may change the rhythm of your daily life and your search for a closer walk with the Christ who promises that by following Him, we shall find rest.

Shelly Miller’s Searching for Certainty is a work of literary art, both timely and timeless!
(I received a copy of the book from netgalley. This review is my own.)

[Kaethe · Rating 4 out of 5]

If ever a book were written for such a time as this, Shelly Miller's Searching for Certainty is that book. As we cast about on the stormy sea that is 2020, this book stands as a lighthouse, offering a path to solid ground. Shelly unfolds God's promises like notes warm from being tucked away in a pocket for so long and shows us how He kept those promises, one by one, through all her times of uncertainty. Each promise fulfilled, each tiny bit of stable footing, points to God's faithfulness, His abundant provision, even for the times when Shelly hadn't quite trusted the next step in His plan for her. As routines and schedules and plans change all around us, Shelly directs us towards God's steadfastness, His immovability, His permanence, reminding us that no matter what else shifts, God does not.
In addition to discussion questions for each chapter and suggested spiritual practices, Shelly surprises the reader with an extra gift into Searching for Certainty. Long noticed for her stunning photographs, particularly of London street scenes and the English countryside, she tucks these works throughout the book. As a final treat, she includes a series of photography exercises for those who would like to practice seeing God and His creation as she does. If you have struggled to find God or to see Him in the turmoil of this year, or any time, start with this book.

[Cindy Bone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Searching for Certainty by Shelly Miller is timely on so many levels. The uncertainty of 2020 with COVID-19, racial and political unrest, and my own season of health unknowns made this book a must-read for me and should be for you as well. We all walk through seasons where we need gentle and thought-provoking words of a friend to encourage us to look at our uncertainties as opportunities. While reading this book, I was encouraged, convicted, challenged, and brought to tears. Shelly is a wordsmith. Her use of words paints pictures or rather snaps photographs that help the reader more deeply understand how we can find God during times of trial. My book has so many underlined thoughts I want to remember. One of my favorite quotes says, “How can silence be God’s good answer for uncertainty that could have devastating consequences? The gift is not in the outcome; it is in knowing you are not alone. The answer you didn’t know you need to uncertainty is the assurance that you are loved; God’s presence is with you because you belong to Him.” This message becomes ever more poignant when coupled with Shelly’s health crisis. The book releases October 2020. I highly recommend this book.

[Sondra Kraak · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a world of uncertainty, one thing is certain: this is a book you will want to pick up and savor. With a storytelling voice, a tender spirit, and a bold speaking of truth, Shelly takes the reader on a journey through her life story, and also, the life of Moses. The weaving of those two narratives together--hers and Moses's--results in a large dose of hope for the reader. "If we were honest, most of us will admit that we long for certainty more than the uncertain new things God has in mind for us," Shelly writes. While uncertainty might surround us, paralyze us, and leave us longing for our heavenly home, Shelly encourages us to press into intimacy with our loving Heavenly Father, who will never leave us or forsake us. "Uncertainty causes anxiety, provoking us to choose coping mechanisms outside of Christ. But when we look at uncertainty through the lens of being loved by God, what we discern is greater purpose, deeper meaning, and broad perspective." This book will challenge you, entertain you, and leave you with the hope that God is a sure and steady foundation, trustworthy and true.