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What Now?: How to Move into Your Next Season
I want to live God’s calling, but where do I begin? Be it in the midst of a spiritual lull, a midlife crisis, or an unforeseen pandemic, at some point all Christians feel the need to readdress and reorient to move toward God’s calling for their lives. What Now? is for anyone who wants to emerge from stagnation and envision what could be best for their next season of life. You’ll learn how Don’t let confusion or fear of the unknown keep you from moving toward the fullness of God’s plan for your life. Instead, learn to listen to the spiritual whisper directing you to the next stage in your divine calling. As you long to live differently and find your heart awakening to new possibilities, What Now? will help you step forward bravely.
- GenresChristian Non Fiction
96 pages, Paperback
Published July 7, 2020
9 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
September 15, 2020
Two months ago, my wife and I pulled the trigger on a move we’d been planning for over two years. I had moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, seven years prior, taking on the positions of pastor and coach while she completed her undergrad, then graduate work. Shortly before she graduated, we adopted a baby. Next plan: travel the world. Time for me to take a sabbatical, then go back to school. Time for her to take a job that would allow us to travel and see where in the US we wanted to settle.
We were just a few weeks from that transition when another adoption opportunity dropped in our lap. We felt it was of God, so we took it. Just about two years later—with a two-year-old and one-year-old in tow and amid a global pandemic—made the move. Sold 90% of our possessions, including the house, and moved 700 miles to live with friends for the first leg of the transition.
Our movement into the next season has been a bit rocky. COVID19 has put to death many of original hopes to see the country, as well as making the job seeking process much more difficult, and my wife’s therapy job much different. Meanwhile, because my church was meeting online, I continued to pastor from a distance until early August.
As we look forward to what’s next, we’re truly asking the question: What Now? It was providential, I think, that this book fell into my lap when it did. Mark Jobe gave me hope, talked me through the tough times, and reminded me to stay the course and continue to live on the edge of faith.
What Now? is a tiny book. Hand-sized and around 90 pages, it’s a quick read. But several days after reading it, Jobe’s words and experiences have stuck with me. He gives readers five steps in moving into a new season:
Quiet your soul to listen.
Re-envision your life story.
Adjust your thinking.
Invite others to your journey.
Take the bold first step.
I love that I can look back on our own move and see each of those steps play out in that order. And so now that we find ourselves a month out from the second leg of the journey with wildly different possible opportunities (Alaska, Philadelphia, or England…seriously), I have a written-down blueprint for moving forward.
It’s not easy. It’s not always fun. But if you are needing to take that first step into something new—or if COVID has left you without a job and forced into some new move—Mark Jobe can guide you through to the answer. What Now? is one of those books I’d encourage churches to buy in bulk and have on hand for anytime church members go through a move or a job change/loss. It’s a helpful look forward and Jobe’s retelling of his own experiences provides readers with a sense of solidarity.
We were just a few weeks from that transition when another adoption opportunity dropped in our lap. We felt it was of God, so we took it. Just about two years later—with a two-year-old and one-year-old in tow and amid a global pandemic—made the move. Sold 90% of our possessions, including the house, and moved 700 miles to live with friends for the first leg of the transition.
Our movement into the next season has been a bit rocky. COVID19 has put to death many of original hopes to see the country, as well as making the job seeking process much more difficult, and my wife’s therapy job much different. Meanwhile, because my church was meeting online, I continued to pastor from a distance until early August.
As we look forward to what’s next, we’re truly asking the question: What Now? It was providential, I think, that this book fell into my lap when it did. Mark Jobe gave me hope, talked me through the tough times, and reminded me to stay the course and continue to live on the edge of faith.
What Now? is a tiny book. Hand-sized and around 90 pages, it’s a quick read. But several days after reading it, Jobe’s words and experiences have stuck with me. He gives readers five steps in moving into a new season:
Quiet your soul to listen.
Re-envision your life story.
Adjust your thinking.
Invite others to your journey.
Take the bold first step.
I love that I can look back on our own move and see each of those steps play out in that order. And so now that we find ourselves a month out from the second leg of the journey with wildly different possible opportunities (Alaska, Philadelphia, or England…seriously), I have a written-down blueprint for moving forward.
It’s not easy. It’s not always fun. But if you are needing to take that first step into something new—or if COVID has left you without a job and forced into some new move—Mark Jobe can guide you through to the answer. What Now? is one of those books I’d encourage churches to buy in bulk and have on hand for anytime church members go through a move or a job change/loss. It’s a helpful look forward and Jobe’s retelling of his own experiences provides readers with a sense of solidarity.
June 21, 2020
What Now? How to Move Into Your Next Season by Mark Jobe gently prompts readers to take the steps needed to move from one season to the next—to take the steps necessary for transition. While it’s not easy, Jobe helps readers see it’s doable and it’s necessary while gently guiding readers step-by-step through the process. It’s not a quick read, but it’s meant to be contemplated and reflected upon and journaled through. But those who seriously dig in and do the hard work will find that while transition may not be easy, it’s necessary and fulfilling and it’s God’s intention. Jobe starts by telling readers they can’t stay where they are—movement must happen. Then he helps readers learn to quiet their soul, to listen to God and position themselves to hear from him. Next, Jobe encourages readers to re-envision their future, to adjust their thinking and to invite others on the journey. Then, Jobe ends by encouraging readers to take the next bold step. Prayer, contemplation and planning don’t do any good unless you take the next big step—with boldness, courage and faith. Both gentle and firm, Jobe helps readers prepare to move forward. If you’re sending that a transition is at hand, pick up a copy of What Now? Journey and journal through it and you’ll find yourself positioned for the next season.
Note: I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for this honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Note: I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for this honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.
September 13, 2020
I received an ARC from Moody Publishers, via NetGalley. This review is my opinion.
In his book, Pastor Mark Jobe helps us to navigate the unknown waters of the unexpected. Our world as we know it has changed and we need to move on, make new roads, and decisions following God’s voice. But how we do that? And where do we start? I like that this book is easy to read, gives you real and practical and sound advice. I like that Pastor Mark is open and honest about his in-between moments and I believe that with the help of God the steps he gave on his book can be a big blessing and can help us with God's help to go in the right direction.
In his book, Pastor Mark Jobe helps us to navigate the unknown waters of the unexpected. Our world as we know it has changed and we need to move on, make new roads, and decisions following God’s voice. But how we do that? And where do we start? I like that this book is easy to read, gives you real and practical and sound advice. I like that Pastor Mark is open and honest about his in-between moments and I believe that with the help of God the steps he gave on his book can be a big blessing and can help us with God's help to go in the right direction.
September 13, 2020
What Now? How to Move into Your Next Season is like having a trustworthy friend speaking to you over coffee. For anyone looking to move forward in their life, this compact guide offers the outline for taking that first step: Be still. Listen to God. Re-envision your future and your calling in life. Reach out to others. Stay in touch with your heart. These (and more) are all discussed in a gentle yet straightforward way, offering those willing to listen and step forward bravely the chance to live in a new season, full and fulfilled.
I received an ARC of this title through the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC of this title through the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 16, 2020
Mark Jobe encourages his reader to move forward in life when it is easier to remain stagnant. His tone is friendly, and he brings many of his own stories to bear in the conversation, most of which are entertaining. Even though they are not completely relatable in themselves, Jobe does a good job in showing their relevance for the reader as well.
The steps he offers are genuinely helpful for someone processing how to move forward into what’s next. A timely, easily digestible read “for such a time as this.”
My one critique is that his personal stories take up what seems like most of the short booklet. But once again, he shows how they are at least relevant.
The steps he offers are genuinely helpful for someone processing how to move forward into what’s next. A timely, easily digestible read “for such a time as this.”
My one critique is that his personal stories take up what seems like most of the short booklet. But once again, he shows how they are at least relevant.
July 24, 2020
Great book if you want to move out of your comfort zone.
January 3, 2024
Great book! It will help you to get out of your fears and doubts with inspiring stories, testimonies and very practical steps.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews