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Finding Your Yes: Living a Life That's Open to God's Invitations
Finding your yes is all about living a life of openness to the invitations of God in our lives. Christine Wagoner, a senior leader with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, invites readers to be attentive to the movements of the Spirit and engage with opportunities God gives them. She shares about her own yes moments as well as those of others. And she offers practical tools for moving toward yes. There is a significant journey that gets us from no to yes. It is a profound journey of heart, soul, and mind. A journey filled with risk, excitement, pain, and joy. A journey of growing our character and knowing God intimately. And―with questions both large and small―it's a journey we take again and again throughout our lives. Would you like to live into your yes?
168 pages, Paperback
Published May 18, 2021
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55 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 24, 2021
Summary: An exploration of what it means to listen for God’s invitations and say “yes” to them.
One of the questions I often dealt with in student ministry was how one knows God’s will. Christine Wagoner, in Finding Your Yes, suggests that one of the key aspects of this is listening for God’s invitations, and that implies that God is even more interested in guiding us, at times, than we are to be guided.
The book is divided into two parts. The first is “Getting to Yes.” She begins by confessing that “yes” has often begun with “no.” She illustrates this with the story of how she kept saying “no” to writing as well as to teaching a woman’s group in her church and how Jesus pursued her until she said “yes.” She discusses all the “not me” obstacles we erect to those invitations, and how Jesus can shift our perspective, as he did with the woman at the well. She addresses the places of inner resistance, particularly our fear of failure. She tells stories of people who began with small “yesses” and how these led into bigger things. And she discusses how we grow in our yes through partnership and debriefing.
The second part is “Staying with your Yes.” Yes doesn’t automatically lead to a promised land of fruitful life. Sometimes “yes” involves waiting, as it did for Abraham, or recalibrating, when a reality we’ve said “yes” to, like motherhood, is not being fulfilled. Sometimes we say “yes” and life seems to fall apart. Were we mistaken? Sometimes “yes” takes us to a place of pain. Some of this is complicated by lies of the enemy: “this will destroy you”, “if, as a woman, you keep growing as a leader, you will never get married.” She talks about how we sometimes say “no” without exploring the possibility of yes and sometimes have a “no” concealed in our “yes.” I did find myself wondering in this chapter about discerning when God is inviting us to say “no” in order to say “yes.” Finally, she concludes with the joy of a life of saying “yes” again and again.
Wagoner shares a lot of her own experiences of God’s little and bigger invitations, her struggles to find her way to “yes” and then to live into those “yesses.” She writes as a woman leader, single until approaching forty. Her story may help other women who struggle with what saying “yes” to God may mean in terms of marriage and family, and where the use of one’s gifts defy traditional gender role expectations. But the basic message of the book speaks to men as well as women. God’s invitations come to all of us, and we all find ways to try to deflect them, or struggle within ourselves to say “yes.”
As we approach the new year, this book may be helpful as we consider what God may be inviting us to say “yes” to in the coming year. The questions at the end of each chapter are great to talk over with a trusted friend. As Wagoner reminds us, we often grow into and through our “yesses” with partners on the journey. Wagoner’s book can also be a partner in the journey of finding your yes.
____________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
One of the questions I often dealt with in student ministry was how one knows God’s will. Christine Wagoner, in Finding Your Yes, suggests that one of the key aspects of this is listening for God’s invitations, and that implies that God is even more interested in guiding us, at times, than we are to be guided.
The book is divided into two parts. The first is “Getting to Yes.” She begins by confessing that “yes” has often begun with “no.” She illustrates this with the story of how she kept saying “no” to writing as well as to teaching a woman’s group in her church and how Jesus pursued her until she said “yes.” She discusses all the “not me” obstacles we erect to those invitations, and how Jesus can shift our perspective, as he did with the woman at the well. She addresses the places of inner resistance, particularly our fear of failure. She tells stories of people who began with small “yesses” and how these led into bigger things. And she discusses how we grow in our yes through partnership and debriefing.
The second part is “Staying with your Yes.” Yes doesn’t automatically lead to a promised land of fruitful life. Sometimes “yes” involves waiting, as it did for Abraham, or recalibrating, when a reality we’ve said “yes” to, like motherhood, is not being fulfilled. Sometimes we say “yes” and life seems to fall apart. Were we mistaken? Sometimes “yes” takes us to a place of pain. Some of this is complicated by lies of the enemy: “this will destroy you”, “if, as a woman, you keep growing as a leader, you will never get married.” She talks about how we sometimes say “no” without exploring the possibility of yes and sometimes have a “no” concealed in our “yes.” I did find myself wondering in this chapter about discerning when God is inviting us to say “no” in order to say “yes.” Finally, she concludes with the joy of a life of saying “yes” again and again.
Wagoner shares a lot of her own experiences of God’s little and bigger invitations, her struggles to find her way to “yes” and then to live into those “yesses.” She writes as a woman leader, single until approaching forty. Her story may help other women who struggle with what saying “yes” to God may mean in terms of marriage and family, and where the use of one’s gifts defy traditional gender role expectations. But the basic message of the book speaks to men as well as women. God’s invitations come to all of us, and we all find ways to try to deflect them, or struggle within ourselves to say “yes.”
As we approach the new year, this book may be helpful as we consider what God may be inviting us to say “yes” to in the coming year. The questions at the end of each chapter are great to talk over with a trusted friend. As Wagoner reminds us, we often grow into and through our “yesses” with partners on the journey. Wagoner’s book can also be a partner in the journey of finding your yes.
____________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
May 3, 2021
From the very first chapter, Christine Wagoner's book draws you in. I underlined and highlighted something that stood out to me on almost every single page. She makes you think about what our true motives might be in saying no to something that God might have planned for us to say yes to.
One of the quotes that stood out to me is this, "Where does gravity pull you? Perhaps saying yes conjures up a level of anxiety as you think about the energy it will require and how it will disrupt your routine." Really makes you think. I am really enjoying reading this book.
One of the quotes that stood out to me is this, "Where does gravity pull you? Perhaps saying yes conjures up a level of anxiety as you think about the energy it will require and how it will disrupt your routine." Really makes you think. I am really enjoying reading this book.
May 18, 2021
This book by Christine Wagoner is a helpful tool packed with wisdom and encouragement for readers who want to be more open and responsive to the opportunities that God provides. Wagoner addresses the reasons we tend to hesitate as well as the obstacles that stand in the way of saying "yes," while also highlighting the life-changing and world-changing benefits of stepping out in faith. She models what it looks like to step toward "yes" through personal stories and Biblical text, and cheers us on to live a life open to God's invitations.
May 1, 2021
"Getting to yes rarely follows a straight path. It can be turbulent, uncomfortable, and nerve wracking. It can be messy. Getting to yes will require courage and a good measure of faith in our great and sovereign God. As we encounter unexpected detours on our journey, God may surprise us with joy and reveal our purpose as we follow him." ~ Christine Wagoner
I truly enjoyed this book. It felt like conversation with a dear friend. Christine beautifully shares her personal stories of saying Yes to God's leading in her life. She also provides moving stories of others' yeses to God while at the same time weaving in familiar Bible stories in a fresh and new perspective. Taking risks in saying yes can mean taking a big chance on life and experiencing heartache along the way, but it also means experiencing pure joy in following God's plan for your life. Christine address all this and more in this book. I plan to reread this book to gain even more insight.
I truly enjoyed this book. It felt like conversation with a dear friend. Christine beautifully shares her personal stories of saying Yes to God's leading in her life. She also provides moving stories of others' yeses to God while at the same time weaving in familiar Bible stories in a fresh and new perspective. Taking risks in saying yes can mean taking a big chance on life and experiencing heartache along the way, but it also means experiencing pure joy in following God's plan for your life. Christine address all this and more in this book. I plan to reread this book to gain even more insight.
May 4, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. I struggle with decisions and this book reminds me that instead of saying no immediately, I can be open to opportunities, pray about them and see where God takes me. One line that resonated with me, "When I'm faced with these risky invitations, fear can take over. But when I'm open to Jesus meddling in my life, then the journey begins." I also liked that all the author's points are backed up with scripture.
August 25, 2025
Each chapter Christine shares stories from both real-life people and from the Bible, making the lessons feel both relatable and grounded in Scripture. What I appreciated most was how every chapter ends with “spiritual experiments”—practical, hands-on ways to live out or reflect on what she’s teaching.
This combination of storytelling, Biblical wisdom, and actionable next steps makes the book both inspiring and useful.
This combination of storytelling, Biblical wisdom, and actionable next steps makes the book both inspiring and useful.
March 28, 2024
Definitely felt inspired to be more open to opportunities that the Lord may be putting in my life. I enjoyed the stories that Christine told about people who said "Yes" to God even when it seemed scary or didn't make sense.
However, some parts felt pretty repetitive and I found myself zoning out a bit during the explanations of different ideas. The stories always drew me back in.
However, some parts felt pretty repetitive and I found myself zoning out a bit during the explanations of different ideas. The stories always drew me back in.
May 10, 2021
An honest look at the decision thought process and how to include God’s invitation to something out of your comfort zone. This book is helpful at recognizing the journey and blessing new things bring. “The first layers of reasoning for no may be the first steps in finding a yes.”
July 7, 2021
So encouraging!! A quick read all about leaving your hand open to what God can do in your life. Such an eye opening book with both Biblical and modern day examples of people leaning on the Lord and letting Him have His way in their life
February 21, 2023
I loved this book. In the midst of discernment this book has lead me alongside Christ and His Word through decisions and being bold in “my next yes”. Christine walked me through the fear we face and the adventures we take on our journey to what God has in store next for us. I am so thankful.
June 4, 2021
Christine is insightful and leaves you with plenty to chew on! The book is short so it isn't overwhelming, but I enjoyed taking my time with it, really processing each chapter.
August 6, 2021
A great sabbatical read as I cultivate an attitude of gratitude and discern God's invitations.
November 11, 2021
Hopeful, practical and encouraging for those who are discerning!
February 3, 2022
A delightful book that makes it feel like I'm sitting with Christine Wagoner, while she encourages me to say yes!
September 11, 2022
I am so impressed with this book by Christine Wagoner!! It is if she has taken the words right out of my head. This is filled with the Truth of God's promises that we all have worth and we all have a purpose. When we say YES, even when we are doubting and unsure, God will meet us where we are and work through us for his purposes. I am so thankful Christine shared her heart through this book for us all to learn and feel encouraged. Great job! Looking forward to the next one!!
Stacy Turley
Stacy Turley
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews