God Is Able, 10th Anniversary Edition

by Priscilla Shirer

I wrote the first edition of this book a decade ago. I was young and confident. Then ten years happened. To me. To you. To us. 

I’m not quite as young as I once was, but I am still as confident as ever in this undeniable our God is able. While so much in all our lives has changed, He has remained the same. His capacity, character, and compassion have not shifted an inch because His power is supernatural, is never diminished, and is ever available to His children.  

God is able.

Whether you and I have crossed paths in these pages before or it’s your first time to savor the beautiful truths found in Ephesians 3:20–21, I invite you to join me in this ten-years-wiser, updated edition, where I hope you’ll be reminded that your Father is able to take you above whatever you’ve been living beneath.  

He’s done it before.  
He’ll do it again. 

Priscilla 

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Faith, Christian Living, Christian Non Fiction, Christianity, Spirituality

160 pages, Paperback

First published September 3, 2013

About the author

Priscilla Shirer is a wife and a mom first. But put a Bible in her hand and a message in her heart and you’ll see why thousands flock to her conferences and dive into her Bible study series’ and books each year.

A graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary, Priscilla holds a Master’s degree in Biblical Studies and considers it a privilege to serve believers from every denomination and culture by helping them to know the truths of Scripture intellectually and encouraging them to experience these truths practically by the power of the Holy Spirit.

In addition to Priscilla’s participation in many church and para-church conferences across the globe each year, Going Beyond Ministries hosts AWAKEN – an outreach event in their hometown designed to encourage and mobilize women locally. This free gathering brings together thousands of women from different denominations and backgrounds several times a year in an effort to stir revival.

Going Beyond Ministries also equips believers through books and Bible study resources. Priscilla has authored over a dozen video driven studies for women and teens on a myriad of Biblical characters and topics including Jonah, Gideon, the Exodus, discerning God’s voice, The Armor of God.

Her books include Discerning the Voice of God, God is Able, and two New York Times Bestsellers – The Resolution for Women and Fervent: A Woman’s Battle Plan for Serious, Specific and Strategic Prayer, which was named the 2016 Christian Book of the Year. Her latest offering is a 365-day devotional called Awaken: 90 Days with the God Who Speaks. In 2016, Priscilla ventured into the world of children’s publishing with The Prince Warriors, a fiction 4-book series and accompanying 365-day devotional (Unseen) designed to equip tween boys and girls for victory in spiritual warfare.

Priscilla has been married to Jerry for 20 years. Between studying and writing, she spends most of her time cleaning up after (and trying to satisfy the appetites of) their three growing boys – Jackson, Jerry Jr. and Jude.

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was going to be a fast, easy read since it is so short... Boy was I wrong! Priscilla does a fabulous job really, deeply expounding on Ephesians 3:20-21. It was so packed that I could only listen to bite-sized chunks at a time!

Also, thumbs up to the narrator, Lisa Renee Pitts. She did an absolutely fabulous job really putting a lot of emotion into this and retaining the heart & soul that I am sure Priscilla Shirer put into writing this book.

I highly recommend it to anyone & everyone, especially those who are wanting to grow deeper in their prayer life by truly realizing that God is able to do it all!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very refreshing, encouraging read. It was easy to read yet made memorable applications in my life. If you want a boost in your prayer life and learning to trust God, I would not hesitate to pick this book up!

[Smilinhere · Rating 5 out of 5]

God is Able by Priscilla Shirer...

some of my favorite parts:

Endowed by God with an enormous amount of power, yet tinkering along at a spiritual snail's pace, taking up a lane but not really letting Him take us anywhere. <>

His power is able to shut your mouth, stifle your anger, make you scrupulously honest, help you extend true forgiveness, purify you and show you how to become the same person in private as you claim to be in public

His power is able to restore your desires, renew your love, refashion your marriage into one that honors God not because you've reached some level of perfection but because of the heart of grace you share with one another

His power can also lead you to parent your children with loving caring responsibility to perform your job with diligence and integrity to treat your employees with understanding and character-driven leadership

Our lives are one long battle after another, waged by the same enemy who's been trying to destroy us since the moment we first passed through our mother's womb. We feel the battle in our homes, in our relationships, in our bodies in our heads <>

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this quick yet powerful read, Shirer breaks down Ephesians 3:20-21 phrase by phrase. I loved how she took only two verses and showed how powerful they really are and what it means for us who need reminders of God's ability in hopeless situations. I will certainly never look at those verses in the same way again, and am really inspired to begin looking at scripture in a deeper way and work on truly realizing that each word is important and points back to God.

One of the most impacting details for me was that Paul wrote this particular part of scripture while he was imprisoned - to write those words during what had to be one of the most horrible situations he had ever encountered - it was a powerful reminder for me - even if God didn't act on Paul's behalf, Paul never doubted that He was able to do so, and neither should I.

[Colleen Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is what I needed at the right time in my life. I didn't want to bother God with the small things in my life. There is way to much going on in the world for me to bother God with this. But God is able to do abundantly beyond all that we ask or think. There are a couple of quotes that I love from this book. "Just because God can doesn't mean he will." "But just because He hasn't doesn't mean He won't". Powerful book. A must read for sure.

[Amy | Foxy Blogs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy nonfiction books, so when I saw that Priscilla Shirer (an actress) wrote God Is Able, I picked it up. She unpacks Paul’s prison epistles, specifically Ephesians 3:20, and shows how God can handle anything we bring to Him. Her personal examples reminded me of David in the Psalms—how he poured out his raw emotions before God—and it reinforced that we can do the same.

Overall, it’s a quick yet impactful read, filled with scripture and insights that highlight how God has the power to transform our lives, no matter the situation.

Audiobook source: Hoopla
Narrator: Lisa Renee-Pitts
Length: 4h 20m

[Riley :)]

no rating ⭐️

Really liked this one! It’s such a great reminder of God’s ability! His plan is always better than anything we could ever imagine! 🥳

[Kathleen (Kat) Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

"No matter who you are, however old or young, there's always at least one thing. That thing in your life you can't seem to - you know, escape or fix or solve. It's just...it's ...(Sigh.)

It's always there. Just when you think you've maybe figured out a little piece of it - how you might be able to handle it better, manage it, work around it, or get out ahead of it - it always seems to end up beating you, or at least keeping you awake in the wee hours of the night.

You've tried. (Oh, Lord, how you've tried.) You've prayed. You've asked. You've begged. You've fretted. You've calculated. You've eaten better. You've exercised more.

You've tried being gentler, then firmer. Louder, then more quieter. More assertive, then more submissive. You've admitted where you went wrong and refused to gloat when you were right. You feel like you've done everything you can think of. And honestly, you're starting to seriously wonder now if God can do this, if He can do...It.

You'd still like to think He can. And if you were to spout all your churchy rhetoric, it'd sure sound like you believe He can. But deep down - down where you soul pulses with doubt and uneasiness - you wonder about that circumstance, that life issue, that dilemma you're facing. God may be able to keep the stars in the sky, the earth tilted on its axis, and the heavens hung in glorious array. But can He do this? It?"(pg 1-3)

In her latest book, God Is Able, Priscilla Shirer takes the reader into a look at what God is capable of through a personal look at her own doubts and unbeliefs when she was struggling. That no one has it all together no matter how famous or close to God they appear to be. She shows us that no matter how difficult our situations may be or how caught off guard they may have found you, they can carve out a deep foothold where doubt could settle in. But if you and I don't turn to face these things, we'd never come face to face with Him. And our God's not having any of that. She write is such a way you feel as if you're having a one on one conversation with a close personal friend, something I love when reading non fiction books.

I received God is Able by Priscilla Shirer compliments of B and H Publishers and Icon Media Group for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed in this review are my own. This is such an exciting book because as believers, we all find ourselves struggling to keep our head above the storm waters that threaten to consume us. Yet even in the heart of the storm, Priscilla showcases how God is Able to do the Impossible through her own personal experiences and using the scripture reference of "Now to him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all we ask or think according the power that works within us to Him be the glory" found in Ephesians 3:20-21. She pulls apart those verses to encourage readers to see what God can do in their lives, in their situations to not only answer their prayers if it His will but more importantly to see God in what is happening. This is such a great resource for anyone who has ever struggled and wondered where God was in their life. For that reason I give this a perfect 5 out of 5 stars and this is one I plan on referring to quite a bit whenever doubt tends to creep back into my life about what God is able to do!

[Reagan Sprout · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE this book! Focusing on Ephesians 3:20-21, Priscilla does an incredible job teaching that our God is able.

[Becka · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book. The topic of the book is very timely-that while our circumstances can and do change, God does not change and He is able to do far beyond what we can imagine. I think the execution of the book could have been better. It lacks the depth I was looking for and paints something of a “prayer vending machine” picture of God. There needs to be a better balance between God’s ability to answer our prayers in ways beyond our imaginations and our responsibility to accept in faith when His answer to our prayers is No. This side of the equation is minimalized by the author, which renders the book much less effective.

Thanks go to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Meagan Nicholson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good and easy read. There were a lot of themes that I enjoyed reading about and definitely benefited from. In general, I think some of the analogies to make it relatable and more “fun” prevent the topics from going to a greater depth but that does make it more digestible to read. It’s simple but that doesn’t make it less powerful. 3.5⭐️

[PollyAnna Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on Ephesians 3:20-21, Priscilla reminds us that GOD I.S. ABLE. What a wonderful read. This is a book that I encourage all my fellow Believers read, especially if you are struggling in your faith. What a wonderful reminder of God's exceeding abundant ability.

[Isaac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our God is ABLE! The one "who is able" is the one who's telling you the truth.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re going through a difficult season, have gone through months or years of unanswered prayers, and/or have simply stopped believing that God is able or even cares about what is troubling you….you need to read this book! This was gifted to me by a friend for my birthday this past January (she knew I’ve been in a difficult season in my walk w/God) and sat in my desk for months without having any inclination of reading it. Then I picked it up in April only to read a few chapters and forget about it. It wasn’t until 2 weeks ago that I decided to start over and I am SO glad that I did. I’ve always loved Priscilla Shirer ever since I went through her “Discerning God’s Voice” Bible study, so I knew that this would be a good read, at the very least. But wow, this book was so on point for me in this season! Amazing how God can bring the right message right when we need it most. God has used this book to strengthen my faith in Him and give me a sense of inner peace & expectation in His ability to respond to my prayers. Simply put this is a must read for anyone who is or has ever struggled with unanswered prayers! Won’t regret reading this! 💕

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

God is ABLE! Shirer writes for the common person and makes things simple. I wanted to absorb and think about everything. I often found myself turning to my bible to look up verses and to take notes on ideas that I could use to change my daily life. Based on Ephesians 3:20-21, you will come to know, understand and incorporate the lesson into every aspect of your life. Definitely one of the vest self-help christian books I've read in a long time.

[Melissa Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully funny and equally inspirational about all the good that Jesus can bring to our lives! This book went abundantly beyond my expectations!! 🤣

[Tina "IRead2Escape" · Rating 4 out of 5]

God is Able is a definite must read for anyone that needs that little kick in the pants to really start trusting God with your problems. The book begins with clear and helpful instruction on how to find your It. Your It is actually the one thing that you've tried to handle yourself over and over but it is always there. It is the one thing that you need to give to God and trust him to help you, after all you've not been able to do it yourself.

Once you've found your It the book is filled with fantastic chapters detailing all of the impossible things that God has done throughout the bible clearly illustrating that your It isn't too big for our Lord. Every time I would read a chapter I found that I was becoming more and more confident in the Lord to help me. Obviously, this book can't cure what is plaguing in your life but you are left with a feeling of a huge weight off your shoulders once you truly surrender yourself and your problems to God.

I will definitely read more books written by Priscilla Shirer. I found this book life changing.

[Candace · Rating 4 out of 5]

What is the It in your life that you have tried to handle, that continues to defeat you, and that you have prayed about, begged and fretted over? Priscilla Shirer takes us through the study of Ephesians 3:20-21. By studying and reinforcing these verses, we realize God is able to handle our It or our Its. We have a God who loves us, will not leave us, and is abundantly able to handle and solve our Its. This encouraging and uplifting book will inspire and teach us how to give it to God, who is able.

Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)

[Amy J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man, my soul NEEDED this. I loved it, lived it, was enriched by it.
For me, someone who is not often found dipping into conversational-tone theological writing, this was refreshing, lighter, and somehow more personal than any thick, deep, heavy, exegetical theology has ever been (except for maybe Tim Keller).
I have now revised my hard-and-fast rule that only heavy theology can deepen relationship with God. Sometimes we really need to sit down with someone who is going to take the time emphatically to drive home a point into our thick skulls. That was what Priscilla Shirer's book did for me. It was inspiring, moving, encouraging, and just GOOD.
First experience of Shirer's ministry, and I am grateful for her and keen to hear more through her ministry.

Side note: I listened to the audiobook narrated by Lisa Renee-Pitts. Usually I listen to audiobooks on 1.5x speed or more, otherwise books feel really slow. I prefer a more conversational pace. This narrator was extra, extra slow. But somehow, it worked. Particularly for the first few chapters which really require you to think.

[Robyn Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thankful for this powerful reminder of God’s ability. Ephesians 3:20-21 serves as the foundation for this book. It’s a verse I have heard dozens of times in my life but after reading “God is Able” I have a more comprehensive understanding of not only this verse but the character of God. Nothing is beyond His ability. He is not just powerful, He Himself is power. These truths matter. These truths change the way I think, the way I speak, the way I live!

[Karina Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t remember much but remember this book profoundly impacting me in HS as it spent a whole book breaking down Ephesians 3:20-21. Huge point was that BECAUSE God is able to do anything, what he allows to happen in this broken world is the best way. In my mind, it’s like the best doctor who has all the medicine and tools in the world yet his decision to prescribe x or not prescribe at all is ultimately the best course of action given his expert knowledge.

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book and came away with a new question for each day: What can I do to bring more glory to You this day or in this situation, LORD?

I will be actively looking for opportunities to glorify God in each and every day. As usual, Priscilla Shirer brings scripture to life and to the workings in your every day life.

Excellent read!

[Lynnette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her books are always so inspiring! She is a little bit more on the charismatic side than I am but she keeps what she says grounded in the Bible. I find her conversational style refreshing and encouraging. This book really reminded me of how great and amazing God's work is in each one of our lives and convicted me not to take what happens in life for granted.

[Melissa Widener · Rating 5 out of 5]

God is Able by Priscilla Shirer
4.9⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 0/5
Cursing: none
Format/Source: audio from Hoopla
Genres/Tropes: Christian, non-fiction, inspirational
Audience: Adult
Setting: n/a
Characters: God, Bible "characters," Priscilla and her family
👍 encouragement, reference lots of Bible verses, uses lots of personal experiences for examples
👎 none

[Christy Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a powerful book, and the only reason I gave it four stars instead of five is because I listened to the audible version, and I wasn’t thrilled with the reader. Maybe that’s not fair because the content is definitely five stars. 😊

[Hannah Bonner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow.. Something I will definitely keep in my toolbox when I face a challenge and feel my faith begins to waver. The breakdown of Paul’s doxology in Ephesians 3:20-21 was a very timely word for me. Read A LOT of tidbits that I didn’t know I needed to hear.

[Nora Martinez · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75❤

[Nae · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING!!!!!

[Sea Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely the best book I’ve read all year!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect combination of clarity, positivity, and hope.