book review: "i want it all" by gwen smith

The Bible tells us that God is able to do above and beyond what we can ask for or imagine. So why do we rarely dream big dreams, think big thoughts or expect God to do great things through us?

Gwen Smith knows how easy it is to dismiss God's plan with thoughts such as, I can't make a big difference for God because I'm just an ordinary woman with an ordinary life. Yet God created us to join Him in doing amazing work in the world. He created us to live with abundant joy, courage, and influence - but not the joy, courage, and influence of the world. He offers grace for each failure, love to shatter hate, and peace that soothes our turmoil. He gives us comfort, guidance, wisdom, rest, power, and significance. Every blessing God has for us is ours for the taking.

This is a book that is so timely for me! Life is busy right now (but when is it not?) and I'm juggling everything but at the same time, wanting more of God. I don't want to ever be too busy for God. Gwen got me hooked right from the beginning: "I want more. I want to live beyond ordinary. I want revival. Authentic soul-level revival. I want a maxed-out faith in Jesus that believes big things of God and waits in great expectation for how He is going to show up and show off on Main Street each day."I love this! She so adequately sums up what I want.

Gwen shares from her life - the funny and the painful. She talks about wanting God even when things are hard or we're scared. "We tremble. God says, "Do not fear." We wander. Grace calls us out by name. We wane in the heat of the firestorms. Love shields us from the flames. We struggle in the streams and are swayed by the currents. God reaches for shaky hands, grips us with comfort, and assures us that we are not alone."

Each chapter ends with some reflection questions to get you thinking and get more from each chapter. This is a book to take your time with and really let it sink in! Because we're in a fight and we need to be ready for battle every day. I really like what Gwen says about the need for the Holy Spirit. "I need the Spirit of God because the battles are fierce. Are you whispering, "Amen?" We simply cannot go into a gunfight with plastic knives in our hands. If I want to live with all the power that the Lord has for me, then I have to invite the Holy Spirit to lead. Every. Single. Day."

I really enjoyed this book and how it encouraged my faith! Gwen challenged me to have that daily expectation that God is going to do something! I want to always be looking for His hand in things and having the confidence that He's at work! And trust Him in all things. Such a great read! There's also a video for the book that captures the theme of the book and it's read by Gwen. 

I received a copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. You can see other reviews in the blog tour by clicking here.