Experiencing God: A Review and Reflection

The question, "What is God's will for me?" has been a pressing and enduring concern for Christians, particularly among evangelical believers. It stems from a deep conviction that God is actively involved in the world and intricately engaged in the lives of His people. This question highlights a fundamental belief in a God who is not distant but intimately present, guiding His creation according to His purposes and will. For centuries, humanity has wrestled with contrasting perspectives about God's role in the universe. Some, particularly during the Enlightenment era, viewed God as a distant Creator—a divine clockmaker who set the world in motion and then left it to run its course without further intervention. For those of us who affirm the personal and providential nature of God, such a notion feels sterile and hopeless. How comforting it is to know that God is near, that He listens when we ask, "How does God guide me?" and responds with more than silence.

In Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God, Henry Blackaby presents a rich exploration of this vital topic, offering profound insights into how believers can discern God's will and experience His active guidance. The book, an expansion of a popular 13-week Bible study, has grown into 19 chapters that provide a more comprehensive treatment of Blackaby's teaching. While the original study functioned as a workbook, the book itself serves as a standalone guide, structured around what Blackaby calls the "Seven Realities of Experiencing God."

These Seven Realities are as follows:

1. God is always at work around you.
2. God pursues a continuing love relationship with you that is real and personal.
3. God invites you to become involved with Him in His work.
4. God speaks by the Holy Spirit through the Bible, prayer, circumstances, and the church to reveal Himself, His purposes, and His ways.
5. God's invitation for you to work with Him always leads you to a crisis of belief that requires faith and action.
6. You must make major adjustments in your life to join God in what He is doing.
7. You come to know God by experience as you obey Him, and He accomplishes His work through you.

The book begins with introductory chapters on knowing God's nature, doing His will, and embracing the role of a servant. These lay the groundwork for the rest of the book, which delves deeply into each of the Seven Realities.

Strengths of Experiencing God

Blackaby’s work is grounded in a conservative evangelical tradition and demonstrates an unwavering commitment to the authority of Scripture. From the very beginning, he emphasizes that God's Word is the ultimate guide for faith and practice. On page 6, he writes, “The Scriptures will be your source of authority for faith and practice. You cannot depend on human traditions, your experience, or the experience of others to be accurate authorities on God’s will and ways. Experience and tradition must always be examined against the teaching of Scripture.” This principle resonates throughout the book, ensuring that the focus remains firmly rooted in biblical truth.

One of the most refreshing aspects of Blackaby’s teaching is his insistence that knowing God’s will is not about following a formula or method. Instead, it flows naturally out of an intimate relationship with God. On page 138, he states, “Knowing God’s voice comes from an intimate love relationship with God.” Blackaby wisely prioritizes the relational aspect of faith over mere activity, reminding readers that their primary calling is to be in communion with God. He writes, “Sometimes individuals and churches are so busy doing things they think will help God accomplish His purpose that He can’t get their attention long enough to use them as servants to accomplish what He wants. A time will come when the doing will be called for, but we cannot skip the relationship. The relationship with God must come first” (p. 30).

Another strength of the book is its emphasis on God's initiative in the believer's life. Blackaby asserts that humans do not seek God out of their own volition; rather, it is God who first acts, drawing people to Himself in love. This view, while not strictly Reformed, leans toward a theologically rich understanding of God’s sovereignty in salvation and His ongoing work in believers’ lives. He writes, “God always takes the initiative to establish a love relationship with you” (p. 89). Such teaching challenges readers to recognize God's hand in every aspect of their spiritual journey and to respond in faith and obedience.

Points for Caution

While there is much to commend in Experiencing God, certain aspects of Blackaby’s teaching warrant careful consideration. One of the primary areas of concern is his focus on discerning God's will through subjective impressions and direct "assignments." Throughout the book, Blackaby frequently recounts examples of individuals or churches sensing that God was calling them to specific tasks, such as, “One of our churches believed that God was calling them to…” or “Our association was convinced that God wanted us to…” (pp. 23, 41). He advises, “Whenever God gives you a directive, it is always right” (p. 24), and even suggests writing down what God says during quiet times (p. 172).

While these stories are compelling, they raise important questions: How can one be certain that such impressions truly come from God? History provides cautionary tales of individuals misinterpreting personal feelings or impulses as divine directives, often with disastrous consequences. For example, during the Great Awakening, John Davenport led his congregation in destructive acts under the mistaken belief that he was obeying God's will. Such examples remind us of the importance of testing subjective impressions against Scripture and seeking wise counsel within the church.

Another concern lies in Blackaby's use of Scripture. In one story, a woman struggling with a decision to move to New York sensed God speaking to her through Luke 4, where Jesus left His hometown to preach the gospel. While the story illustrates God’s active involvement in our lives, it also raises the issue of proper hermeneutics. Scripture has a specific, unchanging meaning rooted in its original context, and applying it directly to personal circumstances without considering that context can lead to misinterpretation.

A Balanced Approach

For those seeking a more balanced perspective on discerning God’s will, I recommend Jim Elliff's Led by the Spirit. Elliff emphasizes that while subjective impressions should not be ruled out, they are not the normative way God leads His people. Instead, God primarily shapes believers through His Word, the Holy Spirit's work in renewing their minds, and the sanctification of their reasoning faculties.

This approach aligns with the broader biblical witness. While extraordinary revelations were given to figures like Moses and Paul, these events were the exception rather than the rule. Most often, God guides His people through the ordinary means of grace: Scripture, prayer, wise counsel, and the circumstances of life.

Conclusion

Experiencing God is a valuable resource that inspires Christians to pursue a deeper relationship with God and to recognize His activity in their lives. Blackaby's emphasis on the relational nature of faith and the centrality of Scripture are strengths that make this book worth reading. However, readers should approach the book with discernment, particularly regarding its teachings on subjective impressions and the interpretation of Scripture. By grounding their faith in God's Word and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, believers can navigate the challenges of life with confidence, knowing that God is indeed with them, leading and directing their steps.