Craig Groeschel has written another terrific book. I havent stood behind him watching him make his decisions, but Ive seen him stand behind the ones hes made, both the easy ones and the hard ones. These are true words from a humble guy who lives what he talks about.
B OB G OFF , author, New York Times bestselling Love Does
Not many people can write a book that makes following God look easy. But thats exactly what Pastor Craig Groeschel has done in this down-to-earth, practical, life-giving message. This isnt just another book about decision making; its more about the story of our whole lives that our daily decisions create. We dont have to live by chance; we can live on purpose, on course, and part of the larger story God is weaving on the earth.
J UDAH S MITH , lead pastor, The City Church; author, New York Times bestselling Jesus Is _____
I believe our daily choices take us into our lifelong destiny. Thats why I am so excited that Craig Groeschels book Divine Direction challenges us on those small choices. This book will help you to see even the smallest decisions through the lens of Gods purpose as he calls you to step into his divine direction for your life.
As someone who has learned the hard way about the power of good and bad choices, the principles in Divine Direction really resonate with me. If youre ready to get out of your rut and make better decisions, Craigs message is a great place to start your new journey.
D AVE R AMSEY , bestselling author; nationally syndicated radio show host
This book by Pastor Craig Groeschel is a must-read for anyone who has been stuck not knowing what God has planned for their life or how they should be listening to his lead. Im so thankful for people like Craig who can come alongside us with wisdom, humor, and insight!
J EFFERSON B ETHKE , author, New York Times bestseller Jesus > Religion
When I have a big decision to make, after consulting God and my wife, the first person I go to for guidance is Craig Groeschel. His God-given ability to isolate the important issues and distill biblical wisdom into action steps is second to none. Divine Direction is your access point to these life-changing insights.
S TEVEN F URTICK , pastor, Elevation Church; New York Times bestselling author
Craig Groeschel has written a practical yet spiritually grounded book that is certain to help you decide on your next steps in life. In Divine Direction , Craig unpacks seven decisions you can make today that will influence the stories you tell in the future.
A NDY S TANLEY , senior pastor, North Point Ministries
There was once a form of capital punishment practiced in China called ling chi death by a thousand cuts. None of the incisions were a big deal, but together they were lethal. In Divine Direction , Pastor Craig Groeschel will help you avoid living a life of a thousand cuts.
L EVI L USKO , senior pastor, Fresh Life Church; author, Swipe Right
We often want to know what Gods will is for our lives. The answer may be a little different for each of us, but Divine Direction will give you a great framework for finding out what your story can be. With simple, practical, achievable goals, Craig helps us see the little steps that make a big difference in our lives.
K YLE I DLEMAN , author, Grace Is Greater
ALSO BY CRAIG GROESCHEL
Altar Ego: Becoming Who God Says You Are
Chazown: Define Your Vision, Pursue Your Passion, Live Your Life on Purpose
The Christian Atheist: Believing in God but Living as If He Doesnt Exist
Dare to Drop the Pose (previously titled Confessions of a Pastor )
Fight: Winning the Battles That Matter Most
From This Day Forward: Five Commitments to Fail-Proof Your Marriage (with Amy Groeschel)
It: How Churches and Leaders Can Get It and Keep It
Love, Sex, and Happily Ever After (previously titled Going All the Way )
Soul Detox: Clean Living in a Contaminated World
#Struggles: Following Jesus in a Selfie-Centered World
Weird: Because Normal Isnt Working
What Is God Really Like? (general editor)
ZONDERVAN
Divine Direction
Copyright 2017 by Craig Groeschel
Requests for information should be addressed to:
Zondervan, 3900 Sparks Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546
ISBN 978-0-310-34307-3 (international trade paper edition)
ISBN 978-0-310-34899-3 (audio)
Epub Edition January 2017 ISBN 9780310342908
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Names: Groeschel, Craig, author.
Title: Divine direction : seven decisions that will change your life / Craig Groeschel.
Description: Grand Rapids, Michigan : Zondervan, [2017] | Includes bibliographical references.
Identifiers: LCCN 2016039161 | ISBN 9780310342830 (hardcover)
Subjects: LCSH: Decision makingReligious aspectsChristianity. | Discernment (Christian theology) | Christian life.
Classification: LCC BV4509.5 .G69625 2017 | DDC 248.4dc23
LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2016039161
Unless otherwise marked, Scripture quotations are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.
Scripture quotations marked ESV are from the ESV Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version). Copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked NASB are from New American Standard Bible . Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. (www.Lockman.org)
Scripture quotations marked NLT are from the Holy Bible , New Living Translation. 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Any Internet addresses (websites, blogs, etc.) and telephone numbers in this book are offered as a resource. They are not intended in any way to be or imply an endorsement by Zondervan, nor does Zondervan vouch for the content of these sites and numbers for the life of this book.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meanselectronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any otherexcept for brief quotations in printed reviews, without the prior permission of the publisher.
Craig Groeschel is represented by Thomas J. Winters of Winters & King, Inc., Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Art direction: Jeff Miller / Faceout Studio
Interior design: Denise Froehlich
First printing December 2017 / Printed in the United States of America
We can make our plans, but the
L ORD determines our steps.
PROVERBS 16:9 NLT
Contents
Life is the sum of all your choices.
ALBERT CAMUS
Y ou are one decision away from changing your life forever.
But the funny thing is you probably dont know what that one decision will be. Its natural to assume that such a big, life-changing decision would be obvious. And sometimes it is, like whether you should take a new job in another state and relocate your family. Or whether you should return to school to finish your degree. Or whether you should marry the person youve been dating for the last few months. Clearly, huge decisions like these send countless consequences rippling through your life.