You have a plan for the rest of your life. God has a plan for the rest of your life. Are they the same?You have expectations for how your life will play out, and you hope those plans will become realities.But what if God’s plan for your life is far different from what you had in mind? Can you accept that? Will you surrender your goals for God’s?Kay Warren had a plan. Together with her husband, Rick Warren, author of the megaseller The Purpose Driven Life, she planned that after her kids were grown, she’d travel the world, teaching and encouraging couples in ministry. It was a good plan. But it wasn’t what God had in mind for her.In a startling wake-up call, Kay discovered the shocking realities of the AIDS pandemic in Africa while reading a magazine. “I want to use you!” she heard God say. That began the struggle—first to avoid God’s call and then to surrender herself to God.She cried out to God, “Why are you bothering me with this? There’s nothing I can do about it. I’m just an ordinary person. What could one person do about such a gigantic problem” But God had grabbed her attention and wouldn’t let go.If you’ve ever struggled with knowing and doing God’s will, this book is for you. With raw honesty, Kay goes straight to the heart of the matter: the bottom line is surrender. Will you trust God? Along the way she’ll introduce you to others—people like you—who have said yes to God and have made a difference in the world. Using their skills, energy, faith, and a willingness to take risks, they became powerful instruments of change and tools in God’s hands.Giving in to God isn’t easy. It’s not for cowards. It’s the boldest, riskiest step you’ll ever take. This dangerous surrender can bring both joy and pain, both heartache and ecstasy, but it enables you to know God in a far deeper way than ever before.I had to make a conscious decision. Would I retreat to my comfortable life and to my settled plans? Or would I surrender to God’s call and let my heart engage with a cause such as AIDS that I was pretty sure would include buckets of pain and sorrow? I felt like I was standing on the edge of a giant precipice; I couldn’t go back, and yet the way forward looked like stepping into a void.Kay Warren took that step, choosing to dangerously surrender to God. That decision transformed her life, marriage, and future. She invites you to do the same.You’ll benefit most by discussing this book with others. A Readers’ Group Discussion Guide is provided in the back of the book. Additional help can be found at www.kaywarren.com.
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"Kay Warren recounts her decision to surrender to God (particularly for AIDS advocacy) despite her inadequacies and initial disinterest in doing so. This books challenges us to give in to God's leading even if it seems too big or illogical. I was surprised by this book--it was better than expected! "
— Megan (4 out of 5 stars)
" I went to Kenya last summer and had been having thoughts of returning to Africa in the future. It is obvious that Kay has a heart for Africa and AIDS work. I strongly recommend this book. "
— Melissa, 2/12/2014" While I found this book interesting, I didn't find it particularly uplifting or moving. It passed the time but didn't inspire me to do huge things for Christ. "
— Kathryn, 1/29/2014" Kay Warren, wife of Rick Warren pastor and author, has written her story. She considered herself a very ordinary woman without any special talents until God opened her eyes to the global HIV/AIDS crisis. She and her husband are mobilizing thousands through churches to work with this throughout the world. There was much in the book that I could not identify with and I am not sure this book would sell if it did not have her name on it. She ended by saying that as believers we have a chance to make the invisible God visible through ourselves to people in need with which I do agree. "
— Madelle, 1/17/2014" Great book, very inspirational. It helped me jump forth for a dream that God placed in my heart, for his plan for my life in one area. "
— Jen, 1/16/2014" Not bad, just not much that I haven't heard before... "
— Mandy, 12/13/2013" Kay Warren recounts her decision to surrender to God (particularly for AIDS advocacy) despite her inadequacies and initial disinterest in doing so. This books challenges us to give in to God's leading even if it seems too big or illogical. I was surprised by this book--it was better than expected! "
— Megan, 11/19/2013" Very good book about answering Gods call in your life. I finished this after returning from my first mission trip to Africa and was so grateful to read Kay's descriptions and feelings as they helped me process all I had just experienced. "
— Sara, 9/12/2013" Overall a good book although I probably would have enjoyed it more if I read it with someone else who could have discussed it with me. The author has a website with several good resources that go along with the readings. "
— Jodi, 8/25/2013" Excellent everyone should read it! "
— Chris, 10/16/2012" Great book! The chapter about 'the kingdom of Me' is extremely thought provoking, I now think of that chapter when I am upset to make sure it's not because of my selfishness that I'm upset in the first place... "
— Melissa, 10/2/2012" It makes you want to throw your hands up and say, "okay Lord, I'm ready to do whatever you want me to do." "
— Sandy, 8/4/2012" This book will stretch you beyond measures..God is so awesome when we say yes, and surrender all to him. "
— Erika, 5/4/2012" Life changing and thought provoking. I had greater respect for Kay after I read it. This book helps you to determine whether you are living your life according to your plans or God's plans. Highly recommend it. "
— Sharon, 4/23/2012" Enjoyed this book but she was very repetitive towards the end. "
— Jennifer, 3/30/2012" I was very encouraged by this book. "
— Leslie, 12/21/2011" I was seriously disturbed after reading this...so much so that it changed my worldview. "
— Deanna, 8/22/2011" Great story! Kay Warren is very transparent and will make you think! "
— Beverlywisner, 7/16/2011" God wants to break strongholds in our lives of fear to break out of our comfort zones. He wants us to become gloriously ruined for the kingdom. It is a painful journey but brings much peace. This book will transform your walk with God. "
— Julie, 7/1/2011" While I found this book interesting, I didn't find it particularly uplifting or moving. It passed the time but didn't inspire me to do huge things for Christ. "
— Kathryn, 5/6/2011" This book will stretch you beyond measures..God is so awesome when we say yes, and surrender all to him. "
— Erika, 9/9/2009" Very, Very good! <br/>Don't be fooled by the "Safe" cover, this is a very compelling and challenging book for this day and age. "
— Rebornbutterfly, 4/23/2009" God wants to break strongholds in our lives of fear to break out of our comfort zones. He wants us to become gloriously ruined for the kingdom. It is a painful journey but brings much peace. This book will transform your walk with God. "
— Julie, 10/16/2008" I went to Kenya last summer and had been having thoughts of returning to Africa in the future. It is obvious that Kay has a heart for Africa and AIDS work. I strongly recommend this book. "
— Melissa, 4/23/2008" Going to start this book for our next community group study. <br/>I will keep you posted :) "
— Kimetha, 4/18/2008" I was very encouraged by this book. "
— Leslie, 4/1/2008" Overall a good book although I probably would have enjoyed it more if I read it with someone else who could have discussed it with me. The author has a website with several good resources that go along with the readings. "
— Jodi, 3/30/2008Kay Warren cofounded Saddleback Church with her husband in Lake Forest, California. She is a passionate Bible teacher and respected advocate for those infected and affected by HIV and AIDS. She is the author of Choose Joy: Because Happiness Isn’t Enough and Say Yes to God and coauthor of Foundations, the popular systematic theology course used by churches worldwide.