Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God, Workbook Summary & Key Insights

The "Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God, Workbook" isn't a narrative with a plot and characters in the traditional sense. Instead, it's a practical guide, a workbook designed to help individuals understand and participate in God's work in their lives. The "characters" are the reader themselves and God. The overarching theme is learning to recognize and respond to God's leading in everyday life.

The book doesn't present a linear storyline, but rather a cyclical process of spiritual discovery and obedience. It proposes that experiencing God isn't about passively waiting for divine pronouncements but actively engaging in a relationship with Him, discerning His will through observation, prayer, and obedience.

The authors, Henry T. Blackaby, Claude V. King, and Richard Blackaby, present a five-step process:

1. Identify a Need or Problem: The journey begins with recognizing a need or problem – personal, relational, or in the broader community. This isn't about forcing God into a solution, but recognizing where God might be working.

2. Involve God in the Situation: This step emphasizes seeking God's input through prayer, Bible study, and seeking wisdom from mature Christians. It’s about recognizing God's presence and sovereignty in the situation, not merely trying to manipulate circumstances.

3. Listen to God: The authors stress active listening – paying attention to God's still, small voice through circumstances, scripture, and the promptings of the Holy Spirit. This isn't about hearing an audible voice, but discerning God's will through careful reflection and prayer.

4. Obey God Immediately: This emphasizes the importance of action. Once a perceived leading is discerned, the key is to obey promptly and decisively, trusting God's guidance even when it's unclear. Obedience, they argue, clarifies the path.

5. Evaluate the Results: This step encourages reflection and evaluation. Did God's leading produce the expected results? The focus isn't solely on outcomes, but on learning from both successes and failures, understanding that God’s faithfulness transcends the specific outcome.

The workbook format reinforces this cyclical process, guiding the reader through practical exercises, journaling prompts, and discussion questions that encourage personal application of the principles. It underscores the importance of community, urging readers to share their experiences and seek accountability. The ultimate goal isn't a specific outcome but a deepening relationship with God, characterized by obedience and trust in His leading.