God Told Me - by Jim Samra (Paperback)

About the Book

This thought-provoking and personal book helps readers discover that God is eager to give them specific guidance on even the small things, explaining how to ask and listen to God's voice.

Book Synopsis

Does an infinite and all-powerful God really care about the everyday concerns of people? Jim Samra answers with an unequivocal and enthusiastic "Yes!" in this guide to hearing God's direction in everything. From the trivial and mundane to the life-changing, God cares about it all because it concerns his creatures, his creation, and his kingdom.

In this unique book, Samra unpacks biblical passages and shares fascinating and surprising true stories about God's guidance, encouraging readers to keep up a running conversation with their creator, to search for guidance in Scripture, and to pay attention to apparent coincidences. Readers who want to make godly decisions about the big things (where to live, where to go to school, where to work, who to marry) and the seemingly little things (which car to buy, which song to sing in church, who to talk to, what to say) will find a gifted and encouraging guide in Samra.

From the Back Cover

How to listen for God's direction--in every aspect of life

Does an infinite and all-powerful God really care about the ordinary aspects of our lives? Pastor Jim Samra answers with an enthusiastic "Yes!" From the trivial to the life-changing, God cares about it all because it concerns his creatures, his creation, and his kingdom.

In this unique book, Samra unpacks biblical passages and shares fascinating true stories about God's specific guidance. He explains how to distinguish God's guiding voice from all others and provides practical advice for learning to listen.

If you have ever wanted to ask God for direction about where to live, who to marry, or how best to endure a difficult trial, God Told Me is the place to start.


"Samra sensitively and carefully guides you through the maze of what can be said about God's guidance. It will push you to rely more on God. And that is a very good thing."--Darrell Bock, research professor of New Testament studies, Dallas Theological Seminary

"My friend Jim Samra has unraveled the often tangled mystery of recognizing God's voice and learning to follow it."--Dr. Joseph M. Stowell, president, Cornerstone University, Grand Rapids, Michigan

"Samra boldly contends that God speaks to people today to provide concrete guidance, and he is careful to root his argument in Scripture rather than personal experience, though the latter provides plenty of colorful illustrations."--Kevin J. Vanhoozer, Blanchard Professor of Theology, Wheaton College Graduate School

"If you believe God speaks but are not sure how to be confident you are receiving heavenly direction, this book will bring clarity to your listening process."--Kevin G. Harney, pastor of Shoreline Community Church and author of Reckless Faith

Jim Samra is senior pastor of Calvary Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He has a PhD from Oxford University, a ThM from Dallas Theological Seminary, and a BS from the University of Michigan. He is the author of The Gift of Church and Being Conformed to Christ in Community. Jim and his wife, Lisa, have four amazing children and therefore spend a lot of time listening for guidance from God.

About the Author

Jim Samra (MTh, Dallas Theological Seminary; DPhil, University of Oxford) is senior pastor of Calvary Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, a nondenominational church with an average weekly attendance of 4,000 adults. He is the author of The Gift of Church and Being Conformed to Christ in Community.