Book Review: Just Do Something

Just Do Something. By Kevin DeYoung. Chicago: Moody, 2009.

The subtitle to DeYoung’s book is classic: “How to make a decision without dreams, visions, fleeces, impressions, open doors, random Bible verses, casting lots, liver shivers, writing in the sky, etc.” DeYoung makes sure the reader gets the point!

Just Do Something is a call to trust and obey instead of wasting time, being anxious, and/or becoming paralyzed by trying to discover some mysterious, hidden word from God that directly answers such questions as where to live, what job to take, where to go to college, etc.

DeYoung explains that the “will” of God usually fits into one of three categories. First, there is the hidden will of God that refers to His sovereign rule of the universe. We do not always understand or perceive God’s providence over His creation, but we know that He is working all things to His glory and the good of His people. Second, there is the revealed will of God that is the Scripture. In God’s Word we find His will for our lives and our salvation. Third, there is the “will” of God, by which we mean, “What does God want me to do in this particular situation?” What is His will for my life in regards to....?

The Bible is clear that God’s will is our sanctification (1 Thess 4:3, 5:16-18). DeYoung exhorts his readers not to get bogged down in trying to “discover” God’s hidden plan for going Route A or Route B. God is not keeping His will “fuzzy” so that we remain confused and stagnant, never really growing in our faith or maturing in our walk with Him. Rather, He has given us guidelines in His Word on how to approach these decisions in life. We are to walk in wisdom; we are to do something.

Through Scripture, godly counsel, and prayer, we should move forward in decision-making and living, seeking to glorify the Lord with our lives. In addition, DeYoung encourages men not to get caught up in today’s trend of delayed adolescence. His wise advice: get a job and get married. Essentially, grow up.

I really appreciate DeYoung’s work. Many believers fall into this way of thinking because they sincerely are concerned with pleasing the Lord. Many may use this as more of an excuse for their lax approach to faith. Either way, Just Do Something helps clear the fog. God’s purpose for us is that we may glorify Him. It’s not that He doesn’t care where we work. Rather, He is far more concerned with how we work. That’s the major issue with finding God’s will for our lives.

Whether you eat or drink, or go to college, get married, buy a home, settle on a vocation, whatever you do, do all to the glory of God (1 Cor 10:31). Just do something. One of my favorite lines from the book is on page 42. DeYoung concludes the chapter, “So we can stop pleading with God to show us the future, and start living and obeying like we are confident that He holds the future.” Amen.

Great resource for High School and College students and the rest of us who are “stuck” in a crossroads or decision.