The author has divided the eight chapters of the book into three parts dealing with “The Search for God’s Will,” “The Discovery of God’s Will,” and “Doing God’s Will.” In his introduction he shares his core beliefs which include the fact that God has communicated his will and does not play hide and seek (p. 10), and that “knowing God’s will for our lives is more about knowing God than knowing the future” (p. 11). In chapters 1 and 2 which form the section “The Search for God’s Will” he discusses common myths and provides guiding principles.

It may come as a surprise to the reader who has bought a book on discovering God’s will that the author does not right away delve into questions such as, which career to choose and whom to marry, which are pressing questions for many young and older people. Rather, he stays with basic biblical statements on the will of God such as, it is the will of God to receive salvation (p. 58), to grow (p. 60), to be filled with the Holy Spirit (p. 61), and to do acts of goodness (p. 63) and discusses the problem that our will may–for various reasons–be opposed to God’s will. Even the issue of theodicy is addressed. This is definitely a strength of the book, because the author attempts to lead his audience to a complete surrender to God, avoiding the use of God as a kind of oracle only.

In the third part of his book Fitzgerald approaches the questions mentioned above which normally are on people’s mind and makes some helpful suggestions. Then he challenges his audience: “God’s greatest desire–greater than finding you a particular job, place to live, or person to marry–is to walk with you. . . God’s guidance is a byproduct of a walking, living relationship with Him. . . Deliberately begin living the will clearly revealed in His Word, and God will guide you one step at a time” (p. 128). “Do you trust God? Will you follow Him whether or not you understand Him?” (p. 141).

A Practical Guide to Discovering God’s Will is a well-written and easy to read volume which emphasizes the core of what it means to be a Christian. The present reviewer felt that some statements were too generalized, but the overall message came across clearly. For this the author must be commended.