Book Review: "Now Not Yet" by Ruth Chou Simmons

In her collection of remarkable books, Ruth Chou Simmons has truly outdone herself with "Now Not Yet," which stands out as my personal favorite. Simmons' writing style is akin to engaging in a heartfelt conversation with a close friend - relatable and authentic. One aspect I particularly admire about this book is its strong foundation in the Bible, shifting the focus away from our emotions. The author adeptly navigates the theological concept of the already and not yet, demonstrating how we can approach worship and respond to God amidst life's uncertainties. Simmons' commitment to anchoring her writing in the teachings of God's word shines through, making "Now Not Yet" a truly enriching read.

This was a good read, it had some good take aways and some great food for thought.

I hope to use things and change me to be more Christ like.

When life with Jesus isn't what you thought it would be, you are living in the Now and Not Yet. This book is the perfect companion to help you deal with the disconnect and lean into God regardless. A good part of discipleship is learning to see things as God does. Now and Not Yet will give you spiritual practices to transform your thought life and how you see the world. I highly recommend this book for anyone who feels that stretch.

I love the gentleness and thoughtfulness with which Ruth Chou Simons writes, and this book is no different. She gracefully delivers biblical wisdom on how to handle that season of waiting, I am sure all of us a familiar with- the space between where we are currently and where we know we are called to be stretching out before us. The author writes from both personal experience and biblical references to offer encouragement, and practical advice. It is beautifully written and a timely word in season.

Many thanks to the publisher, author and NetGalley for the ARC in return for my honest review.

BOOK REVIEW: Now and Not Yet by Ruth Chou Simons

// What I Loved //
🤍 The title of this book describes so many of our lives. How often have you wondered how to enjoy your life right now when it feels like so many things you long for are not yet here? Ruth teaches us restless souls how to press into these seasons so we can see God in them.
🤍 I appreciated the honesty. It’s nice to hear very plainly: you are missing out on your own life. And that you don’t have to like your “now” in order to lean in.
🤍 I just love RCS. I’ve read so many of her books that I can almost predict how she’ll round out a thought or start a new chapter. There’s a comfort in familiarity that makes tough love a little less, well, tough.

// What I Wished For //
◽️I wish this book would have been a workbook! (Part 2, maybe?) It felt like I needed some places to take notes, process new learning, and think through how to apply the teaching to my own circumstances.

// Favorite Quotes //
💭 “We want deliverance without the desert. But God deliberately designs deserts to draw us to himself... It can feel like the desert itself is the source of the pain, but, in reality, the desert often serves to reveal a heart issue: what we think we can't be happy without. In other words, sometimes the desert reveals the comforts, idols, and treasures we lean on for sustenance.”

// Overall Impression //
⚪️ This is a timely book for anyone who’s wishing for a future they can’t quite have yet. Highly recommend!

I can wholeheartedly recommend this beautiful and timely book. It's a warm embrace for anyone feeling stuck in the "in-between" stages of life. Ruth's vulnerability is refreshing, reminding me that God is with me even in the messy unknowns. This book isn't just about enduring the wait, but about finding purpose and growth in the present. It's a call to quiet the external noise and listen to God's voice within. While the journey may be challenging, with practical tools and gorgeous design, "Now and Not Yet" equips you to press in and find the beauty in the mess. It's a must-read for anyone longing for a deeper connection with God and a more fulfilling present.

Not only is Simons a gifted artist and speaker, but she writes beautifully as well. I appreciated that this book came from a personal place with lots of vulnerable stories and admissions. It was straight forward and yet encouraging. I am definitely in this right now...waiting and wondering what God has for me. Simons sprinkles her artwork throughout this offering, but mostly lots of Scripture, not just her own conjecture. I am intrigued to learn more of her personal story in When Strivings Cease. I'll be heading there next.
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for this ARC. All opinions are mine.

A great resource for those struggling in the present situations they are facing when those present situation don't line up with where they had hoped to be at this season of life.

I have followed Ruth Chou Simons for years on social media and her artwork is so beautiful, but this is the first time I have read one of her books. Her writing is as beautiful as her art. I truly appreciated all of her personal stories she shares with the readers which shows us that she is on this journey with us. This book is all about living in the now, the present, instead of waiting for the next season, whatever that looks like. She has practical advice, scripture, stories and my favorite her prayers at the end of every chapter. If you cannot wait to get out of whatever season you are currently in this book is perfect for you, and if you are living in a season that is just fine, but remember what it's like to be in a horrible season this book is for you too! Highly recommend!

What a timely read! 4.5 stars!

I work with college students who live in the tension of living in the present while also being in the middle of preparing for their future. They live in a season of life that is focused on the next milestone, the next achievement and tallying how many "ring by spring" engagements occured. It is so difficult for them to even comprehend the idea of "being present". This is a resource I will recommend to many!

Chou has helped us to be reminded to live in the moment - the day that the Lord has made. The artwork was beautiful and the liturgies were so wonderfully crafted. What a great resource for so many founded in biblical truth.

May we all be able to be faithful in the NOW.

Thank you to Net Galley and Thomas Nelson for the eARC

I really enjoyed, "Now and Not Yet" by Ruth Chou Simons. We all face circumstances that we're waiting on, hoping for, and Ruth shared encouraged for the right now season we're in. I'm currently contemplating a big decision, dreaming of the possibilities this change will make. So it was a timely encouragement to see the goodness of this current season, even if nothing ever changes. To notice what's right about now and to thank God for it. My only critique was the Theological Framework of the Now and Not Yet. There verses that backed up her thoughts felt exhaustive, rather than curated. I may have enjoyed them more with a hard copy format, but I was reading in my Kindle and the last chapter just felt like it went on and on.

I found this book to be very encouraging and it remained rooted in Scriptural truths. Despite how different our lives may be, we all have experienced the tension of the "now and not yet".

Anything written by Ruth Chou Simons is beautiful, and this is no exception. Thank you for the early access. I treasured this book and will be purchasing a hard copy!

This book is cathartic.

Reading through, I was able to settle my sometimes anxious thoughts of when will things change for me. Guess what, sometimes this is where you are meant to be. And you are not the only person that feels like they are stuck - not by a long way!

Obviously we can always try to improve and change our season, but sometimes the best laid plans blow up. This book reminds us to continually turn to God for guidance, and that he knows all plans, so “might” just have what’s best for us at play!

It’s not exactly groundbreaking writing, but a great example of reinforcing what we already know or have an inkling of. With some new things thrown in.

However, my feedback for the quote pages is not good. The writing was very hard to decipher (fortunately taken from the text so I could cross reference) and I didn’t enjoy the colour scheme.

What a wonderful reminder that even if we don’t feel like it at the moment, God has us in a place meant just for us. The season may be difficult, but there is a purpose. The book has wonderful reminders of God’s blessings and tips on how we can step back, assess, and try to see ourselves and our lives through God’s plan. I liked the suggestion of leaning into whatever is currently happening in our lives and embracing it for what it could be for us.

Have you ever thought there was a gift in the “not yet”? After reading this book if your answer is no you might changed your mind.

Bestselling author Chou Simon's reminds us that we don't have to like our right now, but lean in. Once you do, you will realize that Ruth's insights are applicable to many of our trials and tribulations.
Whether confronting grief, relationship issues, or personal growth, "Now and Not Yet" will anchor readers with tools and perspectives to not merely endure but to flourish right where we are.
I loved this read.

I am so glad that I read this book at this point in my life. I feel that it is very needed for anyone who just wants this season of life to be over so they can move on to the next. Ruth Chou Simons helps us rest in the season that we are in and make the best out of it. She also helps us to know that it is okay to not like every season of our lives. Ruth backs all of her thoughts up with biblical truth that is just so needed. I really loved the liturgies that Ruth Chou Simons includes in this book they are very beautiful. I felt so in touch with the things she was/is feeling in her seasons of life so I am glad that she included real-life stories in order to let us know we are not alone. Ruth Chou Simons helps us to realize that our right now matters and that God can use us in every season. This book is so wonderfully infused with encouragement. I would recommend this book to anyone who feels restless in their current season of life.
Thank you to NetGalley and Nelson Books. I was not required to leave a review and these opinions are my own.

Such a great book full of the truth from
Scripture and encouragement for those who feel stuck and unsure of what is head. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for direction in their life. I enjoyed how the author comes along side you with her story and hope.
Thanks for the advanced copy.

I am so glad I came across this one! If you are like me and stuck in a place of wanting to make an impact or just get out of where you are- if you're in a dry season or a hard season where you're somewhere in between not knowing how, when, or if you're going to come out of it- this one is for you.

Now and Not Yet is such a grounded book, referencing scripture often and was encouraging to me in many ways. It's a reminder that even while you're restless God can and is still growing you and you can do things in the waiting that matter even if it doesn't seem that way to your human eyes.

I appreciated the reality that Ruth shares that we might not ever get that full on reach we want or whatever it is, that even while we are waiting we can still recognize and acknowledge that its hard, it stinks and it hurts, but that our emotions aren't the be all end all-> that doesn't change the truth that Gods plan is better for us and we can make an impact and have enough and find joy in where we are. God is always working. What will you do in the now, where you are? You can make an impact where you are. You are valuable. The time is valuable in each season and you can trust God.

My favorite part was that at the end of each chapter, Ruth shared liturgies that she wrote pertaining to what was covered in that chapter that were practical, biblical and beautiful and it ministered to & encouraged my weary heart. At the end of the book there is also a section where verses are all compiled together, which is great if you just want one place for encouragement when you're in now and not yet of your own day.

I've not been familiar with Ruth before this book but am grateful to have come across this one and had an opportunity to read it when I did. It came at the best time for me. Rating this one close to a 4.5 star!

Thank you to Netgalley & the publisher for an advanced e-copy of this one! All opinions expressed are truthful and 100% my own.

I really enjoyed this book! Not only was it supported by scripture but had so many impactful, real life examples that helped me to understand the teaching/principles. I also enjoyed the author's voice. I have never read anything by her, but now I look forward to opening up her backlist.