This Was Never the Plan ebook

This is an abridged version of my original review, which is available here: https://www.lifeisstory.com/nonfiction/this-was-never-the-plan-walking-with-god-through-the-heartache-of-divorce-vaneetha-rendall-risner/

This book is full of wisdom for Christians who are navigating an unwanted separation or divorce. Author Vaneetha Rendall Risner shares vulnerable stories and insights from her own experiences, and she unpacks common struggles that Christians face. For example, she writes about ways that Christians might question where God is in all of this, especially if they expected a healthy, thriving marriage as a reward for ...their own personal obedience. This book encourages Christians to be honest about their doubts and struggles with God, and to allow themselves to experience their difficult emotions over such a life-shattering event, instead of pretending that they have it all together.

The author's personal honesty makes this book especially meaningful, because she gives you a window into her own thoughts and struggles, including with parenting her teenage daughters after their father abandoned the family. She offers an honest assessment of her failings, and she offers practical advice that goes beyond general principles. She reflects in another chapter about ways divorce may affect someone's friendships, family relationships, and situation at church. In all of this, she writes with grace and insight, and she also includes helpful advice for people who are reading this book as part of a divorced loved one's support system.

I highly recommend this thought-provoking, wise, and helpful resource. Rendall Risner draws on Scripture in every chapter, providing a deeply biblical look at lament, forgiveness, healing, and finding joy again. This book will bless many suffering people through its raw honesty, practical insights, and biblically grounded messages of hope.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

In This Was Never the Plan, Vaneetha Rendall Risner shows you how to walk with God through the heartache of divorce. Having experienced divorce herself, she writes not only as an honest guide but also as a comforting friend.

I was most challenged by her discussion of battling bitterness—how to move beyond it and embrace the freedom of forgiveness. It made me reflect on my own need to forgive and be forgiven, and the power that this holds. I was ...deeply humbled by Risner’s journal entries. She shares them throughout the book, giving an honest look at her raw emotions.

Compassion and Healing

As a parent, I felt the pressure of supporting children through divorce. Risner offers practical tips throughout her book, but her wisdom also shines through when she reminds us to play the long game and that God doesn’t judge our outcomes, only our faithfulness.

Loneliness and shame were especially poignant sections, as I considered the role I have to play as a member of my local church. To be a friend and provide a place of belonging are privileges. This is a compassionate book that encourages healing, reflection, and a closer walk with God through life’s hardest seasons.

I received a media copy of This Was Never the Plan and this is my honest review.

This is a deeply personal and compassionate exploration of faith in the aftermath of divorce. Drawing from her own experience, the writer offers a blend of memoir, biblical reflection, and practical guidance aimed at Christians navigating the emotional turmoil of a broken marriage.

I got this book for someone who is going through the process of Divorce and wanted to read it first before giving it to them. This book I found very helpful myself as I pastor someone through ...it. It is very accessible and reflective. It is very personal and the writer opens up honestly about her struggles and heartache. She addresses the real life challenges of single parenting teenagers, church community, dating again and her personal walk and faith with the LORD.

Overall, it is a thoughtful and encouraging read that offers comfort and direction to those rebuilding their lives after divorce, reminding them that hope and healing are still possible.