God is Good

I have known over the years that evangelism is aided by testimony. Wherever the gospel goes, testimonies follow. God is Good confirms a belief I’ve held for more than five years. In this book, Margaret Liu writes about her testimonies while explaining how to hear God in this noisy and distracting world. She discussed how to be a good steward of money and how being filled with the Holy Spirit can help us be better stewards of the resources that God has blessed us with, as well as how he can assist us in dealing with abusive relationships.

Margaret Liu Collins explained all this in a 299-page book. God is Good has three parts and nine chapters in all. In these chapters, we were able to read her testimonies and learn how we can also experience the same thing in our lives. And as a believer, the book helps to solidify my faith even further. She explained how she had been running from God’s promptings to share these testimonies with people, but because English is not her primary language and also because she is not a natural writer, she had to run. But now that she has decided to heed God’s calling, you wouldn’t even know she is not a writer and English is not her primary language, as I rarely found errors in this work.

Margaret is not just a writer but also a teacher. I liked how she explained the three levels of faith. I believe reading this book at this time is not a mere coincidence but God teaching me how to grow my faith, as it has been my prayer over the years. Also, I find the concept of hearing from God and remaining in his will impressive. This book felt like an instruction manual for me, like how I need to handle the wealth he is about to hand over to me. I never felt like reading this book was a coincidence in any way.

I liked how she pointed out how to identify spiritual warfare: when we feel things that are outside of God’s presence. How do you know this? Check this book out. I also liked how she related earning and spending money to the respiratory process of the body (exhaling carbon dioxide and inhaling oxygen). This illustration is so apt in explaining how we need to manage our resources, especially money.

One thing I have learned is to be a good steward of what God has given us. And it prompted me to keep asking myself if I had been a good steward. Margaret offers a soulful account of living a life of faith and trust based on her own experiences. She gives a powerful example of the Christian life that is both ferociously honest and tenaciously hopeful. Even if it doesn’t match their own experiences, the mindful reader will benefit from this powerful witness. I am sure this book is my burning bush; God has spoken to me through this book.

Is there anything I don’t like about this book? Is it “A Joyful ‘Toon” by Mike Waters that gives a short and perfect explanation to her discussion? Or how she laid out the lessons she wanted to teach in each part before diving into them? Or the helpful resources like sermons and worship songs that have helped her grow spiritually over time? I enjoyed every bit of this book.

There is nothing to dislike in this book. I found a few errors while reading this text, which made it seem professionally edited. I will rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. The message was delivered fluently and without any ambiguity. There were helpful materials to help the readers grow in their spiritual lives. I recommend this book to Christians who need to learn how to hear from God and follow his instructions all through their earthly journey. I will also recommend it for those who do not mind reading Christian materials; it will minister to their souls.

Good stewardship is not about how much we have but how well we manage our resources. (Margaret Liu Collins, God is Good, Page 257)

Margaret Liu Collins was born in the turbulent 1940s in the Chinese city of Chongqing. Later, her father’s assignment led them to the United States, where she spent most of her life. She felt loved and safe with her parents until her brother was born when she was eight years old. Following ancient Chinese customs, her brother received all of the love and affection, while she became instantly invisible. She did receive a decent education and married a suitor of her choice. But her dream of a beautiful future was cut short soon after she got married.

She realized that her husband was dissatisfied with all she did for him and that she would never be able to meet his standards of her as the ideal housewife. While she lived with him, she and her two small children were subjected to physical and psychological abuse. The Chinese culture and conventions raised her to be seen and not heard. She had accepted Christianity at the age of thirteen but had been skeptical. There is a belief that we grow closer to God during difficult times rather than joyful ones. Her submission, along with sincere requests for direction and redemption from every crisis, encouraged her to become more confident in her approach to prayer, religion, and God.

She has gone on to live a satisfying and rewarding life, both personally and professionally. She continues to consistently pursue God’s guidance in His service too. Margaret Liu Collins wrote the book God is Good. She talks of her son’s accident that left him comatose, her violent marriage, her transition from teaching to real estate, her other relationships in life, food, money, spending motives, and her service to God. It is not a typical memoir of her challenges and triumphs. She humbly requests that the reader interpret it as a series of examples that merely include her to illustrate the empowerment she gained as a result of her close relationship with God.

The book’s straightforward writing style and layout were appealing to me. The author takes the reader through every stage of her life and shares her innermost beliefs, making the book relatable. I agree that one may feel constrained by societal influences and, at times, the erroneous teachings of the church. The book offers countless insights. I concur when she wants us to reject any abuse as an act of love. I also agree with the author’s view that God has our best interests at heart, and we should seek guidance for small and big things and trust him, even when our prayers remain unanswered. Above all, we should strive to perform all our actions in His service. These are just a few of the valuable lessons the book has to offer.

In addition to sharing her journey towards Christianity, the author also provides additional sources of inspiration. Don’t miss the delightful Joyful Toons by Mike Waters; they were a pleasant surprise. Overall, there is nothing negative that I can say about this book. However, while reading, I did come across a few errors. Although they did not detract from my reading experience, I would recommend getting a professional re-edit to ensure an error-free book. Therefore, I give this book a rating of five out of five stars.

This book is a great source of inspiration for spiritual seekers of all ages. It’s also helpful for those who are already on their spiritual journey. If you have any doubts or skepticism, this book will guide you and help you connect with the divine and receive His blessings. For those who are already strong believers, it will reinforce your faith and make it even stronger.

Margaret Liu Collins, acclaimed author and influential figure, brings forth a profound exploration of faith and its transformative impact on everyday life in her book, “God is Good (Revised Second Edition)”. This inspiring narrative challenges prevailing misconceptions about God, revealing a loving and caring Heavenly Father who desires safety, joy, health, and prosperity for all of His children.

In this edition, Collins delves even deeper into her personal story, recounting her experiences growing up in war-torn China and navigating the challenges of gender discrimination, societal expectations as a woman, and a tumultuous marriage with two young children in tow.

Her poignant narrative, both moving and inspiring, highlights how the author discovered the power of seeking, recognizing, and heeding God’s voice—a journey that led her to embrace a life abundant with spiritual riches, financial prosperity, exuberant health, and loving relationships.

In a heartfelt gesture, Collins is donating 25 copies of “God is Good (Revised Second Edition)” to the Prison Book Program in Massachusetts. This donation includes 15 English copies, 5 Spanish copies, and 5 Chinese copies. By sharing her uplifting narrative, Collins aims to bring hope and inspiration to individuals within the correctional system, offering a source of solace and encouragement.

Margaret Liu Collins, recognized by the San Francisco Business Times in 2011 as one of the “150 Most Influential Women in Bay Area Business,” is not just an author but a living testament to the transformative power of faith. Her commitment to sharing the Good News about God permeates every facet of her life, from intimate family moments to business practices, philanthropy, and leadership in her Christian community.

This second edition of “God is Good (Revised Second Edition)” by Margaret Liu Collins serves as an inspirational guide for anyone on a journey toward spiritual enrichment and transformation, and is now available for purchase on Amazon and other leading book retailers worldwide.

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