Now and Not Yet: Pressing in When You’re Waiting, Wanting, and Restless for More

In Now and Not Yet, Ruth Chou Simons offers a guide to embracing God’s callings during times of uncertainty. Simons shares her own life challenges to show that no one is immune to feelings of discontent and anxiety about what lies ahead. Anyone at the crossroads or in-betweens of life changes would be able to relate to the experience of waiting and anticipation. She writes about the hardship of family relocation to and establishing a ministry in the mountains of Colorado. She shares anecdotes about navigating motherhood while balancing work and service.

I was raised as a Christian and am familiar with Biblical tales that teach growth and transformation lessons. Simons focuses on stories that depict patience, steadfastness, and the price of restlessness, such as the story of Abraham and Sarah. She also writes about the challenges Paul faced in establishing the early church. Reflective questions and liturgy encapsulate the main takeaways from each chapter.

Simons writes in a compassionate and nonjudgmental tone. As a diversity practitioner, I appreciated Simons’ message of building community and friendships with others from different backgrounds. It is a poignant reminder that we cultivate belonging and acceptance by trusting God’s plan and purpose.