What do you long for? This is the question that Emily Cobb asks. I know that I long for my friend’s cancer to be cured. I long for the people I love to turn to Jesus and follow him with their whole hearts. But I also spend far too much time longing for a new pair of shoes, or a holiday, or more sleep and less work. I have to keep reminding myself to be thankful for what I have, rather than longing for what I don’t have. I don’t know what your conversations with friends look like, but I know that getting to what’s underneath the surface can take time. And maybe you are looking for a book to share with a friend who has talked about the fact that she isn’t content. She isn’t satisfied with her beautiful new house, or her messy old house. She is looking for more than decorations, more than religious ritual. She longs for something more.

In Made for More, Emily Cobb tackles the way that our lives can be a ‘perpetual cycle of cravings and unfulfilling fixes.’ She seeks to explain how we were made to know God, and to be known by Him. Cobb reminds us that CS Lewis proposed that the reason that we are longing is that we were made for another world. I think that this book might be perfect for your friend who might have some faith background, or no religious background, and might be asking questions, or noticing that you live differently. It’s the kind of book that you could keep on your shelf just in case. And it would be even better to have two copies, so that you could read and talk about it together.

In the second chapter, Cobb asks ‘Who is God?’ and ‘How do we know’? And the answer is the Bible. The Bible is trustworthy and that it tells us who God is. Cobb gives a clear explanation of the Bible, and how it was written. She isn’t working from a base of assumed knowledge. She encourages reading the Bible for yourself. And she freely admits that the reader may have more questions than they started with when they get to the end of this book.

In chapter three Cobb clearly explains that the beginning of the Bible tells us that God made everything. I couldn’t help feeling that this chapter makes the book perfect to give to a friend who is asking questions, and particularly someone who comes from another culture and does not know much about what Christians really believe. This isn’t a difficult book to understand. She doesn’t even assume that you would know where Genesis is. But even those who have been Christians for a long time will find helpful reminders of what they know in their heads, but are prone to forget when distracted by fears, busyness and the urge to be self reliant. She explains that in the beginning, in relationship with God, people felt no longing. They had everything that they needed.

Cobb goes on to explain the fall. Chapter four would probably be the one that would have your seeking friend asking the most questions. Maybe questions about science, or about the reliability of the Bible. If I was reading this book along with a friend, and meeting up to discuss the chapters, this is probably the one so far that I would want to hone up on a bit more. Of course the Holy Spirit works in hearts and opens eyes. I would just want to be prepared for some curly questions, and also be prepared to say ‘I don’t know but I will find out’.

Chapter five has a great explanation of sin. Cobb explains that it is a heart attitude that places us on the throne instead of God. ‘I truly believe that this explains that deep-down inkling that there’s more to life than this. Deep down we crave what we were made for—that which has been taken away because of our rebellion.’

What do you long for? Do you feel like you were made for more?

Made for More will be available from the online EQUIP18 Bookshop opening May 1st and is already available from Matthias Media http://www.matthiasmedia.com.au/made-for-more

Meet Rachael Collins Rachael is a Jane Austen fan who often finds it amusing that she is married to Mr Collins who is indeed a minister. Rachael enjoys gardening, drinking tea and op shopping. In between planting a new church and making chocolate fudge, she really hopes to read a lot of good books this year.

Made for More by Emily Cobb