Happy Monday, My Lovelies! How are you? It's been a minute since I last blogged, but when TLC Book Tours asked if I'd be interested in reading and reviewing Ed Newton's Why Not You?: Believing What God Believes About You, I was happy to oblige. This is one of the best Christian nonfiction works I've read in recent years because I felt so encouraged after reading it.
About Why Not You?: Believing What God Believes About You
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (November 11, 2025)
• Paperback: 202 pages
God is going to use someone to walk in purpose, meaning, destiny and anointing. So why not you? You can operate in your God-given abilities when you operate out of your God-given identity.
There is a very human tendency to believe the best for others and the worst for ourselves. To believe that someone else can operate in their full potential, while we settle to exist in our scraps of talent and personal limitations. But what if we could identify these lies for what they are and learn to take hold of the life God has actually called us to?
When Ed Newton was ten years old, a woman at McDonald’s prophesied over him that God was going to use him in a great way. Ed, who was eating lunch with his deaf parents, didn’t even have a relationship with the Lord at the time. He had no idea that the story that God was writing would one day be something he’d feel compelled to share with others.
Ed has walked the road of biblical identity and is now inviting others to do the same. Why Not You? is filled with his stories of growing up as a child of deaf parents (CODA) as well as other life experiences. Ed shows how the truth of God’s Word can cut through the web of self-doubt so many followers of Christ struggle with and show them who God created them to be. This book will help readers:
- battle through negative self-talk, doubts, and insecurities;
- retrain their minds to view themselves from God’s perspective;
- see their setbacks as setups for success;
- stop questioning their gifts and talents and start living in them.
Backed with Scripture and a raw look at his journey from childhood until a miraculous, spiritual encounter with the Lord in early 2024, Ed shows readers that it’s not only possible for God to use them, but that God wants to use them. Each chapter challenges readers to confidently walk in the calling and identity God has placed on their lives.
About the author
Born in North Carolina, but raised primarily in Florida, Dr. Ed Newton graduated from Clearwater Christian College and holds multiple graduate degrees in religious education, as well as a Doctorate in pulpit education and expository preaching from Memphis Mid- America Baptist Theological Seminary. Ed has been the lead pastor of Community Bible Church since 2016. He has authored several books, the most recent being an evangelism resource titled My 8: Embrace and Engage in the Wonder of Evangelism that dives into practical methods of sharing the Good News of Jesus with others.
Ed lives in San Antonio with his wife, Stephanie, and their four children: London, Lola, Liv, and Lawson. He enjoys skateboarding, basketball and running, as well as exploring the culture of his beloved San Antonio in his spare time.
My Review
The book synopsis does an excellent job describing the purpose of the book, so I don't want to rehash it. Instead, I will share what I like most about this book.
This is not a self-help book. It is about finding your identity in Christ Jesus, and it also gives the reader practical advice on how to fulfill God's plan for his or her life. Newton shares how both Moses and King David were called by God, and how he equipped each to serve God's purpose. Moses had plenty of reason why he didn't think he was qualified to lead his people out of bondage in Egypt, but God would not accept any of his objections. God used Moses's upbringing to prepare him for his mission, and God did not allow Moses's mistakes to disqualify him. Moses tried very hard not to answer God's call, but God would not have it!
One of my favorite characters from the Bible is King David. He was a man after God's own heart, and he did not fit any of the expected criteria for a king. When Samuel was searching for King Saul's replacement, it was other people who overlooked David because of his age, lack of experience, and lack of stature. The youngest of eight brothers, he wasn't even present when God sent Samuel to choose the new king from Jesse's sons. David was overlooked because of the labels placed on him by his father, but God looks to the heart of a person, not outward appearances.
After a couple of other biblical examples, Newton then applies God's Word to our own lives. Perhaps the most important chapter is "Break Your Patterns." In it we are taught how to reject the lies from the enemy, develop healthy habits rather than relying on default coping mechanisms, and maintaining an attitude that all things are possible with God. There is even a short prayer in this chapter that Christians should pray everyday in my opinion!
Lovelies, God wants us to live a full life now. We know how our stories end because Christ Jesus fulfilled his ministry for us. So if we know that Christ won, and we know that our future is secure, then why on earth can we not live in victory TODAY and stop living in defeat? That's the crux of this book.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.~John 10:10
Another thing I like about this book that it is not a book about the "prosperity gospel." It is about accepting what God thinks about us and having the courage to live with faith and purpose. If you are inspired by Christian nonfiction, then I highly recommend Why Not You?. I almost used an entire packet of flags while reading it!
Disclosure: I was given a paperback copy of Why Not You? from the publisher via TLC Book Tours in exchange for a fair and honest review.
TLC review tour schedule:
Monday, November 10th: @teaandbookstoo and Read
Saturday, November 15th: @spaceonthebookcase
Monday, November 17th: @suzylew_bookreview
Wednesday, November 19th: @thecalicobooks
Thursday, November 20th: @deannaturnsthepage
Monday, November 24th: The Bookish Dilettante
Tuesday, November 25th: @carlasbookcrush and Car
Monday, December 1st: @niks.bookshelf
Tuesday, December 2nd: @gigithebibliophile
Thursday, December 4th: @pickagoodbook
Monday, December 8th: Diary of a Stay at Home Mom
Wednesday, December 10th: @nissa_the.bookworm
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
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