Taking One Step Closer to God by Donald R. Johnston is a practical, step-by-step study for those longing to deepen their spiritual journey and embrace a life of holiness. Designed as a six-week devotional and reflective exercise, the book walks readers through a carefully structured process of self-discovery, biblical examination, relationship building, spiritual growth, and increased awareness of God’s loving presence. Each week focuses on a pivotal aspect of personal and spiritual development that aligns with the biblical call to “be holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16).
Why This Book Matters
Countless Christians desire a closer relationship with God, yet struggle with the demands of daily life, distraction, and lingering feelings of inadequacy. Johnston’s workbook is written with compassion and realism, acknowledging that holy living is a daily pursuit—one step at a time. It is equally suitable for church groups, Sunday school classes, or solo seekers.
Week 1: Introspection — The Courage of Looking Inward
The journey begins with Introspection, a discipline often overlooked in the modern world’s noise. Johnston encourages a retreat into stillness, inviting readers to pause, breathe, and listen for the gentle whisper of God’s Spirit. The aim isn’t self-criticism, but honest recognition of one’s spiritual state. Johnston urges readers to ask themselves important questions:
- Where am I right now in my spiritual life?
- What have been my greatest joys and deepest frustrations?
- Have I grown complacent, busy, or distracted in my walk with God?
The exercises in this week include journaling, guided prayer, and Scripture meditation—especially on passages like Psalm 139:23-24 (“Search me, God, and know my heart…”). This honest clarity is the fertilizing soil for every step that follows.
Application:
Introspection allows individuals to identify barriers, hurts, or patterns that may hinder progress towards God. Johnston insists the spiritual life is not about perfection, but the humility to keep returning, again and again, to God’s open arms.
Week 2: Self-Examination — The Mirror of the Word
If introspection is pausing to look within, Self-Examination is about measuring that inward look against the truth of God’s Word. Johnston encourages believers to move from vague spirituality to concrete evaluation. “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith” (2 Corinthians 13:5) is the anchor verse for this week.
Practical Tools:
- Daily Bible reading: Choose passages that challenge and convict.
- Reflective questions: Am I loving others? Am I forgiving, gracious, patient?
- Confession and accountability: Encourage finding a trusted confidant for honest spiritual conversations.
By comparing attitudes, habits, and relationships with what the Bible teaches, you can identify areas in need of repentance and renewal. The key, Johnston explains, is not legalism or guilt—but the freedom that comes from aligning life with truth.
Real-Life Story:
Johnston shares the example of a church member who, after years of attending services and volunteering, realized they had never truly forgiven a family member. Only after direct confrontation with God’s Word—and a season of persistent prayer—was release and peace found.
Group Discussion:
- Why is self-examination often uncomfortable?
- What role does humility play in allowing God to reveal blind spots?
How has confession or accountability changed your life?
Week 3: Our Journey — Mapping the Walk of Faith
Our Journey is about recognizing that Christian living is a process, not a sprint. Johnston draws parallels between biblical journeys (like the Israelites’ exodus, Abraham’s calling, or the apostles’ travels) and each believer’s unique life story. Every Christian—no matter their age, background, or experience—is on a journey with God.
Key Points:
- Faith involves movement: We are called to follow God’s direction, step by step, sometimes into the unknown.
- God’s faithfulness: Looking back reminds us how God has brought us through seasons of uncertainty, pain, victory, and change.
- Spiritual milestones: Johnston encourages readers to name and celebrate the “Ebenezers”—moments of God’s help and mercy.
Exercise:
This week, map out your spiritual journey: mark major turning points, crises, answered prayers, and lessons learned. Reflect on how your perspective has shifted, where God’s grace has been clear, and where more courage may be needed to take the next step.
Week 4: Growth & Encouragement — Nurturing the Soul
Here the focus shifts to Growth & Encouragement—not as solo pursuits, but as the fruit of faithful discipline and rich Christian community. Johnston teaches that, just as plants require soil, sunlight, and water, people need spiritual practices and faith-filled relationships for flourishing.
Growth Practices:
- Daily prayer:Â Set time aside to speak honestly with God; write out your prayers if it helps focus heart and mind.
- Scripture memory: Reinforce the heart with God’s promises and commands.
- Worship and gratitude:Â Offer regular praise even when circumstances feel bleak.
- Christian fellowship:Â Seek encouragement, counsel, and correction in trusted relationships.
- Serving others:Â Holiness matures as we pour ourselves out through acts of kindness and justice.
Encouragement:
- Share testimonies—especially “small” victories!
- Be quick to praise and slow to criticize.
- Recognize that setbacks are normal in spiritual life; focus on progress, not perfection.
Testimonial:
A group member describes feeling stuck spiritually, but after a season of regular encouragement from a mentor and consistent involvement in a small group, began to experience real joy and motivation for change.
Action Steps:
- Join (or form) a group focused on spiritual growth.
- Schedule weekly check-ins with a prayer partner.
- Record your spiritual progress in a “growth journal.”
Week 5: Divine Intervention — God Moves When We Can’t
Divine Intervention focuses on God’s power to change hearts and circumstances far beyond human effort. Johnston encourages readers to cultivate expectant faith, praying boldly for God to move in marriages, habits, finances, health, or ministry.
Themes:
- Total dependence:Â The Bible is filled with stories of God acting when people reach the end of themselves.
- Celebrating answered prayer: Keeping a record of God’s interventions builds faith for future challenges.
- Learning from delays or “no” answers: Sometimes God’s intervention comes in the form of redirection, deeper growth, or healing of character.
Practical Encouragement:
- Start a prayer journal. List out prayers week by week and record how God answers or shapes your desires along the journey.
- Don’t despise small beginnings. Often, God’s work is slow and quiet before it is dramatic and public.
- Give God praise, both privately and in community, for every sign of His goodness.
Real-Life Testimony:
A believer asks God for increased patience at work. Over several weeks, she notices less frustration, more peace, and better relationships with colleagues—a subtle but undeniable work of the Spirit.
Week 6: The Eyes of the Lord — Seeing as God Sees
The study’s climax is a call to view life, others, and situations through The Eyes of the Lord. Johnston argues that seeing as God sees is the true mark of spiritual maturity. Drawing from 2 Chronicles 16:9, he reminds that “the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”
Application:
- Replace judgment with compassion; see people in their dignity and need.
- Realize that you are never “unnoticed” or forgotten by God.
- Let God’s vision for justice, reconciliation, mercy, and hope inform your goals and actions.
Questions for Reflection:
- How does God see the “least” in society? The outcast? The arrogant? The hurting?
- What would change in your life if you saw yourself, your trials, and your opportunities through God’s eyes?
- Where do you sense God inviting you to pray, speak, serve, or wait in light of His redemptive perspective?
Practical Step:
Take time after each week’s study to ask, “God, show me how to see _____ as You see.”
Practical Ways to Take One Step Closer to God Every Day
- Start your day with Scripture and prayer. Even five minutes grounds you in God’s presence.
- Ask reflection questions:Â Where was God evident today? What attitudes or actions need correction?
- Serve regularly:Â Holiness is forged in serving others with humility and love.
- Embrace accountability:Â Faith flourishes in honest community.
- Cultivate gratitude:Â Thankfulness is powerful fuel for joy and closeness to God.
- Celebrate progress:Â Mark even small victories in faith, growth, and love.
The Overarching Message of the Study
Donald R. Johnston’s heart, through this book, is to gently guide readers to experience holiness as a daily, relational, and practical reality. Instead of overwhelming readers with rules or unattainable ideals, he focuses on:
- Progress over perfection
- Community over isolation
- Grace over shame
- Ongoing openness to God’s voice, correction, and love
Every chapter, story, and application is woven with grace-filled encouragement: God is always ready to draw nearer, answer prayers, reveal truth, and make you holy—one step at a time.
Who Should Use This Study?
- Individuals seeking a fresh start or a new direction in their faith journey
- Small groups desiring deeper spiritual growth with practical steps
- New Christians who want an accessible introduction to holiness
- Mature believers seeking renewal through classic Christian disciplines
Review: Is It Worth the Journey?
Taking One Step Closer to God receives high marks for accessibility, practicality, and spiritual wisdom. Its weekly format is ideal for sustained change, not a quick fix, and keeps participants motivated. The real strength lies in the gentle, persistent reminder that God patiently leads each person—no matter how slow or faltering—toward deeper relationship, impact, and holiness.
While scholarly readers might wish for more theological depth, this book excels as a hands-on manual—warming the heart, strengthening the will, and fueling hope.
Conclusion: Start Today—Take Just One Step
The invitation of Johnston’s study is clear: don’t wait for perfect circumstances or unshakeable faith—just move forward, one step at a time. Holiness, closeness with God, and a life of meaning are within reach for every Christian willing to pause, reflect, open their hearts, and walk with God.
No matter where someone stands—at the beginning of faith, after years of church involvement, or in a season of doubt—taking one step closer to God is always possible, always worthwhile, and always met by divine grace.
Interested in revitalizing your walk with God? Gather a group, grab a journal, and embark on this transformative journey—one honest, hope-filled step at a time.
FAQs
Q1. What is the main theme of Donald R. Johnston’s book?
The main theme is living a holy life by drawing closer to God through introspection, self-examination, spiritual growth, and faith.
Q2. How is the book structured?
It’s a six-week study, with each week focusing on a key aspect of Christian living—introspection, self-examination, our journey, growth & encouragement, divine intervention, and the eyes of the Lord.
Q3. Who is this book suitable for?
It’s suitable for individual study, small groups, and anyone seeking to strengthen their walk with God.
Q4. What makes this book unique compared to other devotionals?
The combination of deep biblical reflection and practical daily application sets it apart, making it both spiritual and actionable.
Q5. Can this study be repeated after six weeks?
Yes! The lessons are timeless and can be revisited multiple times for continued growth.
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