Short Inspiring Stories by Joshua P. Underbakke
It Is Written
A collection of inspiring true stories that reveal how God is always at work, weaving every moment into His divine plan.
- Format
- Paperback
- ISBN
- 978-8868518263
About the Book
Have you ever looked at your life and wondered if there's a bigger purpose behind it all? The struggles, the victories, the unexpected twists—could they be leading to something greater?
It Is Written is a collection of inspiring true stories that reveal how God is always at work, weaving every moment into His divine plan. Every number has a name, every name has a story, and every story matters.
In these pages, you'll see how God shows up in powerful ways—bringing hope, redemption, and purpose to even the most unexpected circumstances. His goodness is relentless, His sovereignty unshakable, and His pursuit of us never-ending.
“If you've ever asked, Why, God?—perhaps it's time to shift the question: What if God is writing something greater than I can see?”
This book will inspire you to trust the Author, embrace His plan, and discover the beauty of the story He is writing in your life.
Inspiration for the Title
The phrase “It is written” appears at the end of the film Slumdog Millionaire (2008), suggesting that Jamal's journey was not random but preordained. It reinforces the idea that every event—both the pain and the triumphs—led him to that moment.
But this is more than just a movie plot. In real life, God has a way of showing up in our lives and showing off His power. “It is written” captures the essence of His sovereign will for each of us.
The more I witness the stories of people's lives unfold, the more I am convinced that God is working all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).
As you read the stories in this book, I have no doubt you will see God's relentless pursuit in each one—writing a story far greater than we could ever imagine.
Biblical Foundation
From the very beginning, God has been the creator and author of our lives, writing each moment with purpose and intention.
Psalm 139:16
“You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.”
God has written out our days before we even live them.
Romans 8:28
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”
Every moment, even trials, is woven into God's greater plan for good.
Ephesians 2:10
“For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”
Our lives are designed by God, with works He has already set before us.
Hebrews 12:2
“We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith.”
Jesus is not just our Savior but the author of our faith story.
Jeremiah 29:11
“"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."”
God has intentional plans for our future.
Psalm 23:6
“Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life.”
God is good! And his pursuit of us is relentless in everyday life.
These verses reveal a God who is intimately involved in every moment, guiding, shaping, and working all things together according to His purpose. He is indeed writing our story.
From the Author
I have to admit—this is the craziest, most oxymoronic thing I've ever done: I'm writing a book. Think about it, Josh—you're writing a book, yet you can barely read, and you've never really read one before. How on earth could you possibly pull this off?
Even as these doubts swirled in my mind, I knew this journey was going to be something special. A good friend once reminded me of the remarkable story behind Pilgrim's Progress, written by John Bunyan, an uneducated English preacher who penned his masterpiece while in prison in the 1670s.
His story serves as a powerful reminder: God doesn't need credentials to use someone—just willingness.
This book is for my mom—the one who first showed me what it means to accept Jesus as Savior and follow Him as Lord. Her words have stayed with me:
“God doesn't call the influential to be faithful; He calls the faithful to be influential.”
Within these pages, you'll find simple stories with huge impact—real lives, real moments, real evidence that when God shows up, He shows off. In the ordinary, He does the extraordinary. And the least likely among us become the most powerful instruments of His grace.
So here it goes—welcome to a journey of ordinary people doing extraordinary things, all for His glory. Because it is written, and God is still writing.
— Joshua P. Underbakke
Ready to Trust the Author of Life?
Get your copy of It Is Written and discover the beauty of the story God is writing in your life.
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