Mostly What God Does: Reflections on Faith, Family, and Finding the Extraordinary in the Ordinary by Savannah Guthrie Summary

1. Savannah Guthrie redefines faith through six essentials: love, presence, praise, grace, hope, purpose
2. God’s love isn’t earned—it’s a constant gift requiring only acceptance and trust
3. Replace spiritual self-criticism with daily awareness of divine presence in ordinary moments
4. “Mostly what God does” transforms fear into courage through intentional acts of unconditional love
5. Biblical grace means embracing imperfections while pursuing growth—not striving for flawless piety
6. Practical faith thrives when we stop bargaining with God and start bearing witness
7. Guthrie’s journalistic approach dissects doubt as sacred ground for deeper spiritual connection
8. Parent-child relationships mirror how God loves us: fiercely, patiently, beyond comprehension
9. Hope becomes tangible when anchored in divine purpose rather than circumstances or outcomes
10. True worship means recognizing God’s work in both mountaintop joys and mundane tasks
11. “God’s telephone number” (Jeremiah 33:3) invites direct communication without religious formality
12. Spiritual growth begins by trading transactional prayer for relational presence with the divine

About the Author of Mostly What God Does

Savannah Clark Guthrie, Emmy Award-winning co-anchor of NBC’s Today and former attorney, brings her signature blend of journalistic rigor and heartfelt introspection to Mostly What God Does. This spiritual exploration intertwines themes of faith, resilience, and grace, reflecting Guthrie’s lived experience—from enduring her father’s death at 16 to balancing high-stakes journalism with motherhood.

A Georgetown Law graduate who topped Arizona’s bar exam, Guthrie spent a decade as NBC’s chief legal correspondent, analyzing landmark cases like the Martha Stewart trial and Supreme Court nominations.

Since 2012, she’s helmed America’s top-rated morning show, interviewing world leaders and cultural icons. Her 2016 election coverage while seven months pregnant showcased her tenacity, earning admiration from 5 million daily viewers.

Guthrie’s approach merges analytical precision with emotional authenticity, cultivated through decades of reporting on crises like 9/11 and hosting NBC’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The mother of two—married to communications strategist Michael Feldman—anchors her writing in the intersection of professional insight and personal conviction.

FAQs About Mostly What God Does

What is Mostly What God Does about?

Mostly What God Does by Savannah Guthrie explores Christian faith through personal stories and biblical reflections, organized into six themes: love, presence, praise, grace, hope, and purpose. Guthrie uses her legal and journalistic background to discuss God’s unwavering love in everyday life, blending vulnerability with scriptural insights. The book emphasizes tuning into God’s presence "like a radio station" and finding purpose through hardship.

Who should read Mostly What God Does?

This book appeals to Christians seeking a relatable, non-academic perspective on faith, particularly those navigating doubt or life transitions. Guthrie’s candid storytelling resonates with parents, professionals, and anyone craving spiritual reassurance. Critics note it’s less suited for readers wanting rigorous theological analysis or discussions of God’s judgment.

Is Mostly What God Does worth reading?

Yes for readers valuing personal faith journeys over doctrinal debates. Guthrie’s essays offer actionable insights, like viewing grace as "background noise you choose to amplify," with reflection pauses built into the audiobook. However, those seeking comprehensive biblical teachings may find its focus on love and hope incomplete.

What are the main themes in Mostly What God Does?

The six core themes are:

• Love: God’s persistent, unearned affection
• Presence: Sensing divinity in mundane moments
• Praise: Gratitude as spiritual practice
• Grace: Mercy amid human imperfection
• Hope: Anchoring in divine promises
• Purpose: Aligning personal calling with God’s plan

How does Savannah Guthrie use personal stories in the book?

Guthrie ties faith to real-life experiences, including her father’s death, career shifts, and motherhood. She frames her 2014 wedding and NBC’s Today show challenges as examples of God “showing up.” One essay contrasts her lawyerly doubt with her daughter’s effortless prayer.

What biblical passages does Mostly What God Does reference?

Key texts include Ephesians 5:2 (“Mostly what God does is love”) and Job’s trials, which Guthrie analyzes as evidence of God’s purpose in suffering. The book frequently cites Psalms and Jesus’ parables about grace.

How does Mostly What God Does compare to other Christian memoirs?

Unlike academic works or conversion testimonies, Guthrie’s book mirrors Anxious for Nothing (Lucado) in practical faith application but avoids political or cultural debates. It’s more personal than doctrinal guides like Mere Christianity.

What critiques exist about Mostly What God Does?

Some theologians argue the book underemphasizes repentance, obedience, and God’s justice. Critic Janet Denison notes it portrays a “partial truth” by focusing on love without addressing sin’s consequences.

Can Mostly What God Does help with anxiety or grief?

Yes. Guthrie shares how faith anchored her during her father’s death and career uncertainties. Exercises like “30-second prayer pauses” and reframing worry as “invitations to trust” provide concrete coping tools.

Does Savannah Guthrie discuss her journalism career in the book?

Indirectly. She parallels legal analysis (“building cases for doubt”) with spiritual inquiry, and likens anchoring Today to relying on divine stability. No behind-the-scenes NBC details are included.

How long is Mostly What God Does, and what’s its structure?

The 224-page book contains 40 short essays grouped thematically, ideal for daily devotionals. Audiobook listeners get meditative silences between chapters. Each section ends with reflection prompts.

What’s the key takeaway from Mostly What God Does?

Guthrie asserts God’s love isn’t contingent on human performance: “We don’t summon Him with pious practices—He’s already transmitting.” The challenge is tuning into that signal through intentional gratitude and humility.