She Treads Softly: The Hand of God

Thursday, December 20, 2018

The Hand of God

The Hand of God: Finding His Care in All Circumstances by Alistair Begg
Moody Publishers: 1/1/19 (reprint)
eBook review copy; 256 pages
ISBN-13: 9780802418951

The Hand of God: Finding His Care in All Circumstances by Alistair Begg is a very highly recommended reprint of the classic Biblical study of the life of Joseph life. In it Pastor Begg presents a life-lesson for all Christians.

Most Christians know Romans 8:28: "We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." But how many of us actually believe what the verse promises? There is no place where the Bible promises an easy life for believers. Often too many of us think that there won't be trials and tribulations. In fact, in John 15:33 Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble." What a better life to help us study the meaning of Romans 8:28 than the life of Joseph (son of Jacob, son of Isaac, son of Abraham).

Joseph was blessed by God and guided by His hand, but his life was not easy. How many of us have been thrown into a well and then sold by our brothers to a passing merchant, who then takes us to another country, Egypt, and sells as a slave? Uh, not many. Sure we have problems, but usually nothing that awful. But Joseph kept his faith, even when he was doing his job, had a false accusation made against him, and was then thrown into prison/a dungeon. Most people know that Joseph still had more trials to endure beyond this.

Through it all, though, Joseph knew that God would work all things for His good. Joseph didn't blame God, he trusted God was in charge of the situation, good and bad, and kept his faith. Bad things do happen to good people. This is a vital lesson for Christians to learn. We need to keep trusting God's providence through the storms of life and not just expecting blessings. Joseph knew this and his faith in God allowed him to endure awful situations with complete confidence that God is in charge. Joseph trusted God and saw the hand of God in his life, lovingly guiding him through his trials and struggles, leading him to a place of peace and reconciliation.

This is an excellent Bible study and a wonderful reminder of what God can do in spite of the many circumstances we encounter. Embracing God's providence for our lives can bring a real sense of comfort that God is in control and our role is to just believe and trust in Him. Certainly during the holidays this can be a timely reminder that no matter what family drama may be going on, God is in charge and he only requires you to keep your faith and know He is in charge.

Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Moody Publishers.

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John Updike's six rules for reviewing:

1. Try to understand what the author wished to do, and do not blame him for not achieving what he did not attempt.

2. Give him enough direct quotation--at least one extended passage--of the book's prose so the review's reader can form his own impression, can get his own taste.

3. Confirm your description of the book with quotation from the book, if only phrase-long, rather than proceeding by fuzzy precis.

4. Go easy on plot summary, and do not give away the ending.

5. If the book is judged deficient, cite a successful example along the same lines, from the author's oeuvre or elsewhere. Try to understand the failure. Sure it's his and not yours?

To these concrete five might be added a vaguer sixth, having to do with maintaining a chemical purity in the reaction between product and appraiser.....Review the book, not the reputation.... Better to praise and share than blame and ban. The communion between reviewer and his public is based upon the presumption of certain possible joys in reading, and all our discriminations should curve toward that end.