The book was written well enough, but it shed no new light on the subject of Joseph's life.

This book is not average feel good, motivation, how to feel better about yourself book. This story re-tells the story of Joseph from the Book of Genesis. and how his story relates to others in our time.  I do not usually read religious books, but this one just stood out as something I needed to read. I am thankful that I took the time to read it. 

For anyone who has never read the Book of Genesis, myself included, Joseph was the son of a Shepherd. His brothers were jealous of his relationship with their father and sold him into slavery. After almost giving up on God, things in life started to unfold and change for him. The author of this book took Joseph story and compared it to different lives, his included. Though life is not always an easy path, there is something greater waiting for us, as long as we don't give up. 

At times in our lives, we are going to reach crossroads and have to decide which direction we want to take. By doing so, we need to remember that God has something bigger in store for us if we just listen and push forward. No, the path is not always the easiest or the one that we want, but it is the one that God chose for us.That is what makes this book worth reading, it is not about self-approvement or self-motivation, it about remembering that some things have to happen in our lives in order for us to move forward.

Title: God's Mysterious Ways; suffering, grace and God's plan for Joseph
Author: Gary Inrig
Publisher: Discovery House Publishers
Genre: Non Fiction; Christian
15 chapters
259 pages

Gary Inrig richly laced this work with real experiences of real people confronted by painfully real situations. Some experiences can shake your theology thoroughly and leave a dangling anchor. At such times, what would you do? Who would you see? Can you see God trustworthy enough so as to say: "though He slay me, yet will I trust Him...?"

The author provides strong points showing that God is all-reliable. The examples used to buttress the point are deeply touching and appeal strongly to the reader to reexamine reality from a greater depth and higher plane.

Joseph, a teenager sold into slavery by his own siblings is subjected to several undesirable, callous and hope blinding circumstances. He seems to be an unfortunate victim of circumstance, but it wasn't really so, as Gary writes:

"Joseph's story shows us that the Lord will use us- but before He can fully do that, He will work to refine and transform us progressively into the people He desires us to be." 

and

"God is often most present when He seems most absent."

The author's language is tender and and His insight is firm with reality. I  commend his writing skill. He has written His experience which He arranged brilliantly throughout the book alongside  those of others who matter in the context. The life of Joseph is brought to life again, not as mere history with moral lessons but so real to change you.

I received a copy of the book from NetGalley for review purpose.

This wonderful book is a reminder that all things work for the good of God 's children. There is no circumstance that is not allowed by God, even tough its painful, it works for our good. od’s will always comes to pass, His purposes can be trusted and His promises never fail. I received a copy of the book from netgalley for the review.