The Hand of God

Alistair Begg's writing is concise and informative. As I have heard him on the radio, this is the first book of his that I have read. Unfortunately, our library probably will not purchase this title,

I am thankful to net galley.com and Moody publishers for an advance copy of this book. This is an excellent little book which takes us through the life of Joseph and discusses the difficult question of God's providence. We are often keen to see God's providence in the good things in life when things are going well. However Begg using the life of Joesph as an example reminds us that God is there providing for us even in the dark and difficult moments in life.

We all need this theology in our lives to remind us perhaps not in the midst of the dark times themselves but when we have come through them that everything comes to us from the hand of a loving saving God.

Grounded in scripture and the familiar tales from the Bible, Alistair Begg offers a lifeline for those of the faith that feel as if they are drowning in the circumstances of life.

A wonderful book about how God is always with us, even in the hard times. This is the first book I've read by Alistair Begg, but it won't be the last. Thank you Moody Publishers via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book.

First sentence: “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” —Romans 8:28 Those who have been Christians for any length of time may find that the page in their Bible which contains this verse is a little worn, even smudged—and with good reason. The implications of God’s providence are staggering, because they impact every area and every moment of our lives. This truth is one that separates believers from unbelievers.

The Hand of God by Alistair Begg is a book about the Providence of God; specifically it is about the Providence of God as illustrated through the life of Joseph. The book is about Joseph--son of Jacob, son of Isaac, son of Abraham--but it is also about God's providence in general: how believers can draw comfort from the doctrine. Begg argues that studying the life of Joseph is like seeing the truth of Romans 8:28 lived out and "with skin on."

"Joseph hadn’t read Romans 8:28. He didn’t have it hanging on the wall of his dungeon. But he understood the truth behind it, and even in the worst of human circumstances, he displayed patient endurance and quiet confidence."

The PROVIDENCE of God isn't a doctrine that gets much attention from the pulpit--perhaps because preachers are afraid of being misunderstood. If it gets little attention from the pulpit, then it gets even less from ordinary believers. Dare I say it's considered tacky to talk about God's providence?! You mean it's God's will for me to lose my job? You mean it's God's will for me to have cancer? You mean it's God's will for me that I miscarried? You mean it's God's will that the tornado destroyed my house? These are the same people who have no trouble believing that it is God's will for you to get the job, to get married, to have a baby, to move to a better house, to always be healthy.

"How did we arrive at the conclusion that following Christ is a walk in the park? Where did we get the idea that serving Christ is a guarantee against trial, pain, and persecution? We didn’t get it from Jesus. He guarantees just the opposite: “In this world you will have trouble” ( John 16:33)."

I hope that Begg's study on Providence will persuade readers that this is an EXCELLENT, comforting, blessed doctrine.

This book is an inspiring and detailed look at the life of Joseph, and the way that Joseph was consistently under God’s care through every circumstance in his life.

Alistair Begg does a wonderful job of applying the lessons learned through Joseph’s story to our own lives. This is a very readable and relatable book and I liked the author’s writing style. I also loved that the author takes us on a deep look at Joseph’s life from boyhood to his death as a senior saint. I highlighted many quotes in this book, and found much encouragement and practical advice to follow as I face trials in my own life.

This book would be a great study for a Sunday School class or study group, as well as individual study.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

I was eager to read this book having listened to many sermons by the author. It didn't disappoint. Alistair Begg is excellent at providing Scriptural reference to back up his messages. This book is about how God's Hand is upon us even when we may feel abandoned as in the case of Joseph.
Easy to read and understand, this one is ideal to use for a small group study.
I received an Advance Review Copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

I hadn't read Alistair Begg before so wasn't sure what to expect but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Begg takes us through the rollercoaster life of Joseph emphasising God's providential care at every stage especially at times when you might be tempted to question it. I love the story of Joseph's life because we can see in advance what Joseph could not, namely why apparently bad things happen (even when we've been faithful to God) and how God uses circumstances we feel are unjust to work out his plan. The book is basically (in my view) a series of sermons and the tone is very conversational and chatty. Sometimes the exposition is more conjecture than straight exegesis from the passage like imagining how Joseph might feel in certain circumstances where those inner feelings aren't explicitly stated in the Biblical text but this isn't unusual in sermons and fits well. One of the biggest lessons for me was when you feel you've been treated unjustly and are tempted to question God's role in your life but God is completely in control and always faithful to us. Another lesson is that God may have plans for us that we are completely oblivious to and in trials we are being prepared in ways we can't see but God can. That's when faith in God's ability to mould all things for our good and his glory is paramount. This would be a great book for a Bible Study series and personal study. Recommended.

Review based on NetGalley/Moody Publishers ARC thanks.

Alistair Begg very ably draws on the Bible story of Joseph's life from serving his father around the home to being second in Charge to the King of Egypt. Alistair opens with 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". This thought is repeated throughout the book in many of the situations that Joseph finds himself in. You may not be aware that Joseph came from a dysfunctional family; yet he didn't let this get him down. He consistently remained faithful throughout his ups and downs and purposed to remain faithful. Alistair brings alive Joseph's life and the lessons that can be learnt including the purpose of trials, enjoyment in the routine, viewing life's difficulties as stepping stones of God's providential care rather than obstacles and the importance of preparing our mind for decisions to be made before we find ourselves in testing circumstances. The Hand of God is bursting with lessons for life and potentially the first SMART plan ever made!

A favorite verse of many Christians is Romans 8:28. Begg explores the truth of that verse, the biblical doctrine of God's providence. It is not surprising that he uses the life of Joseph to do so.

I thought this book might be another same old kind of study but I was pleasantly surprised. Begg helps readers understand the experiences Joseph went through. Joseph quickly went from favored son to slave. What a shock. Yet God was accomplishing His purpose even when it must have seemed to Joseph that everything was going wrong. It is a lesson for us to trust God even in the darkest times.

Another lesson from the book related to our own disappointment when everything isn't the way we'd like. We look for the ideal place to live, to work, to worship and more. Begg reminds us the ideal is saved for heaven. Our search for the ideal circumstances will only lead to disappointment.

I was impressed with how Begg showed God forming Joseph's character, even during his childhood and youth in a dysfunctional family. That was encouraging. That gives hope. Even though there was trauma and death, God was there shaping Joseph for the future.

There are many other lessons Begg reveals to readers such as not becoming bitter and prospering in drudgery. There were even some lessons to learn from Potiphar's and Jacob's actions.

I recommend this book to readers who would like some good insights from a familiar story in the Bible.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

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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I find this title very interesting, as I enjoyed the extended analysis of the Joseph saga. The two concerns I have is that there are a great deal of American idioms for an ex-pat (one wonders if there was a ghost writer whose voice is seeping through) and the fact this edition is not completely updated from its original publican nearly two decades ago (some examples are new, while others could do with a little more refreshing). Overall, however, I really like the analysis and personal application this text provides.

Both an encouraging and a challenging book. It being published tomorrow is apt - the reading of this book cannot but help self-reflection and self-resolve at the beginning of a new year.
This is a book I have enjoyed on my Kindle but will purchase a paperback - this is a testament to how highly I recommend it.

"Does God care? Is God in control? The story of Joseph is a tale of jealousy, deceit, slavery....an epic, a saga" Alistair Begg

If I could give 6 stars I would

This book takes a look at the life of Joseph and God’s band in all of his circumstances, good and bad, to demonstrate how the Lord lovingly guides His people through all situations in life for His glory. Alistair Begg always makes things so simple to understand and does so in an engaging way! I highly recommend!