Stacy O. (stacyo) reviewed Be Still, My Soul: Embracing God's Purpose and Provision in Suffering on + 15 more book reviews
Be Still, My Soul: Embracing Gods Purpose & Provision in Suffering was edited by Nancy Guthrie and investigates Gods view of and workings in suffering. This book explores the pain we go through, Gods thoughts concerning grief and suffering, and the growth that occurs when God uses the hard times in life for good. Nancy Guthrie has compiled and organized 25 short pieces that give the reader a new idea of what suffering means for us.
The book is divided into three sections that address Gods Perspective on Suffering, Gods Purpose in Suffering, and Gods Provision in Suffering. Guthrie takes the various essays and categorizes them into these three overarching ideas. While the lines between the categories sometimes blur, they are very helpful in understanding what the authors have to say about suffering. From John Piper to Saint Augustine, famed authors of old and new are included, and their perspectives are explored. Each piece is based in Scripture, and each authors unique view helps the audience see the issue in a different light. In the preface Guthrie tells her own difficult story of suffering and thereby explains her connection with the topic. The authors and pieces she chose to include are a testament to her research on and experience with the topic of dealing with hardships as Christians.
The first section of the book is comprised of nine pieces that primarily compare and contrast the ways people approach suffering and how God approaches suffering. The second part tackles a more difficult idea by speaking about Gods greater plan through pain. Finally, the third section introduces the strength and growth that God provides through suffering. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, John Newton, Philip Yancey, Joni Eareckson Tada, and Martin Luther are only a few of the talented authors whose work can be found in these pages, each with a unique story and message. Guthries organization of the pieces justly illuminates suffering for all it is, all it was meant to be, and all it can be.
This book truly gave me plenty to ponder. I was blessed by this assortment of wisdom, whether the particular reading was written five years or five centuries ago. Guthrie has assembled an amazing group of authors with key ideas to share about an important topic. Some of my attitudes regarding personal hardships were challenged. The book is put together very well and has the power to change lives. I recommend Be Still, My Soul to Christian young adults as well as mature readers.
The book is divided into three sections that address Gods Perspective on Suffering, Gods Purpose in Suffering, and Gods Provision in Suffering. Guthrie takes the various essays and categorizes them into these three overarching ideas. While the lines between the categories sometimes blur, they are very helpful in understanding what the authors have to say about suffering. From John Piper to Saint Augustine, famed authors of old and new are included, and their perspectives are explored. Each piece is based in Scripture, and each authors unique view helps the audience see the issue in a different light. In the preface Guthrie tells her own difficult story of suffering and thereby explains her connection with the topic. The authors and pieces she chose to include are a testament to her research on and experience with the topic of dealing with hardships as Christians.
The first section of the book is comprised of nine pieces that primarily compare and contrast the ways people approach suffering and how God approaches suffering. The second part tackles a more difficult idea by speaking about Gods greater plan through pain. Finally, the third section introduces the strength and growth that God provides through suffering. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, John Newton, Philip Yancey, Joni Eareckson Tada, and Martin Luther are only a few of the talented authors whose work can be found in these pages, each with a unique story and message. Guthries organization of the pieces justly illuminates suffering for all it is, all it was meant to be, and all it can be.
This book truly gave me plenty to ponder. I was blessed by this assortment of wisdom, whether the particular reading was written five years or five centuries ago. Guthrie has assembled an amazing group of authors with key ideas to share about an important topic. Some of my attitudes regarding personal hardships were challenged. The book is put together very well and has the power to change lives. I recommend Be Still, My Soul to Christian young adults as well as mature readers.
