The Hand of God by Alistair Begg updated edition

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.

You can read an excerpt from the book here.

I reviewed the updated edition of this book releasing January 1, 2019.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Alistair Begg was born in Scotland and spent the first 30 years of his life in the United Kingdom. He went to Trent University, London School of Theology, and Westminster Seminary. He served two Scottish churches following graduation. He has been the senior pastor at Parkside Church in suburban Cleveland since 1983. He is the daily speaker on the national radio program Truth for Life and is the author of several books. He and his wife have three grown children.

Moody Press, 256 pages.

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