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This was a great read.  Especially if you feel like you’ve got the rotten deal in life at this point in time.  The book is well written and an easy read!  Piper goes step by step through the biblical story of Ruth and Naomi talking about how it seems like they have been dealt a very bitter providence, but how God in His amazing grace turns it all around into a very sweet redemption.

So often in the midst of hardship we are unable to look up and see the providence of God in the situation.  Sometimes we can’t see the good in the situation right now and sometimes we will never understand the ‘why’ of things.  It’s easy to say how can God let this and this and this happen, or maybe even think that God wasn’t in control or even had anything to do with our circumstances.  If you have a belief in God, it is of so much more comfort to know that He has ALL under control… if he wasn’t in control, then doesn’t that loose the meaning of God; the one who has created all things, sustains all things and has given a hope for the future? And if he isn’t in control isn’t that a scary place to be that the God I believe in, might not have the power or ability to care for me or watch over me or protect me completely?

As Piper says:

“When you believe in the sovereignty of God and that he loves to work mightily for those who trust him, it gives a freedom and courage that isn’t abandoned in hard times.”

If you are interested in reading a copy go to John Piper’s website and you can download a pdf copy for free.  Read it and tell me what you think!