Why? Making Sense of God's Will

by Adam Hamilton

When the ground shakes, and a poor nation's economy is destroyed; when the waters rise, washing away a community's hopes and dreams; when a child suffers neglect and abuse; when violence tears apart nations; where is God? If God is all powerful, and if each one of us is a beloved child of God, then how can God allow tragedy and suffering to infest his creation? When we lift our prayers to God, and no answer seems to come; when we earnestly seek to know the will of God for our lives, yet can't seem to discern it; when God seems far away; where is God? If God counts the hairs on our head, and knows every sparrow that falls, why is finding and understanding God's will so difficult at times?In Why? Making Sense of God's Will best-selling author Adam Hamilton brings fresh insight to the age-old question of how to understand the will of God. Rejecting simplistic answers and unexamined assumptions, Hamilton addresses how we can comprehend God's plan for the world and ourselves. "When it comes to the weightiest problems for our faith, like suffering and unanswered prayers and God's will, philosophers don't get the job done for me. But thoughtful pastors do. For me, the one thoughtful pastor who offers wisdom for our deepest questions is Adam Hamilton. This book is a rare gift and the kind of book that needs to be close at hand for all Christians. This book proves theology has to be done by pastors."-Scot McKnight, author of A Community Called Atonement "As someone for whom the 'Christian answers' I grew up with failed to satisfy the troubling questions of my adulthood, I deeply appreciate Adam Hamilton's thoughtful book Why? I recommend this book to anyone who longs to leave behind simplistic answers and discover a God who invites them into a collaborative process of bringing redemption, love and hope to a world in desperate need."-Lynne Hybels, author of Nice Girls Don't Change the World "Unlike many Christian writers these days, Adam Hamilton does actually make sense of God's will. This is a profoundly satisfying treatment of common misconceptions about God. Everyone who asks 'Why?' when confronted with evil, innocent suffering, unanswered prayers, and failure to perceive God's will should read this book."-Roger Olson, author of Questions to All Your Answers

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Religion, Theology, Spirituality, Christianity, Ebooks

96 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2010

About the author

Rev. Adam Hamilton is the founding pastor of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas. He grew up in the Kansas City area. He earned a B.A. degree in Pastoral Ministry from Oral Roberts University and a Master of Divinity Degree from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University.

The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection has grown from four people in 1990 to more than 16,000 adult members with an average weekly worship attendance of more than 8,600 in 2011. The church was listed as the most influential mainline church in America in a 2005 survey of American pastors.

Adam has been married 30 years to LaVon. They have two grown daughters.

Reviews

[Lindsay Lemus · Rating 5 out of 5]

"God does not bring unjust suffering upon God's children. But God's will, however, force such things to serve God's good purposes. God will walk with us through the fires and the floodwaters. God promises that "the present suffering is nothing compared to the coming glory that is going to be revealed to us."
"The second thing I have come to understand is that God will not suspend another’s free will to answer my prayers. I can pray for someone to come to faith in Christ or buy my house or love me, but I can’t expect God to make someone do these things."
Whew, ya'll, I needed this book right now. I've not necessarily been struggling with understanding we will suffer because of sin and our free selfish wills but in having the why conversation with others. It's hard to explain the why when more often than not we won't have the answer or understanding because God hasn't revealed that to us. As He says in His Word, lean not on your own understanding, but that's easier said than done or to explain to others with little to no faith or the faithful in the midst of suffering who are struggling with the unanswered prayer. I highly recommend this book as a tool in helping others with the why question, a reminder to us faithful servants who aren't in a struggle or came out of one, and to encourage the ones going through a struggle.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was recommended to me after a death in the family. I was not familiar with Adam Hamilton, but I have learned he is a United Methodist pastor whose Kansas City church has become one of the largest in the country. This is a very short book, really about the length of a sermon or two. He writes in very clear language, which I appreciate, nothing flowery or "get out the dictionary" words. In each of the 4 chapters, he states his thesis and then sets out to explain it. I appreciated that he includes scientific ideas in his explanations; for example, evolution, the big bang, and quantum mechanics seem to be accepted by him. This book attempts to answer the question: if God exists, then why do bad things happen. I would definitely consider reading more writings from this author.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book on my Kindle today under the free titles. I like free and it sounded interesting! Once I started reading it I couldn't stop! It's very interesting and thought provoking! I grew up in a Christian home and have been a Christian my whole life. I was taught not to question God about things. I was also taught that God is always in control of everything no matter what! As I got older I started to question things like free will. What does free will really mean? Why do bad things happen to good people? Why are some prayers not answered? Not all of my questions were addressed in this book but quite a few were. I feel I now have a better understanding of certain things and maybe even a new way of looking at life! Why?:Making Sense of God's Will is easy to read and understand. (It's only 4 chapters.) I would recommend it to anyone who has questions about Faith and God's will.

[Corrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have ever wondered why good people die young and why bad things happen to good people, and you have questioned why God would let bad things happen, you should read this book. It explains God's part in natural disasters, diseases, and suffering. Good book. I will probably read it again because it totally shakes up my understanding of God's will.

[Bailey McFerren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend this book to anyone who has questions about God’s purpose, will and plan. It answered my questions about the evils that happen to innocent people especially in times like these. This book is full of hope and promise of God’s love for us all.

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two-haiku review:

We've all wondered why
Bad things happen to good folks
Why won't God stop it?

"Why" questions answered
Though bad happens, we are saved
God's love will prevail

[Linda Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has changed my way of thinking of tragedies and what God does and wants for us. I’m so glad my church ladies’ group selected it!

[Betsy Forbes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy read. Just what I needed while grieving the loss of my 26 year old niece. Thank you Adam.

[Debbie Hauser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really great book and a sharing in a group adds to the depth. I would definitely recommend.

[Becky Boyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read. Faith based book. Got a few good nuggets

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short and succinct book answering the question of Why.
This is what I learned:
God works through people, calling and nudging us into action, working in our hearts and lives to be the instruments God uses to answer the prayers of others.
And to ask myself, “In this situation, what is the most loving thing I can do?”
I found this book in a @littlefreelibrary signed by the author!

[Lisa Lewton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clear and concise read from Adam Hamilton. Used this book in an adult class and it elicited good questions and conversations.

[Agatha Nolen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adam asked the repeatedly difficult questions like "Is God a God of punishment?" and "If we pledge our life to Christ, why doesn't everything become easy?"

We ask these questions over and over of ourselves and for our loved ones particularly when we encounter the difficult seasons in our lives like cancer, unemployment, or a failed relationship.

Pastor Hamilton takes us on the journey of answering these questions and isn't shy about condemning Christian reasoning that is off-base and judgmental. Instead he reminds us over and over that our tough times are the opportunity for us to create a relationship with God through prayer and dialogue, not telling God how to run the world, but instead seeking wisdom from Him just like we did from our parents when we were small. We trusted that our parents love us and want the best for us; Adam makes the compelling case that we need to trust God too because He loves us and wants the best for us.

I found the section discussing whether God's plan is already set for us particularly helpful. If we believe that everything is already decided, there is no incentive for us as humans, but if we can believe that God wants to journey with us, we can relax in knowing that God will show us the way.

[Laura Dallas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Popular United Methodist pastor and author Adam Hamilton has a way of explaining complex theological ideas to make them easily understood by the layperson while remaining biblically sound. His writings provide comfort to the average Christian through solidifying tenets of faith, answering nagging questions of belief, and doing it all in a manner that is memorable and repeatable in ordinary conversation. This book is not only no exception, it is an excellent example of how Hamilton takes a deep and tricky subject that turns many away from faith altogether and provides satisfying explanations of God’s will related to the suffering of innocents, unanswered prayer, and the mysteries of God’s plan and God’s love. Hamilton shows how the Bible reveals a God of love and why this understanding makes logical sense in light of suffering in the world. This book is highly recommended, especially for Christians struggling with these ideas, but also for anyone who wants to build a stronger foundation for their faith and to have answers to the question of “why?” in the midst of life’s struggles.

[Ashlee · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really like Adam Hamilton so that us probably why I lost interest and could not finish this book - I have already heard him say all this. However, if you are not familiar with this pastor and his common sense, today approach to religion it is worth picking up and perusing.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book/Bible study that raises questions about the way we, as Christians, often think about about world suffering, our own suffering, and God's will for our lives. I highly recommend this book for everyone struggling, or not, with these issues.

[Cynthia Sanders · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very insightful and has inspired me to get involved in GriefShare daily devotionals. My hope is in God. I am never alone.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was recommended to me at a time when I needed help answering some tough questions. Some things I found most enlightening:
- Theodicy is the attempt to reconcile belief in a loving an powerful God with the suffering present in our world.
- Bible does not promise that those who believe and do good will not suffer. The Bible is largely a book about people who refused to let go of their faith in the face of suffering. It describes the comfort, strength and hope found in the face of suffering.
- Does everything happen for a reason? Somehow the suffering you are going through is purposeful. God does not plan suffering into our lives. Tragedy, rape & murder are not the will of God.
- God does not send earthquakes and floods. He does not intervene to stop them, they are essential to the planet. God calls people to action for assistance.
- God does not make people sick, its not God's way. We are susceptible to illness and die, its simply part of the body. God walks with us in this journey.
- Rejecting God, in the face of suffering, does not change the situation that caused the suffering; it only removes the greatest source of hope, help, comfort and strength we have.
- Go to God with your burdens. Be bold when you pray. Trust that God hears your prayers and in ways you don't fully understand, God will see you through this situation. God does not abandon us
- Suffering and tragedy will occur. It is hardship, challenges, suffering and tragedy that lead to development of character and compassion
- Maybe God has an outline for our lives, but gives us the choice of writing our own story without God or in collaboration with God
- When we collaborate with God, we invite God to lead us, guide us and use us
- When you are paying attention, you may see God-incidents, not coincidence
- The will of God is for our faithfulness, not our happiness. The path may be difficult, uncomfortable and inconvenient. Not because God brings them. They are just part of life.
- God is beside us as we weather the storms

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book with a book study group that grew out of a grief support group. While I don’t agree with everything in this book, I think the way Hamilton looks at grief is refreshing and helped me far more than the grief support group. Hamilton acknowledges head on the hard questions - if you believe in God how can these bad things happen? How does it sound when Christians say “God saved me from this tragedy” when he didn’t save your neighbor or someone else! Why would anyone want to believe in that God? I felt like Hamilton related to the real questions that people have - especially when they are going through something that they haven’t experienced before.

Reading this has been part of my process to try to understand and come to grips with my father unexpectedly passing away. And it doesn’t answer all the questions - not even close. But it certainly helped me a lot more than hearing that everything is simply God’s will.

Listen, I’m not sure what I even believe. But I did think that this book was helpful and useful - if you have a background in faith or are not a hard and fast atheist. I think if you are it would be too much for you, but for someone like me who is on the searching, undecided, open side of things - I did think this book was helpful.

[Penny Louks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this to more fully understand a sermon series at the church where my middle son is one of the pastors. I awarded it 5 stars because it challenged my thinking, and I felt that it covered a complex topic in a sensitive and intelligent yet concise manner. It is short but covers age-old questions, including Biblical references and direct quotes as well as analogies and anecdotal evidence, both primary and secondary, as possible answers. I especially liked that it allowed for a dialogue between author and reader as the tone was conversational rather than lecturing, lending itself to further personal introspection. If you are struggling with tough issues in your life and feel that God has forsaken you, this might be a great read. If you do not know if you are on the right path in life, this could be helpful. If you just want to know why there is so much pain and suffering in the world, this is thought-provoking.

[Alexa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very quick and easy read - which is impressive in itself considering the topic is notoriously challenging. I was concerned before reading that the book would just be a long-winded exploration into the “everything happens for a reason” sentiment, but was pleasantly surprised to find that was discussed in the first chapter and the book continued on to grapple with more nuanced questions. I especially appreciated the interconnectedness of prayer and the dive into why we pray (and how to pray). I could see this being a handy pocket reference guide.

[Cape Rust · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hamilton is the Pastor of a large congregation, however he has not left or forgotten his roots and his calling. This book was recommended to me by a resident of the progressive retirement community where I work as a Chaplain and it has proven to be a powerful arrow in my quiver. Hamilton tackles some of the hardest questions that both Pastors and Chaplains can receive. Gods will is not our own and this book provides usable explanations and anecdotal examples to reinforce Gods sovereign will. This was closer to a 4.7 for
me.

[Jordan Louks · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are a few theological and exegetical issues I have with this book, but for the most part it is a decent resource. Probably one of the more accessible resources on this topic for congregations, and Hamilton does a good job of addressing some of the more problematic ideas out there about suffering and evil. Perhaps it is a good starting point but definitely not the final say on the topic.

[Debbie Babbage · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good look at the concept or better yet the misconception of God’s will. Pastor Hamilton, as usually, makes the reader feel like faith can be understood. We don’t have all the answers but Pastor Hamilton, time and time again, creates an opportunity for us to get closer, and closer to a relationship with God.

[Ronnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book and read it today because the question Why? I was first trying to understand why God would takes away individuals when they still had a lot of Life to live. The author brought insights that I never realized to help understand that, “...the worst thing (in our life) is never lasting.” Kobe and Gianna RIP.

[Lynda Sueirro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Answered so many questios.....

I read this book for a weekly Bible study. Our Pastor has used this book in several studies, in various churches. This year [2020] has been such a remarkably stress filled,worrisome time. This book has not only brought me great comfort, but answered so many questions. I hope to go forward with a stronger faith.

[Caleb Taylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought Adam handled the issues of suffering well for the most part. I struggle and am still pondering his views on Gods plan or as he would say “prescription” for our lives. I also Greatly disagree with his view of how the world was created. But I thought the book was thought provoking and done well.

[Lee Norred · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book puts into perspective God’s will and how we can grapple with the bad things that happen in our lives. If you’ve ever had someone tell you “Everything happens for a reason” when you’ve gone through something horrible, then you need to read this book. It gives you peace to know that God isn’t behind our suffering but he is right there holding our hand.

[Patricia A. Sjöberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoughtful writing

Rev. Hamilton writes passionately about the most commonly asked question: Why? He does not patronize the reader with platitudes; he writes openly and honestly about the we have, even though evil occurs. I’m recommending this book to all Christians for study.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have ever struggled with the question of why do bad things happen to good people, this is the book for you. It will give you help as you try to understand God’s will and the reality of your life. I found this short book to be both comforting and thought provoking.