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When There Is No Miracle
No stranger to personal pain and tragedy, Dr. Robert Wise has seen miracles happen in his own life, in the lives of his family members, in the lives of others. Yet he is keenly aware of the times God is silent, the times when pain and tragedy seemingly go unanswered and unexplained. In a day when miracles are being considered almost commonplace by some and when many people suffer feelings of guilt because their prayers are not being miraculously answered, Dr. Wise has written a clear and comforting word to help any believer walk by faith through trouble or trauma. Here is a book that grapples realistically and hopefully with the unanswerable myusteries and questions that face us all.
- GenresNonfictionChristian
176 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1978
13 people are currently reading
220 people want to read
About the author
Robert L. Wise
61 books14 followersRobert L. Wise, Ph.D. is the author or coauthor of twenty-four books. He is a bishop in the communion of Evangelical Episcopal Churches and has planted churches around the world. Dr. Wise and his wife, Margueritte, live in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
October 7, 2016
[Note: This book was provided free of charge by Kregel Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.]
In an unexpected way, this book managed to fill a nice niche in my frighteningly lengthy collection on the problem of evil [1], a problem I dwell on at considerable length as a reader and writer. This particular book is a classic, speaks from a Pentecostal or Holiness perspective, which mars only the last chapter with its speculations on the workings of the Holy Spirit, and deals thoughtfully and seriously with the doubts and questions that people have about whether God listens, or what God is doing when there is no miracle, when God appears silent in the face of our pain, without blaming the people involved themselves. Most of this book's insights come in reframing the questions that we would have towards God, in avoiding cliches for those who are struggling through difficult times while also changing the question of why to what for in terms of what is going on in our lives. In a way, this book is a Christian version of the approach of Victor Frankl's logotherapy, in that the author urges readers to find meaning and purpose in suffering to make it possible to endure what would otherwise be earth-shattering.
The book consists of twelve chapters, most of which deal in one way or another with the problem of pain. The author begins with the sensible question: where one begins, and then points out the assurance of things hoped for, which is not always what we would most like or wish in the face of trouble. The author encourages readers to play it straight and be open and honest about their struggles, not something that is often done well in our contemporary culture, and then spends several chapters talking about the paradox of pain, the profit from pain, the power in pain, the instigator of pain (Satan), and the inevitability of pain. After this the author winds down his point, talking about the ways that God speaks through the apparent silence in our lives, what we do while waiting for a miracle, what a miracle looks like, containing a few too many convenient examples from the author's own personal life, and a final discussion on death being less than an enemy because of the power of life that comes from Jesus Christ, something which could have been explained a bit better given the fact that 1 Corinthians 15:26 tells us that the last enemy that shall be destroyed is death, which makes it clear that death is an enemy and not a friend of believers.
Nevertheless, even if this author is a bit clumsy in his statements and even if he is clearly biased by an incorrect viewpoint with regards to the supposed spiritual revival that the author sees in vain as happening in the 1970's, there is much to gain from this book for the careful reader who manages to avoid the author's missteps and stick to the biblical core of what is discussed. All too many people, including, it should be noted, the author, are a bit too quick to sell a false bill of goods when it comes to the workings of God in various situations. Nevertheless, it is of great importance to realize that God does still work through miracles, and to understand that a miracle is not a violation of the laws of the universe but a revelation of higher purposes than we can understand on our own human level. By maintaining a sense of mystery rather than believing that we have to solve and understand everything in our lives, we are given a sense of humility and avoid at least some of the trouble and torment that comes from life. And, if you have lived the sort of life that some of us have, opportunities to avoid torment should be taken wherever possible, all other things being equal, even though we can learn much through our suffering as God permits.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
In an unexpected way, this book managed to fill a nice niche in my frighteningly lengthy collection on the problem of evil [1], a problem I dwell on at considerable length as a reader and writer. This particular book is a classic, speaks from a Pentecostal or Holiness perspective, which mars only the last chapter with its speculations on the workings of the Holy Spirit, and deals thoughtfully and seriously with the doubts and questions that people have about whether God listens, or what God is doing when there is no miracle, when God appears silent in the face of our pain, without blaming the people involved themselves. Most of this book's insights come in reframing the questions that we would have towards God, in avoiding cliches for those who are struggling through difficult times while also changing the question of why to what for in terms of what is going on in our lives. In a way, this book is a Christian version of the approach of Victor Frankl's logotherapy, in that the author urges readers to find meaning and purpose in suffering to make it possible to endure what would otherwise be earth-shattering.
The book consists of twelve chapters, most of which deal in one way or another with the problem of pain. The author begins with the sensible question: where one begins, and then points out the assurance of things hoped for, which is not always what we would most like or wish in the face of trouble. The author encourages readers to play it straight and be open and honest about their struggles, not something that is often done well in our contemporary culture, and then spends several chapters talking about the paradox of pain, the profit from pain, the power in pain, the instigator of pain (Satan), and the inevitability of pain. After this the author winds down his point, talking about the ways that God speaks through the apparent silence in our lives, what we do while waiting for a miracle, what a miracle looks like, containing a few too many convenient examples from the author's own personal life, and a final discussion on death being less than an enemy because of the power of life that comes from Jesus Christ, something which could have been explained a bit better given the fact that 1 Corinthians 15:26 tells us that the last enemy that shall be destroyed is death, which makes it clear that death is an enemy and not a friend of believers.
Nevertheless, even if this author is a bit clumsy in his statements and even if he is clearly biased by an incorrect viewpoint with regards to the supposed spiritual revival that the author sees in vain as happening in the 1970's, there is much to gain from this book for the careful reader who manages to avoid the author's missteps and stick to the biblical core of what is discussed. All too many people, including, it should be noted, the author, are a bit too quick to sell a false bill of goods when it comes to the workings of God in various situations. Nevertheless, it is of great importance to realize that God does still work through miracles, and to understand that a miracle is not a violation of the laws of the universe but a revelation of higher purposes than we can understand on our own human level. By maintaining a sense of mystery rather than believing that we have to solve and understand everything in our lives, we are given a sense of humility and avoid at least some of the trouble and torment that comes from life. And, if you have lived the sort of life that some of us have, opportunities to avoid torment should be taken wherever possible, all other things being equal, even though we can learn much through our suffering as God permits.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
December 5, 2016
Wise tackles hard questions. If God loves me and He is all powerful, then why am I suffering? Shouldn't Christians be exempt from tragedy? Why didn't God heal me?
He helps readers understand what a miracle is as well as why we question God's character when we don't get the miracle for which we prayed. Wise then shows how God has purposes in mind when disasters and tragedies happen.
“While God doesn't send tragedy, He still allows it; then the heavenly Father takes and reshapes everything that happens to us.” (47) And, “When there is no miracle, we need not doubt His intentions and power; we can trust God to achieve His purposes in a more conventional manner.” (47)
Other purposes include discovering our inadequacy and catching sight of God's sufficiency (58), we cannot live independently because we need God, God is working to bring order out of chaos, God uses struggles to transform us, and a few more.
Wise's style is very conversational. This is not a scholarly work nor an exposition of Scripture. Wise tells lots of stories from his own life, his family, and people he has known. There are many more stories than there are references to Scripture.
As is often the case when trying to explain tragedies, Wise defends God's sovereignty yet claims that God is not responsible for disasters and tragedies. He writes, “I find it contradicts Scripture to blame tragedy on God.” (92) Yet he provides no Scripture to support his statement. He makes no attempt to address Old Testament disasters God caused in judgment, the flood being a good example. Nor does he address Scriptures like Amos 3:6 (“When a disaster comes to a city, has not the Lord caused it?” NIV) and Isaiah 45:7b (“I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things.” NIV).
Unfortunately, Wise does not defend nor prove many of his statements using Scripture. There is some good material in the book, such as identifying the purposes of God in tragedy and suffering. However, one familiar with Scripture will find much in this book lacking a good solid biblical basis. This is a reprint and expanded version of the book that was originally printed in 1978.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
He helps readers understand what a miracle is as well as why we question God's character when we don't get the miracle for which we prayed. Wise then shows how God has purposes in mind when disasters and tragedies happen.
“While God doesn't send tragedy, He still allows it; then the heavenly Father takes and reshapes everything that happens to us.” (47) And, “When there is no miracle, we need not doubt His intentions and power; we can trust God to achieve His purposes in a more conventional manner.” (47)
Other purposes include discovering our inadequacy and catching sight of God's sufficiency (58), we cannot live independently because we need God, God is working to bring order out of chaos, God uses struggles to transform us, and a few more.
Wise's style is very conversational. This is not a scholarly work nor an exposition of Scripture. Wise tells lots of stories from his own life, his family, and people he has known. There are many more stories than there are references to Scripture.
As is often the case when trying to explain tragedies, Wise defends God's sovereignty yet claims that God is not responsible for disasters and tragedies. He writes, “I find it contradicts Scripture to blame tragedy on God.” (92) Yet he provides no Scripture to support his statement. He makes no attempt to address Old Testament disasters God caused in judgment, the flood being a good example. Nor does he address Scriptures like Amos 3:6 (“When a disaster comes to a city, has not the Lord caused it?” NIV) and Isaiah 45:7b (“I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things.” NIV).
Unfortunately, Wise does not defend nor prove many of his statements using Scripture. There is some good material in the book, such as identifying the purposes of God in tragedy and suffering. However, one familiar with Scripture will find much in this book lacking a good solid biblical basis. This is a reprint and expanded version of the book that was originally printed in 1978.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
January 15, 2017
Having read and been taught by many such books as this one, I was eager to read When There is No Miracle. This book is full of stories and accounts remembered and gathered by the author, Robert Wise. I was touched by the different incidents and tragedies. My life, which I've always viewed as blessed, looks even more luxurious in light of these hard stories. I like how the author pointed everything in the right direction, never (as far as I could tell) blaming God. This was a good book despite the fact that, unbeknownst to me when I first ordered it, the author is an Episcopal pastor. Thus, there are some things which I couldn't agree with. I didn't care for the included ''conversations between Mr. Wise and Jesus'' although the author seemed to have a fairly good idea of Jesus' power. I also could not agree with the final chapter on miraculous healing, laying on of hands etc.
In short, this is a good book but I would not recommend it to non Episcopalians seeing as there are many other good books in this genre for us to read which are written by theologically-correct authors.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.
In short, this is a good book but I would not recommend it to non Episcopalians seeing as there are many other good books in this genre for us to read which are written by theologically-correct authors.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.
December 6, 2016
"Why has God allowed this to happen to me?" is perhaps the hardest question Christians are asked. Whether it is from an unexpected death of a family member or friend, the loss of a job at the worst time of the year, cancer diagnosis for the first time or third time, or fill in the blank to any number of things you wish you had an answer for. So how do you answer any of those questions and still give someone hope?
In the book, When There Is No Miracle by Robert L. Wise is a great place to start. I know for me, I have had my own share of questions for God and often times, feel when there is no answer and just never ending silence, it can seem as if God doesn't care or your prayer simply wasn't filled with enough faith.
Yet as Christians we know that Jesus, as the very Son of God, had enough heartache to last an eternity. Not only did He witness it in the lives of the people He came into contact with day in and day out while He walked the earth, but even the brutality He, Himself, would face through beatings, the crucifixion and even His death on the cross. So where is God when bad things happen? Why do we automatically assume God is to blame for both good things and bad?
You might reason that since God is Creator He could heal someone if He chooses or stop a terrorist from killing innocent people, so why doesn't He? Is it possible there is someone else to blame than God? Is there an answer when a miracle doesn't happen for even the most dedicated person of faith? The answer is a resounding yes to all of these questions. For me, this book was a great resource for my own prayer life in helping me to pray for things along the lines of God's will but in also helping me to understand God's expectations of us and what the greater purpose might be in these situations. I believe it should be a resource in any believer's library. Using the Bible, I can now help those struggling to find answers in the world we live in today and to accept the uncertainty we will face in some of those times. One thing is clear, God is always present in all of those situations.
I received When There is No Miracle by Robert L. Wise compliments of Kregel Publications. My reason for wanting to read this book was a dear friend of mine was going through her cancer diagnosis for the third time. After battling this horrible disease twice and winning, it was heart-breaking to see this come a third time. Yet despite it all, the grief was real along with the many tears that followed, but the one thing that remains true is her undying spirit that God has NOT forsaken her, despite an incurable diagnosis. While she might not win this battle, she is looking for the purpose God is using this for. What a great example of getting through dark times, we simply need to turn to the Light and remember while we might not see the miracle this side of life, death is NOT the end for the believer. I easily give this book a 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend this to anyone wanting to know the "Why's" of life purpose when bad things happen in our own lives.
In the book, When There Is No Miracle by Robert L. Wise is a great place to start. I know for me, I have had my own share of questions for God and often times, feel when there is no answer and just never ending silence, it can seem as if God doesn't care or your prayer simply wasn't filled with enough faith.
Yet as Christians we know that Jesus, as the very Son of God, had enough heartache to last an eternity. Not only did He witness it in the lives of the people He came into contact with day in and day out while He walked the earth, but even the brutality He, Himself, would face through beatings, the crucifixion and even His death on the cross. So where is God when bad things happen? Why do we automatically assume God is to blame for both good things and bad?
You might reason that since God is Creator He could heal someone if He chooses or stop a terrorist from killing innocent people, so why doesn't He? Is it possible there is someone else to blame than God? Is there an answer when a miracle doesn't happen for even the most dedicated person of faith? The answer is a resounding yes to all of these questions. For me, this book was a great resource for my own prayer life in helping me to pray for things along the lines of God's will but in also helping me to understand God's expectations of us and what the greater purpose might be in these situations. I believe it should be a resource in any believer's library. Using the Bible, I can now help those struggling to find answers in the world we live in today and to accept the uncertainty we will face in some of those times. One thing is clear, God is always present in all of those situations.
I received When There is No Miracle by Robert L. Wise compliments of Kregel Publications. My reason for wanting to read this book was a dear friend of mine was going through her cancer diagnosis for the third time. After battling this horrible disease twice and winning, it was heart-breaking to see this come a third time. Yet despite it all, the grief was real along with the many tears that followed, but the one thing that remains true is her undying spirit that God has NOT forsaken her, despite an incurable diagnosis. While she might not win this battle, she is looking for the purpose God is using this for. What a great example of getting through dark times, we simply need to turn to the Light and remember while we might not see the miracle this side of life, death is NOT the end for the believer. I easily give this book a 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend this to anyone wanting to know the "Why's" of life purpose when bad things happen in our own lives.
November 29, 2016
I have the privilege of reviewing a book that speaks into the darkness of human suffering: When There is No Miracle by Robert L. Wise, Kregel Publications. Until Christ returns to bring an end to death and suffering, the world in which we live is not yet heaven on earth. It is a world of tragedy, where most of us live at near subsistence level and all of us will experience pain, loss, and death. Suffering is universal. Therefore, if you are suffering or if you minister to those who are, purchase this book. Read it. Mark it up. Dog-ear the pages. Read it again. This is not the bandaid of pie-in-the-sky, slap-a-peppy-truism-on-it, name-it-claim-it relief. This book offers the truth of reality on planet Earth and a living and crucified God who is there with us IN all of it. When There is No Miracle will encourage you, help you, and remind you of the nearness and sovereignty of God in every calamity.
This is my second review of a book within Kregel's "Christian Life: Death, Grief, and Bereavement" category. I first reviewed When There are No Easy Answers by John S. Feinberg. This second book, When There is No Miracle, has proven to be equally superb: 5-star ratings for both. Kregel continues to produce a series that comforts us in our affliction, informs us of the reality of Christ with us, and helps us to comfort others as we have been comforted, using the lessons learned in our own suffering.
This is my second review of a book within Kregel's "Christian Life: Death, Grief, and Bereavement" category. I first reviewed When There are No Easy Answers by John S. Feinberg. This second book, When There is No Miracle, has proven to be equally superb: 5-star ratings for both. Kregel continues to produce a series that comforts us in our affliction, informs us of the reality of Christ with us, and helps us to comfort others as we have been comforted, using the lessons learned in our own suffering.
December 7, 2016
This book gives help to shed light on the age old questions so many have asked. Why didn’t God answer my prayers? Why didn’t God heal my loved one? Why does God allow suffering and pain when He can take it away? These are deep heartfelt searches for answers, but sometimes the answers we want do not come.
With our limited abilities as flesh and blood all we can see is our sorrow and distress, and need for relief. God is all knowing and all powerful and sees a much bigger picture, an eternal one.
The author helps guide us to open our minds and hearts to God’s purpose and working past our expectations of delivering the miracle we so desperately need and want. He addresses this through scripture and real life accounts. In doing so I felt he balanced human emotions with God’s truth. What he shares helps prevent us from looking at God as genie in a bottle waiting to grant our wishes. He approaches this issue directly but with the compassion of someone who had been there relates to where we are. While some might see book as depressing I found it hopeful. It beautifully reminded me that no matter what I face or how God chooses to answer, faith and trust in Him is all I need. I found this book encouraging and enlightening.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Kregel Publications. My comments are an independent and honest review.
With our limited abilities as flesh and blood all we can see is our sorrow and distress, and need for relief. God is all knowing and all powerful and sees a much bigger picture, an eternal one.
The author helps guide us to open our minds and hearts to God’s purpose and working past our expectations of delivering the miracle we so desperately need and want. He addresses this through scripture and real life accounts. In doing so I felt he balanced human emotions with God’s truth. What he shares helps prevent us from looking at God as genie in a bottle waiting to grant our wishes. He approaches this issue directly but with the compassion of someone who had been there relates to where we are. While some might see book as depressing I found it hopeful. It beautifully reminded me that no matter what I face or how God chooses to answer, faith and trust in Him is all I need. I found this book encouraging and enlightening.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Kregel Publications. My comments are an independent and honest review.
December 9, 2016
In an age when we expect instant relief from what ever ails us, this book gives another prospective. The hardest question we can ask is “Why has God let this happen?” “When There Is No Miracle” takes the reader through twelve chapters that lead us gently into a better understanding of God, the Holy Spirit, ourselves and humanity at large.
The author, Robert L Wise, acknowledges the evil in the world and that God is still in control. Also our anger and frustration when we do not see a way out of the situation and on into the future.
Written clearly and simply with compassionate care and many illustrations of God's love, grace and healing power. This book was hard to put down and a pencil and paper soon became covered with notes. A book to read and reread as the truths of God's love sink into our inner being.
*Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of “When There Is No Miracle” from Kregel Publishing in exchange for my review. All opinions are 100% my own.
The author, Robert L Wise, acknowledges the evil in the world and that God is still in control. Also our anger and frustration when we do not see a way out of the situation and on into the future.
Written clearly and simply with compassionate care and many illustrations of God's love, grace and healing power. This book was hard to put down and a pencil and paper soon became covered with notes. A book to read and reread as the truths of God's love sink into our inner being.
*Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of “When There Is No Miracle” from Kregel Publishing in exchange for my review. All opinions are 100% my own.
October 13, 2010
I'm loving this book. An answered prayer!
June 27, 2019
Too much putting words in Jesus's mouth. Couldn't finish.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews