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God Took Me by the Hand
Jerry Bridges’ life is a remarkable story of God’s providence. From “a most unpromising beginning” as a poor kid from the wrong side of the tracks, he joined the Navy, went to college, became an engineer, joined The Navigators as a missionary, and eventually became a best-selling author. In this book, Jerry illustrates through his story—and then summarizes for the reader—seven key “spiritual lessons” that God has taught him through his 83 years. These lessons can be passed on to any believer.
138 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2014
30 people are currently reading
546 people want to read
About the author
Jerry Bridges
121 books688 followersJERRY BRIDGES was an author and conference speaker. His most popular book, The Pursuit of Holiness, has sold over one million copies. Jerry was on the staff of The Navigators for over fifty years, and currently served in the Collegiate Mission where he was involved primarily in staff development, but also served as a speaker resource to the campus ministries.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
December 31, 2024
God Took Me By the Hand is a wonderful memoir of seeing God at work in your life. He works it all, the bad and the good, for our ultimate good making us more like Christ each day. I learn so much from Jerry Bridges practical theology books, it was a joy to learn more about him in this simply written book.
September 12, 2021
The late Jerry Bridges possessed a powerful yet unassuming ability to bring deep Christian truths to us with an unaffected, gentle biblical straightforwardness few contemporary Christian writers have matched.
“God Took Me By The Hand” could be called a directed memoir. Jerry has decided that the value of his story is to be best found in the journey of trusting God. His aim in this book, like his others, is to underline God’s truth, the transforming, guiding gospel work of God by his Word and Spirit. This time, however, the truths follow the arc of Bridges’ own life.
The book is characteristically economical, delightfully honest, disarmingly humble. Bridges has much he could tell us, but he faithfully serves his brief. It is interesting to see how the truths of his key books emerged through the episodes of his life.
There is something about the way Bridges writes and teaches that is both profoundly ordinary, beautifully straightforward yet potently transcendent. The Sovereign, saving, shepherding God is the unquestioned hero of this book. Bridges spares us the details unless they bring weight to the universal truths he wants us to glean from his life.
On reflection, the 82 year old Bridges says:
“The years 1955 through 2011 were a period of fifty-six years. I look at twenty five of them as experiencing the blessing of God on my labors. Another fifteen years were clearly painful, and another sixteen were neither particularly painful nor blessed. As I look at those numbers I feel especially blessed by God.”
This book doesn’t take long to read - just a few hours. But, by Gods grace and with an open heart, you’ll spend those few hours in the presence of a faithful, humble, reflective old saint who will softly share the lessons he’s learnt over the course of his life.
But, as is the Bridges way, he doesn’t leave it at that. He bids us look through the lens of the Scriptures into our own life and see, as he has done, the unfailing providence of God.
This how he closes this little book - some of his final words in print before he was called home in 2016, aged 84.
“God took me by the hand and said, ‘Come with me.’
But what has been true of me is, in principle, true of every one of us who are His children. You may not feel as if God has taken you by the hand, but that is essentially what He has done. I know that many, many believers have little or no awareness of the truth of God's providence and consequendy do not see God's "invisible hand" in their lives. It is my prayer that this book will serve to increase the awareness in many lives of God's providential working and will, through this, bring comfort to many people and greater glory to God.”
“God Took Me By The Hand” could be called a directed memoir. Jerry has decided that the value of his story is to be best found in the journey of trusting God. His aim in this book, like his others, is to underline God’s truth, the transforming, guiding gospel work of God by his Word and Spirit. This time, however, the truths follow the arc of Bridges’ own life.
The book is characteristically economical, delightfully honest, disarmingly humble. Bridges has much he could tell us, but he faithfully serves his brief. It is interesting to see how the truths of his key books emerged through the episodes of his life.
There is something about the way Bridges writes and teaches that is both profoundly ordinary, beautifully straightforward yet potently transcendent. The Sovereign, saving, shepherding God is the unquestioned hero of this book. Bridges spares us the details unless they bring weight to the universal truths he wants us to glean from his life.
On reflection, the 82 year old Bridges says:
“The years 1955 through 2011 were a period of fifty-six years. I look at twenty five of them as experiencing the blessing of God on my labors. Another fifteen years were clearly painful, and another sixteen were neither particularly painful nor blessed. As I look at those numbers I feel especially blessed by God.”
This book doesn’t take long to read - just a few hours. But, by Gods grace and with an open heart, you’ll spend those few hours in the presence of a faithful, humble, reflective old saint who will softly share the lessons he’s learnt over the course of his life.
But, as is the Bridges way, he doesn’t leave it at that. He bids us look through the lens of the Scriptures into our own life and see, as he has done, the unfailing providence of God.
This how he closes this little book - some of his final words in print before he was called home in 2016, aged 84.
“God took me by the hand and said, ‘Come with me.’
But what has been true of me is, in principle, true of every one of us who are His children. You may not feel as if God has taken you by the hand, but that is essentially what He has done. I know that many, many believers have little or no awareness of the truth of God's providence and consequendy do not see God's "invisible hand" in their lives. It is my prayer that this book will serve to increase the awareness in many lives of God's providential working and will, through this, bring comfort to many people and greater glory to God.”
October 13, 2014
This was a delightful read of a very humble man who is able to look back at his 80+ years and see how God has His hand on so many small and large happenings during those years.
I haven't read any of Jerry's books and felt led to read this for some reason and am so glad for it.
There are so many takeaways from this short memoir of sorts, a few of which I'll mention in this review. Jerry is an example of a person the world would least expect to make such an impact; he was born with a number of physical shortcomings and grew up in a very unassuming home. It reminds me how God loves taking the unassuming and use them to do great things for His Kingdom.
Jerry is a disciple of the Navigator Scripture Memory System and throughout this book he demonstrates how important the memorisation of Scripture has been in his life. As he says, if there are no verses hidden in your heart, what words can the Spirit nudge you with when He wishes to make a point? I love that.
Jerry's idea of "dependent responsibility" which I believe is a theme through many of his works is a great concept. As he writes:
"We are responsible for sanctifying our lives but we cannot make one inch of progress in the Christian life apart from the enabling power of the Holy Spirit." (p 75)
And finally, Jerry attributes his greatest period of fruitfulness to the last 20 years of his life. That gives me great hope that there is still much I can do that can bear fruit for the Lord.
I'm so appreciative of having read Jerry's memoir and I will be sure to start working through some of his other books in due course.
I haven't read any of Jerry's books and felt led to read this for some reason and am so glad for it.
There are so many takeaways from this short memoir of sorts, a few of which I'll mention in this review. Jerry is an example of a person the world would least expect to make such an impact; he was born with a number of physical shortcomings and grew up in a very unassuming home. It reminds me how God loves taking the unassuming and use them to do great things for His Kingdom.
Jerry is a disciple of the Navigator Scripture Memory System and throughout this book he demonstrates how important the memorisation of Scripture has been in his life. As he says, if there are no verses hidden in your heart, what words can the Spirit nudge you with when He wishes to make a point? I love that.
Jerry's idea of "dependent responsibility" which I believe is a theme through many of his works is a great concept. As he writes:
"We are responsible for sanctifying our lives but we cannot make one inch of progress in the Christian life apart from the enabling power of the Holy Spirit." (p 75)
And finally, Jerry attributes his greatest period of fruitfulness to the last 20 years of his life. That gives me great hope that there is still much I can do that can bear fruit for the Lord.
I'm so appreciative of having read Jerry's memoir and I will be sure to start working through some of his other books in due course.
December 5, 2014
Have you ever looked back at events in your life and thought it is only by God's Sovereign Providence that I am here today? This is what Jerry Bridges does in his book God Took Me By The Hand. He reflects back on his life. He discusses how he comes to Christ, how he came to an understanding of Reformed theology, how he shared the gospel, and has authored numerous books that have benefited thousands of believers worldwide. But Jerry Bridges has not completed those things by himself, it is by the help of God's Sovereign Providence. If you are interested in an Sunday afternoon read, this is a great book. Jerry Bridges opens up to us his life, and shows how God is providential in the lives of many.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2021
I did not discover Jerry Bridges until a couple of years ago, but he quickly became one of my favorite Christian authors. This autobiography is so typical of him. An autobiography is typically author-focused, but Bridges' focus is God's sovereignty. I especially appreciated the final chapter, in which he sums up significant spiritual lessons that he learned and reviews the acts of God's providence that he had talked about throughout the book.
December 9, 2021
An ordinary memoir of how God guided Jerry’s life through small circumstances and minor decisions. I loved reading this one. The primary focus is on all of the minor and major ways God showed up to direct Jerry’s life. I particularly found it encouraging that his most fruitful years were all later in life. This is less a memoir of how the ordinary do extraordinary things. Instead it’s about God doing good things through ordinary people often through ordinary means.
June 27, 2020
Charming, simply written, humble, it is classic Jerry Bridges. A charming memoir of how God worked providentially in Bridges' life. Well worth the read.
July 7, 2024
A good, simple read on the life & ministry of Jerry Bridges. A number of helpful little nuggets of wisdom scattered throughout the book. Recommended.
May 29, 2021
Incredibly insightful, humble, and helpful autobiography. Bridges does it again, he writes in such an honest, down to earth manner that even his autobiography exudes Christ alone and his heart for others. This book was short but impactful and made me reflect on the ways that God has "taken me by the hand" and continues to do so. Bridges helps the reader reflect on God's unusual providences and usual, and is always pulling out encouraging Biblical truths to apply to all life situations. Amazing!
June 3, 2017
"When we go to be with God, it is not the awards or recognition we have received, but the lives impacted for Christ that will count when each of us hopes to hear, 'Well done, good and faithful servant' (Matthew 25:21)"
June 13, 2016
Jerry Bridges. God Took Me by the Hand. Colorado Springs: NavPress, 2014. 192 pp. $12.60
When Jerry Bridges went to be with the Lord in March, 2106 I set out to write a tribute. Bridges played a key role in shaping the theological foundations of my early Christian life. After writing several pages, words simply could not capture the influence of Bridges in my life.
Jerry Bridges fine work, God Took Me by the Hand sums up in many ways what I originally meant to write in my tribute. This autobiographical account of Bridges’ life summarizes the important details that characterize the man so many have grown to love over the years.
The highlight of the book is nicely captured in the subtitle: A Story of God’s Unusual Providence. Most biographies capture the essence of one’s life, and rightly so. But this biography reads like a divinely inspired tapestry as the author refers over and over again to the invisible hand of God’s providence. He surveys the good, the bad, and the ugly - but in the final analysis, all the events which unfold in his life prove to be good (Rom. 8:38; Gen. 50:20).
If Jerry Bridges has influenced you or encouraged your Christian life, I commend God Took Me by the Hand. The book is packed with biblical wisdom and will no doubt, encourage many.
When Jerry Bridges went to be with the Lord in March, 2106 I set out to write a tribute. Bridges played a key role in shaping the theological foundations of my early Christian life. After writing several pages, words simply could not capture the influence of Bridges in my life.
Jerry Bridges fine work, God Took Me by the Hand sums up in many ways what I originally meant to write in my tribute. This autobiographical account of Bridges’ life summarizes the important details that characterize the man so many have grown to love over the years.
The highlight of the book is nicely captured in the subtitle: A Story of God’s Unusual Providence. Most biographies capture the essence of one’s life, and rightly so. But this biography reads like a divinely inspired tapestry as the author refers over and over again to the invisible hand of God’s providence. He surveys the good, the bad, and the ugly - but in the final analysis, all the events which unfold in his life prove to be good (Rom. 8:38; Gen. 50:20).
If Jerry Bridges has influenced you or encouraged your Christian life, I commend God Took Me by the Hand. The book is packed with biblical wisdom and will no doubt, encourage many.
August 14, 2014
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway and was interested to see where the book led me. Jerry Bridges' s memoir is a story of a simple upbringing that led to a life of work for the Lord in all aspects of his life. As a missionary and on the staff of the Navigators he has made an impression on many lives over his long life. While I am not a Calvinist as Mr. Bridges is the book was an interesting way to learn more about the Calvinistic movement and helped me to understand my own beliefs even better. We don't' always have to agree with each other as Christians but we always need to be defining why we believe what we believe. While I did not change my beliefs the book challenged me to examine my own a bit closer.
May 11, 2017
Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me,
when as yet there was none of them.
- Psalm 139:16
A verse like Psalm 139:16 really comes to life when you read a book like this. God Took Me by the Hand was the fruit of Jerry Bridges's reflection on 80 years of his life. Give or take leap years, that was about 29,200 days written in God's book for Dr. Bridges when he wrote the book. 29,200 days of God's providence in the greatest and smallest moments in his life, from birth deformities to college education to the death of his first wife to writing many popular books on Christian living, and everything in between. If you know anything about Jerry Bridges as an author, then you know that few have been more prepared to discuss God's providence not just as theological abstraction but as a vital part of our daily lives. I love what Dr. Bridges writes on the book's very last page:
But as great as that message is, I did choose to lower my rating for two reasons:
-The autobiographical/memoir portion of this book suffers from weak writing. Unfortunately, Dr. Bridges's strength in writing about practical theology in a readable, enjoyable style did not seem to carry over to his writing a memoir. The prose seemed very lifeless and detached, and the book's structure followed a boring "this happened, then this, and this, etc." pattern. When I read biographies and memoirs, I want a reading experience that allows me to say, as C.S. Lewis so excellently put it, "I have got in." The writing style of this book prevented me from "getting in" the way I had hoped.
-Dr. Bridges, though not at all dogmatic on this position, believed that God's providence sometimes works through the "inaudible voice" of the Holy Spirit. If I understood this book correctly, what Dr. Bridges meant by that is either a vague 'feeling' that he should or should not do something or a thought/internal conversation striking him out of the blue. Although Dr. Bridges was careful to say that such "inaudible voice" experiences must be measured against the Scripture, the whole concept just makes me squirm. I think I would have been more accepting had he tried to argue that we can use gut feelings, intuition, insights, etc., as long as we test them carefully against Scripture. But the phrase "inaudible voice" (of the Spirit) doesn't sit well with me.
(Read for the 2017 Tim Challies Christian Reading Challenge: A memoir or autobiography)
in your book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me,
when as yet there was none of them.
- Psalm 139:16
A verse like Psalm 139:16 really comes to life when you read a book like this. God Took Me by the Hand was the fruit of Jerry Bridges's reflection on 80 years of his life. Give or take leap years, that was about 29,200 days written in God's book for Dr. Bridges when he wrote the book. 29,200 days of God's providence in the greatest and smallest moments in his life, from birth deformities to college education to the death of his first wife to writing many popular books on Christian living, and everything in between. If you know anything about Jerry Bridges as an author, then you know that few have been more prepared to discuss God's providence not just as theological abstraction but as a vital part of our daily lives. I love what Dr. Bridges writes on the book's very last page:
[W]hat has been true of me is, in principle, true of every one of us who are His children. You may not feel as if God has taken you by the hand, but that is essentially what He has done. I know that many, many believers have little or no awareness of the truth of God’s providence and consequently do not see God’s “invisible hand” in their lives. It is my prayer that this book will serve to increase the awareness in many lives of God’s providential working and will, through this, bring comfort to many people and greater glory to God.That's a message all of us can benefit from hearing, and I praise God for people like Jerry Bridges who could look back on a long life and see God's providence the whole way.
But as great as that message is, I did choose to lower my rating for two reasons:
-The autobiographical/memoir portion of this book suffers from weak writing. Unfortunately, Dr. Bridges's strength in writing about practical theology in a readable, enjoyable style did not seem to carry over to his writing a memoir. The prose seemed very lifeless and detached, and the book's structure followed a boring "this happened, then this, and this, etc." pattern. When I read biographies and memoirs, I want a reading experience that allows me to say, as C.S. Lewis so excellently put it, "I have got in." The writing style of this book prevented me from "getting in" the way I had hoped.
-Dr. Bridges, though not at all dogmatic on this position, believed that God's providence sometimes works through the "inaudible voice" of the Holy Spirit. If I understood this book correctly, what Dr. Bridges meant by that is either a vague 'feeling' that he should or should not do something or a thought/internal conversation striking him out of the blue. Although Dr. Bridges was careful to say that such "inaudible voice" experiences must be measured against the Scripture, the whole concept just makes me squirm. I think I would have been more accepting had he tried to argue that we can use gut feelings, intuition, insights, etc., as long as we test them carefully against Scripture. But the phrase "inaudible voice" (of the Spirit) doesn't sit well with me.
(Read for the 2017 Tim Challies Christian Reading Challenge: A memoir or autobiography)
June 23, 2022
Simple, easy to read. Jerry Bridges passed away in 2016. This book was published in 2014 so I wonder if it was the last book he published. Anyone who’s read the Pursuit of Holiness or Respectable Sins or one of Bridges’ other books knows that he is a great writer that boils the Christian life down simply and in a convicting and challenging way. This book is Bridges’ life story.
The things that stuck out to me:
1. Bridges led a very ordinary life
2. He didn’t have major success publishing books and writing until after he “retired” at age 65 from the Navigators. He served in various administrative roles. For a culture obsessed with 20 year old millionaires it sticks out to me that Bridges didn’t start his writing career until almost his 70s. Personally, this encourages me because I would love to be an author someday but I’m not sure what books are in me. He wrote over 20 books based on my search. He wrote all of them when he was older than my parents are currently.
3. God was in the details. Again, he had a very ordinary life with ordinary problems like bad cars and not enough money for trips but then he just happens to have a relative send just enough money for said trip. God is in the details.
4. From page 23, “An expression has crept into our Christian lingo: “That was a God thing.” Although the statement is intended to recognize the hand of God in the event, it unwittingly suggests that Gos is not at work in the ordinary events of life. When we think like this, we fail to give God the glory that is due Him” 🤯🤯🤯 so convicting. All of life is a God thing, the challenge is being grateful for the good AND the bad and heeding the Spirit and the doors that God opens for you.
5. Bridges will often talk about how they planned to do x or y but then z and b happened so then they adjusted their plans to h and n. That is so how life is but Bridges’ shows how that’s God’s providence and it’s important to recognize it.
Incredibly encouraging book 📖 def recommend!
The things that stuck out to me:
1. Bridges led a very ordinary life
2. He didn’t have major success publishing books and writing until after he “retired” at age 65 from the Navigators. He served in various administrative roles. For a culture obsessed with 20 year old millionaires it sticks out to me that Bridges didn’t start his writing career until almost his 70s. Personally, this encourages me because I would love to be an author someday but I’m not sure what books are in me. He wrote over 20 books based on my search. He wrote all of them when he was older than my parents are currently.
3. God was in the details. Again, he had a very ordinary life with ordinary problems like bad cars and not enough money for trips but then he just happens to have a relative send just enough money for said trip. God is in the details.
4. From page 23, “An expression has crept into our Christian lingo: “That was a God thing.” Although the statement is intended to recognize the hand of God in the event, it unwittingly suggests that Gos is not at work in the ordinary events of life. When we think like this, we fail to give God the glory that is due Him” 🤯🤯🤯 so convicting. All of life is a God thing, the challenge is being grateful for the good AND the bad and heeding the Spirit and the doors that God opens for you.
5. Bridges will often talk about how they planned to do x or y but then z and b happened so then they adjusted their plans to h and n. That is so how life is but Bridges’ shows how that’s God’s providence and it’s important to recognize it.
Incredibly encouraging book 📖 def recommend!
May 12, 2017
Jerry Bridges provided clear and succinct examples of God's providence in his life and career. I recommend this easy read to anyone who wants to learn more about God's Hand over their lives. After reading this book, I reflected on God's providence in my own life.
Some of my biggest takeaways are...
1. God is sovereign-- in good times, bad times, over large circumstances and over small circumstances.
2. God will provide the means (spiritually, financially, and physically) for you to fulfill His will when you're walking in faith (obedience).
3. God is incredibly intentional and will do a work in your heart in a way He sees best fit.
4. Scripture memorization is imperative to waking and living in the spirit.
5. And, like Lisa Bevere says, "God does not call the qualified, He qualifies the called." Therefore, I don't have to "feel" strong to be strong. He will give me the strength I need for each season and moment.
I definitely recommend this book and reflection on how God has worked in your own life.
Some of my biggest takeaways are...
1. God is sovereign-- in good times, bad times, over large circumstances and over small circumstances.
2. God will provide the means (spiritually, financially, and physically) for you to fulfill His will when you're walking in faith (obedience).
3. God is incredibly intentional and will do a work in your heart in a way He sees best fit.
4. Scripture memorization is imperative to waking and living in the spirit.
5. And, like Lisa Bevere says, "God does not call the qualified, He qualifies the called." Therefore, I don't have to "feel" strong to be strong. He will give me the strength I need for each season and moment.
I definitely recommend this book and reflection on how God has worked in your own life.
September 4, 2023
On the closing page, Bridges writes, “It is my prayer that this book will serve to increase the awareness in many lives of God’s providential working and will, through this, bring comfort to many people and greater glory to God.” That’s exactly the outcome for me after reading this book.
In a simple and conversational style, Bridges shares pivotal moments in his life where God providentially directed his steps. Whether he noticed it in that moment or in hindsight, Bridges found these pivotal moments to be anchors of faith in his journey with the Lord.
Originally written as a memoir for his family and friends only, Nav Press encouraged him to publish it for the masses. And while it reads with more simplicity than most of his books, the beauty is found therein. The result for me was a wealth of encouragement as I reflected on my own life’s events through the lens of God’s providential hand.
In a simple and conversational style, Bridges shares pivotal moments in his life where God providentially directed his steps. Whether he noticed it in that moment or in hindsight, Bridges found these pivotal moments to be anchors of faith in his journey with the Lord.
Originally written as a memoir for his family and friends only, Nav Press encouraged him to publish it for the masses. And while it reads with more simplicity than most of his books, the beauty is found therein. The result for me was a wealth of encouragement as I reflected on my own life’s events through the lens of God’s providential hand.
April 30, 2018
8/10 (very good): Ostensibly this is Jerry Bridges reflections on 65 years of Christian service, but in reality it is a look back at the lessons he has learned concerning the providence and sovereignty of a God. Written in Bridges’ usual concise and clear style, it’s a rather dull memoir, but a very helpful exemplar on the different ways God works in our lives, both in terms of how he guides us, and also how he works all things together for our good. It would be particularly helpful for youngish Christians who are looking for guidance, and older Christians perhaps disappointed with some aspects of their lives.
Read
August 4, 2021A sincerely written book - enjoyed the insights into college and career pathways during the 1950s in the USA . Growing up and maturing even though he had birth defects, partial deafness, lost his mom who died of an illness when he was 14, lost his good algebra teacher due to war - the writer describes his life through the lens of the faithfulness of God.
Plenty to learn about personal decision making - the value of biblical instruction, wise counsel from friends and learning from mistakes.
Admired Mr Bridges' foresight to implement good human resource planning eg retirement funds even though some co-workers did not agree to that.
Plenty to learn about personal decision making - the value of biblical instruction, wise counsel from friends and learning from mistakes.
Admired Mr Bridges' foresight to implement good human resource planning eg retirement funds even though some co-workers did not agree to that.
December 10, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. As a former Navigator employee who never had the chance to meet Jerry, but was privileged to hear about him from so many influenced by his life, this book was a sweet gem. An ordinary man who followed God and sought to truly understand what it meant to see God at work in the ordinary daily parts of our life. To pursue holiness, understand doctrine, and recognize that God uses the individual giftings He has given us to accomplish his plans and purposes all while loving us through the power of the Holy Spirit. I too have felt God take me by the hand, so this was just a companionable read for me. A simple book from a humble ordinary man. Thanks Jerry.
May 2, 2019
I really like how he structures his autobiography around the lessons God taught him through both his circumstances and his growth in spiritual understanding. At one point, he expresses appreciation for how God used teaching that was not entirely correct in an earlier season of his life to grow him in a specific area that he did need to grow in. I haven't heard many people look back on their spiritual journey that way. It made me think more about looking for what I might have learned than complaining about what I perhaps didn't have or know.
October 25, 2022
“Oftentimes when we speak of the providence of God, we have in mind some unusual event, but the fact is all of life is lived under the providence of God.”
“Our daily relationship with God is always based on the complete and finished work of Christ, never our own performance.”
“Though the absolute sovereignty of God over our lives is consistently taught throughout Scripture, it is not the uncaring sovereignty of a despot but of a God who is just as loving and caring as He is sovereign. But we have to by faith believe that truth when His ways are different from that which we desire.”
“Our daily relationship with God is always based on the complete and finished work of Christ, never our own performance.”
“Though the absolute sovereignty of God over our lives is consistently taught throughout Scripture, it is not the uncaring sovereignty of a despot but of a God who is just as loving and caring as He is sovereign. But we have to by faith believe that truth when His ways are different from that which we desire.”
August 29, 2020
Good read! I’m not sure I would agree with everything Bridges states but that just goes to show that man is flawed and no one is perfect. His story is however very encouraging and eye opening to the truth that God’s providence is in each and everyone of our lives working for the believers good and to ultimately bring Himself glory.
December 30, 2022
This short memoir shows God's sovereignty over the details in the author's life in an attempt to help readers see God's sovereignty and goodness in their own lives, both over suffering and joys.
Those who've been impacted by his books, such as Trusting God, Respectable Sins, The Pursuit of Holiness, Disciplines of Grace, etc.
Those who've been impacted by his books, such as Trusting God, Respectable Sins, The Pursuit of Holiness, Disciplines of Grace, etc.
March 16, 2025
Jerry Bridges is long been one of my favorite authors. His books to exemplify practical Christian living that’s deeply rooted in scripture. God Took Me by the Hand is his Bridges’ autobiography. Bridges frames his life within the doctrine of God’s Providence. This is a fantastic account of how God used a very normal man with an exceedingly ordinary life to bring him glory.
March 24, 2017
Great read!
I was familiar with Bridges from "Pursuit of Holiness" but found this work intriguing. I didn't realize the significant trials he had been through. God certainly used those life experiences to shape his teachings and writings.
I was familiar with Bridges from "Pursuit of Holiness" but found this work intriguing. I didn't realize the significant trials he had been through. God certainly used those life experiences to shape his teachings and writings.
December 14, 2022
Simple autobiography, where the author shows what he has learned in his spiritual journey. He points out how God has led him through different (and many hard) circumstances. Instructional, as al biographies are.
June 19, 2023
He reminds me of my grandpa, a little older, military man just the same, having worked in religious leadership. I'm sure he has had an impact in many ways on many people, even though to my generation he would seem just a tad bit less "soft/people skills" than we want and need.
January 1, 2024
Ecclesiastes 7:13
Consider the work of God:
who can make straight what he has made crooked?
Hebrews 13:5
“I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Seeing these two themes interwoven in his life was profoundly encouraging
Consider the work of God:
who can make straight what he has made crooked?
Hebrews 13:5
“I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Seeing these two themes interwoven in his life was profoundly encouraging
February 16, 2019
A remarkable and encouraging story of a lifetime following God:)
May 3, 2019
Jerry Bridges was a great guy, but this book isn't worth reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews