Where was God when that happened?

Questions Christians Ask

by Christopher Ash

When a disaster happens; when personal tragedy strikes; when we are perplexed by world events, Christians begin to doubt that God is either truly good, or truly in control.

Christopher Ash faces these questions head on, without flinching at any of the difficulties. First he looks at six different ways people have answered this question both as Christians and from other religions and none. He then reveals the Bible's answer - the revelation of God's character and purposes throughout history.

This warm, pastorally hearted and accessible book will help those struggling with this question to see the grand vision of the Bible s answer - and the tragedy of adopting any other viewpoint.

Genres: Christian, Faith, Theology, Christian Living, Grief

96 pages, Perfect Paperback

Published February 1, 2017

About the author

Christopher Ash works for the Proclamation Trust in London as director of the Cornhill Training Course. He is also writer in residence at Tyndale House in Cambridge, and is the author of several books, including Out of the Storm: Grappling with God in the Book of Job and Teaching Romans. He is married to Carolyn and they have three sons and one daughter.

Reviews

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book up to see if it’d be a good resource for our student ministry, and I was encouraged on almost every page. If you are a high schooler or college student (or anyone!), you’ll find this book particularly accessible and helpful.

It acts as a brief, concise introduction to some of the “why” questions we struggle with most as humans and Christians. Highly recommend.

[Matt Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! This is such a helpful series of books and this one by Christopher Ash is one of the very best of all.

[Olivia Jones-Hatton · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good overview - for both young and mature believers. It’s not what I would give to someone in the midst of deep trauma, but it is a good resource to use for concept understanding vs. robust theological studies.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

On the weekend of 9/11 it seemed good to spend some time thinking about God’s goodness and power in all things. British pastor/writer Christopher Ash (who has suffered much and has great humility) is one of my favorite writers and I am thankful for his insights in this short book

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I will have to read this again - while some points made sense, some I didn't agree with. More reading I think

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

God's Goodness

This was a great book that provides insightful answers to some of Christianity's toughest questions.

I found the author's approach to be refreshing, offering a thoughtful and compassionate perspective on topics like suffering and evil.

The book offers a solid theological foundation for anyone who may be questioning their faith or simply looking to deepen their understanding of the Bible.

I particularly appreciated the author's ability to explain complex theological concepts in a way that was accessible and easy to understand.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in exploring the deeper questions of faith and spirituality.

3.9/5

[Gabriel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: Where was God when that happened? And other questions about God's goodness, power and the way he works in the world
Author: Christopher Ash
Format: Paperback
Topic: Christian Living; Theology; Theodicy
Scope: Practical answers to the problems of suffering and evil.
Structure: There are seven short chapters as well as an introduction and conclusion. Introduction- Is God really in control? 1. God over all 2. God unseen 3. God over evil 4. God the Father 5. God who wins 6. God who waits 7. God only wise Conclusion- Facing the future with God in control.
Additionally, there are short answers to common questions interspersed throughout the work. These questions are "What is Open Theism?" "Does God care about the little things in my life?" "How can I use the truth of God's sovereignty to comfort someone who is suffering?" "If God is in control, why should we pray?" "How can I learn to stop worrying and trust God more?" "If God is in control, why do I have a headache...?" and "How can we talk about God's sovereignty to those who are not yet Christians?"
What it does well: *Ash covers the topic in a short amount of space (94 pages). This is a conversation that has continued since the dawn of time and there is no shortage of lengthy works on the subject. It was refreshing to read a book that was not long-winded or overly self-important regarding the subject.
*It was also nice to experience Ash's take it or leave it approach to the subject. He tries (though sometimes he fails) to report what he believes the Bible says on the subject with very little "word salad" to quote a friend of mine (Stephen Notman). He is unapologetic for what he thinks the Bible says.
*Lastly, he does keep to a practical way of explaining and approaching the issue. He seems to believe that being too academic will keep those who are hurting from finding comfort in God's love, care, and sovereignty. There is a place for the academic debate, but Ash knows this book is not that place and stays out of it.
*There is a lot of scriptural reference throughout.
What it lacks/where it falls short: *Though its concise and clear message is one of its greatest strengths, it is also one of its greatest weaknesses. It is impossible to read this book without constantly feeling that there has to be more to the answer. There were many times that I asked "By his decree?" in regards to some way we are supposed to choose something sinful and yet God is in control? This question of our free will and God's sovereignty is felt throughout reading the book. However, even though it feels a little unsatisfying in answering, I think Ash is wise to refrain from more than espousing a compatibilist approach to the question. This work was just not the place for a deep and exhaustive conversation of that question. But this didn't mean it was any more satisfying.
*This book is not meant to be a convincing argument to those who do not hold to a compatibilist approach to free will and God's sovereignty. This doesn't mean there would be no benefit to reading it, but instead, don't expect him to try and convince you to leave your view.
Some quick highlights: "The reason we find this hard to stomach is that our default is to think of God as just a bigger, stronger version of us. But the God the Bible reveals is utterly different from us, and his decrees happen at a higher level than our decisions."-15
"We sometimes speak too casually about 'natural disasters' as though they were events over which human beings had absolutely no control. This is nearly always wrong. Our main focus ought to be on the need for justice and good government--both things that the Bible urges us to work for, and things that our good God wants--rather than ranting against God."-43
"It is a great wonder to consider that God has had his sovereign hand over every moment and every detail and every influence that has made me the person I am."-50
"The moment we think that there might be powers of evil with an existence and agency independent of God, the universe becomes a very scary place. What answer can we then give when we are asked why something terrible happened? 'I am sorry your child died. God was doing his best. But he lost that particular battle.' What comfort is that?"-53
"Some of us will do well to think back to how long a process it was for us to come to a clear and definite faith in Jesus; and yet God brought us there in the end."-73
"Faith comes not from looking within myself, but from looking at the One who is the object of my faith. Faith comes from God's revelation of himself in the Bible, which is the story--above all--of Jesus, who makes the Father known."-79
Recommendation?: I recommend this book with reservation. It is a good work. It is done well. However, it is not a book that will convince those who do not agree with the compatibilist approach to free will and God's sovereignty. It would still be good for those who don't agree to read so they can better understand the view, but don't expect a strong argument for accepting compatibilism. Instead, expect a pastoral response to the sufferings and evil in this world from compatibilism. This does not mean it is always satisfying, but it would be a good way to better understand others who do think this way.
This was a hard read for me, but throughout I kept wondering if it was hard to accept because my own misgivings and rebellion rather than it being untrue. As the author explains near the end of the book, "It is one thing to agree--at least in theory--that what the Bible teaches is true: that God is really in control. It is another, and a deeper thing, really to feel that these things are true in times of sadness, pressure and perplexity. This is not a truth I tick on a doctrinal checklist and then never doubt. And yet, as time goes by, let us pray that we will gradually believe this more gladly and deeply."-92 As someone who believes Salvation is initiated and maintained by God's decree I realized that I believe it, but I also still have a lot to wrestle with. Let my heart be open to truth where ever it leads.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Christopher Ash responds to one of the most pressing questions people have of God: Where was God when that Happened?

Each of us has had a situation where we wondered where God was or why he let something happen. We’ve walked through suffering in our own lives or the lives of our friends that we couldn’t make sense of and we asked, “Where are you, God?” When 9/11 happened we asked, “Where are you, God?” When Hurricane Katrina or Sandy or the earthquake in Haiti in 2010, we ask, “Where are you, God?”

Ash says that there are seven options for making sense of suffering and God:
1) Blind fate;
2) Nature is all there is;
3) God within nature;
4) God the referee;
5) Multiple gods;
6) God the puppet master;
7) The sovereign and God-made-flesh

Ash spends his book not doing much to address any of the other options. He spends most of his time talking about the biblical perspective.

He first walks through the fact that the Bible is crystal clear that God is over all. God is not just over nature and nations and natural processes, he is in control of evil and natural disasters.

Ash asserts, that when we trust in this sovereign God, we are comforted and humbled. We are promised that God will ultimately win. In the meanwhile, God patiently waits for us. He has given himself to us at the cross and the door of salvation and rescue is open.

The difficulty in the meanwhile is that “Ultimately, neither the Bible, nor anybody else, tells us why there is evil in the world. This is not something we, or anybody else, knows or can know.” What we do know is that God is shaping us to look like himself. He disciplines those he loves, he walks with us in the midst of suffering, and he himself has walked the path of suffering.

Ash’s Where was God when that happened? is a helpful and biblically faithful book. Ash honors the Bible’s difficult response to this question. It’s a response that doesn’t satisfy our modern expectations, but a response that calls us deeper in trust of the Sovereign, loving God.

Obviously, to dive into such a difficult question requires a much longer book, but I would have preferred that Ash spend some of his time with the other options as well as more time with what the cross says about suffering. Both of those are dealt with profoundly in Randy Alcorn’s book, If God is Good.

For more reviews see www.thebeehive.live.

[Graham Heslop · Rating 3 out of 5]

Admits to the mystery of compatibilism in suffering, holding together God's sovereign ordering of all events and the reality of evil. I wonder though if this book offers too much by way of theodicy and insufficient comfort.

[Scott Tubman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing. If you don't read it, you're a chop.

[readwithjesss · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book explores the complex question of suffering as concise as it can in 100pgs. While I appreciated the Q&A structure of this book, a similar book that I read called If I Were God I’d End All the Pain was a bit more clear and comforting. With that said though, I don’t expect to find an answer in any book that is fully satisfying, for if there was one, humanity would have figured it out by now.

Quotes & takeaways

• God is not the author of evil. He does not desire or delight in it but he does direct it. God’s sovereign hand is over every influence in our life and, in some way unfathomable by us, suffering is necessary in order to achieve a greater good. ”All things work together for good, to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28.

• So what is the ultimate plan for the universe? God desires for all of his children to recognize his goodness and willingly and gladly follow him from the heart. Revelation 21 speaks of God’s plan for a renewed world, where heaven will be brought to earth, where God himself will dwell among the people, where he will wipe every tear, and where there will be no more death or pain.

• What difference do my prayers make? God could do things by himself, but has chosen to govern the world in fellowship with us, working in answer to our prayers. In John 11:41, Jesus prays to the father to raise Lazarus from the dead. The Spirit moved in the heart of Jesus so that he would pray this prayer, and God answered it because they walk in perfect fellowship. Similarly, our prayers should be shaped by the revealed will of God in scripture.

• Why doesn’t God put things right now? God is very patient. It takes time to reveal what lies in the heart and develop a sinner into the likeness of Jesus. “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter‬ ‭3:9‬ His patience is a reminder of God’s unbreakable, loving grip on us.

• Is suffering our punishment? When Jesus died, the full penalty of sin was paid, which means that suffering exists not because we deserve it as punishment, but rather because we live in a fallen world.

• Though suffering does not come from God, he may use it in fatherly discipline to shape us to become like Jesus and share in his holiness, or to test the stability of our faith. When we go on trusting God even when it’s hard, we bring glory to him just like Jesus did. His endurance all the way to the cross revealed to us true, loving, genuine character.

• For those who you find in the depths of suffering—sit with them, weep with them, listen to their cries of grief, and help them with the simple chores of life. Pray with them, for they may scarcely be able to pray. Do not deny or minimize what may be happening. Put into words a quiet trust of their heavenly father in the midst of the darkness. Gently remind them of his precious truths. Lift their eyes from the misery of this world to the beauty and wonder of the age to come. Take them to the cross of Jesus where he bore our griefs in his own heart and body. Be a faithful friend, a patient comforter, and a practical companion.

[markpills · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author from Cambridge in the U.K., addresses different approaches by the world, to the gnawing question of whether God is really in control:

1.) Model 1: “blind fate” – that’s just the way it is.
2.) Model 2: “nature” – all we can detect is w/ our senses,
3.) Model 3: “nature” + God – pantheism, or the “universe” is out there.
4.) Model 4: “referee” – from outside the universe, God is distant (deism).
5.) Model 5: many gods – polytheism, many powers, spirits, good vs. bad.
6.) Model 6: “puppet-master” – a simple world-view where God is almighty; (popular but not Christian).

In this short primer on God’s sovereignty, the author raises numerous, complicated questions, (painful), which will keep you on the edge of your seat, and ready w/ a pencil to write in the margins! So much of the writing is difficult but true, biblical but hard to understand, sad but encouraging, always suffused w/ new ways to think about our lives in this fallen world. It takes a courageous man to attempt to tackle these topics in a concise, warm way; meanwhile, there are times when the reader will be "angry."

Paul said in Romans 11: 36, that all things are “for Him, “thru Him,” and “from Him;” so that we know God is everything, and in all things, including what is considered evil, or impossible for God. In the Lenten season, I found this book as a succinct tool to order my thinking and consider difficult questions in a systematic way. It also helped me in some measure to “believe,” – so much, that I thought it a good gift to pass on to another seeker.

This paperback was published by www.thegoodbook.co.in
Scripture references were from the NIV. ****-stars!

[Deborah-Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short book answered the age old question of suffering. I've read lots of books on this topic (because let's face it, it's one of the most known questions that Christians come across), but I can't say that this book really stood out to me. I had some basic fundamental problems with his theology claiming that God CAUSES suffering using Satan as an agent. My own theology from my studies is that God doesn't cause the suffering, but He permits it. God is still over Satan and can use suffering for our good and benefit, but mostly it is the result of living in a broken and sin-infested world. But the way this author goes on to talk about it is almost as if God is behind it like some evil puppet master. I think that he did have some good points, but compared to other writers, I don't think he is necessarily strong either in his writing or in his theology.

[Becky Schommer · Rating 3 out of 5]

From the get go, the author clung to the concept of sovereignty as an explanation for why bad things happen. I don’t disagree that God is sovereign, I don’t disagree that God brings about purpose through every hardship; but I found his explanations to be a bit hollow - missing the heart of God, which is what people are really trying to understand when they are faced with difficulties. I think I just hold a slightly different set of presuppositions about how God’s nature and character impact the world around me. I don’t believe everything can be neatly explained (or understood by our finite minds). So for me there were a few too many moments in this little book where I felt like the author was trying to force a square peg into a round hole.

[Faith W · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book! It challenged how I thought about God. Before reading this, it seemed to me that the world just goes on as it usually does and God intervenes SOMETIMES. But no, God is in control of EVERY SINGLE DETAIL in our lives. Every little thing is orchestrated by him, and without him, the world WOULD NOT EXIST. And so when bad things happen, God IS STILL IN CONTROL. He is in full control even when these things happen. And there is no need to fear, even in this, God still works for the good of those who love him.

But still, it is puzzling to me, especially with events like the holocaust, what exactly was the good that came out of this? Was there really a purpose to every one of the deaths?

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short book, so it does not cover everything that could be covered on the topic of why God allows suffering (I can't imagine how long the book that does cover all of that would be). Ash simply hits the big questions. Still, it's a very good book on a hard subject. I would highly recommend it. The book is written at a level where it could be read by a long time believer, a new believer, or someone who is just asking questions about God.

[PJ Wenzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific read deeply thought out

I have come to really respect and enjoy the writing of Christopher Ash. Even in the short book he’s able to get at the heart of some of the most difficult questions we face in life.

[Lyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somewhat philosophical in parts but overall very readable and its conclusion was clear and powerful.

Without the use of jargon and complex theological terms, Ash does it again in condensing very tough topics into clear teaching on what the Bible says.

Definitely worth a read.

[Phil Butcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really helpful concise book about all those questions we ask about God's sovereignty. Well worth reading to equip you ready for when you will experience tough times in life.

[Josh Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short read on the sovereignty of God. Would be a good book to give away as an introduction on the topic to a newer Christian. Definitely Bible based.

[Karen Crouch · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read, easy to read even though a difficult topic.

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short book that sharply deals with life’s tough questions on a heads on basis. Ash does not hold back, but persuasively answers tough questions in a loving pastoral manner.

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually listened to the audiobook, mostly while driving, so I missed bits. This book would probably be better to read in order to pay better attention and get more out of it.

[Marney Rausch · Rating 5 out of 5]

You need to read this booklet. It is excellent. Let’s be honest, we all ask this question - so it will help you. And when you don’t question, you can help someone else who does.

[Ky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funky theology from time to time - could have been the british accent though throwing me off so don’t trust me

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE THIS!!!! One of my favorite books of ALL TIME!!!! A brilliant concise summary of the sovereignty of God. So helpful and comforting.

[David King · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good apologetic for God in the face of evil. Pastoral and clear

[Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! What a book to end the year with! Indeed, we could start, read throughout, and end every year reading this simply explosive insight into who God is, what God does, and how God does things! Against the backdrop of 6 ways people look at how 'god' controls all things, Christopher Ash, in 7 succinct chapters, answers the important question, 'Is God really in control?' Along the way, he breaks out to deal with important 'side questions', such as, What is Open Theism?, Does God care about the little things in my life?, and, If God is in control, why do I have a headache ... or cancer... or troublesome teenagers ... or why am I single?

This little book is simply sensational and presents a thoroughly biblical overview of God's goodness, power, and the way he works in the world.

It could be read in an afternoon or a long evening, but that would be to rush the overwhelming impact of the simple, direct, and august narrative being written large before the reader's eyes!

Three short extracts will give you the feel of the book,

"The root reason there is suffering in the world is human sin. By this sin, death entered the world, and along with it, every misery that is the shadow of death." (Page 85)

"So undeserved suffering is the normal Christian life, in some ways ... The undeserved suffering of Christian people bring honour to God as it is publicly seen that God is worthy of our costly worship." (Pages 86 & 87)

"It is a great wonder to consider that God has had his sovereign hand over every moment and every detail and every influence that has made me the person I am." (Page 50).

An excellent primer for anyone seeking to understand God better, and an excellent refresher to those who have spent their lives seeking to know God more!

A 5-star read!

[Laura Robson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book explaining some really difficult topics such as why there is suffering and how evil is allowed to exist in the world.
Solid theology with great Bible references throughout, and concise enough to read in one day!

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a human people we ask a lot of questions, a lot of them. Some are extremely tough while others are relatively easy. Answers to these questions can be answered with the same degree of difficulty. In Christopher Ash’s new book Where was God when that happened? And other questions about God’s goodness, power and the way He works in the world seeks to answer some of life’s toughest questions, a task which Ash does flawlessly. This book is the newest volume in the Questions Christians Ask series produced by The Good Book Company. Each question posed and answered in this book is a common question among non-Christians and Christians alike, and they are answered with great pastoral care, while being grounded in excellent Biblical exegesis.

Ash covers a multitude of questions in this book on a vaarity of topics, questions such as “Is open theism Biblical?” and “Is God really in control?”. Ash also deals with the issue brought up by many in reagurd to God being sovereign yet having evil in this world. Each of these questions is answered in an orthodox Biblical manner, with a pastoral and councilors tone. While this content of this book suggest that you will need a degree in philosophy to read it, nothing could be further from the truth. When you finish reading this book you walk away with a new understanding of who God is and what He has done. For this book delves into the Bible’s teaching on God’s attributes, specifically on His sovereignty over all things large and small, significant and insignificant as well as how God’s love does not negate his wrath.

This warm and accessible book is perfect for a person to use as an evangelistic tool or for the Christian with lots of questions, or even as a tool for teaching apologetics. In each of these scenarios Where was God when that happened? is a ideal new resource for all to enjoy.

This book was provided to me free of charge from The Good Book Company in exchange for an unbiased, honest review.
Where was God when that happened? And other questions about God’s goodness, power and the way He works in the world.
© 2017 Edited by Christopher Ash
Publisher: The Good Book Company
Page Count: 96 Pages
ISBN: 9781910307236