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The Invisible Hand: Do All Things Really Work for God?
Do all things work together for good? In this thought-provoking book, acclaimed theologian R.C. Sproul explains the difficult concept of God's providence, illustrating through both scripture and story how God guides our universe.
224 pages, Paperback
First published August 12, 1996
34 people are currently reading
497 people want to read
About the author
R.C. Sproul Jr.
44 books47 followersRobert Craig Sproul, better known as R.C. Sproul, Jr., is a Calvinist Christian minister and theologian and is the son of R.C. Sproul, a noted Reformed theologian and founder of Ligonier Ministries.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
June 8, 2025
Encouraging easy read. In R. C. Sproul’s words, “This book but scratches the surface of the mysteries that are hidden in His great Providence.”
May 30, 2022
This is a great book by one of my favorite authors. I have read 15 of Dr. Sproul's books and own 5 more that I plan to read. I may even acquire others as well.
This book is about God, about His sovereignty. Good books about God are important; good books about His sovereignty are very important. this is one such book.
This book is about God, about His sovereignty. Good books about God are important; good books about His sovereignty are very important. this is one such book.
July 5, 2024
Excellent. Sproul gives a fantastic description of the Biblical doctrine of providence, that God really does ordain, cause, and uphold all things. The Invisible Hand is widely accessible for the average reader but does not oversimplify the philosophical issues related to God's governing of all events. For an easy-to-read, comprehensive introduction to a difficult doctrine, this is a great place to start.
October 5, 2023
"While the popular adage declares that “the devil is in the details,” it is more accurate to avow that God is in the details. The doctrine of providence declares that God’s providential rule extends to all things great and small, from the huge to the minute, the infinite to the infinitesimal." (R.C. Sproul)
Even though the reading process of this book was rather prolonged, I enjoyed pulling out this book in some quiet moments of the day and focusing on the wisdom, might, omnipotence- but most of all, the love- of God. If you are able to keep up with dr. Sproul's theology references and latin terminology (which he explains of course, hahah) and make time to meditate on the truths of God, it is a great resource!
Even though the reading process of this book was rather prolonged, I enjoyed pulling out this book in some quiet moments of the day and focusing on the wisdom, might, omnipotence- but most of all, the love- of God. If you are able to keep up with dr. Sproul's theology references and latin terminology (which he explains of course, hahah) and make time to meditate on the truths of God, it is a great resource!
December 28, 2017
A thought-provoking discussion on how God’s sovereignty impacts our lives and the world around us. Sproul, a philosopher as well as a theologian, weaves logic and reason into his exposition of scripture in an approachable and multifaceted way.
And he’s honest. When talking about why evil exists if God is truly good and truly sovereign, he simply says “I don’t know.” But, he adds, a question which is at least equally valid is why does good exist?
Sproul passed away recently, but his impressive body of work stands as a testament to Christ, reason, and the full execution of one’s gifts.
Recommended.
And he’s honest. When talking about why evil exists if God is truly good and truly sovereign, he simply says “I don’t know.” But, he adds, a question which is at least equally valid is why does good exist?
Sproul passed away recently, but his impressive body of work stands as a testament to Christ, reason, and the full execution of one’s gifts.
Recommended.
January 9, 2021
This is a good book that demonstrates the sovereignty of God in all situations and provides comfort to the Christian who experiences those times when God's plan for their lives results in them having to deal with difficult circumstances. If I have one criticism of the book it is that, at times, it seems like it is written for two types of readers. The author generally demonstrates from Biblical accounts and other real-life situations how God's sovereignty plays out in the life of God's people. At other times he goes into a deep philosophical or logical argument that may not interest some readers. Other than that, a good book and well worth the time.
January 29, 2023
Excellent! I’m not sure why this is my first completed book by RC Sproul, but I am looking forward to reading many more. I am enthralled by the concept of “providence” and want to continue to learn. This book was an excellent first step in explaining the biblical concept of providence- a word that isn’t used too often anymore. The last several chapters about providence and miracles and providence and prayer were especially good. Sproul was a brilliant philosopher and theologian, so reading him can be slow going at times. But wow, what riches of truth in his writing! Very grateful that I read this.
April 5, 2018
PROVIDENCE is usually not a word or topic that permeates a lot of conversations in the church today. Yet the theology of providence is woven throughout our faith and faith communities. R.C. Sproul has produced a masterful work by bringing accurate, scriptural understanding to the facets of our faith where providence resides and drives us as Christians. Great read for lay people and seminarians alike.
December 3, 2019
FANTASTIC and easy to read...
Full of insight that will be a good anchor and great for framing difficult or even confusing times.
This is a good addition into the library of a true Christian. I love that God gifts some people and I get blessed by their books!
Also, anyone speaking about God after a tragedy should read this repeatedly lest they say something unwise that implies God either didn't know or couldn't stop it...
Full of insight that will be a good anchor and great for framing difficult or even confusing times.
This is a good addition into the library of a true Christian. I love that God gifts some people and I get blessed by their books!
Also, anyone speaking about God after a tragedy should read this repeatedly lest they say something unwise that implies God either didn't know or couldn't stop it...
March 6, 2019
What is the providence of God? How do we reconcile the absolute sovereignty of God with the sad state of world affairs? Is God culpable with the existence of evil in any way? What is the purpose of prayer in a world where God has foreordained literally everything? Read this book for some answers.
March 16, 2023
Great overview of how God's providence works in regards to trials, government, prayer, salvation. Covers theologically intense material while still always pointing the reader back to praise of our glorious Saviour.
July 19, 2024
A very practical exploration of God’s providence. I liked the incorporation of scripture and personal anecdotes. It made the theology relatable and understandable while also acknowledging the mysterious concepts God hasn’t revealed but explaining the perfect logic of what is revealed to us.
July 6, 2022
R C Sproul goes into great detail about the providence of God. Nothing takes God by surprise, and nothing escapes His attention . We can trust Him with our lives.
June 24, 2025
Excellent book - well written and thought out… just what you expect for Mr Sproul…
October 20, 2025
As per usual, Sproul is excellent. This book is both an easy read and mentally stimulating, causing deep reflections and praise to the Lord!
March 2, 2014
How can a God of love allow suffering and injustice in the world? Why we had to go through such awful events last year? Why is He allowing confusion sometimes, to cry and be in pain. Why there’s no answer to my prayer?
Although people today have some answers and approach this subject in different ways, the biblical answer to the problem of evil and suffering is the only true and liberating answer you can find.
Sproul is presenting God and His ways with a wonderful logic and clear insight. He is very biblical in his style of defending the truth about God’s sovereignty and providence.
In a very generous and warm environment, he is calling us to trust this good and loving God who really has all things in His hands and does not allow something in your life without a holy purpose, often misunderstood by us.
We are called to embrace these dark moments with hope, always recognizing God’s love and care, and believe that, as he is saying … tthe providence of God is our fortress, our shield, and our very great reward. It is what provides courage and perseverance for His saints.
Although people today have some answers and approach this subject in different ways, the biblical answer to the problem of evil and suffering is the only true and liberating answer you can find.
Sproul is presenting God and His ways with a wonderful logic and clear insight. He is very biblical in his style of defending the truth about God’s sovereignty and providence.
In a very generous and warm environment, he is calling us to trust this good and loving God who really has all things in His hands and does not allow something in your life without a holy purpose, often misunderstood by us.
We are called to embrace these dark moments with hope, always recognizing God’s love and care, and believe that, as he is saying … tthe providence of God is our fortress, our shield, and our very great reward. It is what provides courage and perseverance for His saints.
January 17, 2016
chapter 8 on the difference between contradiction and mystery is excellent.
I read this book while in Los Banos. Parts are over my head but then the author was a philosophy major in university days.'
Have to remember that "fear not" was the most negative command that Jesus most frequently uttered.
Another statement was "in truth we may be confident that nothing bad will ever happen to us if we belong to Christ. This does not mean that nothing painful will ever happen to us"
He uses too many Latin phrases and I wonder why? Is that supposed to be impressive? I read a novel he wrote probably 25 years ago. I still remember it as it about how two friends' lives diverged. The one who became a Christian was soooo Reformed with his pipe and Augustine and Calvin that it was a tad irritating. I think I am "Reformed" in my theology then I read someone who is ultra and think, "maybe not."
I read this book while in Los Banos. Parts are over my head but then the author was a philosophy major in university days.'
Have to remember that "fear not" was the most negative command that Jesus most frequently uttered.
Another statement was "in truth we may be confident that nothing bad will ever happen to us if we belong to Christ. This does not mean that nothing painful will ever happen to us"
He uses too many Latin phrases and I wonder why? Is that supposed to be impressive? I read a novel he wrote probably 25 years ago. I still remember it as it about how two friends' lives diverged. The one who became a Christian was soooo Reformed with his pipe and Augustine and Calvin that it was a tad irritating. I think I am "Reformed" in my theology then I read someone who is ultra and think, "maybe not."
January 8, 2013
I found this book thought provoking. It clarified some things that I already believed and helped me understand some things better. There were a couple of chapters that were difficult but the Providence of God is a deep subject. I was reminded that things are often not as simple or straightforward as we would like them to be, but also reminded that God would not be God if we could understand everything he does.
April 17, 2014
I appreciated the insights by Sproul (first time reading him), but found the book a little more general than what I had hoped. I don't know if it was the dogmatic flavor, or the classic apologetic feel, or just the literary style, the book just didn't appeal to me. Particularly, the chapters on prayer and miracles seemed a bit trite, although certainly both of these topics could take up full books all on their own.
December 10, 2010
I loved this book....Sproul does a wonderful job of explaining and Biblically defending the doctrine of Providence. This book is more theological and a little more in depth than Jerry Bridges' TRUSTING GOD EVEN WHEN LIFE HURTS but I very much recommend both.
This is another of my read and re-read books......
This is another of my read and re-read books......
July 21, 2012
Tremendous work on the will of God, providence, and how all things work together for "good". Amazing author, of course, with a solid background in philosophy. He tackles some of the more difficult issues of the will of God and how God works in providence. Not sure about his answer on the problem of evil, but the rest of it was spot on.
October 10, 2012
Sproul's writing is always excellent. He has a unique ability to take a deep theological doctrine and make it easy to understand for the man in the pew. This book on the doctrine of Divine Providence is no exception. I used many of his ideas in preaching this doctrine recently in a small church in Michigan. I am very thankful for our brother's keen insights and practical illustrations.
October 30, 2014
Does everything work together for good? Really? This book tackles that question and all its underlying points. Dr. Sproul takes a deep topic and expounds it in an understandable way. Not only do I feel like I learned something, I also see how much MORE I need to learn about God and His Word. Two thumbs up on this one and five stars!
August 25, 2008
Sproul asks the hard question about God's goodness toward us and His intending to only do us good even during life's most difficult trials. It is a good work on the sovereignty and goodness of God in ALL THINGS.
July 28, 2011
Loved this book. I was left more in awe of God's Providence than his miracles because the providence seems so much more complicated. I have a new appreciation for God's hand in the world. It does not remove the pain of evil in the world but yet it is comforting.
March 18, 2012
Great book. Includes some chilling and sobering stories by R.C. Sets forth God as the sovereign Lord of the universe, which is always good and accurate. He makes many great statements and reasons why God is good and should be believed.
April 12, 2008
Do all things really work for Good, chance and luck don't have a lot to do with it,
God is soveriegn over all coincidences and circumstances
God is soveriegn over all coincidences and circumstances
March 3, 2022
2nd time reading almost 20 years later this time as a devotional with my wife. A good introduction to an important doctrine.
July 21, 2011
Didn't finish. The writing was too academic for me.
Read
August 18, 2011It was a timely reminder of the sovereign providence of God, and that God is good in all he is and does.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews