The Hand of God: Finding His Care in All Circumstances

by Alistair Begg

Are we hapless victims of life's whims? Are we driven along by some blind and impersonal force? Are we battered by circumstances beyond all control? A thousand times, "No!" says pastor and author Alistair Begg. Instead, Begg says we are the objects of God's providential care. We reside under His guiding and protecting hand. In this richly textured study of Joseph's life, readers will see God at work shaping Joseph's circumstances so that he can ultimately redeem and reconcile his family. And they'll see the hand of God in their own lives, lovingly guiding them through their disappointments and struggles to a place of peace. It's an amazing and comforting fact: God rules and overrules in the circumstances of life. God's authority is neither capricious nor vindictive—quite the contrary—God works through the circumstances of life to bring about something miraculous, something abundantly good, even out of what we perceive to be our darkest moments. We can entrust the baggage of our past, the fears of our present, and the prospects of our future to the God who cares.

Genres: Christian, Theology, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Religion, Faith, Christianity

204 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1999

About the author

Alistair Begg has been in pastoral ministry since 1975. Following graduation from The London School of Theology, he served eight years in Scotland at both Charlotte Chapel in Edinburgh and Hamilton Baptist Church.

In 1983, he became the senior pastor at Parkside Church near Cleveland, Ohio. He has written several books and is heard daily and weekly on the radio program, Truth For Life. The teaching on Truth For Life stems from the week by week Bible teaching at Parkside Church.

Reviews

[Kym McNabney]

This is an amazing book that everyone needs to read. I wanted to read it to gain knowledge on the life of Joseph. What I didn't expect was to learn about the heart of God through a man in the way we should live our life.

My copy is filled with underlines, written words/notes and dog eared pages. This book is a game changer, provided a pivotal moment in my my. It gave me peace, understanding and resolution to a long standing situation with my husbands family members who cut us out of their lives over a decade ago.

[Bobby Bonser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book review (10/10): One of my favorites of the year!
Begg is at his best here as he recounts the story of Joseph and draws lessons about God and Christ from it. Begg leaves no stone unturned as he navigates this captivating story and brings these people back to life, giving their back stories and reminding us that they were real people under the sovereign hand of the same God who reigns today.

The lessons learned cover a wide range: God's sovereignty, the problem of evil, forgiveness, fleeing temptation, waiting patiently on the Lord, suffering, using our skills for His glory, and the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises in Christ.

Compelling, descriptive, instructional, encouraging, and overall an excellent read. I cannot recommend this book enough, for anyone in any season of life.

Sold at print cost: $4 with free shipping on Truth For Life with Alistair Begg

[Create With Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Does God really care about us and the minute details of our daily lives? Does he see us when we are hurt and betrayed by the ones who are supposed to love and care for us? Can he really bring providential purpose out of our deepest pain?

”A thousand times yes!” says Alistair Begg, the popular pastor and Bible teacher who recently released his latest book, The Hand Of God: Finding His Care In All Circumstances.

The Hand Of God is a book about the divine providence of God and the providential care that He extends to each of His people, through an in-depth exploration of the Old Testament story of Joseph. Alistair calls this story the Old Testament embodiment of the popular New Testament passage Romans 8:28.

The Hand Of God is a fabulous book that is full of life-changing biblical truths. The book is highly readable and relatable because the story of Joseph has something in it that speaks to each of us.

If you’re looking for relevant, reverent and relatable Bible teaching from a contemporary pastor, you can’t go wrong with Alistair Begg. I highly recommend The Hand Of God to you!

This excerpt is taken from the original review that is published on my blog. To read my review in its entirety, please visit Create With Joy.

[Kelly Ng · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this a practically helpful study of Joseph's life with scriptural basis - a wonderful record of steadfast faith in the face of big, repeated trials; divine providence in all circumstances; and forgiveness and generosity in response to sin. And a good unpacking of how Joseph foreshadows Jesus. It may be an old story to many of us, but still, much-needed insights for current times. I think some found it draggy but I appreciated the personal anecdotes in that they made this real and not too cerebral. I've always enjoyed Alistair Begg's Truth for Life podcast but this is my first time reading his writing!

[Tom Sheppard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Begg is masterful in his ability to place you in the scene. Joesph’s story is one of my favorite stories in all the Bible, our God is sovereign. This book emphasizes God’s perfect plan and His hand in everything.

[Lizzie Lashbrook · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very detailed story of Jospeh’s life, He brought up many details I wouldn’t really though of in depth in the book such as Jospeh’s unwavering faith in God through everything and also his complete forgiveness of his brothers.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

First sentence: “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” —Romans 8:28 Those who have been Christians for any length of time may find that the page in their Bible which contains this verse is a little worn, even smudged—and with good reason. The implications of God’s providence are staggering, because they impact every area and every moment of our lives. This truth is one that separates believers from unbelievers.

The Hand of God by Alistair Begg is a book about the Providence of God; specifically it is about the Providence of God as illustrated through the life of Joseph. The book is about Joseph--son of Jacob, son of Isaac, son of Abraham--but it is also about God's providence in general: how believers can draw comfort from the doctrine. Begg argues that studying the life of Joseph is like seeing the truth of Romans 8:28 lived out and "with skin on."

Joseph hadn’t read Romans 8:28. He didn’t have it hanging on the wall of his dungeon. But he understood the truth behind it, and even in the worst of human circumstances, he displayed patient endurance and quiet confidence.

The PROVIDENCE of God isn't a doctrine that gets much attention from the pulpit--perhaps because preachers are afraid of being misunderstood. If it gets little attention from the pulpit, then it gets even less from ordinary believers. Dare I say it's considered tacky to talk about God's providence?! You mean it's God's will for me to lose my job? You mean it's God's will for me to have cancer? You mean it's God's will for me that I miscarried? You mean it's God's will that the tornado destroyed my house? These are the same people who have no trouble believing that it is God's will for you to get the job, to get married, to have a baby, to move to a better house, to always be healthy.

How did we arrive at the conclusion that following Christ is a walk in the park? Where did we get the idea that serving Christ is a guarantee against trial, pain, and persecution? We didn’t get it from Jesus. He guarantees just the opposite: “In this world you will have trouble” ( John 16:33).

I hope that Begg's study on Providence will persuade readers that this is an EXCELLENT, comforting, blessed doctrine.

[Lauren Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

My youth pastor gave me this book when I graduated high school (I think he gave it to all the graduates that year). Beautifully tracing the story of Joseph from the book of Genesis, this book taught me not only to see the sovereign hand of God at work in all things, linking Genesis 50:20 with Romans 8:28, but it also taught me to read the bible with a little imagination.

I was uncomfortable at first with descriptions of Joseph that explored what he might have been feeling or experiencing in the pit when first betrayed by his brothers, or in prison when betrayed again and forgotten by the chief cup bearer. Can you really say anything about the story beyond what is stated in the text? Is it ok to read the Bible that way?

Coming as a gift from a youth pastor who faithfully taught God's word, I began to trust the author and to see the value of recognizing that the characters in Bible stories are, in fact, real and ordinary people. It had never occurred to me before that Joseph might have felt anything. I had been trained on dry, impersonal history textbooks in school. I had come to expect the same from the Bible.

This book trained me to read the Bible with an eye to the real humanity of its characters and the real work of God in history--and in my own life with all of its ups and downs. It's a beautifully edifying book that has stayed with me to this day, now almost 20 years after I first read it.

[Keri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished the audiobook, now will go back through more slowly with my church's ladies Bible study. Really enjoyed it, once I got through the first three chapters, which were a bit slow to me.

Some excellent admonishments sprinkled throughout and helped me take a deeper look into Joseph's life and God's display of His love and sovereignty through it...

I wish the audiobook was read by the author or someone with a similar accent rather than an American! But the content itself was excellent.

[Kate Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am commenting on prior to the new edition of this book being on Goodreads.
I have read the 2019 edition.
Both an encouraging and a challenging book. It being published tomorrow is apt - the reading of this book cannot but help self-reflection and self-resolve at the beginning of a new year.
This is a book I have enjoyed on my Kindle but will purchase a paperback - this is a testament to how highly I recommend it.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book looks at the concept of God's sovereignty by looking at how God's sovereignty was at work in Joseph's life. The author went through Joseph's life from birth to death. He takes the reader through a study of the relevant verses in Genesis, also thinking about what it would be like to go through those circumstances. The author pointed out how God's sovereignty was at work even though many of the circumstances would have been confusing and depressing to Joseph. If you are unfamiliar with Joseph's life or wish to learn more about how God sovereignty can be assured in your circumstances, I would highly recommend this book.

I received a review copy of this book from the publisher through Amazon Vine.

[Nikki Rosenbaum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't initially realize this was a study of the life of Joseph. He is one of my favorite people in Scripture. This was such a great reminder of God's faithfulness in what can seem like impossible circumstances.

[Clued-in With A Book (Elvina Ulrich) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33.

As believers of Christ, we are not guaranteed a problem-free life but we are assured of God's loving hands in our lives, carrying us through the storm as we trust and hope in Him. We can all find solace in His past faithfulness and one of the greatest and most moving story that displayed God's faithfulness was in the life of Joseph - a young boy who was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, and later rose to become the second most powerful man in Egypt next to Pharaoh.

This is what this book is about. Using the life of Joseph as the main study, Pastor Begg walks us through the life of Joseph, discussing the obstacles and challenges Joseph went through. In each phase of Joseph's life, God's faithfulness and providence were conspicuous as Joseph trusted and obeyed Him, as in Romans 8:28 -" And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."

Pastor Begg also discusses topics such as humility, trust, obedience, temptations, forgiveness and sanctification. All these topics were discussed as we journeyed through the life of Joseph and I think this is well-written as it is applicable in our daily lives.

Overall, this is a convicting yet lovingly written book that serves as a good reminder to believers of Christ of how great and loving our heavenly Father is.

"God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble." - Psalm 46:1, and "Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." - Hebrew 4:16



***I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from Moody Publishers through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All views expressed in this review are my own and was not influenced by the author, publisher or any third party.***

[Sheri Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Through the biblical account of Joseph in Genesis, Alistair Begg highlights Providence. What Joseph’s brothers meant for harm, God worked worked out for good and the salvation of a nation. Begg emphasizes how “despite the diffulties” we can make the most of every situation “for God’s glory”.

[Bill Pence · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the first edition of this newly revised book twenty years ago, and recently listened to the wonderful sermon series that it is based on, which I would highly recommend, and you can find on the Truth for Life website. The book is about the biblical doctrine of providence as expressed in the story of Joseph, one of my favorite characters in the Bible. The author tells us that Joseph’s story is the classic Old Testament Story of Romans 8:28, and that he was a life-sized illustration of the verse:
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Through the events of his life, Joseph understood that God sovereignly orders all things that come to pass and preserves the lives of His creatures for His purposes. The author tells us that the doctrine of providence brought Joseph, and brings us as well, comfort in the face of great difficulty and sorrow.
The story of Joseph is well known. He was the object of his father’s special interest, his brothers’ jealous hatred, and God’s providential care. He was favored by his father Jacob, as one of two sons from wife Rachel. At age 17, his jealous brothers threw him in a pit to die, and then decided to sell him into slavery. Twenty years later, those same brothers would be reunited with Joseph, now second in command in Egypt, as they came for food during a famine. The author tells us that the story of Joseph is a tale of jealousy, deceit, slavery, misrepresentation, injustice, lust, rivalry, and forgiveness. It pits brother against brother.
The overarching theme of the book is that of the sovereign hand of God manifesting itself in His providential care over His dearly loved children and bringing about all that He has purposed in the affairs of time. He tells us that Joseph’s life ought to be for us a story of great encouragement and reassurance as we make our way in the walk of faith.
The author tells us that in the details of his life, Joseph foreshadowed Jesus. As an example, he writes that Joseph provides a wonderful illustration of Christlike forgiveness.
The author takes us from Genesis 37:2, when Joseph was seventeen to Genesis 50, when he dies at the age of 110. Through it all, he tells us that Joseph stood the test of time. He states that one of our greatest challenges is to stand the test of time and stay the course in the Christian life. He tells us that Joseph left a wonderful legacy. He left us a record of steadfast faith in the face of extreme trial. He left us a graphic picture of forgiveness in response to bitter jealousy. He left us a wonderful testimony of generosity and kindness as repayment for cruel neglect. The author leaves us with a final challenge: what kind of legacy will we leave?
I highlighted many passages as I read the book. Below are 25 of my favorite quotes from the book:
1. There is an important lesson here: it is virtually impossible to commit just one sin. One sin needs another to guard it from detection. You can mark it down that when you sin, you’ll sin again—especially in the area of lying.
2. The center of God’s will may take us into the eye of a storm. We should not seek, therefore, to confirm God’s will by the absence of adversity.
3. It takes the test of trials to make us useful to God. Some of us are not as useful as we might be, for in shunning trials we have missed God’s blessings.
4. There is no ideal place to serve God except the place in which He has set you down.
5. People who search for ideal circumstances forget that all that is ideal and perfect is saved for heaven. They launch forth on a journey destined to end in disappointment.
6. We often ask God to remove the problem from us or remove us from the problem. But most of the time what God does with His children is change their attitudes toward the circumstances in which they find themselves.
7. God never calls us to an action that He does not enable us to complete.
8. The most successful people I have seen, however, are the ones who are able to see the shining blessing of God in the routine experiences of life.
9. For most of us, most of the time, it is true that more spiritual progress is made through failure and tears than through success and laughter.
10. It is not a sin to be tempted; it is our response to temptation that leads us either down the path of righteousness or into the dead end of disobedience.
11. It can take thirty years to build a reputation, and only five minutes to ruin it.
12. God tests us, but the difference between God’s testings and the devil’s temptations is this: God sets up His tests for His students to pass. The temptations of the devil are set up so that his students will fail.
13. Suffering is not the unusual exception for the Christian. Therefore, we should not be surprised when we suffer unjustly.
14. We need to help people understand that they cannot have a heaven without a hell, that it is intellectually implausible to have the one without the other, and that they must prepare for the day when they will stand before God and face eternal judgment.
15. People can be secondary causes of God’s provision for us, but our ultimate confidence must be in Him. Anything less than this will lead us to great disappointment and pain.
16. We need to understand that although our days may seem dark, and although there seems to be no potential for change, nevertheless God is working everything out in conformity with the purpose of His will. He makes everything beautiful in His time.
17. God knows what is best for each of His children. We do well to wait upon Him, for He will never give us anything too soon, nor will anything ever arrive too late.
18. It is in the routines of life that real gains are made, real joy is found, and the reality of God’s provision becomes most obvious.
19. God determines what is going to happen according to His will, for His glory, and for the good of His people.
20. The challenge is always this: Are men and women going to allow the Word of God to sit in judgment on their puny minds, or are they going to make their puny minds the judges of the Word of God?
21. The wonderful truth of God’s providence enables us to have humility in success, for it makes us aware that all our successes are gifts from God.
22. Can we kiss all our brothers and sisters, whether physical or spiritual, the way Joseph kissed his brothers? Or are we still holding grudges over things that are microscopic compared to what Joseph went through?
23. Can we who have been forgiven every debt by God honestly tell Him we plan to hold a grudge against our brother and sister the rest of our lives over what might be some marginal, minimal offense?
24. Forgiveness is not some little extra part of the Christian experience; it is at the very heart of it.
25. The rule is always that secret sins must be confessed secretly to God, and private sins must be confessed privately to the injured party.

[Jeanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bible study of the life of Joseph. Joseph is a great example of not living by his circumstances but by the promises of God. Joseph was focused on the character and attributes of God that he was a man of great integrity. As Augustine once said our trials come to prove us and to improve us and you see that so clearly in Joseph's life. The doctrine of God's providence brings us comfort and guidance as we face difficulties such as Joseph. There is a great freedom in the understanding of God's sovereignity; not a passive attitude but one of faith that builds from the gospel. Moralism is merely an external attempt at reform. It is not the gospel. (page 164) Moralism is based on behaviour change and the gospel is based on the heart change. True forgiveness is not the offenses from others that have sinned against us but we forgive because in forgiving we reveal that we have been forgiven by a Holy God. Until we know how spiritually bankrupt we are such as Joseph and his brothers were, we will always hold all kinds of grudges against others.

[April McGowan]

Powerful truths

This is a book everyone needs to read. Despite our ideas, or choices, our circumstances, The Father is with us.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I was 16 years old I heard the Gospel for the first time and became a Christian. It was that marvelous story of Joseph that God used to draw me to Himself. Thirty something years later I've pondered this story and all its nuances. Of course I've heard numerous sermons over the years but I endeavored to find an entire summary and exposition on this marvelous story from an author whom I respect. When I discovered this book was available through Ligonier Ministries, the teaching ministry of the late Dr. R.C. Sproul, I was excited because this book's author, Alistair Begg is one whom I've grown to appreciate and most importantly, find to be biblically sound. I appreciated this book however I think it could have been about a third shorter. The author injects so much ancillary fluff that I found completely unnecessary. I wish Mr. Begg would have simply dealt with what the scripture says, not how life was in Scotland, nor how his relationship with *his* grandfather was compared to Joseph's to his grandfather.

For example, Genesis told us that Joseph was good looking, great. Must the author delve in to how *he looked at 17 and how he would have liked to have been so good looking? See my point? This extraneous commentary neither adds nor enhances the narrative.

I did discover so many jewels that I'd either forgotten or perhaps never quite pondered. For example, hello-Joseph's father was Jacob! The one who robbed his brother Isaac of his birthright. The one who was deceived by Laban over Rachael and his desire to marry her but instead got Leah. Then, because he didn't get Rachel, had to work 7 more years to get Rachael. Then Rachael was barren and all the pain that went with watching her husband's concubines birth sons that were not hers but yet God intervened and she birthed Jacob and Ruben. So much drama yet so much forgiveness and providence despite the messes these people made for themselves. Just like us wretched sinners making a mess of things. But God. Jacob so wrongfully doted over Joseph by gifting him this amazing coat and unwittingly instilled hatred and jealousy in Joseph's brothers to the point they wanted to kill him. But God...worked in the eldest brother Judah to convince these murderous brothers to take Joseph out of a pit they'd deigned to leave him for dead and instead, sell him into slavery! This story shows us how our best efforts and actions, as depraved and wretched as they may be, work for good if God. This is such a marvelous story and there are so so many extensions to it and truths associated with is. "You meant it for evil but God meant it for God." What providence, what mercy! This book strengthened my faith and for that, it was a worthwhile read.

[Lori L (She Treads Softly) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hand of God: Finding His Care in All Circumstances by Alistair Begg is a very highly recommended reprint of the classic Biblical study of the life of Joseph life. In it Pastor Begg presents a life-lesson for all Christians.

Most Christians know Romans 8:28: "We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." But how many of us actually believe what the verse promises? There is no place where the Bible promises an easy life for believers. Often too many of us think that there won't be trials and tribulations. In fact, in John 15:33 Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble." What a better life to help us study the meaning of Romans 8:28 than the life of Joseph (son of Jacob, son of Isaac, son of Abraham).

Joseph was blessed by God and guided by His hand, but his life was not easy. How many of us have been thrown into a well and then sold by our brothers to a passing merchant, who then takes us to another country, Egypt, and sells as a slave? Uh, not many. Sure we have problems, but usually nothing that awful. But Joseph kept his faith, even when he was doing his job, had a false accusation made against him, and was then thrown into prison/a dungeon. Most people know that Joseph still had more trials to endure beyond this.

Through it all, though, Joseph knew that God would work all things for His good. Joseph didn't blame God, he trusted God was in charge of the situation, good and bad, and kept his faith. Bad things do happen to good people. This is a vital lesson for Christians to learn. We need to keep trusting God's providence through the storms of life and not just expecting blessings. Joseph knew this and his faith in God allowed him to endure awful situations with complete confidence that God is in charge. Joseph trusted God and saw the hand of God in his life, lovingly guiding him through his trials and struggles, leading him to a place of peace and reconciliation.

This is an excellent Bible study and a wonderful reminder of what God can do in spite of the many circumstances we encounter. Embracing God's providence for our lives can bring a real sense of comfort that God is in control and our role is to just believe and trust in Him. Certainly during the holidays this can be a timely reminder that no matter what family drama may be going on, God is in charge and he only requires you to keep your faith and know He is in charge.

Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Moody Publishers.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2018/1...

[Julie D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so incredibly easy to read and understand. I love that Alistair takes the story of Joseph, which we all know in one way or another (as he points out, most know about his multi-color coat), and gives it more depth and makes it relevant to our own life. He also ties Romans 8 into the story and explains why we can trust God in our lives.

Mr. Begg shows us how Joseph was strong in his faith and trusted God in all circumstances. He explains how God's promise to work things out for our good is so evident in all the circumstances of Joseph's life.

Another thing you can trust is that this book is Biblical. Alistair Begg is a pastor who teaches Biblical truths in a way that is relate-able and trustworthy. I listen to his radio program daily and his teaching is always excellent, just like this book.

I loved how he explains that Joseph's character was developing despite the conflict in his own family as a child and young man. His faith in God was developing and growing strong despite the opposition he received from his brothers. This was very encouraging to me as we all can grow our character despite our circumstances and, sometimes, because of them.

I came away from this book knowing that I can trust God and that He will work all my circumstances out for my good. I also loved that he encouraged us to use our gifts and reach out to others even as we get older. It's a wonderful book that I can highly recommend to everyone. I give this book 5 stars.

*This book was provided to me by Moody Publishers. I received a copy of this book to review but I was not financially compensated in any way. The opinions expressed are my own and are based on my observations while reading this book.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A favorite verse of many Christians is Romans 8:28. Begg explores the truth of that verse, the biblical doctrine of God's providence. It is not surprising that he uses the life of Joseph to do so.

I thought this book might be another same old kind of study but I was pleasantly surprised. Begg helps readers understand the experiences Joseph went through. Joseph quickly went from favored son to slave. What a shock. Yet God was accomplishing His purpose even when it must have seemed to Joseph that everything was going wrong. It is a lesson for us to trust God even in the darkest times.

Another lesson from the book related to our own disappointment when everything isn't the way we'd like. We look for the ideal place to live, to work, to worship and more. Begg reminds us the ideal is saved for heaven. Our search for the ideal circumstances will only lead to disappointment.

I was impressed with how Begg showed God forming Joseph's character, even during his childhood and youth in a dysfunctional family. That was encouraging. That gives hope. Even though there was trauma and death, God was there shaping Joseph for the future.

There are many other lessons Begg reveals to readers such as not becoming bitter and prospering in drudgery. There were even some lessons to learn from Potiphar's and Jacob's actions.

I recommend this book to readers who would like some good insights from a familiar story in the Bible.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Bethany McIlrath · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Hand of God, pastor and author Alistair Begg demonstrates that God isn’t exaggerating about His ability to work all things, even the worst things, into good.

Through a detailed, pragmatic telling of the story of Joseph in Scripture, Begg brings this truth to life. Each chapter focuses on a part of Joseph’s life as recorded in the Bible. Begg adds observations and ties in other parts of Scripture to bring out aspects of the story we might not have considered.

Themes covered in this book include:

• Faith in suffering
• Maintaining integrity
• Forgiveness
• God’s sovereignty in everyday life

Some quotes that stand out include:

• “There is no ideal place to serve God except the place in which He has set you down.”
• “When all you have is sunshine, all you get is a desert. For most of us, most of the time, it is true that more spiritual progress is made through failure and tears than through success and laughter.”
• “We must recognize that the battle is within us, not just outside of us.”
• “What keeps a man or woman true to the Lord is not pragmatism, but principle.”
• “When you acknowledge Christ for who He is, then you will discover who you are.”

I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in a more detailed look at Joseph’s life or who is wondering about God’s care in all circumstances of life.

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hand of God is a classic Alistair Begg title first published in 1999 and now republished 20 years later. All the wit and wisdom one has come to expect in anything by Alistair Begg is found in this title which provides readers a better understanding of the sovereignty of God and providence through the lense of the Bible's account about Joseph in Genesis.

In sixteen chapters Alistair Begg guides readers through the account Joseph drawing out the doctrinal implications and providing application with a pastor's heart. Joseph's story is one that often draws attention because as one sees in this book many of Joseph's experiences mirror our own. We face rejection, isolation, suffering, temptation,and disappointment just the same way Joseph did. Alistair Begg helps show how we can learn much of God's control and faithfulness in those circumstances through the example of Joseph. 

This title is filled with biblical insight and practical application that would benefit any reader. If you've been encouraged and edified by Alistair Begg's preaching ministry this book won't disappoint. 

Disclosure: I received a copy of the book from the publisher for the purpose of reviewing it. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review.

[September Heidtman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very insightful and helpful study of the life of Joseph in light of God's promise in Romans 8:28.

In Rev. Begg's traditional fashion, he uniquely engages his readers to contemplate the circumstances and experiences of the main characters--namely Joseph and his brothers. This can be a wonderful study tool to better understand an individual's reactions, motives, and the decisions they made. But I would caution new Christians to keep in mind that some of the hypothetical illustrations are just that - hypothetical, and they are only meant to cause the reader to ponder a moment; they are not meant to be an exposition or direct interpretation of the lesson at hand.

As with all of Rev. Begg's sermons and books, I conclude that he is scripturally sound and well worth taking the time to study under his care, guidance, and matter-of-fact simplicity (of which I'm most grateful.)

[Vivi · Rating 3 out of 5]

There exists a certain style of christian theology books that I can't get much out of. They are written like commentaries, revolve around a certain topic, but also follow every thought that could be associated with the bible text and in doing so lead away from the main idea. What remains is a conglomeration of good ideas, but they don't have much to do with the main topic. This book is one of them. I found the title to be misleading - even though it definitely discusses the question of God's care and provision for his children, it felt more like a commentary on Joseph's life to me.
Also I found it to be very basic at times.

If you are not very familiar with the story of Joseph and are a young christian, you might like this book.

I thank Netgalley and Moody Publishers for an ARC to read and review.

[Patti Whitson Stephenson She Lives to Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an inspiring and detailed look at the life of Joseph, and the way that Joseph was consistently under God’s care through every circumstance in his life.

Alistair Begg does a wonderful job of applying the lessons learned through Joseph’s story to our own lives. This is a very readable and relatable book and I liked the author’s writing style. I also loved that the author takes us on a deep look at Joseph’s life from boyhood to his death as a senior saint. I highlighted many quotes in this book, and found much encouragement and practical advice to follow as I face trials in my own life.

This book would be a great study for a Sunday School class or study group, as well as individual study.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[ThePrill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I throughly enjoy Alistair Begg’s style of preaching and writing. His anecdotes and references are always helpful for expositing his points, and he explains his points ever so well. This book does not fail in its pursuit of explaining what it means to live and believe Romans 8:28. The story of Joseph, an age-old thriller of jealous brothers and dream interpreting, is systematically and carefully pulled apart so its mystery and wonder can be fully understood. The providence evident in Joseph’s life is hammered in by Begg and the rest that may be found when one is satisfied that all things are in God’s hands, whether good or ill. Begg writes a book that is not difficult to read, and is both excellent and faithful to its mission. I commend Alistair Begg for this lovely volume.

[Dave Milbrandt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a complimentary updated copy of this book for an honest review of its merits. I find this title very interesting, as I enjoyed the extended analysis of the Joseph saga. The two concerns I have is that there are a great deal of American idioms for an ex-pat (one wonders if there was a ghost writer whose voice is seeping through) and the fact this edition is not completely updated from its original publican nearly two decades ago (some examples are new, while others could do with a little more refreshing). Overall, however, I really like the analysis and personal application this text provides.

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great collection of teaching from the Scriptures on the account of Joseph’s life. We see a detailed unpacking of the circumstances in Joseph’s life and how he responded with faith and trust in God. Besides the teaching to that end, I appreciated that the book was full of relevant practical application to my own life. This book helps the believer to study the word of God and to see how to live out in obedience what we have learned from the pages of Scripture. Alaistair Begg is masterful at calling the believer to the table to respond in obedience to Scripture. A great exposition on the sovereignty of God.

[Tyler Piatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a close tie with my favorite commentary on the story of Joseph I've read thus far (Voddie Buachum's book is its rival). Begg's got a real knack for giving you all the details and pulling out all the practical implications of scripture without making you feel like your nodding off in 9th grade algebra all over again. His illustrations are helpful and his ability to provide connective tissue better connected the dots for what this story means alongside the rest of scripture in my eyes. The only knock I truly have for this book is that if you listen to it on audible, you won't hear Alistair's sweet, sweet Scottish voice. What a let down.