The Goodness of God by Randy Alcorn

This petite book began on a wonderfully comforting note with this quote by Paul Scherer which I found just after the Contents Section. I quote, "I know the things that happen: the loss and the loneliness and the pain...But there's a mark on it now: as if Someone who knew that way Himself, because He had travelled it, had gone on before and left His sign; and all of it begins to make a little sense at last-gathered up, laughter and tears, into the life of God, with His arms around it!"

Yes! I deeply breathed in the sweet perfume of Jesus in the very first pages of Mr. Alcorn's book. But the lovefest does not end there. On page five I enjoyed the section entitled, "When Losing Faith is Good." Here's a taste, "Evil and suffering have a way of exposing our inadequate theology. When affliction comes, a weak or nominal Christian often discovers that his faith doesn't account for it or prepare him for it. His faith has been in his church, denomination, or family tradition, or in his own religious ideas - but not in Christ. As he faces evil and suffering, he may, in fact, lose his faith."

Ouch. Preach it brother!! On page 31 Mr. Alcorn again nails the Truth with his discussion of secondary doctrinal issues. He states, "I don't believe in picking fights about secondary doctrinal issues. But I'm convinced there's a great deal at stake in this issue of open theism, as it attempts to redefine the very nature of God. Fortunately, God will always remain who he is. The question is, as we try to modify him to resolve our intellectual struggles, what will become of us?"

Chapter Five entitled The Great Drama was my favorite chapter. This chapter focused on "Reviewing the Roles of Evil and Suffering in Christ's Redemptive Work." Page 45 quotes 2 Chronicles 36:15-16 (NIV) which states, "But they mocked God's messengers, despised his words and scoffed at his prophets until the wrath of the LORD was aroused against his people and there was no remedy."

I loved hearing Mr. Alcorn speak of Jesus as well as his childhood. I appreciated Mr. Alcorn's weaving of Aslan from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe into this chapter. This example was used to remind the reader that though Jesus leaving earth was sad, as Aslan depicted also in the The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, there was hope and victory because this was not the end of the story!!

Chapter Five helps us to understand what we are going through right now. As this world becomes more evil and we become persecuted for our faith we learn to stand firm on God's Word. Page 47 entitled "Last Word" was a shot in the arm for all Christians who understand what Jesus did on the Cross for them. Everyone should read this story about the baby who almost got burned and the mother who did get burned saving her. We see not only goodness but gratitude in this account. Amazing writing!

There is so much I could share about this petite book by Mr. Alcorn. I know it would be perfect for anyone suffering or knowing of someone else suffering. This book was a great reminder how God does not change and is always perfect and good and loving toward all of us (John 3:16).

Yes, this may be a petite book but it is a powerfully packed book which can be given as a gift or kept to remind the reader of just how truly Good God is...

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group as part of their Blogging For Books program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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