Mystery of Providence

I wish I had read this in high school or college but then again, God's providence was at work with the timing such that I could really appreciate this book. Have you been discouraged? You might not even know it but surely there are times when you feel like your prayers won't be answered. This is a book about meeting God and getting to know Him. They seem to be written as a series of sermons on this one topic. This is not complicated writing but it isn't modern. Compared to some contemporary writing on the same topic, this book is profound and hit me over and over with THE WORD OF GOD: not just one or two per chapter but over and over and over again. Isn't that what we need? The refreshing fountain of life. It also encourages you to journal, as a testimony to yourself and to future generations of God's goodness. I thought of all the people I know who have suffered and yet have shared a wonderful testimony about "the peace that passes understanding." I'm certainly glad that they shared that testimony. Isn't it good to know that you have testimonies to share too if you but look and meditate? This was loaned to me by an older woman in the faith whom I greatly respect (a comfort to her when her daughter had cancer) and I promptly bought multiple copies. (She also loaned me Elisabeth Elliot's tape series on suffering, which is also good.) I think this should be required reading. What a help to the charge to "be transformed by the renewing of your minds." I cannot speak highly enough about this book. I plan to reread it every year or so to be reminded of the mighty hand of Providence: a great comfort in these last days.

Beautiful book, wonderful service!!!

The wisdom of John Flavel is timeless. And he writes in such a simple and clear manner. But this is not a book to read fast. It is a book to read one paragraph at a time and meditate upon. Each sentence says volumns. The truth sets you free and once you see truth, you can't unsee it, as someone once said.This book is very comforting and assuring in one's faith. I love the Puritan writers, compared to some of the "fluff" of modern writers.It's the difference of eating "Cocoa Puffs" and eating steak. Why not go to the full meal and be fed.If you like A. W. Pink, you should know that this was 2nd. in his list of favorites. Flavel's other book "The Fountain of Life Opened Up" was his 1st.Loved it, Mary Holland

John Flavel writes in the typical puritan fullness. This is a very thorough study of God's providence. He attempts to clarify the scriptural teaching and draw proper guidance and applications. This book won't be a fast simple read, but it is rich for those who are willing to mine for gold. I highly recommend this for any serious Christian's permanent book collection.

I give this book 4 stars mainly because there are so few available that deal with the subject of providence in such depth as this one. The old style language used is hard to decipher and digest at times but it's well worth the struggle because there are many gems of insight to be found and underlined along the way. The sad thing is that modern theologians avoid the topic like the plague when there are many of us in the world that want to know all we can about it. Books on God's sovereignty do touch on it (by necessity) but at least John Flavel had the guts to jump into the deep end and explore. A great book to have as a reference and an excellent source of Puritan wisdom.

I've never understood what was meant by God's providence. This book does an excellent job at explaining, in detail, what is meant by God's providence in general. It also goes further to bring understanding to the mysteries of God's providence. It is an excellent read.

Just excellent...

This is a very encouraging book especially for any Christian going through difficult times.

This little book is priceless! What a faith and trust builder! I'd heard of 'providence' all my life but never really understood it. This book lays it out, easy to read, easy to understand, and in the process, your faith and trust are built up tremendously! You will learn and truly see that God is in control--of EVERYTHING! Every minute detail. There is no maverick molecule in the universe--God is controlling it ALL. As you journey through the pages of this book, you learn to rest in Christ. Truly rest. Casting your cares upon Him makes so much more sense. Arming yourself with the knowledge and insight from Flavel, you will be able to live life stress-free. What is there to stress about?? God's in control!!To go along with this book, I would also recommend two free booklets from Chapel Library: "Providence" Free Grace Broadcaster #256, and, "The Sovereignty of God in Providence" by John Reisinger. Either download them for free from their site or request a free hard copy be sent to you. Among all three you will be richly endowed and equipped with the knowledge and abiding trust in God's sovereignty in providence!You will be immensely blessed!

on the 2nd chapter and just speaking truth into my soul. where fear often comes up and not trusting God it will broaden the feet where you stand.