Book Review: Disappointment with God

Dear Friends,

In Disappointment with God, Philip Yancey addresses 3 main questions:  Is God unfair?  Is God silent?  Is God hidden?

The first half of the book addresses God’s character throughout biblical history.  You may want to rush through those 170 pages to get to the “Big Questions” addressed in the second half, but the history is worth reading even if you are familiar.  There are distinct shifts in how God relates to people over time.  It also helps to point out that these big questions are not new:  people we consider faith heroes struggled with these things (Heb 11).

The book is excellent.  It doesn’t tell you what to think or not to think.  It validates questions and feelings while pointing to truth.  However, I only recommend this book to people who are consumed by the questions above.  Consumed not curious.  If you are just curious, I think there is a major danger of opening a can of worms here that is not for you.  It would be easy for you to adopt these emotional and spiritual struggles as your own as you read.  Just keep in mind that this book exists in case you ever find yourself with the “Disappointment with God” can of worms already open in your hands.  It would also be appropriate for you to read this with someone you are helping through this struggle, allowing you to understand and process their big questions together.

Remember:  “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.” – Lamentations 3:22

“The alternative to disappointment with God seems to be disappointment without God” (286).

Sincerely,

Katie

Elusive Resolution

Dear Friends,

It’s been a while.  I’ve been eager to write.  Really.  I’ve wanted to articulate some grand resolution to my most recent postcard “Mad at God.”  In fact, when I think I’ve discovered some sort of answer, I’ve tried to quickly and methodically work it out so I could send you a follow-up postcard.  But for some reason, resolution is elusive.  Actually, it is not that surprising to me.  God’s character is extremely complicated – beyond my ability to understand.  No wonder when I try to nail down one piece, another part blows away.

I identify with Habakkuk’s complaint:  “How long, O Lord, must I call for help?  But you do not listen!  ‘Violence is everywhere!’ I cry, but you do not come to save.  Must I forever see these evil deeds?  Why must I watch all this misery?  Wherever I look, I see destruction and violence” (Hab 1:2-3).

But I also identify with the end of Habakkuk’s prayer:  “yet I will rejoice in the Lord!  I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!  The Sovereign Lord is my strength!  He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights” (Hab 3:18-19).

One thing I am sure of:  there is absolutely no reason to give up.  Sticklife is, by nature, full of struggles.  To abandon my faith or abandon my search for answers would be crazy.  Even as I am disappointed with Him in some ways, I thank God for so many things!  Especially the Stickfriends He has placed in my life to encourage me and keep me from giving up.

I am currently reading a book Disappointment with God: Three Questions No One Asks Outloud by Philip Yancey.  Stay tuned for a book review.

Sincerely,

Katie