Customer Reviews

Why?: Trusting God When You Don't Understand

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At a recent Sunday sermon, the minister in our church spoke to us again about why bad things happen, in the context of "Avoiding the Ultimate Disaster" and Luke 13:1-9. As if by coincidence, a few days later I saw this book, and I picked it up. It's one of the most common questions that I hear raised by those people that aren't religious: why does God let bad things happen, why doesn't he do something about (fill in the blank/take your pick of the latest world disaster). It is indeed a perplex question, but one that has an answer.

In a short amount of space (115 pages), Anne Lotz not only explains why, but gives guidance on how to deal with the issues of suffering and pain ("trust in God" being the key factor). Very helpful is that the author writes about these complex issues in very plain-spoken English. Most importantly, this book provides a message of hope, namely that even though this is far from a perfect world (as the result of humanity having received the gift of choice, which inevitably includes the freedom of bad choices by many), there is HOPE, as long as one trusts in God. Excellent book, and highly recommended for everyone, not just Christians.

What a great title for a book which seeks to answer the question we all ask!

This book presents, in a user-friendly way, Bible theology on why bad things happen to good people. The author puts her heart and soul into this discussion, and, with John 11 as the focus, never strays from what God would have us learn.

While I enjoyed the format Lotz used for the work--and feel the principles addressed were theologically sound, to me the work was a bit limited. The same genre of discussion on understanding the mind of God--plus numerous other such topics (suffering, integrity, spirituality and gifts, etc.) are much more broadly discussed in earlier works such as "Where is God When It Hurts", and particularly "With Joseph in the University of Adversity" (my favorite--IF you can get your hands on it).

All in all, Lotz is a warm and capable writer who knows her stuff. There is little to fault in this work, and perhaps I was looking for a bit more 'meat and potatoes', while I was served precisely what was advertised. RECOMMENDED.

I became acquainted with Anne Graham Lotz's book only a few weeks ago when a guest speaker at my church presented a message entitled "Why?" I was truly blessed by it and it came at a time of great distress in my life that has recently taken place (I was forced to leave my job after only being there for three weeks and not really getting to do the job; needless to say, it created a great deal of financial and emotional distress for me and my wife). I happened to see her book in the local library and chose to check it out. To my pleasant surprise, I learned that this was the inspiration behind the message I heard in church.
Anne takes the story of Lazarus in John 11, and gently gleans from the story comforting and encouraging reminders of God's love, care and providence in any difficult situation. Readers of the book will appreciate that she doesn't come across with cliches or the attitude of knowing everythng that there is to know about having faith in the midst of trouble (as evidenced in her book, many of the lessons came as a result of her own personal troubles). Anne's creative way of presenting the material will be evident as the reader reads her book. If there is a friend or loved one who is going through their own Lazarus experience, and like Mary and Martha, are wondering "Why is this happening?" , this book is a excellent resource. When we can't understand why, we can trust God.

"Why?" is a great read for anyone going through a difficult time when things do not make sense and it appears that God has turned His back on you.

The book is around 133 pages long and contains about 13 chapters that are 10 pages each. Each chapter asks a question that starts with the word "Why?" and focuses on a different aspect of trying to make sense of things that do not make sense.

Lotz' main point is that no matter what is happening to you, you can trust in God and His goodness and love for you.

Read for good encouragement. Highly recommended!

For anyone walking through a difficult time in life, Anne G. Lotz thoughts and insights offer hope. She does not give formula answers, but points us to God and to a practical new view of how He is still with us, still in control, and why we can trust Him. Because of the way this book affected me, I have given it as a gift to many a hurting friend.

Excellent book that addresses why God allows various things to happen to us. Easy to read but big on scripture and life changing concepts.

Ann's short book is a breath of fresh air for those who: have experienced heartache, are experiencing heartache, or certainly will experience heartache in the future. Often life is brutal, but having Christ's perspective of suffering is foundational to help us continue.
Ann gives no easy answers, but tells us of Help beyond human understanding in a poignant, understandable way. Those of us who are older, as well as those much younger, can find real help here.

After our granddaughter died, I could not reconcile myself to the loss. I read the Bible and prayed, but needed someone to try to explain. This book was like a daily explanation and I kept it by my bed to read every day. It is God's way of saying that He has the answers, so we can get on with our lives knowing everything will be revealed in His time.

I recently experienced a traumatic event in my life. My boyfriend was involved in a car accident and is in the hospital. He has just been moved to rehab but it is going to be a long road to recovery. My friend gave me this book as a gift. I have not finished it but it has served as a great comfort. I've never really turned to faith until now. Anne Graham Lotz has the power to help you understand WHY things happen and that God has a greater plan than you can ever imagine. Great read.

Book stirs peace in your soul - even if you are familiar with some of the points. Thanks Anne & Amazon.