Trusting God: Even When Life Hurts

by Jerry Bridges

Publisher:

NavPress

, 1988

Overview

Why is it easier to obey God than to trust him?

Because obeying God makes sense to us. In most cases his laws appear reasonable and wise, and even when we don’t want to obey them, we usually concede that they are good for us.

But the circumstances we find ourselves in often defy explanation. When unexpected situations arise that appear unjust, irrational, or even dreadful, we feel confused and frustrated. And before long we begin to doubt God’s concern for us or his control over our lives.

Adversity is hard to endure, and can be even harder to understand. If God were really in control, why would he allow a tragic auto accident or a crucial job loss? How could he permit cancer in a loved one or the death of a child?

Grappling with his concern for us we ask, “Why is God allowing this?” or “What have I done wrong?”

In an effort to strengthen his own trust in God during a time of adversity, Jerry Bridges began a lengthy Bible study on the topic of God’s sovereignty. What he learned changed his life, and he now shares the fruit of that study with you in Trusting God

As you begin to explore the scope of God’s power over nations, nature, and the detailed lives of individuals, you’ll begin to acknowledge his loving control. And as you come to know him better, you’ll find yourself trusting him more completely. Even when life hurts.

Contents

Top Highlights

“God’s providence is His constant care for and His absolute rule over all His creation for His own glory and the good of His people.” (Page 25)

“Can you trust God? The question itself has two possible meanings before we attempt to answer it. Can you trust God, i.e., is He dependable in times of adversity? But the second meaning is also critical, can you trust God? Do you have such a relationship with God and such a confidence in Him that you believe He is with you in your adversity even though you do not see any evidence of His presence and His power?” (Page 16)

“All people—believers as well as unbelievers—experience anxiety, frustration, heartache and disappointment. Some suffer intense physical pain and catastrophic tragedies. But that which should distinguish the suffering of believers from unbelievers is the confidence that our suffering is under the control of an all-powerful and all-loving God; our suffering has meaning and purpose in God’s eternal plan, and He brings or allows to come into our lives only that which is for His glory and our good.” (Page 32)

“He permits, for reasons known only to Himself, people to act contrary to and in defiance of His revealed will. But He never permits them to act contrary to His sovereign will.” (Page 38)

“J.I. Packer defines providence as, ‘The unceasing activity of the Creator whereby, in overflowing bounty and goodwill, He upholds His creatures in ordered existence, guides and governs all events, circumstances, and free acts of angels and men, and directs everything to its appointed goal, for His own glory.’” (Page 25)

Product Details

• Title: Trusting God
• Author: Jerry Bridges
• Publisher: NavPress
• Print Publication Date: 1988
• Logos Release Date: 2005
• Era: era:Contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Providence and government of God; Trust in God
• Resource ID: LLS:TRUSTGOD
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-09-24T16:44:47Z

About Jerry Bridges

Jerry Bridges (1929–2016) was an evangelical Christian author and speaker. He serves in the Collegiate Mission, and has been on the staff of The Navigators for more than fifty years. Bridges earned an engineering degree from the University of Oklahoma and went on to serve as an officer in the United States Navy during the Korean War before joining the staff of the Navigators.

He is the author of more than a dozen books, including The Pursuit of Holiness, which has sold more than one million copies. His devotional Holiness Day By Day garnered the 2009 ECPA Christian Book Award for the inspiration and gift category, and The Discipline Of Grace received a similar award in 1995 for the Christian living category.