Bridges, 2008. Chapter 14, "Giving Thanks Always"

Chapter 14, “Giving Thanks Always” pp. 223-234

Bridges closes his book with a chapter about thanksgiving and other responses which come from trusting God. He views these (p. 223) as “tangible evidence that we are in fact trusting God.” First, we give thanks to God both in good times and bad. In this way we show we are dependent on God. However, while we may be good at being thankful in good times, that is rarely the case in bad times. Another response as we trust God is to worship him at all times. Since he is the good God who acts according to his will, worship shows our humble acceptance of God’s will. Bridges reminds us that we do not see just God’s sovereignty but that we have already seen his love. We also show trust for God by forgiving those who bring adversity upon us. After all, we ourselves are often the people who bring adversity.

Does this all mean we do not try to escape adversity? No. We pray for deliverance. But at the same time we accept God’s will and bring him glory.

Bridges has built a convincing case for the trustworthiness of God. However, I find his arguments leave us with a Christianity which is essentially man-centered. Because of his theological starting point of God’s sovereignty, all the Christian life, or at least all its hope, is found in my response of obedience. Counter to this the more historic view of theology rooted in God’s incarnational love still points us to a God who is sovereign, wise, and good. Yet the hope is entirely found in Christ for sinners, not in my responses and their increasing godliness. I cannot bring God glory by trusting him. I bring God glory rather by repenting and asking his forgiveness for my lack of trust. Here is hope.

Bridges, 2008 Chapter 13, “Choosing to Trust God” pp. 209-221

Chapter 13, “Choosing to Trust God” pp. 209-221

Bridges makes a very apt observation in this chapter. Many times we might expect the Christian life to be a life of trust in God, and it is. But at times we find we are not naturally trusting God. Like the Psalmist we need to choose to place our trust in God (Ps. 42:11, etc.). We may doubt, but as we choose again and again to live in trust the Lord will work in us.

This is not an easy thing to do. We must be willing to believe that God will work in us as we trust him. How can we do this? Only by trusting. So we seem to have a loop of mistrust. It is broken as we realize that God is trustworthy, that he wants us to trust him, and that he gives faith as a gift of the Holy Spirit.

Bridges uses John Newton’s experience of trust during his wife’s illness and right after her death as an example. I fear he does not emphasize enough that Newton’s peace may have been very unusual. During times of trauma we should expect some disturbance. It is not always a sign of lack of faith.

Finally, bridges discusses a time when it is very hard to trust God - the time when all is well. We may be tempted to trust ourselves or our possessions or to work out small problems on our own. Yet that is a failure to trust God. In good times and bad, it is right to choose to trust God and his loving care of all our circumstances.

Bridges, 2008. Chapter 12, "Growing through Adversity"

Chapter 12, “Growing through Adversity” pp. 187-208

Bridges makes an important point in this chapter. Adversity is one of the ways God makes us grow in grace. The fruit of the Spirit grows only when we deal with adversity. God, in fact, uses challenges in our lives to accomplish his purpose, whether we understand it or not. Why do we rejoice in our trials? not because they are good but because they show that God is at work for our good.

Bridges discusses how God works through hardships, changing us into his image. God will complete his work as we learn to respond to God, growing in him.

We grow especially as we seek to learn through hardship. We receive God’s work, expecting to learn and grow. We consider our situation in light of God’s Word. we remember adversity and the lessons we learned.

Bridges observes that much hardship in our lives prunes us, making us ready to spend our energies producing good fruit. God also uses adversity to reveal our sinful nature and spur us to a life of holiness. He teaches us to depend on him as we find we cannot rely on ourselves. Bridges uses the apostle Paul as the picture of dependence. We also learn perseverance through our trials. We also learn to press on in acts of love and service to our neighbors. We bring comfort to others, showing that our fellowship is in Christ. Thus we grow in Christ as we love and serve our neighbors, all the while trusting God.

Bridges, 2008. Chapter 11, "Trusting God for Who You Are"

Chapter 11, “Trusting God for Who You Are” pp. 171-186

Bridges observes that we all have strengths and weaknesses. Often we are troubled by our weaknesses. Not only are we troubled by outside forces, we also need to recognize that God our creator made us as we are and cares for us in every circumstance. Psalm 139:13-16 helps us view our relation to the creator well. Bridges uses themes from that passage to structure the remainder of the chapter.

First, “God Made Me Who I Am” (p. 172). We are not the result of blind forces but of God’s loving creation. Even our mind and emotions are God’s creation. True, as we are sinful by nature we need to pray for change. But the way God created us is exactly according to his wisdom and love, limitations and all.

Second, we trust God for what we are (p. 177). He created us with a plan, not just for how long we live but for all we do. he guides us here and there. He makes us who we are. He guides us to do what we do. As we learn to trust God he shows us that all we do is part of his plan. here bridges comes very close to articulating the Reformation doctrine of vocation. Whatever area the Lord uses us in, he uses us for the good of his kingdom.

Third, we trust the Lord to guide us (p. 182). Often we worry about finding God’s will and doing it. Yet the Bible shows God guiding his people based on his good pleasure and sovereign ability. Wherever we go, whatever we do, we can trust God to lead us.

Bridges, 2008, Chapter 10, "Experiencing God's Love"

Chapter 10, “Experiencing God’s Love” pp. 159-170

In this chapter Bridges draws our attention more particularly to God’s love. Though we are quick to confess a loving God, we often fail to see God’s love as applied to us, particularly when adversity strikes. This is the time we flinch and question whether God is actually on our side. Bridges reminds us that we find assurance of God’s love when we refuse to doubt. As a pastor, my observation is that the doubt and fear will overcome our refusal. What we actually need is a shepherd in Christ who will remind us of God’s incarnational love in Christ. Bridges rightly reminds us to learn to see our circumstances in light of God’s love. Yet I fear that we can only be led to despair through our own attempts. We may well need extra help.

How do we see God’s love? We see it through the fact that he disciplines us. He is conforming us into the image of Christ. And he uses all our circumstances, including those which are painful, to do so. We see the love of God in his promise that he never will fail to love his people. We see God’s love in his provision for us day by day. We see his love in his promise that he is with us every day.

Bridges finally reminds us that we need to learn to trust these promises. I find this disappointing. What about when we fail? Does God provide resources for forgiveness and restoration? Thankfully he does, though Bridges does not detail them. Yet as often as we repent of our mistrust and unbelief, God promises that he will restore us. He provides assurance of this through faithful pastors who will proclaim God’s forgiveness to anguished souls.

Bridges, 2008. Chapter 9, "Knowing God's Love"

Chapter 9, “Knowing God’s Love” pp. 145-157

Bridges now turns his attention to God’s love. We can trust God because God loves us. Yet everyone is guilty, at some times, of wondering whether God’s love is true. We doubt his love more as we believe his sovereignty. The fact is, God shows his love in different ways than we might. Yet his nature is love. In times of adversity we are often attacked by Satan, who wants us to doubt God.

How has God shown love? In giving his Son to die for us. Jesus shows love by meeting a need greater than our present adversity. He resolves our everlasting state, despite our hopeless condition. Though we might like to praise ourselves, God will have none of it. He knows us as dead in sin, needing his life. We have no claim on God. He loves us despite ourselves.

Bridges does point again to our hope coming from our rational understanding of God loving us. And there is great good news in that. Though unworthy of his love, God has loved us, adopted us in Christ, and cares for us as his children. Jesus loves us more than he loves himself. Thinking of this love builds our faith. Yet the work Bridges does here would be more satisfying seen through the lens of God’s incarnational love rather than looking through the lens of God’s sovereignty. His points are good but they could be more encouraging and, I think, more consistent with the overall thrust of the Bible, given a shift of focus.

Bridges, 2008. Chapter 8, "The Wisdom of God"

Chapter 8, “The Wisdom of God” pp. 125-143

Bridges opens this chapter with an illustration of a minister’s declaration that in a mining disaster God made a mistake. When trouble comes into our lives we do sometimes wonder if maybe God made some sort of mistake. Rather, we need to remember that God in his wisdom knows exactly what he is doing. He never has to doubt or ask for advice. What is the big plan? On p. 126 Bridges asserts that the best possible outcome of God’s actions is that they “serve His glory.” He quotes John Piper’s sentiment that God’s plan is finally to glorify himself. If Bridges’ work on trusting God because of his sovereignty has held together so far, in my opinion, it falls apart here. The focus on sovereignty results in the self-centered god of Plato. As I commented in an earlier chapter, the Lutheran view of theology built on Christ’s incarnational love does bring comfort where a view built on sovereignty will not.

Bridges goes on to say that we can trust God because he can use bad things to bring forth good. Yet the world is full of bad things. He can use every one of them for good, i.e., to show his glory. He builds us in holiness, he makes us like Jesus, he changes our hearts, all using adversity. When we don’t understand why, we trust that God knows his purposes. We simply don’t know his reasons, which are beyond our understanding. We must learn and trust. God is wise.

Here Bridges has left us with an unsatisfactory answer. We are to trust God. Why? Because he is powerful, wise, and wants to show his glory. He will do it. We need to trust him. This is as far as Bridges goes at this point. We’ll have to pick him up in the next chapter and see how he does.

Bridges, 2008. Chapter 7, "God's Sovereignty and Our Responsibility"

Chapter 7, “God’s Sovereignty and Our Responsibility” pp. 113-124

Bridges has cautioned us about discounting God’s wisdom or love. In this chapter he reminds us that God’s sovereignty does not function alone. We have a responsibility to live a prudent life. God uses means to accomplish his will.

One of the chief responsibilities we have is that of prayer. We may know and trust God’s sovereignty over conditions, but we don’t always know his plan for the future. This explains the prayers of people in the Bible. For instance, in Acts 4:24ff, the disciples pray that God will intervene so they can do what they believe to be God’s will. Trusting God encourages us to ask for his intervention.

Along with prayer, we use the legitimate means available to accomplish what is right. David fled from Saul. Paul worked to guard lives in Acts 27 even after he had a vision that everyone would survive. Nehemiah prayed and had his workers prepare to defend themselves. Prayer, counsel, and effort are often God’s means of showing his grace to his people.

Who is the one to accomplish everything? Psalm 127:1 says God is the one who builds the house. But he nowhere suggests that we stop doing our duty. We are finally dependent on God. Sometimes that dependence is more obvious, sometimes less obvious. But it is always there.

What about when we fail? God will still accomplish his purpose (Esther 4) but may do it without using us. We are responsible. God is sovereign. He works out the relationship between the two for his glory and his people’s good.

Bridges, 2008. Chapter 6, "God's Power over Nature"

Chapter 6, “God’s Power over Nature” pp. 99-111

God is sovereignly in charge of nature. We often seem to think that natural forces merely happen. But although there are physical laws, they operate according to God’s will.

How do we respond to God’s care for the weather? On p. 103 Bridges observes that our complaints are complaints against God. We also deprive ourselves of peace by thinking our opinion is better than God’s plan. Most of the time God uses his natural power as an expression of his blessing for his people. At other times he shows his power in a striking way. Occasionally a severe condition may be a judgment against sin.

What of natural disasters? While we wrestle with the tragic events in our world we are not to make our judgment against God. Rather we often are moved to compassion and loving service to our neighbors. In Isaiah 45:7 we read that God takes responsibility for all disaster.

God’s power in nature is also seen in illness and physical affliction. God shows his glory and providence through all our suffering. All suffering can be traced back to the Fall. But God still rules over all creation. Again, Bridges shows, God’s care includes childbearing and childlessness. We remember that no matter the situation God is also perfectly loving.

Bridges, 2008. Chapter 5, "God's Rule over the Nations"

Chapter 5, “God’s Rule over the Nations” pp. 79-98

God’s sovereignty over nations and rulers is well established in the Bible. The idea may seem remote from our lives, but it is actually important. Guarding (and sometimes establishing) freedom to live as a Christian is of great importance. Even in “secular” situations we can realize that governments make good or bad decisions under God’s control. This manifestation of God’s sovereignty is not always clear. Yet is is there. The Gospels and Acts show many situations where a government and its officials unwillingly fulfilled prophecy.

1) God establishes government for the good of all people. Therefore, we pray for rulers.

2) God determines who rules in government. How they glorify God may be a mystery, but they do accomplish God’s purpose.

3) God determines the limits of government.

God also rules the decisions rulers make. Sometimes the decisions are wise and sometimes foolish. All are made freely and at God’s command. Christians trust that God is still caring for his children. We pray for our leaders and do what we can to influence them.

God is also the ruler in military actions. We therefore trust God, not our military force.

God’s sovereign rule over nations is greater than we normally imagine. We need to pray and trust God to spread the Gospel through all nations.

Bridges, 2008. Chapter 4, "God's Sovereignty over People"

Chapter 4, “God’s Sovereignty over People” pp. 57-77

Bridges begins this chapter with the example of the departure of Israel from Egypt. In Exodus chapters 3 and 12 we read that God made the Egyptians favorable to the Israelites so as to give them great treasures. Many times in the Bible God changes attitudes so people voluntarily do what is good for God’s people. Of course we realize also that we live in a world full of hardship. Many hardships are the result of others’ negative choices. The Bible portrays God as active in all of life. One way He acts is by moving human attitudes.

God also works in the world by restraining people from evil actions. For reasons we may not understand people will often choose not to engage in harmful activities. This is a gift of God.

Sometimes God does not restrain evil. Bad things happen. We do not know his reasons but we do know God is wise and good. The results of a bad situation may be used for good in some way.

How do we deal with the problem of God’s sovereignty and human freedom? Bridges says the two are asserted and the relationship is not explained. However, we know God is infinite in his capability and understanding. We cannot think God is like us. God does not cause sin, but he can use sin for his good purposes. People make free choices even when God has influenced their attitude.

Our role in all this is to respond in trust. God is good. He will care for us.

Bridges, 2008, Chapter 3, "The Sovereignty of God"

Chapter 3 “The Sovereignty of God” pp. 35-55

This is a difficult chapter to respond to. Since Bridges is a Calvinist and I have never been one, it is not exactly easy to build a fair response. Calvinist theology, I have often observed, is largely dependent on the sovereignty of God as its ruling principle. This contrasts with a Lutheran view founded on God’s love shown in the incarnation of Christ. It is not clear how Bridges will bring his argument to fruition - I’ve read the book before but enough years ago that I don’t remember details.

Bridges builds a strong case for God’s sovereignty both in what He has revealed in Scripture and in what he does by decree, for instance, in guiding human interactions. God is entirely free to act according to his will, which Bridges says many times is for the good of his people. In times of peace, prosperity, and pleasure this is easy to accept. In times of trial it is more difficult. On p. 37 Bridges says, “If there is a single event in all of the universe that can occur outside of God’s sovereign control, then we cannot trust Him.” Bridges gives many examples of situations, pleasant and painful, where we can trust in God’s sovereignty. And he is is quite right. God is sovereign and trustworthy.

Will the use of sovereignty rather than incarnational love as a foundation cause problems? I know I would find Bridges’ job difficult faced with the same plan. But we’ll see how he does.

Bridges, 2008, Chapter 2 "Is God in Control?

Chapter 2 “Is God in Control?” pp. 23-33

In this second chapter Bridges brings up the question of God’s sovereignty. Counter to authors such as Rabbi Harold Kushner, who popularly claims that troubles in our lives are outside of God’s control, the Bible points to God’s loving care for all aspects of our lives. Suffering and pain do exist in this world, but not apart from God’s sovereign control.

His power and goodness together add up to providence. Though we may prefer only to refer to God’s providence when what we see as good happens, the Bible shows God as being involved in our lives even when we find life difficult. Bridges, in the tradition of J.i. Packer, identifies God’s providence as his sovereign care which leads always to his glory and our good. The two are inseparable, for God is good to his people.

Those who deny God’s providence in hard times fail to see that God always sustains his creation. He is involved in every aspect of the world. And God has always cared for our circumstances. The fact that we don’t always understand his actions or intent does not make God weak or evil. It simply means we don’t see the depth of his care for us. He is, in fact, intimately involved in our lives, good, and sovereign. We can trust God because he is in control.

Bridges, 2008, Chapter 1 "Can You Trust God?"

Bridges, Jerry. Trusting God Even when Life Hurts. Colorado Springs: NavPress, 2008

Chapter 1 “Can You Trust God?” pp. 13-21

We are surrounded by large and small trials as long as we live on earth. Most of the trials we face are relatively small. But they, like big trials, make our life difficult. Bridges asks the question, “Can you trust God?” He puts the emphasis on the word “God” and also on the word “you.” Are we convinced that God is trustworthy? Does our attitude penetrate our troubles to make a difference in our life even when we don’t understand the trials we endure?

Bridges points out three characteristics of God which will help us trust Him in all situations.

 1) God is sovereign.

 2) God is wise

 3) God is loving

In our suffering we can lost sight of God’s attributes. Yet even Jesus (John 19:10-11) told Pilate that the power to arrest and kill came from God. Jesus’ own suffering on our behalf accomplishes the sovereign, wise, and loving care of God for the world. Though we are not wise to know all God’s plan, we can trust God’s wisdom.

We learn to trust God as we know him through Jesus, God the Son, who has given himself for us, for our forgiveness.

Bridges, 2008

Bridges, Jerry. Trusting God Even when Life Hurts. Colorado Springs: NavPress, 2008