I was imagining a Chicken Soup for the Soul style devotional book and that isn't want I received. Once I moved past my preconceived notions about what to expect, I found myself delighted and read quickly through the entire book in a short time. Robert Petterson's book is described as "90 Devotions on Seeing God's Hand in Unlikely Places" and that is a very accurate depiction. Ancient and modern stories, set all around the world are told taking up an average of 2 1/2 pages each. Since the pages are just shy of 5x7", it takes only a few minutes to reach each devotion. I, however, found them fascinating enough that I had a hard time putting the book down. While at first I felt a bit put off by it, I truly appreciated Petterson's selection of stories to include. Many of the stories would not at first glance seem to have anything to do with faith, religion, or spirituality. This is just the point, I believe. If we are paying attention, God is everywhere. There are no events in history He didn't attend! |
Some of the content of this book, while historical, may be a bit intense for a young reader, so I would suggest adults read this themselves before allowing youth to browse the book. Many of the stories I'd enjoy sharing with my young boys, but some I don't feel are appropriate for them as of yet. For example, one story tells of a man who, at birth, was set in a kitchen sink (declared unwanted, claimed "left to die") while his mother was tended to following his birth. He was discovered to still be alive and grew up bearing the burden of feeling unloved and rejected. Some of the descriptions may bother sensitive individuals, so exercise some caution there especially if considering this gift for someone who may have triggers for PTSD. While I understand this caution may seem like an overraction to some, I would challenge you to research how many women have experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, or infertility. Hearing of a situation such as this could set off a cascade of emotions for such women.
I enjoyed this book thoroughly and would recommend it. It's a wonderful change of pace, and I believe the author accomplished a worthy goal- helping us to remember the world is not divided into secular and spiritual. There are not situations where God was "at work" and perhaps where He "was absent." He's everywhere. I felt convicted that perhaps my view of God has been too confined and I've allowed religion (aka "church culture") to negatively impact my discernment as at first I was quite tempted (I admit) to judge this book as not being centered enough on God. The entire exercise was for me to realize I do not need to keep God in a spiritual-appearing-religious-sized box. The Bible itself tells of historical events and how God's provision, wisdom, mercy and justice can be seen in and through them. It's a blessing to see the Lord at work where others may only see earthly events.
**In the spirit of full-disclosure, I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers for the purpose of reviewing. I was not required to give a positive review, my opinions are genuine.