Book Review: Not By Chance

Not by Chance
by Layton Talbert

One thing I appreciate about this book about God’s providence is that it is not filled with man’s opinions, nor does it manipulate the Bible to fit a preconceived position. Instead, it is an honest examination of the Scriptures in an effort to find God’s truth. The author clearly wanted to know what the Bible says about providence, and he became sensitive to see truths about providence revealed through the pages of Scripture. The content is heavily supported with Bible quotations and passages.

The author illuminates what the Bible teaches about providence, while being honest enough to admit the aspects that are beyond human comprehension. He is not afraid to examine troublesome aspects of providence, such as the balance between God’s sovereignty and man’s free will, how sin fits it, and why bad things happen. This earnest evaluation provides illuminating understanding and reassuring confidence. The chapters are filled with wonderful truths; some of the statements beckon the reader to sink into them, to soak them in, and to gratefully meditate on their significance. The tone of the book overall is positive and comforting, as it reassures the Christian of the trustworthiness of God. Through the truths of this book, the reader should learn to more frequently recognize the hand of God at work.

The author defines providence and presents its two aspects: preservation (keeping the earth and its creatures functioning) and guidance (directing and overseeing the events of life). He utilizes examples of providence from the Bible itself (both Old and New Testaments), as well as incidents from church history and events in world history, even into modern times. Extended examples are given through in-depth studies of Christ, Joseph, Pharoah, and Esther. The book is both readable enough for the lay person and technical enough for the scholar. In the book, Mr. Talbert incorporates his personality and subtle humor, touches that some readers will especially enjoy.