The Hidden Smile of God, John Piper
The Hidden Smile of God, John Piper
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The Hidden Smile of God
The Fruit of Affliction in the Lives of John Bunyan, William Cowper, and David Brainerd

Author: John Piper

Narrator: Bob Souer

Unabridged: 3 hr 55 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 05/28/2019


Synopsis

When Augustine handed over the leadership of his church in AD 426, his successor was so overwhelmed by a sense of inadequacy that he declared, “The swan is silent,” fearing the spiritual giant’s voice would be lost in time. But for 1,600 years Augustine has not been silent—and neither have the men who faithfully trumpeted the cause of Christ after him. Their lives have inspired every generation of believers and should compel us to a greater passion for God.John Bunyan suffered long-term imprisonment, even when a simple promise to cease preaching would have freed him, and was moved to rely on God even more. William Cowper, despite month after month of debilitating depression, wrote poems that reflected the sustaining character of God and led him to worship more deeply. David Brainerd so desired to honor God that through the loneliness of wilderness ministry and the agony of tuberculosis, he pressed on, transforming world missions forever.In this noteworthy Swans Are Not Silent book, John Piper invites you into the lives of Bunyan, Cowper, and Brainerd to discover how God takes the privilege of faith and strengthens it with trials so that we experience a greater hunger for him. The perseverance of these godly servants exemplifies the essential fruit that affliction can produce in your own life. Their enduring faith will fortify you in your suffering, reminding you that “behind a frowning providence, God hides a smiling face.” And their stories and witness will inspire in you a similar passion for the supremacy of God in your life.

About John Piper

John Piper (DTheol, University of Munich) is the founder and teacher of DesiringGod.org and the chancellor of Bethlehem College and Seminary. He served for thirty-three years as the senior pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and is the author of more than fifty books, including Desiring God, Don’t Waste Your Life, This Momentary Marriage, A Peculiar Glory, and Reading the Bible Supernaturally.

About Bob Souer

Bob Souer is a full-time professional storyteller, voice actor, and AudioFile Earphones Award–winning narrator. He has narrated broadcast and nonbroadcast projects for corporations and ministries across North America. His voice has been heard on PBS, the History Channel, the Military Channel, and many other networks. He has also narrated radio and television programs for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, D. James Kennedy Ministries, SIM, and Compassion International.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Walker on July 13, 2021

This book was unlike any other biographical account that I’ve read because Piper does a great job of showing how the suffering (specifically depression and mental health related issues) of three great men was ultimately all for the Glory of the God’s Kingdom. I’d recommend it to anyone who struggles......more

Goodreads review by ValeReads on January 15, 2022

I read this about seventeen years ago...I think I remember it on the after-Christmas trip to Alabama in 2004-5. I didn't know Bunyan at all back then. I know and appreciate him more and more, so it was good to revisit his life. Cowper's story is one that strongly resonated with me on first acquainta......more

Goodreads review by David on December 05, 2008

All of Piper's biographical sketches are pearl. The conference version is available for streaming or download as MP3 for free at the Desiring God website.......more

Goodreads review by Jeremy on January 15, 2022

John Piper is easy to read. Very practical and down to earth. He has taken three great men and their lives and have given an excellent short biography of their lives doctrine beliefs and most importantly how they suffered. So not only is this book informative from a historical view point but it is a......more

Goodreads review by William on October 01, 2021

Very good and encouraging. This whole series has been excellent......more