The Hidden Smile of God

The Fruit of Affliction in the Lives of John Bunyan, William Cowper, and David Brainerd

By: John Piper

Narrated by: Bob Souer

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.

©2008 John Piper (P)2019 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Food for thought

I really liked this. I appreciated the message from three of the pioneers of our faith. It made me think about suffering for Christ and the purpose it has.

Inspiring stories

Great stories of men of faith and their struggles. you doubt often hear about how people deal with pain. I liked hearing that the Christian life can be difficult.

Be still and know...

Be still, and know God through the lives of men who for the most part, we in the 21st century have no knowledge or basis from which to comprehend their lives. Piper blessed me with his scholarly research and testimony of these men's lives. Read it, hear it, and be blessed. More than that, be challenged about who we are and what we're willing to sacrifice in order to know Christ and the power of the resurrection.

water in a dry land

This book is an excellent reminder of God's sovereignty and blessing in hardship. Thank you for wise words of truth, Mr. Piper.

Encouraging for those that wrestle with hardship and Depression.

This is primarily a history book about three great men of God who suffered from great hardship and depression. It is an incredibly encouraging book for Christians who suffer from depression and physical hardship. It’s not a hard book to understand and I highly recommend it if you deal with depression or are looking for answers as to why God allows his people to face suffering in general.

Blessings,
Pastor Paul Trimble