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

Length: 3 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's Summary

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.

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.

amazing! eye opening

God moves in mysterious ways could be one way to describe this book. or God used the weakness of man to show his strength.

Helped me see troubles and struggles in a new light

Thank you, Mr Piper for this series! I really enjoyed this book. Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress has always been a firm favorite book for me. I have always been able to relate to so much of it. So, it was a real blessing to hear more about how this book was birthed. And yes, there is no such thing as a painless birth! As I listened to how these three men grew and strived in their suffering, it really inspired me. I too, want to strive in the Lord and in this period of lockdown, when I was confined, unsure, I too, found that place of deep hope and peace in the Lord. I know my suffering is tiny compared to these 3 men of faith, but a journey always starts with the first step. I can say that I have never heard of Brainerd, and my fasting has been pitiful when compared to his. After hearing about this, I too, hunger for that deeper intimacy and hope and faith that is born from fasting, and it is my hope that as my next fast starts, I will climb to that greater height. Also, thank you to the narrator. I have enjoyed your narration and look forward to meeting you and Mr Piper in the next book of this series!

Historical Background

I found it very helpful to understand the historical context of these giants of faith, together with their vulnerabilities. With my failing brain I would have liked a very short summary at the beginning to orientate myself to what followed