Interview with Joshua Hood {Blessings in Disguise}

Jan, 25, 2013 by Natural Cottage Mama

Earlier this week I introduced you to a brand new book, Blessings in Disguise, by Christian author and blogger Joshua Hood.

Today, we’re going to get a glimpse inside the heart of Blessings in Disguise: 

Interview with Joshua Hood, author of Blessings in Disguise

 

Joshua Hood is an author, blogger, and speaker.

You’ll find him at JoshuaMHood.com writing about Christian life and leadership.

 

{Kristy}  Josh, the subtitle of your book states, “Sometimes the worst things that happen to you are the best things that happen to you”.  Obviously, this sets the tone for the message contained within the pages of Blessings in Disguise… yet, it seems like an oxymoran!  Can you elaborate a little?

{Joshua Hood} You’re right, it does seem counter-intuitive! But that’s the whole point of the book: we have a certain way of evaluating good versus bad, and it’s usually not accurate. Blessings in Disguise is a challenge to redefine the way we evaluate the circumstances of our lives.

 

One of the Biblical examples I use in the book is the story of Joseph. On the surface, being sold into slavery by his brothers seemed like the worst thing that could happen to him. Later on, however, he realized it was the best thing that ever happened to him. It made his later success and ministry possible.

{Kristy} Throughout the chapters in “Blessings in Disguise”, you make the point that God is no less at work in our lives when bad things happen than He is when we’re thriving in good times.  In fact, you suggest that we should actually view these trials as blessings!  That thought flies in the face of most Americans.  Do you think that belief is a bit radical for twenty-first century Christians?

{Joshua Hood} Definitely! There’s something deep inside us that feels like life should be fair. When bad things happen, our human nature screams, “Why?!” Why did my child get sick? Why did I lose my job? How could God let this happen?

 

We are asking those questions based on our limited knowledge. If things make sense to us, we NEVER question them. If they don’t make sense to us, we ALWAYS do. But God hasn’t called us to a life that always makes sense! That’s why Proverbs 3:5-6 shouts, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”

 

 

Romans 8:28 promises that “all things work together for good.  The pain itself may not be good (the cancer, the lost job, etc.). But God promises to work it for my good. That’s why we can rejoice in ANY circumstance. It’s the heart and hope of this book. And it’s the heart and hope of our life as Christians.

{Kristy} The message in this book is personal to you, isn’t it?  In chapter five (“Redefining Blessing”), you share a little about how God brought the truth of Romans 8:28 home to you.  Curiously enough, that was through a health issue you have faced for the past four years.  What do you have to say to people who are struggling with trials that seem like they will never, ever, ever resolve, or pain so deep it will not heal?

{Joshua Hood} I would tell them several things.  First, your pain is real. Blessings in Disguise isn’t a feel-good book about making lemonade when life gives you lemons. Life hurts. We live in a fallen world, surrounded by the consequences of sin.

 

 

Secondly, God understands your pain. He sees it. He FEELS it. He knows exactly where you are and what you’re going through. And He cares.

 

 

And lastly, your pain has a purpose. God is so big and powerful that He is constantly working every single detail of your life for your good. We may not see how. But that’s the good news. We don’t have to. We just place our trust in an amazing God and the promise He has given us in Romans 8:28.

{Kristy} Do you think the pervasive “easy believism” mentality in many of today’s churches has distorted our view of God’s character?

{Joshua Hood} Immensely. In fact, the longer I live, the more I realize how little I know of God. He is so much bigger and more amazing than we could ever imagine.

And I’ve learned that what God wants for me is far better than what I want for me. I am interested in happiness; God is interested in holiness. And the things that drive me towards God and help me become more like Him are truly the best things that could happen to me.

{Kristy} Thank you for writing Blessings in Disguise!  I believe the message is one that will both inspire and challenge us all.  In closing, Josh, would you share with us one thing you would like to see accomplished in the hearts of those who read your book?

{Joshua Hood} This book is about gaining a new perspective on our problems. And I simply want readers to discover the amazing JOY that comes with that perspective.

 

You’re going to still have problems when you’re done reading Blessings in Disguise. But my prayer is that you’ll never see them the same way again.

———————–

 A big thank you to Joshua for participating in an interview regarding his new book!

Be sure to enter to win a free copy of Blessings in Disguise today, here at Little Natural Cottage.

Joshua’s book is available for ebook or Kindle purchase at JoshuaMHood.com.

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