The Encounter : A Review

The Encounter:
Sometimes God Has To Intervene

by
Steve Arterburn

A Review

As a mathematician, I learned about intersecting lines.  As a counselor, I understand that the same is true of lives.  Steve Arterburn’s newest book illustrates this truth.

Jonathan “Gold” Rush and Ada Rose Guthrie had separated some 30 years before - but the effect on both of them was greater than either could imagine.   Jonathan’s return to Fairbanks Alaska only seemed to extend the discomfort both would feel in the few days he would spend in 17 below (and worse) weather.  Perhaps it is understandable - stepping over and reliving 30 years of time is not easy.  But, as the subtitle says, sometimes God has to intervene.

Steve Arterburn’s story is fictional, but it has its roots in the stories of two men - one whom he knew, one whom he had observed.  The two stories are woven together to reveal how two (or is it three) lonely people learn to care for each other.   The love they find is best described in Ada’s favorite hymn:

There's a wideness in God's mercy,
Like the wideness of the sea;
There's a kindness in His justice,
Which is more than liberty.

There is welcome for the sinner,
And more graces for the good;
There is mercy with the Savior;
There is healing in His blood.

For the love of God is broader
Than the measure of our mind;
And the heart of the Eternal
Is most wonderfully kind.
 
We may not need to travel 5000 miles to find the grace we are looking for, but we do need to allow God to teach us to forgive - lessons both Jonathan and Ada had to learn.

This review is based on a free electronic copy
of the book received from the publisher
for the purpose of creating this review.