Books to Read in 2026 With an Emphasis on Divine Providence
By Bob Shillingstad
What is the difference between “miracles” and providence? Author Michael Sullivent says that, “Miracles are the ‘unusual acts’ of God’s spirit. These are truly signs and wonders that immediately grab our attention and point to the marvelous reality of God’s existence. And right alongside of miracles is God’s providence. Providence Is the “usual acts” of God’s spirit. It is the evidence of divine guidance or care that also impacts the universe and our world in remarkable ways.”
Someone once said that God works behind the scenes. No! God sets the scenery! Stephen Charnock a puritan writer from the 17th century has written a fascinating book called ‘Divine Providence’ if you want to delve deeper into this concept.
Here are some reading examples of God’s providence in our world that are inspiring on these short days and long nights. These books give us hope in the world as it seems to be on race to be first in line to the see if the God who created everything is serious about the promise of a hell.
We were having a coffee at a neighbor’s home and he offered me a book called ‘Angels In The Sky’ by Robert Gandt. It is the story of Israel’s war for independence in 1948 and the air force that was created and saved Israel. All of the western countries including America and Great Britain refused to sell any arms including guns, ammunition and of course airplanes to Israel. This book is one I couldn’t put down, Gandt is a great writer and the stories told are almost unbelievable. The Israel war for their freedom is not taught at West Point because it makes no sense that they would prevail over the eight countries attacking them. The British commander that left Israel said they wouldn’t last 48 hours. It was God’s providence that they not only survived but prevailed.
Two books, written by an Orthodox Jew named Michael Medved are a must read to you and family. Michael is a radio host and part of the Salem radio network but also has a great story to tell. He has written two books on the same subject, God’s providence on America. Out of 12 million Jews in the world about half live in Israel and nearly the other half live in America. God’s word says that whoever blesses the Jews He will bless! Michael believes that America has God’s hand of providence on the nation. In ‘God’s Hand on America: Divine Providence in the Modern Era’ and ‘The American Miracle: Divine Providence in the Rise of the Republic’ you will get a totally different view of America than what is being taught in many American colleges today.
Read the story of Harry Truman being picked to be FDR’s choice for vice president in Harry didn’t want the job! Truman accepted it under an argument of duty and guilt. In 1948 Israel was awaiting a vote for independence in the United Nations. George Marshall was Secretary of State and told Truman that if he voted for Israel he would campaign against him that fall. Everyone knew, of course, that the Republican Dewey would win. Truman was a former Sunday School teacher and his best friend from WWI was Eddie Jacobson, a Jew. Within ten minutes of the vote to allow Israeli independence Truman recognized Israel. Truman won theelection that fall. When Trump won, the media said that this was the biggest upset since Truman defeated Dewey. Rabbis from Israel presented him with a Torah scroll in 1949 in the oval office. Truman lifted it over his head and said, “I am Cyrus”.
That is my favorite story in the book but the battle of Midway, Washington as general, the purchase of Alaska and many others will give you a new respect and insight into God’s providence. We need God’s providence to act and protect the United States more than ever. We need to be students of the Bible and realize that Israel is God’s land and he will return there.