Eyes to See - by Tim Muehlhoff (Paperback)

About the Book

When we encounter suffering or tragedy, we wonder: Where is God? If God exists, then why doesn't he show himself? Tim Muehlhoff unpacks the doctrine of common grace and offers examples from contemporary culture to uncover how God is present and working in ordinary, everyday places. Discover how God cares for our troubled world as he gives you eyes to see.

Book Synopsis

When we encounter human suffering or personal tragedy, Christians and non-Christians alike utter the same refrain: Where is God? If God exists, then where in the world is he? Why doesn't he show himself? And how can we tell if God is really working or not?

Tim Muehlhoff gives us insight into recognizing how God is at work in the world. He unpacks the doctrine of common grace to uncover how God works in ways that we don't always realize. If we have a limited idea of what divine action looks like--dramatic answers to prayer, healings with no medical explanation, financial needs being met unexpectedly--then we miss seeing how God acts through common grace in ordinary, everyday ways such as antibiotics, financial planners, and thoughtful friends. Muehlhoff offers dozens of illustrations from contemporary culture to help us understand and communicate how God is present and acting in the world today.

Discover how God cares for our troubled world as he gives you the eyes to see.

Review Quotes

"Dr. Muehlhoff's latest book, Eyes to See, is a sure jolt of encouragement for anyone who needs it--and I'm pretty sure that is me and everyone I know. Using his mastery of brilliant written illustrations, Muehlhoff helps us all to see the supernatural hand of God moving mightily in the seemingly unexceptional aspects of our daily lives. It would be hard to find a better book to read through with a small group in your church--or for that matter, the whole congregation. This book is in the truest sense of the words an eye-opening experience that will boost the faith of its readers measurably."

--Craig J. Hazen, founder and director of the Christian apologetics program at Biola University and author of Fearless Prayer

"Ever wonder why God isn't more active in the world today? In Eyes to See, Tim Muehlhoff suggests that God is active but that we're unaccustomed to seeing it. This fascinating book helps us see that God works in all sorts of recognizable ways if we willing to see his 'ordinary' acts in the world."

--Sean McDowell, associate professor of Christian apologetics at Biola University and coauthor of Evidence That Demands a Verdict

"Having trouble seeing God these days? You're not alone. In the midst of hardship and doubt, it's easy to lose sight of God and subsequently our hope. Eyes to See is an engaging and honest book. It brings God back into focus in the everyday challenges and questions of life so that we can see hope and help restore it for others."

--Andy Steiger, president of Apologetics Canada and author of Reclaimed

"If you're wondering whether God is doing much of anything in our world, we urge you to read this probing book! In Eyes to See, Tim Muehlhoff makes a convincing case for a God who is intricately involved in the big and small of our lives through a means called common grace. Tim, a masterful storyteller and pop-culture enthusiast, will surprise, inspire, inform, and reassure you that God's influence actually saturates our lives in ways we may never have considered, even in these dark days of our history."

--David and Beth Booram, cofounders and directors of Fall Creek Abbey, authors of When Faith Becomes Sight

"It would be a shame--and profoundly unbiblical--if we saw God's actions only in dramatic events. Such a limited perspective leaves out an awareness of what God is doing in the more ordinary course of events. Muehlhoff solves this problem in a way that makes this book a must-read. We don't want to take the ordinary course of events as occasions blindly to see them as divine orchestrations 'through the eyes of faith.' No, we need to be given reasons for taking them in this way. We need tools and specific examples that help us develop steady convictions about this way of seeing. I can't think of a better book that addresses these issues than Eyes to See. Its release is for such a time as this."

--J. P. Moreland, Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University, from the foreword

"The idea of common grace has long captured the imagination of Dr. Tim Muehlhoff--the idea of blessing and provision and healing that might not appear miraculous but more common and experienced by all, believer and unbeliever, every day. He constantly reminds those around him to be alert to it, watch for it, celebrate it, and recount the stories of it. This common grace is at its core truly anything but common in that it reflects the daily, hourly, moment-by-small-moment intersections of sinful man with almighty God--enough in itself to blow our minds."

--Jenni Key, shepherd of prayer at Fullerton Free Church and chair of the board of directors, Evangelical Free Church of America

"The word gospel literally means 'good news.' But much of the news proclaimed by Christians today doesn't sound too good. In fact, for many hearers, the news sounds caustic and divisive. Why? Because the gospel message has been co-opted by words that have either lost their meaning or changed over time in the ebb and flow of a fickle culture. Tim Muehlhoff's book Eyes to See invites us to step back to take a fresh look at the goodness and beauty in the world, compelling the seeker to trace their natural attraction to its source. We have more that unites us than divides us. Helping others understand common grace is the God-honoring way to proclaim the gospel today. This book is a must-read."

--Harry Edwards, founder and director of Apologetics.com

"Tim Muehlhoff's Eyes to See brings the topic of common grace to the fore in fresh and compelling ways. Tim helps his readers understand and embrace God's common grace by asking and answering some of today's most pertinent questions and provides a host of examples for initiating meaningful conversations. I especially appreciate how each chapter includes resources for readers who want to dig deeper. I highly recommend Eyes to See as an engaging read and excellent resource."

--Cas Monaco, executive director of Cru

About the Author

Tim Muehlhoff (PhD, University of North Carolina) is a professor of communication at Biola University in La Mirada, California; codirector of The Winsome Conviction Project; and a speaker and research consultant for the Center for Marriage and Relationships. His books include The God Conversation, I Beg to Differ, Winsome Conviction, and Winsome Persuasion, which received a 2018 Christianity Today book award in apologetics/evangelism.