For World Book Day, Kate Orson offers insght into six books that have helped encourage her in tough times.
Nothing beats God’s word for getting us through tough times, but the words of another believer can encourage us, giving us examples of how no matter how hard it gets, God is there working everything for good. Last year my husband had surgery to remove a mole that turned out to be melanoma. In the intervening months there were a lot of tests, and anxiously waiting for results. As I waited I came across books from other believers that reassured me that no matter what happened, everything would be okay.
These are stories of tragedies transformed into triumphs, stories of God comforting people in the darkest pain imaginable
These are stories of tragedies transformed into triumphs, stories of God comforting people in the darkest pain imaginable, stories that show how different it is to go through a life challenge with him by our side.
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God doesn’t promise us a perfect life. We will go through trials, and tribulations, we will suffer loss, illness and death of our physical body. But with God, we can always find joy despite the outward circumstances of our lives.
Grab a copy of one of these books when you need some reading company during your own hard times.
1. The Last Laugh by Steve Legg - Steve Legg was a speaker, comedian, magician, who had a unique way to share the Gospel, through warmth, laughs and magic. Steve was diagnosed with a rare form of skin cancer and given six months to live. This is his memoir of how he continued to love, laugh, and share about Jesus, until the end. This book reminded me of how humour is a beautiful gift to help get through our struggles.
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2. Like A River, by Granger Smith - Country music star Granger Smith was a lukewarm Christian who lived on a diet of self-help techniques, mindfulness and daily devotionals. One day, his three year old son River drowns in the family pool while Granger was responsible for him. In the aftermath of grief the limits of Granger’s coping methods become apparent, and he is led to discover true faith as a born again believer. Granger’s songwriting roots are evident in the pages of this beautiful lyrical memoir. This is an encouraging read for believers, but also a great testimony to share with a non-believer.
3. A Place of Healing: Wrestling With the Mystery Of Suffering, Pain, and God’s Sovereignty - by Joni Eareckson Tada – Joni Eareckson Tada was born in 1949 and has been quadriplegic for most of our life after a diving accident aged 17. This book explores her reflections on why God heals some and not others, and how to live with suffering when a prayer for healing has not yet been answered.
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4. Hope Heals by Jay And Katherine Wolf - Katherine Wolf was 27 years old and happily married with a six month old baby when she suffered a stroke that left her unable to walk, talk, or eat. This book does not sugarcoat the acute suffering as Katherine is left unable to care for her baby or live a normal life. Yet through the deep pain, she learns that God has a plan. It was inspiring to see how Jay and Katherine loved each other well, and showed Christ-like warmth to everyone they met, even in their most difficult times.
5. A Grace Disguised Revised and Expanded: How the Soul Grows through Loss - Jerry Sittser - Theology Professor Jerry Sittser lost three generations of his family in a car accident. This book narrates his story of losing his wife, mother and daughter. It is also written as a guide for others who are going through grief. By taking the path first, he shines a bright light to readers to lead them along, and show them that the darkness will not last forever.
6. Through Gates Of Splendour by Elisabeth Elliot - Five men living in Ecuador with their families went on a mission to make contact with the Waorani people, a violent tribe who had a history of murdering fellow members. All five are killed by the tribe and this is their story, written by the wife of one of the men. This is an inspiring book about what it means to live with Christ-like fearlessness, and forgiveness. Despite the depths of her grief Elliot never lost sight of their mission, to bring Jesus to the tribe.
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