Four Must-Read Christian novels

An effective way to spend your free time is by reading novels. This act does not only equip you for leisure time. Research shows that there is multiple health and social benefits which include strengthening of the brain, increased empathy, stress reduction, and vocabulary building. The fascinating thing about novels is that it has different genres, hence it caters to specific interests. 

Alignment with His will in whatever we do is especially important for a genuine walk with God, be it in the workplace, in the grocery store, in the bank, or how we spend our free time. Reading Christian literature is an effective way to spend leisure time. This is because Christian literature does not only entertain, but it also inspires, encourages, and instills faith and trust in God. The list is endless. On that note, I will be sharing the novels that have imparted my faith work with God: 

1. Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers: The foundation for Christian living includes, love, forgiveness, obedience, courage, redemption…These are the principles Redeeming Love centers on. Alluding to the book of Hosea in the Bible, it is a story depicting the unconditional love Michael has for his wife, Angel. This is synonymous to the love God has for us. A love that does not falter no matter the number of times we go astray. It also shows His power at work in a person’s life once you come to the knowledge of Him. In summary, just as the name implies, it is a book on the redemptive nature of God’s love where he saves, delivers, heals, soothes, and transforms lives. It is indeed a “must have” on any Christian’s bookshelf.
2. The Shack by William P. Young: Finding God at a lowest point in a person’s life is one of the best things that can happen to a Christian. You have a new lease at life. There is also a spiritual empowerment to face future storms of life. The Shack tells a story of a man, Mack, whose daughter is missing and eventually killed. In his search for answers, he meets God, and this encounter transforms him forever. A major lesson drawn from this book is that God is always with us even amid the storm.
3. When Calls the Heart by Janette Oke: Obedience is one of the attributes of a true Christian. It is the willingness to comply with instructions even when it means leaving our comfort zones. When Calls the Heart emphasizes the importance of obedience in one’s faith journey. It is a story about a young woman, Elizabeth, she heeds to the call on her life despite the hardships she would face due to her choice. In the end, she meets her God ordained husband and realizes that everything she ever faced was part of God’s plan for her life. Lessons from the book include resilience, trust, discipline, courage, faith, and hope.
4. The Prayer Box by Lisa Wingate: Prayer transforms lives. As shown in The Prayer Box, it centers around a woman, Tandi. She finds a box full of prayers. She discovers the transformative power of prayer by searching the contents in the box. Consequently, her life changed forever. Through prayer, she learns to forgive, heal, and grow. This book is one that stresses the importance of prayer in the life of a Christian.

Had no idea that Christian novels could be worth your leisure time? No worries! Now you know. So, do yourself a favor and add these books to your bookshelf.