As Far As The East Is From The West
In From The Storm by Erin Stevenson is the most delightful contemporary Christian novel. It is the second book in the Canadian Meadows series but can be read as a stand-alone.
The major theme of the novel is of forgiveness. We all need to receive it and we all need to give it or risk becoming bitter. “Your sin was forgiven the first time you asked.” God gives us the free gift of forgiveness. We don’t deserve it and we cannot earn it. Sometimes in life we find it hard to forgive others. When we do, we must ask God to help us to forgive in His strength. Forgiveness is not forgetting but it is freeing for us.
Prayer is important. “Did God hear the prayers of someone who was breaking a Commandment?” God hears all our prayers. He even hears the prayers of our heart when we cannot find the words. “He wanted to pray but couldn’t form the words.”
We need community. We need our church family. “Ben found himself being pulled away from his church family and didn’t know what to do about it.” If we fear we are moving away, we must make every effort to re-connect. We need people who will support us in our Christian walk.
At times life is hard. Being a Christian does not exempt you from the hard times. “I haven’t promised to take the storms away, just to carry you through them.” Jesus supports us through every season in life.
When we harden our hearts, God grieves. He longs to exchange our hearts of stone for hearts of flesh.
A major theme is organ donation. We see acts of selfless love to help others.
There is the theme of adoption. It is sensitively portrayed as some hearts swell whilst others are broken.
When we wander in the wilderness we feel alone but “I have a Savior who’s never given up on me.” God works in our hearts and lives at all times.
Erin Stevenson has produced a marvellous set of characters who are realistic as the struggle with emotions that are relevant to us all. She does not shy away from difficult situations. Life is not always easy but God is faithful.
In From The Storm is a charming novel that warmed my heart and soothed my soul.
I received a free copy from the author. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
JULIA WILSON
