Supporting Each Other
The Knitting Club by Andie Young is the most delightful contemporary Christian novel that I read in just one sitting.
We see that God has a plan for our lives. He sends people to love, support and encourage each other. We see this clearly in the three main characters. Each one is unique. Apart they flounder. Together they are stronger. We need people in our lives. What unites the three characters is stronger than their differences.
The three leading ladies all have different needs. All are easy to empathise with. There is a twenty-one-year-old, a nearly fifty and a lady in her seventies. Each have different gifts that can help the others. They learn so much from each other.
Prayer is important. It unites us with God. “She included the women in her daily prayers.” We all need friends who pray for us.
God longs for us to come to Him. “She still possessed the strength she’d asked God to provide… Maybe He really was there. All she had to do was ask.” His love is freely given. All we have to do is to ask.
One of the characters has a very strong faith which is lived out. “She planted a seed in their hearts.” We plant the seed of faith and God waters it. Sowing the seeds of faith is a privilege and the greatest gift we can give another.
The youngest lead character has been brought up by the school of hard knocks. She doesn’t believe in herself and needs to be taught self-care. “She didn’t have a father figure to instill self-worth and self-esteem.” Her friends have to help her see herself as God does – as His beautiful beloved child.
Life can be hard. “Life was hard… didn’t know where she would be without God and the people He’d put in her life.” Without faith, life makes no sense. It can feel very bleak at times.
All three women are facing battles. The middle-aged character is devastated by her twenty-year-old marriage ending. She struggles with bitterness. She needs to forgive in order to move forwards. “Forgiveness is for you.” Forgiveness sets us free from the prison of bitterness.
The grandmother figure was widowed during the Vietnam war. She still misses the love of her life.
Each of the women invest their lives into each other and God. As they invest, they grow in faith.
Fear can hinder faith. “Fear tried its’ best to steal the faith she’d gained.” We need to face our fears and move forward, stepping out in faith.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Knitting Club. It was a powerful read about friendship and the faithfulness of God.
I received a free copy from the author. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
JULIA WILSON