Trust Him

If The Boot Fits by Karen Witemeyer is a positively delightful Christian historical novel that I loved. It is the second book in the Texas Ever After series but can be read as a stand-alone.

This story is loosely based on Cinderella and all very cleverly done. There are also lessons of God’s goodness and faithfulness for us all.

We meet a character who is angry at God for not preventing her mother’s death years ago. She questions her aunt and uncle: “How had they let go of the pain and moved forward free of resentment, serving the Lord without reservation?” When life hits hard, we have a choice to make – will we become bitter? Or better?

In order to move forwards, we must release our burdens. “Forgiving was an ongoing process… It took an act of will and a healthy dose of God’s grace.” Forgiveness is not a one-off event. We have to keep on forgiving until we have exchanged our prison for praise.

We see that God is faithful. “He was watching over her. She could trust Him.” Whatever we go through, God walks beside us. “It’s good that the Lord never sleeps.” We need not fear for God will never let us down.

When we know God, fear is redundant. “Feeling fear don’t make you weak… Being strong means you don’t let fear dictate your actions.” If we take our eyes off Jesus, we may become fearful, so always keep your eyes on Him. “Why was she cowering in fear when His protection surrounded her?” If God is for us, who can be against us?

If we cannot do life in our strength, we must look to God. “Lend me Your strength, Lord. Help me to be brave… Help me lean on You.” God will lift us up if we stumble.

When life is good, we may not always fully rely on God and trust in ourselves instead. “It is easier to rely on His strength when we’ve been weakened.” We need the strength of God and others.

Prayer is important. “I can listen and pray on your behalf.” Remember “never under-estimate the power of the heart.” Love is what sustains us. The love of God. And the love of others.

There is the theme of fathers. “All that mattered was her daddy was here, and she didn’t have to be afraid anymore.” If we can say that of our earthly father, imagine how much stronger is the love of God.

Faith can move mountains. “How much easier it would be if God would light a lamp and show her the full plan.” If we knew God’s plan for our lives, we wouldn’t need faith. Faith is trusting in the dark.

Whatever we go through, God goes with us. “She believed His promise. Felt His presence. She was not alone.” We will never walk alone.

All the characters were wonderfully drawn.

This is such a delightful book and I never wanted it to end.

I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

JULIA WILSON