Finding God in the Darkness (Big Box, Little Box)

Irene Howat has gathered together in her usual sensitive way, twelve honest, moving experiences of ordinary men and women who have walked in the shadows of life who has walked in the shadows of life and have felt the reassuring hand of the Man from Galilee.

One after another, they share how God spoke to them through their regular reading of his Word, as particular verses of Scripture took on a new reality for them. A lesson to us all perhaps, that it is the habits of listening to God established in our everyday routines that enable us to hear his voice clearly when we are in greatest need.

I think there is a kind of 'undertow' one feels when reading through this book; one feels caught by a quiet assurance that all we've heard about God's strong grace is true.

... these twelve highly personal accounts tell of disabling illness, marital betrayal, a child murdered, a spouse imprisioned, difficult working situations and loneliness. All of these people in their difficult days have felt the hand of God, who is faithful and true to His Word and His People, rest upon them.

To include in any book a selection of fifteen individuals who have experienced that Christ is often known more intimately in weakness is to highlight a truth commended by the Apostle Paul.
Irene Howat has given us through these contributions a book that readers will wish to retain and also make a point of putting into the hands of folks who will benefit from the contents. Each of the stories stirred me and I read them with appreciation. Make sure you get a copy.

... an important book. Some of the issues touched upon are rarely discussed in Christian circles. Why are we more ready to understand and sympathise with a fellow believer who has, say, a broken leg rather than another who has depression? Do we as churches provide appropriate and sensitive support to widows, single parents, single parent families and lonely people?