I recently completed a novel of historical fiction called "The Preacher's Bride" written by Jody Headlund. It is the tale of the second wife of John Bunyan, author of "Pilgrim's Progress". The story, although fiction in nature, is based on historical facts gleaned from the authors's hours of pain staking searching out and reading a variety of historical records. Elizabeth Bunyan was the step-mother of four small children left motherless by the early death of Mary Bunyan. Elizabeth labored for 7 days, yes 7 days, giving birth to John's still born son. She had to provide a meager living for these children and herself while John was imprisoned for preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, during which he wrote "Pilgrims's Progress", one of literature's greatest works! Elizabeth suffered much but kept her eyes on Jesus, her Lord and Savior. One quote from this book has had a profound impact on my view of hardships:
"Hardships are the Lord’s greatest blessing to the believer. Without them we would love the Lord only for what He does for us. Our troubles teach us to love Him for who He is.”
I would recommend this novel as an enjoyable read but even more so to take to heart the quote above, whose truth echoes through the pages of God's word!
1 comment:
Amen!
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