Tag: Guest Post

Guest Post | How Christian Fiction Strengthens Your Faith by Zeeva Usman

Today I’m delighted to welcome Zeeva Usman to the blog, to share her thoughts on how how Christian Fiction Strengthens our faith.

Stories have a powerful way of shaping our hearts and minds. Throughout history, people have used storytelling to pass down wisdom, inspire courage, and reveal deeper truths about life. Christian fiction, in particular, offers more than just entertainment—it can be a tool for spiritual growth, helping readers draw closer to God and strengthen their faith.

1. Bringing Biblical Truths to Life

The Bible is full of stories that teach profound lessons, but sometimes, it can be challenging to relate them to our daily lives. Christian fiction takes biblical themes—grace, redemption, forgiveness—and weaves them into narratives that resonate with modern struggles. When we see characters wrestling with doubt, facing trials, or experiencing God’s grace in unexpected ways, we’re reminded of how these truths apply to our own faith journey.

2. Encouraging Deeper Reflection

A well-written Christian novel doesn’t just entertain; it prompts self-examination. When we read about characters who must trust God in difficult situations, we may find ourselves reflecting on our own faith. Would we respond the same way? Are we relying on God in our struggles? Fictional stories often raise real-life questions, leading us to pray, seek wisdom, and grow spiritually.

3. Providing Encouragement in Hard Times

Life can be overwhelming, and faith can sometimes waver. Christian fiction offers encouragement by reminding us that we’re not alone in our struggles. Whether it’s a story of a prodigal son finding his way home, a young woman learning to trust God after heartbreak, or a community coming together in faith, these narratives can uplift and strengthen our resolve to keep walking with Christ.

4. Teaching Through Emotional Connection

Jesus often used parables to teach because He understood the power of stories. When we connect with a character’s journey—feeling their pain, rejoicing in their victories—it makes the lessons more personal and memorable. A powerful Christian novel can leave a lasting impact, reminding us of God’s love and faithfulness long after we’ve turned the last page.

5. Inspiring a Love for Scripture

Many Christian fiction books are rich with biblical references, subtly encouraging readers to explore Scripture. A novel might introduce a verse in a new light or inspire a desire to study a particular biblical story in more depth. When a book stirs our hearts, it often leads us back to God’s Word for further understanding.

6. Encouraging a Kingdom Perspective

In a world filled with secular media, Christian fiction provides a refreshing perspective that keeps our hearts and minds focused on God’s kingdom. Instead of narratives that promote worldly values, these books reinforce the truth that our hope is in Christ. They remind us that faith, love, and obedience to God matter more than worldly success.

Final Thoughts

Christian fiction is more than just a way to pass the time—it’s a faith-building experience. Whether it’s a historical novel that brings biblical times to life, a romance that showcases God-centered relationships, or a suspenseful story that highlights the power of prayer, Christian fiction has the potential to draw us closer to God.

So, the next time you pick up a Christian novel, remember—it’s not just a story. It’s an opportunity to grow, reflect, and be reminded of the God who writes the greatest story of all.

What are some Christian fiction books that have strengthened your faith? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

About Zeeva Usman

Zeeva UsmanZeeva Usman is an experienced content manager at Christian Marketing Experts and a content specialist at Salt of Heaven, where she uses her expertise to create impactful, faith-centered content. When she’s not crafting words, Zeeva finds joy in worshiping and singing for the Lord Jesus, drawing inspiration from her faith to encourage others.

Find Zeeva online at:

Website | Facebook | LinkedIn

Giveaway | Finding Joy in Forgiveness by Darlene L. Turner

Today I have a guest post from Canadian Romantic Suspense author, Darlene L Turner. And she has a giveaway—one ebook copy of her latest release, Abducted in Alaska. Welcome, Darlene!

Early morning is my favourite time, especially during the warmer months. I love to sit outside on my patio listening to the cardinals sing during the summer. I enjoy smelling the freshness in the air, and marvelling in the creation of the brilliant heavenly blue morning glories climbing my fence. It’s almost like they smile at me with their huge faces. I smile back.

Blue Morning Glories

When I look at them, I see one thing. Joy.

But joy wasn’t always there. Many mornings I didn’t feel like smiling. Inside, I was wilting like a flower without water. Happiness was zapped out of me after my first husband left me. I had wondered if I would ever get it back.

Anger crept in and took me to a place of bitterness.  I was mad at him for leaving, and yes, even at God for allowing it to happen. But did I stay there?

No, I couldn’t.

I knew even though God allowed this journey to happen in my life, He knew the bigger picture. He wanted me to trust, so I slowly left my anger at the foot of the cross. I began to choose joy and forgiveness.

Did it happen easily? Of course not. It was a difficult journey. A few steps forward, many steps back. I worked through the anger, confusion, and defeat with the help of a counsellor, family, friends, and many prayers. I chose to forgiveness because I did not want the bitterness to consume my life. No one likes to be around someone filled with resentment. We avoid it at all costs. And doesn’t God command us to forgive? Yes, seventy times seven.

In Abducted in Alaska, Layke struggles with forgiving his mother for the years of abuse he suffered by her hand. This causes him trust issues and he holds back in any of his relationships. Throughout the book he has to deal with this in order to move on. Will he? You’ll have to read the book to find out!

However, in my story after months had subsided, I met with my spouse to sign the divorce papers. I felt surprisingly calm. The bitterness was gone and I knew it was time to move on. So I did.

Joy came in the morning, and brought back my smile.

Bitterness can consume our lives so easily. We must learn to recognize it, forgive, and then move on. When we do, God will give us a peace and help us to find joy again.

Question for giveaway: Share a book on forgiveness that has helped you (fiction or non-fiction).

Prize

Answer the question above in the comments below and one random commenter will win an e-book copy of Abducted in Alaska!

Comment on the question before 11:59pm New Zealand Time on 3 March 2021 and you’re automatically entered into the contest.

Prize is open internationally. Here’s how it works. The number of entries are input into a Random Sequence Generator (i.e. 1 through 20). After Darlene clicks the Generate button, whoever’s number corresponds with the number the random generator generates wins!

Note: If the winner is Canadian, they will be required to answer a skill-testing question before being awarded the prize.

Psalm 30:11-12 (The Message)
You did it: you changed wild lament into whirling dance;
You ripped off my black mourning band and decked me with wildflowers.
I’m about to burst with song; I can’t keep quiet about you.
God, my God, I can’t thank you enough.

About Darlene L Turner

Darlene L Turner

Darlene L. Turner’s love of suspense began when she read her first Nancy Drew book. She’s turned that passion into her writing and believes readers will be captured by her plots, inspired by her strong characters, and moved by her inspirational message.

Darlene won the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense twice and an ACFW Genesis award. She’s represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency. Her debut book, Border Breach, released in April, 2020 with Love Inspired Suspense. She has two books releasing in 2021: Abducted in Alaska (March) and Lethal Cover-Up (August).

Darlene met her husband Jeff at the turtle races in Ontario, Canada. She loves flavored coffee and plaid shirts. You can connect with Darlene at www.darlenelturner.com where there’s suspense beyond borders.

Find Darlene L Turner online at:

Website | BookBub | Facebook | Instagram  |LinkedIn | Pinterest | Twitter