I recently read the book When God Doesn’t Fix It, by Laura Story. You might recognize her name, as she is the one who wrote the song “Blessings.” (She also wrote “Indescribable,” a well-known worship song from the early 2000’s.) I heard about this book during one of the Sisters’ Coaching & Soul Care Sessions, and wanted to recommend it to those looking for your next read.

The full title of her book is When God Doesn’t Fix It: Lessons You Never Wanted to Learn, Truths You Can’t Live Without. She writes honestly about the lessons she has learned through life taking unexpected turns, starting from when her husband was diagnosed with a brain tumor early on in their marriage. I don’t want to give away too much, but I was challenged and ministered to greatly to know that this song of hope and trust was written amidst deep and ongoing struggles and weakness.

Each chapter ends with a Myth/Truth pair, exposing some of the expectations many of us have of God or about life, and affirming the truth of what God can do in and through us even amidst disappointments and heartbreaking situations.

The book is faith-boosting, full of joy and even has some humorous moments. It’s not a dense book, and because the story is engaging, it can be a fast read for even more reluctant or “too busy to read” folks.

As we’ve been going through John 10 for our devotions, and we went through Psalm 23 for our ECM Conversational GPS this past Sunday, everything aligned for the February BOTM. I cannot help but recommend the classic A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, by Phillip Keller, who was a pastor and an actual shepherd!

This is one of those Devotional Classics I would wager 99% of the 40+ at our church have read. And if they haven’t read it, it was probably still on their bookshelf because they got at least one as a gift for baptism, birthday, or graduation. 😅

I realize there’s a whole generation that hasn’t read this oldie-but-a-goodie that was published before even I was born! I’m glad I got to convince several people to pick this one up last month at AWC.

Psalm 23 is such a familiar Bible passage, but this book will deepen your appreciation for God’s careful attention and loving leading of your life. Even though I knew King David was a shepherd, this book taught me so many lessons about sheep that are relatable, and I came to understand the kind of love and care a shepherd has for his sheep. The book is insightful, funny, and moving. There are descriptions of some sheep I’ll never forget. Maybe you and your friends can talk about which sheep you most relate to at your next peer hang out time!

For those of you still on the fence about picking up this book, here are three things that might convince you: 1) it’s a SHORT and fast read, 2) it’s currently $1.58 😲 at christianbook.com, and 3) with Valentine’s Day coming up, and the hearts all around us, this book will help turn our hearts and minds to the great love God has for us, and deepen our love for Him, too. A win-win all around, I’d say!