For a long time, I’ve been told to read “Redeeming Love” by Francine Rivers. Friends have told me to read it. Mentors have told me to read it. Even bloggers I follow have told me to read it. So I finally took their advice and read it. Before opening the first page, I had expectations and I feared I’d be let down. All those people who’ve told me to read this particular book raved about it. When you hear that many positive reviews, it’s hard not to have expectations about something. Turns out, every one of those people were right. It was one of the, if not the, best book I have ever read. So now, I’m becoming one of the cheerleaders, and I’m telling you to read “Redeeming Love” by Francine Rivers.
“Redeeming Love” is a fictional novel based on the book of Hosea. From the prologue of the book, I was hooked and couldn’t put it down. I carried it in my purse, reading it any chance I found. I spent lunch hours hunched over reading and stayed up late far too many nights to read just one more chapter. The book stirred emotions and feelings in my heart I have trouble putting into words. You really must read this book.
There are things within my faith and theology that I truly believe, things that make no sense if you take God out of the equation. I’ve seen Him redeem my own heart and shape my own story to be one of forgiveness and life from ashes. Maybe that’s why I enjoyed the book so much — because I saw parts of my own heart within the story line. I have a romanticized version of love, of that I will admit. But I also have a firm belief in God that the plan He has mapped out for me will be far greater than anything I can conjure up in my own imagination. He is so big, and His sovereignty is always greater than anything I can think of with my restricted human brain.
I see a loyalty and a path of love within the pages of this book that can only be explained with God at the helm of the story. While it’s fiction, it’s based off of a Biblical account which I believe is the Word of God. This novel by Rivers gives me a hope for my future, just like I’m promised in Jeremiah. It reminds me to be patient and to wait for the Lord’s timing. It gently encourages me to not make a person or love my idol, but to see relationships (past, present and future) as another way to give glory to God.
I pray boldly for my husband and for the day we meet. I have such a promise in God’s word for my marriage and for my love. This book only grounded me in my faith and brought those promises back to the reality in my mind. I am so grateful to have read this book. It’s a beautiful story of God’s love and forgiveness, but how we must be open to receive Him and follow Him no matter the cost.
This book should be required reading for everyone — men and women alike. It needs to be read with an open heart and a willingness to hear God’s voice through the pages.