I am quite pleased to have finally picked up a piece of fiction to read, thanks to an invitation I received to join a virtual group of readers. I had always wanted to read one, but it seemed I was spoilt for choice and couldn’t make up my mind on which one exactly.I’m glad I stumbled on this one.
Though I Stumble, the first of the ‘Promises of God’ Novel series by Kim Cash Tate, is quite intriguing and makes for some good leisurely read. Although I was initially startled when I saw chapter numbers in the sixties. Fear not! They are not lengthy chapters at all, some are only 2-3 pages long.
The novel tells the story of four women at different ages and stages of life, attending a weekend conference that proved to be life-changing for each one of them in peculiar ways. Each woman’s story had its fair share of hardships and disappointments, through which they held on to God’s promises, albeit for some, just by the skin of their teeth. The ‘happy ending’ they had was more about the transformation they experienced through their journeys, than having their troubles miraculously removed.
Perseverance, deep friendships, accountability, love and forgiveness are some of the themes woven into the suspense-filled plot.
Written in such a relatable way, the characters are not presented as super Christians with perfect lives, rather, their vulnerability and mistakes mirror the journey of an average Christian fighting for faith. The author, in detailing the conference account, captivatingly invites readers into the conference hall, within earshot of the speakers – a few chapters in, I could picture myself in attendance with these ladies.
The charge to the conference attendees, wrapped up in its theme, to run “in hot pursuit” of Christ extends beyond the pages of the book and readily applies to believers today, women and men alike. So also does the promise of God’s firm and loving hold, even though we stumble, à la Psalm 37:24.
A helpful reading group guide is provided at the end of the book to facilitate group discussions, this would equally serve an individual reader keen to personally apply valuable lessons that will aid spiritual growth.
On the whole, this book is worth its readers’ while, not just for its brilliant storyline and delivery, but primarily because it holds out true biblical hope; winsomely reassuring us that God’s promises are worth holding on to and resting in.
The dramatic twists and turns are quite unpredictable and that means that the book is a cliffhanger right up to the last page. I guess I’ll be going on to read the next volume in the series!
Thanks for reading!
Sike Osinuga.