Guest feature: Meeting God in the Pages
By Jenny Fulton, author and blogger
A pastor on social media recently posed the following comment and question: “The Bible was written by some 40 different people. Why do you think God used so many different people rather than just one person to convey His message and His Word?”
I thought it was an intriguing question with the potential for many valid answers. As a reader and author, I was most drawn to the fact that 40 different people, from different eras, with different backgrounds, stories, personalities, and writing styles, were used by God to communicate one fluid, consistent Story that would touch the hearts of countless people in every generation.
The fact that so many people across history wrote a united narrative of God, His Character, and His dealings with humanity is a miracle witness to the truth and validity of the Scriptures.
But there’s even more beauty in this fact.
Christians are often asked, “What’s your favorite book of the Bible?”
Many of us have an answer.
Why?
I believe it’s because God is working in each of us in a unique way. And the way in which He is working in our lives may generate a stronger connection with a specific book of the Bible (and its author). A variety of stories and authorship in the Bible means that different people can relate more deeply to one book or another. And through that connection, God can reach into our hearts and minister to us in an especially powerful way.
I also believe something similar can occur with Christ-centered books outside the Bible. There are countless Christian authors with knowledge, passions, and writing styles as varied as the books they write. They may write for the secular (think Madeleine L’Engle) or Christian markets. Their stories span the genres encompassing devotionals/Bible Studies, biography/autobiography/memoir, mystery, suspense, thriller, fantasy, science fiction, speculative fiction, biblical fiction, historical fiction, contemporary fiction, romance, children’s books, and other genres I haven’t mentioned.
Each author and genre can be used by God to draw us to Him, to minister to us and lead us to a new and better understanding of who He is and how great His love is for us. Every Christian author I’ve spoken with has stated a desire for their work to point people to God.
While each story can bear witness to God’s character in a number of ways, I’m going to list some of the more specific tools by which some of the genres can point people back to our Creator and Savior.
Bible Studies, Devotionals, and other Non-fiction Christian Books: Some people are more factually minded and best hear from God through books that directly interpret and apply Scripture and Biblical principles. These book usually point the reader back to the Bible to read and discover those truths for themselves.
Biography, Autobiography, Memoir: True stories of real people overcoming real adversity can give us hope in our own situation, point us to the same Savior who helped them, and inspire us to keep persevering through our trials.
Mystery, Suspense, Thriller: These books showcase characters who learn to lean on God through extreme circumstances. They remind us that God is with us and can help us through the scariest and most dangerous conditions, even if/when He doesn’t immediately make the trouble go away.
Fantasy, Science fiction, Speculative Fiction: It’s fascinating that we’ll often believe truths presented in fiction/fantasy that we might dismiss in reality. For example, the Bible says God is fighting for us, but it’s sometimes hard to believe that or imagine what it looks like. But put this same truth in a fantasy or speculative fiction setting where the characters can see armor-clad angelic armies fighting Satan’s evil demons, and that principal becomes easier to grasp. Fantasy, Science Fiction, and Speculative Fiction put reality under a microscope and magnify certain aspects of it to enable a more accurate and in-depth study and observation.
Biblical fiction, Historical Fiction: Authors in these genres do a ton of research to present as accurate a picture as possible of the life and culture in which their stories take place. Biblical fiction takes us into the world and circumstances of Biblical characters. This can inspire greater curiosity that points us back to the Bible and can give us a greater understanding of the passages in which those characters are found. Historical fiction shows us God’s continued work with humanity in every age and situation. If God was with them in that horrific time period, I can be confident He’s with me in mine, in whatever political events may occur.
Contemporary Fiction: What does it look like to follow God in the present age? Contemporary fiction excels in answering that question, providing examples of characters in all walks of modern life who struggle and seek God in circumstances we’re likely familiar with. And if we haven’t personally experienced it, we learn to better empathize with those who have.
Romance: While romance can be found in every genre, I separated it to emphasize its relational. Romance in books isn’t just about how two people fall in love (which is great) but often showcases their personal struggles, their perceptions of each other, and their personal and relational growth throughout the story. In Christian Romance, the books usually highlight how the characters seek God for guidance and wisdom in their new relationship. This latter aspect can remind us to seek God’s wisdom in all of our relationships (not just the romantic ones).
Children’s Books: One of the biggest wonders of children’s books is their ability to communicate complicated issues and truths in a way that’s fun and easy to understand. Christian children’s books are also great conversation starters that can prompt kids to ask questions and give adults the opportunity to better engage with the kids in their lives.
In each character/story-driven genre, we can find heroes and heroines who are going through the same inner struggles we are. We can stand on the outside and observe how God helps them grow. If God helped them, it gives us courage to believe He’s with us and can help us, too.
God created us all to be unique individuals with our own backgrounds, stories, and personalities. He knows where we are and what we need. One of the ways He speaks to us is through the pages—the pages of Scripture and the pages of books that point to and proclaim His Truth, Goodness, and Love.
Welcome. Jenny Fulton, a dear friend of mine, and an amazing 2nd grade teaching partner. She is a delightful and kindred creative.
Jenny is a wife, mother, and writer who enjoys studying God’s Word and sharing what she has learned with others. She is the author of Princess Lillian and Grandpa’s Goodbye, A Princess’ Guide to the Alphabet (to be released June 2022), and an upcoming Bible Study on 1 Corinthians. An enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, Jenny developed a keen interest in language and cultures. In 2007, she graduated from Grace University with a B.S. in Bible, a B.S. in elementary education, and an endorsement in K-12 ESL. For the next seven years, Jenny worked as a teacher in a variety of cultural and educational settings, both abroad and in the United States. Her days are now spent raising her three young daughters and writing as much as time and opportunity allows.
Some of her others works include: Heart. Mind. Soul. Blog and The Quest for Hope: Invisible Battles Book
