Stepping Heavenward

This morning I finished reading Stepping Heavenward, by Elizabeth Prentiss.  It was a very easy read, yet left me with some very weighty concepts to ponder.  Although it is fiction I couldn’t help but wonder how much was taken from Prentiss’ own life experiences.  Katy, the main character and writer of the journal that makes up the book is very open and honest with her struggle with sin and lack of desire for the things of God.  You read about her struggle to enjoy and make time for prayer, her exciteable nature, her tendency towards anger and selfishness.  Basically the beginning of the book was a lot like looking into my own soul.  She is honest about those things we all feel but try to cover up in the presence of others.  Yet, like all Christ’s children Katy also has an undying desire to rise above her sin, to get over herself, to love her husband and children rightly, and to prize her Risen Lord more than anything else in this world.  It was encouraging to read of this woman’s slow travel through her spiritual life and see that throughout it the Lord truly did change her.  He caused her to love Him more than herself and all others, and consequently she loved others so deeply and sweetly.  In the story God used great struggle, pain and heartache to draw this woman and her family closer and closer to Himself.  You see the benefit us these “dark providences” and yearn for the fruit they produce.  Overall I would encourage others to read this book.  Pray that the Lord would weed out what is just story and glean the Biblical principles and truths that are there. 

Have you read any good books lately?