What do you think?
Remarkable Faith: When Jesus Marveled at the Faith of Unremarkable People
This collection of inspirational vignettes, based on eight of the Bible's unlikely examples of faith, will give readers a fresh intimacy with Jesus.Remarkable Faith tells the stories of people whose faith was of such quality that Jesus himself marveled at it-people who were broken, needy, and dependent. These eight inspiring vignettes weave history, theology, and fictional detail into their biblical accounts to bring relief and a new perspective to those whose faith feels unremarkable. Written to encourage and relieve discouraged Christians who wonder if their faith is a disappointment to God, this book will demonstrate that remarkable faith-the kind Jesus marveled about-isn't about achieving or performing. Readers will discover they can exchange their performance-based evaluation of their faith with a fresh, life-giving intimacy with the Jesus who delights in transforming inadequacies into irrepressible affection.
209 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 11, 2017
About the author
Shauna Letellier
8 books60 followersShauna Letellier is an author, writer, and Bible teacher who helps worn-out people find permanent rest and relief in Christ. She draws upon her degree in Biblical Studies and two decades of Bible teaching to weave history, theology, and fictional detail into a fresh retelling of familiar Bible stories.
Shauna is the author of three books and numerous articles. Her writing has been published on The Huffington Post, Day Spring's (in)courage, The MOB Society, For Every Mom, and in MomSense, a publication of MOPS International. She teaches women's Sunday school in her local church, speaks at women's events, and ministers at the state Women's Penitentiary.
With her husband Kurt, she has the wild and hilarious privilege of raising three boys along the banks of the Missouri River where they fish, swim, and rush off to ballgames.
Shauna is the author of three books and numerous articles. Her writing has been published on The Huffington Post, Day Spring's (in)courage, The MOB Society, For Every Mom, and in MomSense, a publication of MOPS International. She teaches women's Sunday school in her local church, speaks at women's events, and ministers at the state Women's Penitentiary.
With her husband Kurt, she has the wild and hilarious privilege of raising three boys along the banks of the Missouri River where they fish, swim, and rush off to ballgames.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 3, 2017
This book is such a blessing. What a powerhouse of remarkable stories that include the authors interpretation and retelling. Packed full of so much faith, each one would bring a tear to my eyes.
We all have days with little faith. We are weak and sometimes our faith and belief in the power of God can waver. But this book is full of amazing faith that can help bolster us against anything; stories chosen to depict things we come across in our daily lives.
We get stories for:
Weak Faith
Hopeless Faith
Unworthy Faith
Suffering Faith
Distant Faith
Panicked Faith
Defiant Faith
Flagrant Faith
and so much more.
This book can bring comfort and help heal your faith connection with God. Easy to read and broken into chapters to study and pray through, the author has delivered a true gem. One that can change your focus and relationship with God.
full review - http://amidlifewife.com/remarkable-fa...
We all have days with little faith. We are weak and sometimes our faith and belief in the power of God can waver. But this book is full of amazing faith that can help bolster us against anything; stories chosen to depict things we come across in our daily lives.
We get stories for:
Weak Faith
Hopeless Faith
Unworthy Faith
Suffering Faith
Distant Faith
Panicked Faith
Defiant Faith
Flagrant Faith
and so much more.
This book can bring comfort and help heal your faith connection with God. Easy to read and broken into chapters to study and pray through, the author has delivered a true gem. One that can change your focus and relationship with God.
full review - http://amidlifewife.com/remarkable-fa...
July 10, 2017
Letellier has used her imagination in a godly way to draw readers into the stories of those who encountered Jesus. We get such a small glimpse of the people in the biblical story it is easy to pass them by. Here, Letellier has imagined their feelings and their desperation for a healing touch from Jesus. I like that she quotes the actual Bible passage before her imagined retelling of it. She adds an encouraging devotion on each story as well as a closing prayer.
I really like the insights Letellier has gleaned from these stories. For example, from the story of the woman with the issue of blood, we learn that she did not wait until she was well to go to Jesus. She went to Him broken, in need, and suffering. The devotional Letellier adds is a good encouragement for people who feel there is something keeping them from approaching Jesus or other Christians.
Letellier has done lots of research to create a realistic background for her stories. For example, in the story about the woman from Tyre, we learn about the murex sea snail and the purple die it emits. We also learn much about the worship of Melqart, the god of Tyre.
These are insightful stories of people desperate for a touch from Jesus. They showed remarkable faith and are good examples for us. We too can throw off our inhibitions and come with unabashed faith to Jesus.
I recommend this book to those who desire greater insight into the stories of Jesus and those He encountered. You'll get a good taste of bringing biblical stories to life through imagination.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
I really like the insights Letellier has gleaned from these stories. For example, from the story of the woman with the issue of blood, we learn that she did not wait until she was well to go to Jesus. She went to Him broken, in need, and suffering. The devotional Letellier adds is a good encouragement for people who feel there is something keeping them from approaching Jesus or other Christians.
Letellier has done lots of research to create a realistic background for her stories. For example, in the story about the woman from Tyre, we learn about the murex sea snail and the purple die it emits. We also learn much about the worship of Melqart, the god of Tyre.
These are insightful stories of people desperate for a touch from Jesus. They showed remarkable faith and are good examples for us. We too can throw off our inhibitions and come with unabashed faith to Jesus.
I recommend this book to those who desire greater insight into the stories of Jesus and those He encountered. You'll get a good taste of bringing biblical stories to life through imagination.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
March 30, 2023
This was a fantastic Bible study to go through for our God and I Time! Once a week this school year, we absorbed a half of each chapter at a time. Our teen daughters not only participated, but they also contributed some really great insights. Highly recommended!
August 13, 2017
Shauna has taken my imagination for biblical stories to a new level. Her insight is refreshing, her words reassuring, and her perspective is "remarkable." I felt like I was experiencing each story as if I were there. There's a little something for everyone within the pages of this book.
June 17, 2017
Shauna Letellier’s book “Remarkable Faith” is an outstanding collection of eight unlikely people from the Bible that showed remarkable faith in the direst of circumstances. Broken, sickly, needy, ordinary and not so ordinary people, who exhibited extraordinary faith. Shauna retells the stories of the following people in the Bible: the father of a demon-possessed boy, the paralyzed man, the Roman Centurion, the hemorrhaging woman, the Samaritan leper, the mother of a demon-possessed girl, blind Bartimaeus, and a forgiven woman that honors Jesus. The author uses Bible verses with a fictional overlay (the author's description, which I love) to further expand on the various Bible stories. She does this in such a beautiful, inspirational, and knowledgeable way!
I not only loved learning more about these Bible characters stories’ and encounters with Jesus, I loved seeing faith and miracles unfold! Shauna did a wonderful job in weaving theology, scripture, and fiction into a great marriage of beautiful writing. They all circled back to the main theme of the book, which is seeing that remarkable faith is not performance based. Remarkable faith can come about in the most ordinary ways and people. The Lord loves us because of our weakness and brokenness, which drives us into His loving arms.
Each character’s story was a little different in their approach to Jesus but each one had the same result, Jesus brought healing, forgiveness, and salvation. Their afflictions, their source of sorrow, pain, and desperation brought them right to the place they needed to be, to Jesus. Each vignette portrays the gospel of Jesus and His unending love and grace. Shauna also shares powerful, faith-filled prayers at the end of each chapter. I loved these! Beautifully poetic and filled with hope.
The author skillfully drives home the powerful truth that we are not a disappointment to God by our perceived unremarkable faith, it is that very thing that brings about our remarkable faith in Jesus. The human needs and struggles of the biblical characters make them relatable and relevant. I felt the depth of their pain and exclusion, I could feel their loneliness, their desperation, and I was astounded by their acts of remarkable faith! The author’s vivid descriptions give a wonderful layer of visual insight into each story and the circumstances each real character faced.
Shauna explains that Jesus finds remarkable faith in the weak who beg for His help, the helpless that don’t show a single good deed to point to faith, the unworthy, the suffering, the outcasts, the panicked who have deluded themselves by false gods, the defiant, and the flagrant worshipper. How great is our God??!!
Some of my favorite quotes from “Remarkable Faith” by Shauna Letellier:
“Worship is the result-the reflex-of the person wowed by the grace of God and gripped with affection for the Almighty.”
“When we recognize our inability to earn fellowship and favor with God and realize we must simply receive it as a gift of grace, this divine exchange-Jesus’ righteous cut and paste-is exceedingly good news!”
“When we admit we lack anything that could earn God’s favor, we are finally free to receive what Jesus gives in exchange for our sin-grace, God’s undeserved love, favor, and righteousness. Grace can’t be earned. It is a scandalous gift.”
“Remarkable faith defies silencing, and calls out to Jesus for the help needed. With arms outstretched to Jesus, defiant faith gladly receives vision, life, and the irresistible desire to follow him. As we delight in him, he transforms affliction into affection and makes beggar into disciples.”
“Worship and gratitude intertwine, and while we might think they are services we render to God, they are actually his reward to us. They are gifts by which God nurtures his relationship with us and evidence of remarkable faith.”
“Even when we do not understand it, even though we lack the external marks of what humans normally applaud, faith that suffers and seeks Jesus because he is good is remarkable faith.”
I absolutely loved the rawness, powerful truths, mercy, grace, and hope within the pages of “Remarkable Faith” and I highly recommend it! Shauna’s beautiful writing style and faith-filled message are such a blessing.
I not only loved learning more about these Bible characters stories’ and encounters with Jesus, I loved seeing faith and miracles unfold! Shauna did a wonderful job in weaving theology, scripture, and fiction into a great marriage of beautiful writing. They all circled back to the main theme of the book, which is seeing that remarkable faith is not performance based. Remarkable faith can come about in the most ordinary ways and people. The Lord loves us because of our weakness and brokenness, which drives us into His loving arms.
Each character’s story was a little different in their approach to Jesus but each one had the same result, Jesus brought healing, forgiveness, and salvation. Their afflictions, their source of sorrow, pain, and desperation brought them right to the place they needed to be, to Jesus. Each vignette portrays the gospel of Jesus and His unending love and grace. Shauna also shares powerful, faith-filled prayers at the end of each chapter. I loved these! Beautifully poetic and filled with hope.
The author skillfully drives home the powerful truth that we are not a disappointment to God by our perceived unremarkable faith, it is that very thing that brings about our remarkable faith in Jesus. The human needs and struggles of the biblical characters make them relatable and relevant. I felt the depth of their pain and exclusion, I could feel their loneliness, their desperation, and I was astounded by their acts of remarkable faith! The author’s vivid descriptions give a wonderful layer of visual insight into each story and the circumstances each real character faced.
Shauna explains that Jesus finds remarkable faith in the weak who beg for His help, the helpless that don’t show a single good deed to point to faith, the unworthy, the suffering, the outcasts, the panicked who have deluded themselves by false gods, the defiant, and the flagrant worshipper. How great is our God??!!
Some of my favorite quotes from “Remarkable Faith” by Shauna Letellier:
“Worship is the result-the reflex-of the person wowed by the grace of God and gripped with affection for the Almighty.”
“When we recognize our inability to earn fellowship and favor with God and realize we must simply receive it as a gift of grace, this divine exchange-Jesus’ righteous cut and paste-is exceedingly good news!”
“When we admit we lack anything that could earn God’s favor, we are finally free to receive what Jesus gives in exchange for our sin-grace, God’s undeserved love, favor, and righteousness. Grace can’t be earned. It is a scandalous gift.”
“Remarkable faith defies silencing, and calls out to Jesus for the help needed. With arms outstretched to Jesus, defiant faith gladly receives vision, life, and the irresistible desire to follow him. As we delight in him, he transforms affliction into affection and makes beggar into disciples.”
“Worship and gratitude intertwine, and while we might think they are services we render to God, they are actually his reward to us. They are gifts by which God nurtures his relationship with us and evidence of remarkable faith.”
“Even when we do not understand it, even though we lack the external marks of what humans normally applaud, faith that suffers and seeks Jesus because he is good is remarkable faith.”
I absolutely loved the rawness, powerful truths, mercy, grace, and hope within the pages of “Remarkable Faith” and I highly recommend it! Shauna’s beautiful writing style and faith-filled message are such a blessing.
July 14, 2017
Remarkable Faith: When Jesus Marveled At The Faith Of Unremarkable People by Shauna Letellier is Shauna's own rendering of not-so-classic Bible stories that remind us of the times that Jesus used the most unremarkable of people, the lowest of the low, to exemplify those who not only needed Him the most, but also honored Him the most with the greatest show of faith.
In Remarkable Faith, Shauna shares with us eight chapters, each focused on a varying type of faith (weak, helpless, unworthy, suffering, distant, panicked, defiant, and flagrant). Each contains a Biblical passage followed by her moving and elaborated tale of the story in question. After her vivid reenactment has taken place, she carefully and thoroughly explains what was so remarkable about this person's faith, why Jesus took notice, the reasons we should aspire to be more like them, and brief suggestions and a prayer to start us on that path.
Not many of us would aspire to be more like the blind beggars (up until Jesus gave them their sight), or the ten healed lepers (before they were healed), or the woman who bled for twelve years (while enduring that bleeding)... Yes, we would long for the sight, and the healing, and the dignity that these people regained once Jesus took notice and restored their broken bodies and souls. But so many of us would not sacrifice what we have right now in order to "need" that kind of redemption. Yet, we already do. Every day.
Those of us who know we're unworthy, but have faith anyway. Those of us who feel weak or lost, but have faith. Those of us who are defiant against the doubters in our lives, and struggle but hold onto the faith that we have. This book is written for you... And for those people who have wandered enough that they feel their faith slipping, but still long for it to return - if only they could see the right path or hear the compassion in Jesus' voice. This book is written for you... Or for anyone else who has faced hardships and still managed to hold onto the slightest amount of faith, hoping that it will be enough... It is. Jesus notices you. Hiding in the crowd. Hoping to just barely touch His robe and slip away. 5/5 stars.
*Disclaimer: I received a complimentary print copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of this honest review. All opinions are my own.*
In Remarkable Faith, Shauna shares with us eight chapters, each focused on a varying type of faith (weak, helpless, unworthy, suffering, distant, panicked, defiant, and flagrant). Each contains a Biblical passage followed by her moving and elaborated tale of the story in question. After her vivid reenactment has taken place, she carefully and thoroughly explains what was so remarkable about this person's faith, why Jesus took notice, the reasons we should aspire to be more like them, and brief suggestions and a prayer to start us on that path.
Not many of us would aspire to be more like the blind beggars (up until Jesus gave them their sight), or the ten healed lepers (before they were healed), or the woman who bled for twelve years (while enduring that bleeding)... Yes, we would long for the sight, and the healing, and the dignity that these people regained once Jesus took notice and restored their broken bodies and souls. But so many of us would not sacrifice what we have right now in order to "need" that kind of redemption. Yet, we already do. Every day.
Those of us who know we're unworthy, but have faith anyway. Those of us who feel weak or lost, but have faith. Those of us who are defiant against the doubters in our lives, and struggle but hold onto the faith that we have. This book is written for you... And for those people who have wandered enough that they feel their faith slipping, but still long for it to return - if only they could see the right path or hear the compassion in Jesus' voice. This book is written for you... Or for anyone else who has faced hardships and still managed to hold onto the slightest amount of faith, hoping that it will be enough... It is. Jesus notices you. Hiding in the crowd. Hoping to just barely touch His robe and slip away. 5/5 stars.
*Disclaimer: I received a complimentary print copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of this honest review. All opinions are my own.*
June 30, 2017
Remarkable Faith by Shauna Letellier is a touching book filled with Biblical truths and written with deep conviction. It's an encouraging read for both the Christian and non-Christian alike.
As described in the previous publisher's description, Remarkable Faith highlights eight unnamed figures in the Bible whom the Lord defines as having amazing faith. At first glance, these people may appear to have an insignificant part of the Bible story, but Letellier contends that their lives are marked by an outstanding belief in Christ that sends them running to Him with open arms. After reading and pondering each of their stories, I would absolutely agree.
The book is very thought provoking in that it makes the reader stop and analyze each of the actions and presumed motives of the chosen characters. As your imagination flows thinking about each day that the characters come in contact with the Lord, much is revealed within their hearts, as well as our own.
Each chapter is devoted to the story of these individuals and ends with a meaningful prayer that begs reflection. The author is continually thankful throughout the book for Christ and the gift of worship, the ability of the Lord to hear us, and His exchange on the cross for us to be given new life. The assertion that "remarkable faith is often grown in the broken soil of desperation," is made clear by her eight illustrations.
This is truly a wonderful read filled with hope and encouragement, in addition to the word of God. Remarkable Faith is a must read for anyone who is searching their heart for the true meaning of Christianity or struggling with their sense of significance. Letellier doesn't shy away from tough questions as it relates to suffering or rejection and the role each of these play in our lives as Christians. As is stated within the pages, "Remarkable faith is not an archaic memory. It is a present reality. Will Jesus find faith when He comes again? Yes, He will."
Remarkable Faith by Shauna Letellier will be released July 11, 2017. This great book can be pre-ordered by clicking here. Thank you to FaithWords a division of Hachette Book Group Inc for this review copy of Remarkable Faith. I was not required to write a favorable review, but only to give my honest opinion of this work.
As described in the previous publisher's description, Remarkable Faith highlights eight unnamed figures in the Bible whom the Lord defines as having amazing faith. At first glance, these people may appear to have an insignificant part of the Bible story, but Letellier contends that their lives are marked by an outstanding belief in Christ that sends them running to Him with open arms. After reading and pondering each of their stories, I would absolutely agree.
The book is very thought provoking in that it makes the reader stop and analyze each of the actions and presumed motives of the chosen characters. As your imagination flows thinking about each day that the characters come in contact with the Lord, much is revealed within their hearts, as well as our own.
Each chapter is devoted to the story of these individuals and ends with a meaningful prayer that begs reflection. The author is continually thankful throughout the book for Christ and the gift of worship, the ability of the Lord to hear us, and His exchange on the cross for us to be given new life. The assertion that "remarkable faith is often grown in the broken soil of desperation," is made clear by her eight illustrations.
This is truly a wonderful read filled with hope and encouragement, in addition to the word of God. Remarkable Faith is a must read for anyone who is searching their heart for the true meaning of Christianity or struggling with their sense of significance. Letellier doesn't shy away from tough questions as it relates to suffering or rejection and the role each of these play in our lives as Christians. As is stated within the pages, "Remarkable faith is not an archaic memory. It is a present reality. Will Jesus find faith when He comes again? Yes, He will."
Remarkable Faith by Shauna Letellier will be released July 11, 2017. This great book can be pre-ordered by clicking here. Thank you to FaithWords a division of Hachette Book Group Inc for this review copy of Remarkable Faith. I was not required to write a favorable review, but only to give my honest opinion of this work.
August 2, 2017
When Shauna Letellier explained her book concept to me and a couple other writers last fall at a writing workshop, I gave her my information and begged her to let me be on her launch team. “What an interesting concept for a book,” I thought to myself while she outlined the premise. I couldn’t wait to read it, and when I finally did read it, I was not disappointed.
In her book Remarkable Faith: When Jesus Marveled at the Faith of Unremarkable People, Shauna digs deep into the stories of eight people whose encounters with Jesus were marked by their faith. Sometimes it was desperate faith, sometimes a panicked faith. The neediness of these largely unknown and unnamed people moved them to seek Jesus because they had exhausted every other resource. Desperate for their own healing or forgiveness (and Jesus addressed both), each of these characters had a back story that Shauna reimagines for us to give some insight into what the lives of these people might have been like prior to their encounters with Jesus.
When I read the book, it didn’t seem to matter that I was familiar with each of these stories. It didn’t matter that I could tell them by heart at any given time. It didn’t matter that I’d read them countless times throughout my life as a believer. With Shauna’s retelling of each person’s encounter with Jesus, I found I couldn’t read the words for the tears in my eyes. That meeting with Jesus in each story is the denouement, the moment of climax, the point of every detail. While Jesus remarked on the faith of these people and offered both the healing of their bodies and hearts, He still shines brightest in each account of healing and forgiveness. His healing overrides illness, His strength overshadows weakness, His generosity meets every point of neediness. Coming to Him needy is entirely the point. He is the One we are desperate for. Remarkable Faith demonstrates the way Jesus meets our deepest needs.
I hope you’ll order a copy of Remarkable Faith today. You’ll be captivated by Shauna’s storytelling and greatly encouraged by the ways Jesus responds to weak, unremarkable neediness.
In her book Remarkable Faith: When Jesus Marveled at the Faith of Unremarkable People, Shauna digs deep into the stories of eight people whose encounters with Jesus were marked by their faith. Sometimes it was desperate faith, sometimes a panicked faith. The neediness of these largely unknown and unnamed people moved them to seek Jesus because they had exhausted every other resource. Desperate for their own healing or forgiveness (and Jesus addressed both), each of these characters had a back story that Shauna reimagines for us to give some insight into what the lives of these people might have been like prior to their encounters with Jesus.
When I read the book, it didn’t seem to matter that I was familiar with each of these stories. It didn’t matter that I could tell them by heart at any given time. It didn’t matter that I’d read them countless times throughout my life as a believer. With Shauna’s retelling of each person’s encounter with Jesus, I found I couldn’t read the words for the tears in my eyes. That meeting with Jesus in each story is the denouement, the moment of climax, the point of every detail. While Jesus remarked on the faith of these people and offered both the healing of their bodies and hearts, He still shines brightest in each account of healing and forgiveness. His healing overrides illness, His strength overshadows weakness, His generosity meets every point of neediness. Coming to Him needy is entirely the point. He is the One we are desperate for. Remarkable Faith demonstrates the way Jesus meets our deepest needs.
I hope you’ll order a copy of Remarkable Faith today. You’ll be captivated by Shauna’s storytelling and greatly encouraged by the ways Jesus responds to weak, unremarkable neediness.
July 22, 2017
Sometimes my faith needs a little jolt, a reminder that God is good and powerful. Sometimes the words of Scripture become too familiar and I need to hear them in a new and fresh way. If you are like me, this book is for you. But this book would be especially be excellent for a new Christian— someone who may be teeming with desire to know Scripture, but has rarely cracked open the Bible on his/her own. No matter who you are, Remarkable Faith cracks open the desire in us all to draw closer to Jesus, to fall in love with Him and the stories of faith that are recorded for us.
The chapters follow the same format: First, the story in its original format from the Bible. Then several pages of Shauna re-telling in her own words, making the characters come alive even more. This was my favorite part, giving me a new perspective and bringing to light things I had never thought about before. Following that, she writes a few pages of devotional thoughts, reflecting on how the story can change us.
There are eight stories of faith in the book: Weak Faith, Helpless Faith, Unworthy Faith, Suffering Faith, Distant Faith, Panicked Faith, Defiant Faith, and Flagrant Faith. If you were to ask my my favorite chapter, I wouldn’t be able to choose.
Perhaps what I loved most about this book is the care Shauna used to weave a story. While the Bible stories themselves are amazing, she weaved the words together to bring so much life to them. However, she was careful to record Scripture first, without any embellishments. She acknowledged the creative license she was taking as she expanded the story. She did an excellent job and I would highly recommend this book.
The chapters follow the same format: First, the story in its original format from the Bible. Then several pages of Shauna re-telling in her own words, making the characters come alive even more. This was my favorite part, giving me a new perspective and bringing to light things I had never thought about before. Following that, she writes a few pages of devotional thoughts, reflecting on how the story can change us.
There are eight stories of faith in the book: Weak Faith, Helpless Faith, Unworthy Faith, Suffering Faith, Distant Faith, Panicked Faith, Defiant Faith, and Flagrant Faith. If you were to ask my my favorite chapter, I wouldn’t be able to choose.
Perhaps what I loved most about this book is the care Shauna used to weave a story. While the Bible stories themselves are amazing, she weaved the words together to bring so much life to them. However, she was careful to record Scripture first, without any embellishments. She acknowledged the creative license she was taking as she expanded the story. She did an excellent job and I would highly recommend this book.
July 11, 2017
Remarkable Faith: When Jesus Marveled at Faith in Unremarkable PeopleThe amount of content I underline in a book is directly proportional to my opinion of that book. The more, the better! And if my iPhone highlighter were a pen, the ink would be running dry after reading "Remarkable Faith." Get your highlighter ready, and order this book! I thought the approach was unique and the writing was imaginative, engaging and helpful.
The author, Shauna Letellier, refreshed my memory of stories I'd read dozens of times by having me read directly from Scripture passages. Then she blew off the dust of familiarity by retelling the stories and transporting me into the first-century reality of the person in each account. They became less like a character and started to look more like me — a needy, sinner in want of a Savior.
After drawing me into the person's life who is seeking Jesus, the author had me take a step back and consider what that account in scripture means today. She answered, "How and why does Jesus respond to their faith?" A reflective prayer closed each chapter.
Reading this book drove home the all-important reminder that as Letellier says, “If you and I have admitted our sin, asked him to save us and believed that he will, then he will certainly find remarkable faith in you and me.” Remarkable faith is not as far off as I may think. What an encouragement!
The author, Shauna Letellier, refreshed my memory of stories I'd read dozens of times by having me read directly from Scripture passages. Then she blew off the dust of familiarity by retelling the stories and transporting me into the first-century reality of the person in each account. They became less like a character and started to look more like me — a needy, sinner in want of a Savior.
After drawing me into the person's life who is seeking Jesus, the author had me take a step back and consider what that account in scripture means today. She answered, "How and why does Jesus respond to their faith?" A reflective prayer closed each chapter.
Reading this book drove home the all-important reminder that as Letellier says, “If you and I have admitted our sin, asked him to save us and believed that he will, then he will certainly find remarkable faith in you and me.” Remarkable faith is not as far off as I may think. What an encouragement!
August 11, 2017
I was intrigued by this book when I saw it on NetGalley because I have tried to do my own retellings of Bible stories. After reading this, I see that I still have a long way to go.
Remarkable Faith contains eight retellings of various people who encountered Christ in the New Testament. The eight are:
- the father of the demon possessed boy (Mark 9:17-27)
- the paralysed man who was let down through the roof (Mark 2: 1-12)
- the Roman centurion (Luke 7:1-10)
- the hemorrhaging woman (Mark 5:21-34)
- the Samaritan Leper (Luke 17:11-19)
- the mother of the demon possessed girl (Matthew 15:21-28)
- blind Bartinaeus (Luke 18:35-42)
- the woman who washed Jesus' feet with her tears and anointed them with perfume (Luke 7:36-50)
Each retelling starts with the Biblical account, then the author's take, followed by a short reflection and a prayer. I found that these work very well as devotions and I read one or two of them a day. This is definitely a book you want to savour in small chunks rather than read in one go.
Remarkable Faith offers a fresh way of looking at these familiar stories that we may take for granted. The emphasis is on the grace of God, and it was something that I needed to hear right now.
Disclaimer: I got a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a free and honest review.
This review was first posted at Inside the mind of a Bibliophile
Remarkable Faith contains eight retellings of various people who encountered Christ in the New Testament. The eight are:
- the father of the demon possessed boy (Mark 9:17-27)
- the paralysed man who was let down through the roof (Mark 2: 1-12)
- the Roman centurion (Luke 7:1-10)
- the hemorrhaging woman (Mark 5:21-34)
- the Samaritan Leper (Luke 17:11-19)
- the mother of the demon possessed girl (Matthew 15:21-28)
- blind Bartinaeus (Luke 18:35-42)
- the woman who washed Jesus' feet with her tears and anointed them with perfume (Luke 7:36-50)
Each retelling starts with the Biblical account, then the author's take, followed by a short reflection and a prayer. I found that these work very well as devotions and I read one or two of them a day. This is definitely a book you want to savour in small chunks rather than read in one go.
Remarkable Faith offers a fresh way of looking at these familiar stories that we may take for granted. The emphasis is on the grace of God, and it was something that I needed to hear right now.
Disclaimer: I got a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a free and honest review.
This review was first posted at Inside the mind of a Bibliophile
July 3, 2017
4.5 Stars
One thing I have always believed is that fiction can be a great way to bring Biblical truths closer to home for readers. It places people in the shoes of others and makes the message more personal. Remarkable Faith is a great meld of both fiction and non, with each chapter starting with a passage from the Bible, followed by a fictionalized telling of the account, and ending with a few pages of food for thought as well as a prayer.
Though the chapters can be fairly long, they are easy and enjoyable to get through, making the book accessible to people of various reading levels. Though I read a lot, I appreciated that I didn't have to reread passages in order to fully grasp what the author was saying.
The one draw back is that the fictionalized sections are a more 'telling' form of writing than 'showing', which takes away some of the emotional connection. For those who don't usually read fiction, that may be an upside.
I have provided an honest review after having received a copy of this book from the publisher.
One thing I have always believed is that fiction can be a great way to bring Biblical truths closer to home for readers. It places people in the shoes of others and makes the message more personal. Remarkable Faith is a great meld of both fiction and non, with each chapter starting with a passage from the Bible, followed by a fictionalized telling of the account, and ending with a few pages of food for thought as well as a prayer.
Though the chapters can be fairly long, they are easy and enjoyable to get through, making the book accessible to people of various reading levels. Though I read a lot, I appreciated that I didn't have to reread passages in order to fully grasp what the author was saying.
The one draw back is that the fictionalized sections are a more 'telling' form of writing than 'showing', which takes away some of the emotional connection. For those who don't usually read fiction, that may be an upside.
I have provided an honest review after having received a copy of this book from the publisher.
July 7, 2017
Remarkable Faith
When Jesus Marveled at the Faith of Unremarkable People
by Shauna Letellier
FaithWords / Center Street
You Are Auto-Approved
FaithWords
Christian
Pub Date 11 Jul 2017
I am reviewing a copy of Remarkable Faith through FaithWords/Center Street and Netgalley:
This book reminds us of eight examples of faith, not by their names but their afflictions.
The Father of the demon possessed boy had enough faith to turn to Jesus to rebuke the demons.
The author points out that no one wants weak faith.
The Paralyzed Man had enough faith to turn to Jesus and believe he would heal him.
This book goes on to talk about Unworthy Faith.
We learn of Suffering Faith, and the Hemmoraging Woman, who had suffered with severe bleeding for twelve years.
We learn of the Samaritan Leper, who seeks out healing and the Mother of the Demon Possesed Girl who seeks healing for her daughter.
We learn of Blind Bartimaeus.
I give Remarkable Faith, five out of five stars.
Happy Reading!
July 16, 2017
If you want what would certainly be a different look at some of the miracles Jesus performed in the gospels, Remarkable Faith: When Jesus Marveled at the Faith of Unremarkable People written by Shauna Letellier would certainly be it.
Letellier attempts to give some back story of the lives of some of the unnamed people in the Bible who received miracles from Jesus.
Remarkable Faith is not meant to be an accurate account of what happened in these people’s lives, but what could have been the back story.
We have trouble with people adding to the Bible; however, this is not what the author intends to do. Instead, these stories are meant to help the reader see the pure faith shown by these people. Remarkable Faith attempts to illustrate these Biblical truths in a new way.
We were sent a complimentary copy of this book. We are under no obligation to write any review, positive or negative.
We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
Letellier attempts to give some back story of the lives of some of the unnamed people in the Bible who received miracles from Jesus.
Remarkable Faith is not meant to be an accurate account of what happened in these people’s lives, but what could have been the back story.
We have trouble with people adding to the Bible; however, this is not what the author intends to do. Instead, these stories are meant to help the reader see the pure faith shown by these people. Remarkable Faith attempts to illustrate these Biblical truths in a new way.
We were sent a complimentary copy of this book. We are under no obligation to write any review, positive or negative.
We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
July 7, 2017
REMARKABLE FAITH reintroduces us to some of the most skimmed over characters in Scripture and invites us to experience Jesus through their eyes. God often uses the unremarkable things of this world –the lily of the field, the raven of the air, the unnamed character of the Bible –to teach us the most remarkable lessons. Shauna Letellier’s creative writing reminds us that the people who walked and talked with Jesus did not live on the black and white pages of our Bible. They lived in a messy, Technicolor world—just like you and me. These real people with real fears, insecurities, and problems chose to put their faith in Jesus of Nazareth and were anything but disappointed. Just like an artist’s sketch comes to life with carefully layered paints, Remarkable Faith brings life and color to the outline given to us in Scripture, igniting our imagination and revealing the beauty of small, tentative steps of faith.
I received an advance copy from the author for review.
I received an advance copy from the author for review.
July 11, 2017
Remarkable Faith takes the reader through eight biblical characters who exhibited some very remarkable faith in ways that, at first glance, may not appear notable. Each chapter shares the passage of scripture where each character's story is told, followed by a captivating fictional narrative of what their life might have been like. In each story Shauna weaves in theological truths and vivid imageries that allow each character to have their own unique personality. She beautifully shows their personal struggles turn into remarkable faith as they believe that Jesus really is their Hope, Healer, and Savior.
Each chapter ends with reflection of the story and personal application. With each reflection, I found a new favorite quote as I considered who I am in Christ. Shauna also adds a prayer to each chapter, reflecting on the particular story and application.
I highly recommend this book. It is captivating, thoughtful, and challenging. Be encouraged.
Each chapter ends with reflection of the story and personal application. With each reflection, I found a new favorite quote as I considered who I am in Christ. Shauna also adds a prayer to each chapter, reflecting on the particular story and application.
I highly recommend this book. It is captivating, thoughtful, and challenging. Be encouraged.
August 2, 2017
This is a very encouraging book that reminds us that God can use us all no matter where we are in life. We may feel like we aren't good enough for God to use but this book reminds us that this is not true.
This is an easy read and quite understandable. The author focuses on the stories of the Bible where the Lord chooses people to further His kingdom that the world would think were unsuitable. The stories almost read like a novel and I love how she brings depth to the people and stories. It's sometimes easy to forget that these were real people living in real times - this book reminds us of this fact.
The prayers at the end of the chapters are so encouraging and bring into focus what we all should be asking the Lord to do in our life.
This is a wonderful book that will encourage you and remind you that you definitely have a purpose. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
*This book was provided to me for my honest review by Hachette Book Group
This is an easy read and quite understandable. The author focuses on the stories of the Bible where the Lord chooses people to further His kingdom that the world would think were unsuitable. The stories almost read like a novel and I love how she brings depth to the people and stories. It's sometimes easy to forget that these were real people living in real times - this book reminds us of this fact.
The prayers at the end of the chapters are so encouraging and bring into focus what we all should be asking the Lord to do in our life.
This is a wonderful book that will encourage you and remind you that you definitely have a purpose. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
*This book was provided to me for my honest review by Hachette Book Group
June 21, 2017
The description of this book was the main reason I picked it up, however something was just missing for me to give it my full attention. I loved having the scripture and I really enjoyed the retelling of the story with more details. I could picture it happening and it just gave me a wonderful image of each Bible story. It was the application section that just fell flat for me. I didn't relate the story to the application. At times, it just seemed to not fit together. I actually felt that those sections were not needed because the stories had enough impact on their own. So that would be my only criticism. I would have liked those sections to tie together better or just not have them at all.
* I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *
* I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *
January 11, 2018
I enjoyed this book and felt it did a good job of reminding me of God's grace and how true faith isn't so much about me but about God. I thought the author was able to bring a fresh perspective to some Bible passages I have read several times before. It was a good, relaxing read. I thought the quote the author used on pg 174 summed up the book well-"God is looking for broken men who have judged themselves in the light of the cross of Christ. When He wants anything done, He takes up men who have come to the end of themselves, whose confidence is not in themselves, but in God. "-H.A. Ironside. This book gave some great biblical examples of brokenness and dependence on God, and remarkable faith.
July 10, 2017
Shauna Letelleir weaves story between the lines of the Gospel accounts of Jesus' miracles, and she does it very well. My favorite kind of story-telling. The gospel writers do a good job of documenting the miracles but Ms Letellier beautifully fills in the blanks. What was that person doing? Wearing? What led up to the illness? Who was with them? Did they have a job, or? As a non-fiction writer I look for others who do what I enjoy writing the most! Shauna does it with finesse and a fine understanding of scripture. No amateur here - her pen is sharp and experienced.
July 17, 2017
Shauna does a phenomenal job of weaving flesh and bones onto skeleton Bible stories we've all known since childhood. She's taken the cultural and background information and tied it together to help us see what may have been behind-the-scenes during these miracles. On top of that, she helps us relate to each of these ordinary people, helping us see that 'remarkable faith' is not something only extraordinary people have; it's something any of us ordinary people can have as well. Highly recommended. Easy read, but very thought-provoking.
July 18, 2017
Sometimes learning about scripture can feel a little stuffy, right? Sometimes you can feel like a book about God’s word is shaming you a bit. Because our shortcomings are epic. MC Hammer pants, what-were-you-thinking?-epic. Right? That’s why I love this book. Shauna digs right into the imperfect and that’s where she finds the light and hope for us. With fictional short stories delving further into these Biblical characters, she reveals how faith is most remarkable when contrasted with the extremity of our flaws. If you're looking for a new perspective on faith, please purchase this book!
July 6, 2017
I've had the privilege of being part of the launch team for Remarkable Faith. I love how Shauna brings 8 Bible stories alive - painting a picture of how each person's life may have looked and just how remarkable their faith was when they approached Jesus in their time of need. It is easy to forget that the characters of the Bible were men and women just like us who struggled with fears and emotions.
February 11, 2025
I have to say that the more of this that I read the more of it I loved. I feel like lots of love and research went into the creation of this, and it absolutely shows.
I love how every chapter started with scripture and then a beautiful potential narrative came out of that . It should go without saying that while the stories accompanying the scripture is fiction, the author‘s ability to bring such historical and cultural accurate details to life is amazing.
I love how every chapter started with scripture and then a beautiful potential narrative came out of that . It should go without saying that while the stories accompanying the scripture is fiction, the author‘s ability to bring such historical and cultural accurate details to life is amazing.
July 17, 2017
This book is beautiful and heartfelt. It helps you to dig deeper into these Bible Stories and to gain a better understanding of them. Shauna has a special gift in being able to bring more meaning and depth into these stories.
May 30, 2021
The best story teller
Shauna is the best story teller. She puts you right in the middle of the story. I find myself understanding the Bible better and therefore my belief in Jesus becomes better.
Shauna is the best story teller. She puts you right in the middle of the story. I find myself understanding the Bible better and therefore my belief in Jesus becomes better.
September 24, 2017
Truly fabulous book.very inspiring and remarkably written. Wonderful .I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway. Thank you so much
July 27, 2019
Shauna does an excellent job bringing these Bible stories to life in a way that is relatable but still true to the Word. A quick easy read that is definitely worth your time!
August 30, 2020
Loved. And I found a new gift I can give. The way she tells stories is a gift I want to give many.
June 15, 2017
I usually read for the pleasure of enjoying a good story. This is not one you'll read and forget about. Shauna writes in a way that brings history to life. She guides you through eight stories from the Bible where these unnamed individuals have so much to teach us about hope for a future through faith in Christ. Each chapter starts with scripture and ends in a prayer. Shauna put into words/prayer what was stuck inside my head wanting to be articulated. I highly recommend this book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews