Life can be difficult. Unexpected, life-altering changes occur in a moment without warning. Relationships and pleasures in life can quickly become fleeting memories. Through all life’s unforeseen events, there is One who is holding our lives in His hand. A constant through all life’s trials, disappointments, losses, and uncertainties is our loving and faithful God who remains in control.
In her debut memoir, author Sara Pasterski takes readers on her personal journey through many life events including the abrupt loss of a parent at a young age, the heartache and disappointment of infertility, and the repeated uncertainty in moving throughout three states. Through the trials ordained by her loving Heavenly Father, Sara has grown exponentially in her trust and reverence for Him.
Even When incorporates biblical accounts and scriptural support from cover-to-cover, leaving readers bolstered in their faith and in a greater reliance on our faithful God.
"In Even When readers find a good friend, fellow struggler, and wise companion for navigating life in this world with Christ at the center.” -Nancy Guthrie, Author and Bible Teacher
"In an illustrative and enjoyable manner, Sara stimulates the reader to consider the faithfulness of God as a sure foundation in a world of instability and uncertainty. Enjoy reflecting upon the God who will never leave you, nor forsake you throughout the pages of Even When." -Pastor Brian Marchi, Grace Bible Church Plantation
How do we keep our faithfulness even when we’re struggling? How can we trust in God’s faithfulness even when our faith is being tested?
We all face hardships in life and sometimes it’s easy to turn away from God in our grief and disappointment. Even When - Rejoicing in God’s Faithfulness through Life’s Uncertainty, Disappointment, and Loss is an inspirational reminder of God’s love. Even when it doesn’t look or feel like love. Author Sara Pasterski uses Scripture to walk through various trials humans face and shows how our loving, faithful God is there all the while.
Ms. Pasterski uses applicable examples to bring the concepts to life. She recounts her personal suffering of loss and infertility, as well as the inspiring story of Corrie ten Boon.
Ms. Pasterski’s religious assertions are based on the Scripture she quotes and her years of religious study. Each chapter covers a specific topic, such as ‘When Trials Come’, ‘Faithfulness in Fear,’ and ‘Faithfulness in Uncertainty’. The explanations are presented clearly and the Scripture throughout supports the topics.
The Introduction is an important element in understanding the context of the book. The beginning of Chapter One felt abrupt but quickly settled into a well-written and systematic journey through human trials and the comfort of God’s constant love.
I gave this book 4.5/5 stars on my blog and rounded up to 5/5 stars when half stars aren't allowed.
How this book affected me: Even When tackles key Christian concepts, such as suffering, why we suffer, God’s discipline, what it takes for Salvation, etc. My understanding of these topics oscillates between comprehension and confusion. Ms. Pasterski presented them in a way that I found helpful to my understanding – at least for the moment. 🙂
Who would enjoy this book: This book would offer hope and help to any Christian facing a challenge. It will help anyone struggling with Christian doubt, anger, or confusion due to adversity.
Our Christian Book Reviews: The book reviews at Finding God Among Us focus on Christian books, adult and children, fiction and nonfiction. We’re proud to be listed in the Top 50 Christian Book Bloggers ! I read a review copy from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
This book, written with profound and hard-learned wisdom but in an easily understandable Midwestern style, speaks to the heart of having faith in all the difficult circumstances we have in our lives. This was perfect for cementing the words around so many hard places in life every person experiences. I have shared what Sara wrote over and over again in the few weeks since I have read this, and recommended the book to many friends and family. It is not a long book that takes deep concentration and many re-reads of paragraphs and even chapters to grasp the concepts and keep them in your heart. I did not slog through this book, instead I read it with almost a sense of relief as it brought so many faith issues into clear focus following clear and uncompromising Scriptural principals. I felt uplifted at Sara's grace-filled straight talk that didn't feel the need to sand off the edges of the reality of pain and where our faith needs to be in those seasons of our lives. This one hits home and stays to encourage and uplift.