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Rolanda Smith-Lyles

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God’s Illuminating Blindness: God’s Conquering of a Dark-Hearted Nation (The Way of Aram Book 1)

by Dwight Croy

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Rolanda Smith-Lyles said: " Naaman and King Ben-Hadad were close. Almost as friends, Naaman was the King's most trusted advisor, but after Naaman was healed of his leprosy by Yahweh, he chose to follow God. Now, Naaman wants to talk to the king about his new convictions, but Ki Naaman and King Ben-Hadad were close. Almost as friends, Naaman was the King's most trusted advisor, but after Naaman was healed of his leprosy by Yahweh, he chose to follow God. Now, Naaman wants to talk to the king about his new convictions, but King Ben-Hadad worships a false god, Rimmon. The King is loyal to his god giving sacrifices of the blood of the innocent and anything else that the evil god, Rimmon demands. King Ben-Hadad has committed himself as the mouthpiece of his almighty Rimmon. Still, now Naaman has come to testify of his healing after following the instructions of the prophet, Elisha, who is a follower of Yahweh. Naaman went on to explain that Yahweh is bigger than any king, ruler, or prophet, and this angers King Ben-Hadad. Naaman bows and extends his sword to respectfully decline his position with the king if he is displeased, the king will either take his sword to relieve him of his position or tell him to rise. The king had doubts about having a servant who serves a God he doesn't serve, so he went to behead Naaman but the hilt of the sword got hot. With talk of Yahweh, the king is paranoid and looks over his shoulders. The king has vowed to kill Naaman and prove that his god is more powerful. Once friends and now enemies, what will Naaman do? He and his family have chosen to follow God no matter the cost and have faith that he will provide for them. During Naaman's healing, he also had three young boys, Nukh, Zayno, and Albazi, who were like his disciples. They traveled with Naaman and they hoped to become soldiers one day. They also have committed to following Yahweh and as they continue to walk alongside Naaman learning from him and being mentored by him, the young boys are also growing in their faith and changing their lives.
I really enjoy seeing how Naaman has committed 100% to his faith in God and his testimony inspires others. He has committed to being a light in his world even if there is a natural consequence to his life. He knows that God will protect him or if not, he is willing to die for his faith and you see everyone that is in his inner circle, their lives are changed as well and they also become light. God's love and the truth are infectious and it only takes a little faith in him and he proves every time they have a trial, he protects them.
Croy is very thoughtful in including footnotes that link names, places, and vocabulary words with historical and Biblical references. There are maps so you can have a visual of the area, and he goes to great lengths to ensure the reader understands what is happening in the story. His writing is very relatable.
Join Naaman and his disciples as they take over Aram for Yahweh in Dwight David Croy's, God’s Illuminating Blindness: God’s Conquering of a Dark-Headed Nation. This masterfully written story is a novel for mature readers of all ages. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and for Believers of the Gospel, this story reminds us of who God is and urges us to get back on the path of following God if we may have ventured off. ...more "

Feb 02, 2025 04:35PM · see review