"Surely, You Must Know It Was All For You."

Before every vacation I tend to purchase a book (or two!) that I would like to bring with me to check out while I have extra free-time. This year it was A Jane Austen Devotional by Steffany Woolsey.

WOW! I think I just saw some serious eye-rolling by some of you!  😆  Yes, I admit to being an Austen fan but this book is really good and I'm going to prove it to you through sharing the introduction to the book. So there!

"For two centuries now, women have had the opportunity to curl up with a Jane Austen novel and get lost in the romantic stories of the English countryside. It is one of life's great pleasures to finish a book and feel the satisfaction of not only having read a well-crafted story, but of learning a valuable life lesson about God and human nature. Jane manages to accomplish all of that and more as she shows us through her words what love is. Hers is not a superficial, vain love, but a 1 Corinthians 13 love - one built on action, character, and honor. Any woman who has ever read or seen Pride and Prejudice longs for a hero like Mr. Darcy who comes to her and proclaims, 'Surely, you must know it was all for you.'

As the ultimate answer to all questions, the Bible is the standard by which we compare everything. Austen's writing is newly illuminated when held up to Scripture. In probing her novels for biblical insights on living and loving, we are reminded of humanity's innate desire for relationship with the Creator. Through Austen's varied and colorful characters, we learn not only about true love but meaningful character. We strive for the humility, wisdom, wit, and grace of a Jane Austen protagonist while learning to recognize the superficial vanity and worldliness of so many other characters who concern themselves only with their own gain.

This book was crafted with the hope that readers would take the opportunity to get lost in the world of Jane Austen - a place where we can all pause in solitude, as though we've just finished a stroll in the garden with Jane and are now sitting down with her to tea, reflecting on important life lessons and taking in the beauty of the countryside. Through excerpts from her work, short devotions, and Scripture, we hope this book will bring you moments of peace while you allow God's Word to shape your character.

And while you rest for a moment in the simplicity of Jane's words, perhaps your own life will grow a little simpler and more peaceful. Our wish is that through these spiritual insights into Jane's writing, you, too, will grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus, who through His death and resurrection woos you with the declaration, 'Surely, you must know it was all for you.'"

Have I piqued your interest? I'm only 7 days into it, but I have been very pleasantly surprised regarding how helpful, convicting, and thought-provoking this little book has been thus far. Lord willing next week I will give you an actual devotional example so that you may examine how this is all accomplished. 👍