Real life
is messy. Scripture teaches us that following the Lord Jesus Christ will be
difficult. In fact, trouble is more likely to increase as we walk in opposition
to the world. Following Jesus is not easy. We are commanded to do things that
are impossible in our flesh, but they become possible as we depend on the Holy
Spirit’s power and live in submission to God.
As I worked on The
Builder’s Reluctant Bride, I spoke with many people about forgiveness and
our struggle with it. Various people posed similar comments and questions. Such
as: If forgiveness was free, why was it so hard? Can you forgive someone who is
not sorry? I wanted my characters to struggle with these questions too. But in
order to resolve the story, I needed to research the answer.
Timothy Keller wrote in The Prodigal God: Recovering the
heart of the Christian faith, “Mercy
and forgiveness must be free and unmerited to the wrongdoer. If the wrongdoer
has to do something to merit it, than it isn’t mercy, but forgiveness always
comes at a cost to the one granting the forgiveness.”
Yes, forgiveness is free to the one receiving it, but forgiveness
is never free for the one offering it. Our free forgiveness cost his life. He loved us too
much to withhold forgiveness. He died for us while we continued to sin. Someone
always pays for forgiveness. I wanted my readers to consider that truth. In The Builder’s
Reluctant Bride Jenna must do the hard work of cultivating a heart that
forgives those who don’t know, appreciate, or understand how their actions have
affected her, and she struggles with it.
Stacey is the author of
inspirational romance The Builder's
Reluctant Bride
(Pelican Book Group 2016 named Best Christian Romance by The Word Guild in
2017), inspirational romantic suspense In
Too Deep (Pelican Book Group 2017),
and non-fiction book Glorious Surrender (2016 Women's Journey of Faith winner). Stacey
lives in Ontario Canada with her family. She is a regular contributor to
Women-Together Leadership blog; she enjoys speaking at women's conferences and
teaching the Word of God.
He Wants a Second
Chance. She Says There’s No Going Back. Ten years ago, a public disgrace
sent Jenna Jenkins running from her hometown. Now, the success of her
professional future hinges on joining her hometown church restoration project.
Her partner and team leader on the job is William Scott—expert renovator, volunteer
fireman, and the ex-flame who ruined her life. William is in crisis, facing the
tightening screws of personal and professional failure. When the interior
designer on the church renovation project turns out to be Jenna, William sees
it as a chance to make amends. But Jenna wants nothing to do with him. How much
will William sacrifice to redeem his mistakes and prove his love? Can Jenna
protect her heart this time or will William break her for good?
Watch the book trailer!
The Builder's Reluctant Bride is available for purchase at Pelican Book Group, Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Barnes&Noble
Download and read the first two chapters FREE here!
Can you direct us to where readers
can find you?
Website: www.staceyweeks.com - I post weekly devotionals and
regular home renovation projects and crafts under the blog tab. You’ll find
links and information on all of my books.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/writerSWeeks - This is where
I post questions to readers and collect feedback for projects. It’s also where
you’ll find the most up to date information.
Newsletter:
http://eepurl.com/cZgDb9
The newsletter is emailed
once every spring, summer, fall, and winter and is full of information, deals,
and opportunities available only to subscribers.
Thanks for having me on Stitches Thru Time today!
ReplyDeleteThank you!:)
DeleteWhat a beautiful testimony Stacey!
ReplyDeleteGood luck and God's blessings
PamT
Thanks, Pamela!
DeleteHi Stacey,
ReplyDeleteForgiveness is a difficult topic and it's especially difficult to write about. Thanks for sharing your story with us.
It was incredibly difficult to write in a way that rang true (because life is HARD and forgiveness is HARD) but also remain true to the call placed on believers to forgive generously.
DeleteForgiveness is costly, but it's always worth it! What an important theme to explore in fiction!
ReplyDeleteIt is costly! We are so grateful to receive it but sometimes reluctant to offer it because it costs us much. As we approach Easter, I am overwhelmed again by how costly it was for Christ to forgive our sins.
DeleteI bought The Prodigal God book for my son years ago who politely refused it. SO I read it and was gripped by the need for grace and God's lavish, spend-thrift love for His bride. Cheering for you as you emphasize a message we all need to hear.
ReplyDeleteThat book impacted me profoundly and forever changed the way I read that story in Scripture.
DeleteThank you for sharing your beautiful post. Wonderful words help us along the way.
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you for stopping by to comment!
DeleteForgiveness is sometimes the hardest thing Christ calls us to do yet is one of the most distinguishing marks of Christian character. Thanks for the reminder. Lovely post.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kelly.
DeleteThank you for sharing your insight, Stacey. Forgiveness can be hard but is a commandment of the Lord to forgive as He has forgiven us. A joyous Easter to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteAnd Happy Easter to you, too!
DeleteGoing by your post, I believe this story will make a real impact on those who read it. Just what you've said here has made one on me. Many blessings!
ReplyDeletePraise the Lord! Many blessings to you as well.
DeleteCreative cover :) Love it! Thank you for the post!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
ReplyDelete