Christian fiction takes the principles laid out in the Bible and in non-fiction and demonstrates how to live those principles out in reality. It shows, not just tells, what it looks like when faith is tested, when trials come that rock that faith, what we can cling to when our world comes crashing down around us. In short, Christian fiction offers hope that what is found in those theology books actually stands up in real life, through the grace of God.

And because it does, it ministers to readers on a soul-deep level. When a character sees the gospel being lived out in the life of another character, or hears a sermon that opens his eyes, ears, and heart to the truth of God’s love and mercy, the reader may experience the same realization and his heart may also be transformed. Or another reader, in the midst of a crisis in her own life, may read about a character navigating through a difficult journey that leads her to the realization that God is with her, that He has heard her prayers even when it felt as though no one was listening. And she may be encouraged to persevere through her own trials with renewed strength and faith.

I have personally heard many stories of people picking up a Christian novel and reading something that changed their hearts or even their lives, as though God had guided them to that particular story just when they needed to see those truths lived out in the lives of the characters.

And that’s the power of Christian fiction. It is a tool that God can and does use to convey a message to a reader during a season of life when he or she needs it the most. To remind readers that they are not alone and that, whatever they are going through in life, He is with them and will bring them through to the other side.