How God Used a Thunderstorm by Joel R. Beeke and Diana Kleyn

*How God Used a Thunderstorm and Other Devotional Stories  by Joel R. Beeke and Diana Kleyn, illustrated by Jeff Anderson (Building on the Rock Series). Christian Focus, 2007. 176 pages.

Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 and up

Ever wonder if it makes a difference whether you read your Bible and pray or not? The Building on the Rock Series by Joel Beeke and Diana Kleyn is a collection of short stories, based on true events, that show how God works mightily through His Word, by His Spirit, through the faithfulness and obedience of ordinary Christians. They are based on true events and have been collected from a variety of nineteenth-century sources, then retold. These stories are well-written, mightily encouraging, and the few black-and-white illustrations nicely complement the text. Excellent for reading aloud and discussion, or hand them to a pre-teen to supplement his or her devotional life. Some of the stories are better suited to older students, but all are profitable for growing in faith.

The title story is not about Martin Luther, but about a man who takes refuge during a storm and gives what money he has to the woman of the house so she can buy a Bible. Then we learn how God abundantly provides for the man’s needs, and how the woman and her neighbors are blessed. There are stories of how a child’s faith affects unbelieving parents or bear witness to Christ in difficult circumstances, and stories of elderly saints whose love for the Lord holds true to the end. What testimonies like these will we hear in heaven? Highly recommended.

Cautions: none

Overall Rating: 5 (out of 5)  

• Worldview Rating: 5
• Artistic Rating: 5

Categories: Starred Review, Short Stories, Christian, Devotionals
Cover image from Goodreads