Welcome back to my little book series! So far, I’ve shared the novels I still think about and the nonfiction books that changed how I think. Today, I’m sharing something even more personal: the Christian books that have strengthened my faith over the years.
These aren’t books I’ve read only once and forgotten. They’re the ones I’ve highlighted, revisited, recommended to friends, and found myself returning to in different seasons of life. Each one has encouraged me to know God more deeply and walk with Him more faithfully.
The Bible
How it strengthened my faith: How could the Bible not be number one! To me, it’s the most inspiring, versatile, useful, and beautiful book ever written. It still blows my mind that the Bible’s 66 books were written by around 40 different authors over the course of more than 1,500 years, in multiple languages, yet together they tell one beautiful, cohesive story of God’s redemption. It has changed how I view the world, how I live my life, and what my motivation is for doing everything I do. It gives me hope for the future, and the stories of real people that actually lived on this earth are so cool.
I love that the Bible doesn’t paint people like Jonah and Noah in a perfect light, but shares that they made mistakes just like we do. God used them and He uses us if we let Him. I could keep going, but suffice it to say: if you’ve never read the Bible, try it. It will change your life!
The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren
“Before you were born, God already planned your life. God longs for you to discover the life he uniquely created you to live–here on earth, and forever in eternity. Let The Purpose Driven Life show you how. As one of the bestselling nonfiction books in history, with more than 35 million copies sold, The Purpose Driven Life is far more than just a book; it’s the road map for your spiritual journey. A journey that will transform your life.”
How it strengthened my faith: The Purpose Driven Life is a book I would recommend to new and seasoned Christians. It helped me think more intentionally about living for God’s purposes instead of my own. It’s straight to the point, clear, and encouraging!
Halley’s Bible Handbook by Henry H. Halley
“Whether you’ve read the Bible many times or are just starting, you’ll find insights that give you a firm grasp of God’s Word and an appreciation for the cultural, religious, and geographic settings in which the story of the Bible unfolds.
This full color, revised and updated 25th edition is both comprehensive and inviting, including a concise Bible commentary, important discoveries in archaeology, related historical data, church history, historical geography, and more.”
How it strengthened my faith: My Halley’s Bible Handbook is my Bible study companion! It explains the historical background, culture, archaeology, and themes of each book of the Bible. It’s one of the resources I reach for most often when I’m studying Scripture because it helps me understand what I’m reading on a much deeper level.
Jesus Calling by Sarah Young
“Experience a deeper relationship with Jesus as you savor the presence of the One who understands you perfectly and loves you forever. With Scripture and personal reflections, New York Times bestselling author Sarah Young brings Jesus’ message of peace—for today and every day.
How it strengthened my faith: This is another book I would recommend to new or seasoned Christians! The devotional entries are written from the perspective of Jesus, paired with Scripture references. It’s a great way to begin to develop or deepen your relationship with Christ by understanding how He sees you.
Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis
“At the height of her senior year—class president, homecoming queen, and college-bound—Katie Davis felt called to something radically different. During a Christmas mission trip to Uganda, her heart was transformed by the poverty and spiritual hunger she witnessed. What began as a short-term visit became a lifelong commitment.
Defying expectations and giving up her plans for college, relationships, and familiarity, Katie returned to Uganda to serve. Over time, she adopted thirteen daughters and founded Amazima Ministries, an organization that provides education, food, and discipleship to hundreds of children. Through faith, perseverance, and an unwavering belief in God’s calling, Katie built a family and a ministry from the ground up.
With honesty and heartfelt storytelling, this memoir chronicles Katie’s journey of obedience, sacrifice, and radical love as she learns to trust Jesus in the face of impossible circumstances. Kisses from Katie challenges you to live boldly, love generously, and follow God wherever He leads.”
How it strengthened my faith: Kisses from Katie is such an encouraging and inspiring read! It’s one of those books that makes you stop and think about how you’re living your life. It challenged me to think more deeply about obedience, generosity, and trusting God wherever He leads.
You’re Already Amazing by Holley Gerth
“Women feel enormous pressure to be perfect. To have the perfect body, to be a perfect woman, to have the perfect career, and to have the perfect attitude. All the time. Under all that pressure and all those expectations are women carrying burdens they were never meant to carry and suppressing the dreams they were always meant to live.
In You’re Already Amazing, popular blogger and cofounder of (in)courage helps women understand and embrace the fact that they don’t need to do more, be more, and have more–because they’re already amazing just the way God created them to be. As a licensed counselor and certified life coach, Holley knows what readers need to hear. Like a heart-to-heart talk over coffee, reading this joy-filled book encourages women to forget the lies and expectations the world feeds them, instead believing that God made them for a purpose and that he loves them right now, at this moment, and always. Holley takes readers on a journey of the heart to discover their strengths and embrace all God created them to be.”
How it strengthened my faith: You’re Already Amazing is such an encouraging resource. It reminded me that my worth isn’t found in how much I accomplish or how well I meet other people’s expectations. It’s a beautiful reminder that God delights in who He created us to be.
One of the things I love most about reading is how God can use books to teach and encourage us through so many different seasons of life. While no book can ever replace the Bible, I’m so thankful for authors who have helped me deepen my relationship with Christ, better understand Scripture, and appreciate God’s character more fully.
If you’re looking for a book to encourage your faith, I hope you’ll consider picking up one of these.
Happy reading! 📖
Living My Full Life 