I’ve been neck-deep in research for my next book proposal – reading, reading, reading. Actually, it’s one of my favorite things to do. I’ve learned so much just in the last few days. But one thing has struck me as I’ve been researching.

I’ve read two books in particular about WWII. One was set in Poland, the other in an area that is today Ukraine and then Germany. Both highlighted the dangers and terrors of war. Both dealt with people hunted by others. Both were written by women who were children during the war – one a teen, one a toddler.

The big difference between them? One was written by a Christian woman who grew up in a Christian home. The other was written by a vehement non-Christian.

The horrors the Christian woman witnessed as a teen were unspeakable. My blood ran cold as I read her story. For nine years, her family didn’t have a place to truly call home. They were constantly on the run. And yet, her book is filled with hope. Time and time again, she witnessed the loving provision and protection of the Lord. I couldn’t use all of her narrow escapes in my book. My editor would call in unbelievable. And her book is rife with praise. I stand in awe of this woman and her family.

The other book is unsettling at best. There is no hope written on any page. What went right, they attributed to themselves. What went wrong, they had no answer for. The author is still “dealing” with what happened to her all those years ago. And it is sad. So very, very sad. I have to say, I skimmed the book and didn’t read 2/3 of it.

Hard things come into our life. I pray never to experience anything close to the hard things these women endured. Yet, what a difference God makes in our lives – in the good times and in the bad. He brings hope, confidence, and peace. Even joy. Looking to yourself only brings heartache, uncertainty and confusion.

Non-Christians claim they don’t need a crutch to deal with life. Um, just a question. Aren’t drugs, alcohol and sex “crutches”?

Yes, what a difference God makes.

How has God made a difference in your life?