An Editor’s Five-Star Book Review of ‘Won’t He Do It’
A Five-Star Book Review of Won’t He Do It
A Journey of Faith, Love, and Miracles:
A Witness of God’s Transformative Power in Ordinary Lives
From the subtitle of the book (“Faith, Love, and Miracles”), I expected to be taken on a Christian overcomer’s journey where trials and obstacles ultimately yield to triumph and success in the lives of the Barker family. That expectation is exceeded in Won’t He Do It! This fast-paced story traversing five continents traces through the life, ministry, and 27-year marriage of Sherry and Paul: years filled with blessings, Christian fellowship, and the joys of family—accompanied by daily challenges, personal growth struggles, and a final medical tragedy. The story artfully threads early life events from Sherri and Paul and details of the family’s “lived life” into a corporate tapestry only God could weave, stepping each toward their individual destiny and Paul to his culminating work for the Kingdom—the Living Words bible-based ESL curriculum. The overarching theme of this family tale is, “God is faithful, kind, and enough.”
Jumping in to read this well-written, wisdom-packed book, the reader embarks upon an escorted journey most can easily identify with—dealing with the ups and downs of life and the range of emotions that accompany them. Through the eyes of Sherri, this story especially highlights how faith and trust in God is the critical ingredient that carried the family through both the heights of joyous times as well as the depthsof heart-breaking times. Through the difficult times, the redeeming thread of character transformation robs what could be considered defeat—even the defeat of death—of its victory. A principal feature of the book, and an important part of the family tapestry, is the theme of victory and Christian character formation. Threaded forcefully throughout the story is Sherry’s thankfulness for God’s provision and guidance and her faith-informed commentary on how God uses all circumstances to optimally shape and equip his people.
Are you struggling under discouraging circumstances and want to be nourished by an encouraging story of an overcoming family? Are you just starting out—or want to make a fresh start—and long to see how God can lead you in building a successful life, no matter what is thrown your way? Are you trying to find God’s will for your life—your destiny—and need an example? Are you standing for family members to come to God or make a more firm commitment to following Christ? Then Won’t He Do It will encourage your heart. By picking up the book, you will quickly identify with the Barkers and experience the pain and joy of their trials; you will also soon realize your life contains many similarities, and you can apply the same faith and wisdom and receive God’s help in your own life.
I highly recommend Sherry Barker’s book Won’t He Do It to anyone who enjoys an insightful story that details how God leads his people to triumph over every obstacle life places in their path. Through one riveting tale after another, this book pairs the barriers and hurdles that confronted the Barkers with the solutions and strategies God was always faithful to deliver to accomplish His divine purpose in their lives.
—Sheila Lacey, Ed.D., Writer/Editor/Educator
