Here’s a New Christian Book Release to Savor

Allow me to introduce you to Janet Hines, a beautiful follower of God and craftswoman of words. We’re celebrating her new Christian book release, and today she’s sharing with us this beautiful, peace-laden devotional. Enjoy, friends. ~ Kristi

Note:  This blog post is a bonus devotion celebrating the launch of Janet Hines’ new book Between the Valley and the Mountaintop:  Glimpses of God in the Middle Places.

“We can’t all walk through the same open door – there isn’t room for all of us.”

When I spoke those words, I was in conversation with friends. We were talking about how to know where to place our best efforts in ministry. One’s opinion differed from the others and truthfully I don’t think any of the four of us saw the same open door in front of us. But as I listened carefully there was value in what we individually saw and I could see how God had laid a path for each of us to follow that would make this a strong and dedicated kingdom work.

That’s when I realized the importance of knowing God’s voice in our own lives. So true! How we learn to discern His plan for us depends on how we have learned to connect with Him. How we connect with Him determines our commitment to Him and our commitment to Him decides which door we choose. 

I love Jesus’ words about knowing His voice and which door He has created for us.

Matthew 7:7-8

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. (ESV)

John 10:9

I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. (ESV)

We learn God’s voice by spending time with Him. Think of when you answer the phone and you instantly recognize the other person by their voice. Think of when you answer the phone and don’t recognize the voice. Aren’t we cautious until they identify themselves? At that time, we chose whether we would continue the conversation or hang up.

John 10:27

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. (ESV)

Traversing the valleys and the mountains of my life, I realize there have been times when I tried to force myself through doors because that was the direction everyone else was going. It wasn’t until I developed a personal relationship with God that I was able to discern His plan for me. Even in the middle places, it was hard because there were so many distractions. I often ended up making no commitment to any door. I stood there like a lost sheep not knowing which way to turn.

Until I learned to pick out God’s voice in the midst of the chaotic noise of the world, I wasn’t able to clearly see the door with my name on it.

There isn’t a lot of room for others to walk through my door because God created each of us as part of a body that works together. Each door builds the house of God’s kingdom.

Much of our journey is focused on finding our purpose and finding our purpose happens when we allow God to lead us to and open the very door He designed for just us.

This is about the door and the Voice.

Do you know the Voice of our Savior? Have you deliberately chosen to seek and follow His?

Jeremiah 33:3

Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. (ESV)

God promises us He will answer us when we turn to Him and depend on Him to lead us through the valleys. He leads us through the middle places and on to the mountaintop!

Isaiah 30:21

And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. (ESV)

Meet Him. He is in the valley, the middle places and the mountaintop and He will meet you when you turn to Him no matter where you are. With Him as your Guide, you will begin a new journey filled with an eternal hope.

“Father, God. Meet each of us today, right now, wherever we are. Clear a path for us Lord. Lead us to the door because we know You have one created just for us. We praise You, Lord. We love You. Amen.”

Other pieces you may enjoy:
Is God Prompting You to Step out in Faith Right Now?
Ever Tried to Define Faith this Way?

About Janet

Janet Hines is a photographer and author on a journey of restoration and learning to be grateful for brokenness. Through
photography, travel experiences and writing, she brings together
pieces of life in ways that connect with the hurting people who need
to know they are not alone. Her heart’s desire is to build a
community of hope through sharing Christ all of her days. Connect
with Janet at janethines.com and order her new book through
Amazon.

Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.