“Life is hard, not because you’ve taken a wrong turn. Life is hard because this is the way of love – and Love Himself will be with you every step of the way.” Ann Voskamp, Waymaker.

Have you ever enjoyed a drink slowly, savouring the taste with each sip? Tried to make it last? I drink my Earl Grey tea, made with Nigiro tea leaves, in such a fashion. I find the line where enjoy-while-hot and make-it-last-as-long-as-possible intersect.

I found myself reading ‘Waymaker’ this way, too. The thoughts Ann shares are often so profound and deeply beautiful that it requires a certain slowness. She writes with a playful, poetic style that invites the reader into her inner world. Her use of language reminds me of Donald Miller’s Blue Like Jazz (a firm favourite!).

I’ve been very slow to the party: this was my first ever Ann Voskamp book! A friend bought this book for me, and then Christian Arts sent it to Cup of Faith with a request for a review. With two copies on my shelf, this was not one I could skip. (The other copy is available for giveaway!)

‘Waymaker’ is a book about very difficult seasons and how we respond while waiting. Ann shares tenderly about difficulties in her marriage, her health, adopting a child, and the health of her son. It reads like a ballroom dance: a story of love between a woman and her Jesus. She is honest about what it means to seek God, to fail in seeking God, and to experience God’s faithfulness through it all. Anyone who feels that they are in a wilderness season would benefit from this beautifully crafted book. 

Journalling Prompt

Ann shares a prayer-journaling prompt that was inspired by her reading of Exodus:

Stillness

Be still… live into a tender surrender because the Lord fights His way to you, fights for you in ways you don’t even know you need.

Attentiveness

Attend to who you say God is, to where you are in relation to Him, and what you really want.

Cruciformity

Surrender, arms wide-open, let yourself be formed cruciform, reaching out to God and people. 

Revelation

How is the Word revealing Himself to you in this moment?

Examine

What are you afraid of?

Doxology

What can you give thanks for right here and now?

She uses this journalling prompt throughout the rest of the book to reflect on tough situations.

Sacrificial Love

Ann’s humility shines through on every page. She gives glory to God through seasons of trial and failure. I felt stirred as I read to pursue Jesus with a deeper ardency. I particularly loved an interchange she shared during a visit to ancient Shiloh, where ancient Israel made sacrifices after entering the promised land. She asked her Messianic Jewish guide:

‘ “Sacrifice–doesn’t mean give up or lay down or go without or let go of?”

“No, no, no…. Sacrifice doesn’t mean that at all. Sacrifice in Hebrew is korban…it literally means to come near, an approach, a moving closer, a move into a closer relationship.”

Sacrifice is not losing something but moving closer to Someone. Sacrifice isn’t about loss – sacrifice is about love. Surrender to love. Sacrifice is about detaching from one thing –to attach to a greater thing. How do I take off my shoes, give up shoes, give all of me to Him? ’

What books have helped you through difficult seasons? Share them with us in the comments!

Kate Walsh

Kate is the current owner and editor of Cup of Faith. She is a blogger who loves Jesus, loves to read, and currently lives in Johannesburg with her husband.

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