If you’re a fan of the Hallmark series, When Calls the Heart, you’ll love the new devotional book inspired by the show: When God Calls the Heart: Devotions from Hope Valley by Brian Bird and Michelle Cox.
The hardcover book is a collection of 40 devotions to encourage you, and help you grow stronger in your faith. Each devotional includes a quote from your favorite fictional character in Coal Valley (later renamed Hope Valley), a key Bible verse a devotional reflection, and a prayer from the heart.
“Hearties,” those who love When Calls the Heart, and those who’ve never seen the show set in a 1910 mining town, will be uplifted with insightful life lessons.
For instance, beloved schoolteacher Elizabeth Thatcher encourages readers with this quote, “I can do this. We can do whatever God calls us to do—with his help.” And the Scripture verse for this devotion, “Dream Big; Expect Surprises” is from Jeremiah 29:11, “”For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
When you know Elizabeth’s background and the obstacles she overcame—she left her rich and cushy life to be a teacher in a remote Canadian mining town with primitive living conditions and a community that, at first, did not welcome her—it can give you hope in your own life circumstances.
A quote from Abigail Stanton, Elizabeth’s friend and town restaurant owner, lends perspective when people mistreat us: “Just remember when people are mean, chances are it’s because they’re unhappy, so they try to make other people just as unhappy as they are.” And the Bible verse in tandem with the devotion, Be The Miracle, is Psalm 147:3, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
Of course, you’ll find quotes and inspiring stories from other characters in the series like Elizabeth’s love interest, now fiancé, Mountie Jack Thornton, the vivacious actress, Rosemary Coulter and others.
Devotional topics range from “Getting Past the Past” and “From Guilt to Grace” to “You are More Than Enough” and “If You Bake It They Will Come” and more.
Each entry will draw you closer to God and give you hope and strength to trust Him more.
The truth is, sometimes life can be challenging. The characters in Hope Valley knew that well, and had a strong sense of community, hope and faith to get them through even the hardest of times.
This devotional provides brief, yet inspiring words and Bible verses to start your day, or recharge your spirit in the midst of a busy day. It has certainly inspired me.
As the authors admonish us, “When God calls the heart you can expect an adventure.”
I couldn’t agree more.