Every time I feel the Lord calling me to read it again, He uses this little book to speak loudly and profoundly to me. I started re-reading this treasure earlier this week and have found a deep and Scriptural truth tucked in almost each sentence.
Hinds’ Feet on High Places is an allegorical novel written in 1955 by English author and missionary, Hannah Hurnard. It’s the story of a young woman named Much-Afraid, and her journey from living with her Fearing family in the Valley of Humiliation to living and leaping with the Shepherd on the High Places. The title comes from the verse in Habakkuk 3:19, “The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places.”
She learns valuable lessons along the way, and is slowly transformed as she makes her journey. The Shepherd, always nearby, has given her two companions to help get her there – “Sorrow” and “Suffering”. (She asked why she couldn’t get there with other companions, like “Joy” and “Peace”. The Shepherd tells her to trust Him, because He knows that Joy and Peace are not the guides to help her develop the feet she needs to walk with Him on the High Places – not like Sorrow and Suffering can. Wow!)
If you are in a season of sorrow or suffering, or in a place where God has called you to trust Him when you can’t see anything He is doing around you – take it from me – this is your book! Along with Scripture, the Lord is using this book to remind me daily that He is working something in me/us that will enable us to walk and leap with Him on the High Places.
And for that, I am very thankful.
Have you read this book? If so, how did God use it in your life? If not, does it sound like something you’d like to read?
Have a great weekend, everyone… Love to you all~
Jennifer says
Omgosh!! I started this book about a week ago and I'm on the part where the Good Shepherd has appointed Much-Afraid two companions; Suffering & Sorrow. I just knew there was a reason why I was reading your blog 🙂 I just know this book is going to break me down and eventually I will be able to go to higher places with my Lord and Savior ) thanks for sharing~~~~
Cindy (Letters From Midlife) says
This is my all time favorite book! I am so like Much Afraid, always second guessing myself and the Lord's plan. I look forward to becoming Grace and Glory someday! I wrote about this at one of my blogs: http://noordinaryfaith.blogspot.com/2008/10/becoming-grace-and-glory.html
Debbie says
Jennifer, thank you for mentioning this book. I actually have a copy and yet have not read it. I think this is a God prompt to get it out!
Love you,
Debbie
elaine @ peace for the journey says
Can you believe I haven't read this book? I've heard about it for a long season; you've now hooked me, and I'm heading to Amazon after this to get my own copy. Girl, I've lived this particular type of season over and over again, almost to where if I'm not, I'm worried! Not really, but seriously, God is developing my hinds feet in ways I never thought possible even a year ago. I'm so grateful for his constant companionship amidst the many temporal ills that seem to find me from time to time.
Thanks for the recommendation. I can't wait to get it.
peace~elaine
Tammy says
I've heard of this book before but didn't know what it was about. Thanks for the insight,I think I need to read this!
Diane says
Thanks for reminding me of "Much Afraid". I read it years ago and it is a good time to re-read it….and to remember that the Lord is with us on our life journey!
Gwynie Pie says
I just last week started posting my Reading List for 2010. I've heard of this book, long ago, but have never read it. It goes on my "to be read" list today. Great post.
Gwyn Rosser
http://www.gwynrosser.blogspot.com
The Pink Tractor