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Hopeward: Gospel Grace for Weary Souls
How Jesus can restore and sustain our joy, faith and service.
Jesus says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matt 11:28)
Author Dai Hankey is a church planter in Wales and founder of Red Community, a Christian charity that fights human trafficking in Wales. Speaking from a personal experience of burnout, he comes alongside weary Christians to explore what it looks like in practice to really lean on Jesus and enjoy his rest.
This positive and encouraging book takes readers on a hopeward journey with Jesus from despondency to joy. They will discover how Jesus can restore and sustain them, and they will be re-energized to carry on serving him in a joyful and manageable way.
This is a great book to give Christians who feel weary, overwhelmed, stressed, or discouraged, or Christians who feel like stepping back from the things they are involved in at church.
Jesus says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matt 11:28)
Author Dai Hankey is a church planter in Wales and founder of Red Community, a Christian charity that fights human trafficking in Wales. Speaking from a personal experience of burnout, he comes alongside weary Christians to explore what it looks like in practice to really lean on Jesus and enjoy his rest.
This positive and encouraging book takes readers on a hopeward journey with Jesus from despondency to joy. They will discover how Jesus can restore and sustain them, and they will be re-energized to carry on serving him in a joyful and manageable way.
This is a great book to give Christians who feel weary, overwhelmed, stressed, or discouraged, or Christians who feel like stepping back from the things they are involved in at church.
- GenresChristianNonfictionFaith
113 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 4, 2023
9 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
About the author
Dai Hankey
10 books5 followersDai Hankey is a church-planting Pastor in the Welsh Valleys where he lives with his wife, Michelle and four young children. Dai is a former skate-boarder and loves to DJ. He is the author of The Hard Corps and A Man's Greatest Challenge.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 15, 2023
{full review posted here: https://www.amberthiessen.com/post/ho...}
One summer we were camping and took our kids on a hike through the sand dunes at the provincial park. Of course, the day happened to be scorching, and traipsing through sand, in full view of the bright sun wasn’t going well.
We got to an oasis, had a snack and drank more water. The onslaught of complaints continued.
The only comment that helped them stand up and keep going was the hope we were almost to the end. Grabbing hold of this they mustered the resolve to follow the trail again and trudge through the seemingly endless dunes of sand.
In the weariness of our day to day, the failures, the complications, the endless needs, we collapse, uncertain of whether we have what it takes to press on.
In Hopeward: Gospel Grace for Weary Souls by Dai Hankey we find encouragement in oasis, to put our feet on the ground, follow the path, and hold onto hope again.
When we find ourselves worn down and weary, whether we’re troubled by our circumstances or the struggle toward maturity in the Christian life, the author writes from a place of knowing to guide us hopeward in the renewal and restoration we can only find in Christ.
A few lines of poetry begin each chapter to set the stage for each topic. (These culminate at the end to create a beautiful poem titled, Hopeward, as a free download). He invites us to the feet of Jesus with our burdens to find rest and discover grace. You’ll find 3 questions to end each chapter to help you reflect on the truths presented.
If you’re weary, let this resource take you hopeward.
The voice of a fellow sojourner, who’s been downtrodden before, understands what we’re feeling and shares with us how to find hope again.
Definitely check out his printable poem here, it’s really beautiful.
Quick Stats
# of Pages: 128
Level of Difficulty: Easy
My Rating: 5 stars
*A big thanks to The Good Book Company for the complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to post an honest review.
One summer we were camping and took our kids on a hike through the sand dunes at the provincial park. Of course, the day happened to be scorching, and traipsing through sand, in full view of the bright sun wasn’t going well.
We got to an oasis, had a snack and drank more water. The onslaught of complaints continued.
The only comment that helped them stand up and keep going was the hope we were almost to the end. Grabbing hold of this they mustered the resolve to follow the trail again and trudge through the seemingly endless dunes of sand.
In the weariness of our day to day, the failures, the complications, the endless needs, we collapse, uncertain of whether we have what it takes to press on.
In Hopeward: Gospel Grace for Weary Souls by Dai Hankey we find encouragement in oasis, to put our feet on the ground, follow the path, and hold onto hope again.
When we find ourselves worn down and weary, whether we’re troubled by our circumstances or the struggle toward maturity in the Christian life, the author writes from a place of knowing to guide us hopeward in the renewal and restoration we can only find in Christ.
A few lines of poetry begin each chapter to set the stage for each topic. (These culminate at the end to create a beautiful poem titled, Hopeward, as a free download). He invites us to the feet of Jesus with our burdens to find rest and discover grace. You’ll find 3 questions to end each chapter to help you reflect on the truths presented.
If you’re weary, let this resource take you hopeward.
The voice of a fellow sojourner, who’s been downtrodden before, understands what we’re feeling and shares with us how to find hope again.
Definitely check out his printable poem here, it’s really beautiful.
Quick Stats
# of Pages: 128
Level of Difficulty: Easy
My Rating: 5 stars
*A big thanks to The Good Book Company for the complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to post an honest review.
February 22, 2024
This is such a refreshing reminder of the gospel! Really enjoyed it.
January 13, 2024
An early entrant for my book of the year award. Rich with hope. Thankful the reminder that though we are weak, Jesus is strong.
November 4, 2023
This book is raw, powerful, and rich in gospel truth. It is one man’s testimony from the pit of defeat to the feet of the One who says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt 11:28). It is a book brimming with hope and through seven chapters guide you on how to: come to Jesus, receive from Jesus, abide in Jesus, feast on Jesus, grow in Jesus, walk with Jesus, and run to Jesus.
It is a book that has truly blessed me and encouraged me.
Some of my favorite quotes:
“The offer that Jesus puts on the table is what our hearts most desperately need: rest. Rest from striving to be good enough (or pretending that we are). Rest from religion and performance-based faith. Rest from trying to earn God’s favour or to pacify his anger. Rest for our weary souls. Rest in what Jesus has done for us on our behalf, through his death and resurrection. This is the gospel--the ‘good news’.”
“Jesus is saying that he didn’t just come to give bread but to be bread. He is not merely the source of the food, he is the actual substance of it. He is not just the giver, he is the gift itself. And what a gift—bread from heaven that makes us live forever! Only Jesus can satisfy our spiritual hunger and replenish our thirsty souls. Only he can fulfil our deepest desires and supply the strength we need to endure.”
“Jesus was under absolutely no illusions about Peter when he first called him from the shore of the Sea of Galilee, and he’s under no illusions about us either. He knew Peter would falter. He knew we would too. But Jesus wasn’t finished with Peter, and he isn’t finished with us. Like Peter, he still wants us to follow him hopeward—to walk out the beauty of his gospel with footsteps of faith in our fallen, fractured world.”
Thank you @thegoodbookcompanyusa for my copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Star Rating: 4.5 stars rounded up
It is a book that has truly blessed me and encouraged me.
Some of my favorite quotes:
“The offer that Jesus puts on the table is what our hearts most desperately need: rest. Rest from striving to be good enough (or pretending that we are). Rest from religion and performance-based faith. Rest from trying to earn God’s favour or to pacify his anger. Rest for our weary souls. Rest in what Jesus has done for us on our behalf, through his death and resurrection. This is the gospel--the ‘good news’.”
“Jesus is saying that he didn’t just come to give bread but to be bread. He is not merely the source of the food, he is the actual substance of it. He is not just the giver, he is the gift itself. And what a gift—bread from heaven that makes us live forever! Only Jesus can satisfy our spiritual hunger and replenish our thirsty souls. Only he can fulfil our deepest desires and supply the strength we need to endure.”
“Jesus was under absolutely no illusions about Peter when he first called him from the shore of the Sea of Galilee, and he’s under no illusions about us either. He knew Peter would falter. He knew we would too. But Jesus wasn’t finished with Peter, and he isn’t finished with us. Like Peter, he still wants us to follow him hopeward—to walk out the beauty of his gospel with footsteps of faith in our fallen, fractured world.”
Thank you @thegoodbookcompanyusa for my copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Star Rating: 4.5 stars rounded up
February 9, 2024
This book reads like the most encouraging sermon, reminding you of the truths you probably know but really need to be reminded of. It was gentle and kind and honest and simple, and exactly what I needed this week.
April 20, 2024
This was a very timely listen for me. I am going to be going through it again, just to soak up more of the Scripture and truth Hankey shares.
October 11, 2023
“If we could fully grasp the true depths of Christ’s love for us, we would not be able to stop ourselves from coming to him and clinging to him with desperate faith for all that he is worth.”
Hopeward is truly “gospel grace for the weary soul.” Dai Hankey is a pastor that found himself burned out and in deep distress during a particularly challenging season of ministry.
As someone who’s found himself in great need of the rest only Jesus can give, he walks the reader through a 7-step journey to help us find rest for our weary souls—
Come to Jesus Receive from Jesus Abide in Jesus Feast on Jesus Grow in Jesus Walk with Jesus Run to Jesus
This book was full of Jesus, the gospel, and grace. It was an encouraging read that served as an amazing reminder of where our hope is found.
I also loved the prayers and discussion questions that closed out each chapter. I see myself reading this again and going through it more slowly in the future. Definitely worth the read!
I received a copy of this book for free from The Good Book Company in exchange for this honest review.
Hopeward is truly “gospel grace for the weary soul.” Dai Hankey is a pastor that found himself burned out and in deep distress during a particularly challenging season of ministry.
As someone who’s found himself in great need of the rest only Jesus can give, he walks the reader through a 7-step journey to help us find rest for our weary souls—
Come to Jesus Receive from Jesus Abide in Jesus Feast on Jesus Grow in Jesus Walk with Jesus Run to Jesus
This book was full of Jesus, the gospel, and grace. It was an encouraging read that served as an amazing reminder of where our hope is found.
I also loved the prayers and discussion questions that closed out each chapter. I see myself reading this again and going through it more slowly in the future. Definitely worth the read!
I received a copy of this book for free from The Good Book Company in exchange for this honest review.
October 4, 2023
3.5 stars, rounded up.
Pastor Dai Hankey shares spiritual reflections and personal stories in this book, encouraging Christians who feel weary and are struggling to endure. He writes about his experience with ministry burnout and spiritual exhaustion, and he reflects on the rest and hope that Jesus provides. Hankey writes about how important it is to seek Jesus instead of trying to do things on your own strength, and each chapter explores a different theme related to spiritual growth. The chapters are short and easy to process, and they include example prayers and reflection questions as well.
However, even though this book offers wonderful encouragement from the gospel, the author only deals with spiritual matters. This book would be much stronger if Hankey had cast a broader look at burnout, addressing other causes and solutions. We need Jesus, and that is the most important thing, but we also need to drink enough water, get enough sleep, process griefs and traumas, and not drive ourselves into the ground with too many commitments.
Some people have deeply healthy spiritual lives while also feeling worn down by their circumstances, and this book's emphasis can unintentionally lead someone to think that if they're still struggling, then they must not have enough faith. Hankey never suggests that trusting in Jesus will make your problems go away, and he encourages people to seek counseling if necessary, but the sole focus on faith issues here will prevent the book from being as helpful to as many people as it could be.
Hopeward is a helpful guide to cultivating your spiritual life in the midst of stress and discouragement. The writing style is very conversational, and this book will appeal to people who are looking for a quick read with deep spiritual encouragement. Even though I wish that the author had addressed more facets of burnout, this will be helpful for many Christians, and it is a solid choice for both personal reading and church discussion groups.
I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Pastor Dai Hankey shares spiritual reflections and personal stories in this book, encouraging Christians who feel weary and are struggling to endure. He writes about his experience with ministry burnout and spiritual exhaustion, and he reflects on the rest and hope that Jesus provides. Hankey writes about how important it is to seek Jesus instead of trying to do things on your own strength, and each chapter explores a different theme related to spiritual growth. The chapters are short and easy to process, and they include example prayers and reflection questions as well.
However, even though this book offers wonderful encouragement from the gospel, the author only deals with spiritual matters. This book would be much stronger if Hankey had cast a broader look at burnout, addressing other causes and solutions. We need Jesus, and that is the most important thing, but we also need to drink enough water, get enough sleep, process griefs and traumas, and not drive ourselves into the ground with too many commitments.
Some people have deeply healthy spiritual lives while also feeling worn down by their circumstances, and this book's emphasis can unintentionally lead someone to think that if they're still struggling, then they must not have enough faith. Hankey never suggests that trusting in Jesus will make your problems go away, and he encourages people to seek counseling if necessary, but the sole focus on faith issues here will prevent the book from being as helpful to as many people as it could be.
Hopeward is a helpful guide to cultivating your spiritual life in the midst of stress and discouragement. The writing style is very conversational, and this book will appeal to people who are looking for a quick read with deep spiritual encouragement. Even though I wish that the author had addressed more facets of burnout, this will be helpful for many Christians, and it is a solid choice for both personal reading and church discussion groups.
I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
August 8, 2023
During a hard season it is often hard to see the Lord walking alongside you. It is often hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It is often easy to feel burned out and struggle to lean on the Lord during this hard season. Using his own story of feeling burnout, Hankey intricately weaves together themes of hope, resilience, and leaning on the Lord to bring the reader Hopeward.
This narrative is written beautifully and intricately, which draws the reader into the heart of the story. Hankey's vulnerability also allows the reader to see that they are not alone. He also uses well-known verses to remind the reader that the Lord is loving. That the most loving thing the Lord can do for us is put us through hard seasons so that we are reminded of how we cannot live without the Lord. That we need Him to simply breathe. It is also through these seasons that we often see how far the Lord has carried us. That through it all the Lord has never left you.
"Hopeward," is a beautifully crafted literary work that touches the heart of the reader. Through the course of reading this book, my heart was reminded that no matter what I am going through I can come to the Lord and lay it all at His feet. That no matter what I have done I can come and lay before Him and this is the first step to overcoming a season of burnt out. I highly recommend reading this book even if you are not going through a season of burnt out. This is a book that will linger in your thoughts long after you have turned the final page, and remind that no matter how far you have gone, or how burnt out you are you can fall at the Father's feet and we will welcome you into His arms.
This narrative is written beautifully and intricately, which draws the reader into the heart of the story. Hankey's vulnerability also allows the reader to see that they are not alone. He also uses well-known verses to remind the reader that the Lord is loving. That the most loving thing the Lord can do for us is put us through hard seasons so that we are reminded of how we cannot live without the Lord. That we need Him to simply breathe. It is also through these seasons that we often see how far the Lord has carried us. That through it all the Lord has never left you.
"Hopeward," is a beautifully crafted literary work that touches the heart of the reader. Through the course of reading this book, my heart was reminded that no matter what I am going through I can come to the Lord and lay it all at His feet. That no matter what I have done I can come and lay before Him and this is the first step to overcoming a season of burnt out. I highly recommend reading this book even if you are not going through a season of burnt out. This is a book that will linger in your thoughts long after you have turned the final page, and remind that no matter how far you have gone, or how burnt out you are you can fall at the Father's feet and we will welcome you into His arms.
April 16, 2024
Dai’s book is short and sweet. It walks us through gospel promises for weary saints who feel battered and beaten by the world, or who feel like giving up their pilgrimage. It comes from a place of walking that dark valley but reminds us and shows us our Saviour with us and all the blessings and hope that brings. Incredibly helpful pastorally and personally.
February 2, 2025
Wonderful reminder of gospel truth for the downcast and discouraged believer & it is written from a place of personal experience. Dai is a pilgrim as well as a pastor. His words are comforting because they always point to the Comforter – Jesus. This is a book I will be quick to revisit when I need to be reminded of the eternal, secure hope I have in God, especially in my weakness.
July 15, 2023
Dai has gifted us with a beautifully written book that is brutally honest about the struggles of life, but brims with hope.
If you are weary or wounded, let Dai introduce (or reacquaint) you to the One who says 'come'.
If you are weary or wounded, let Dai introduce (or reacquaint) you to the One who says 'come'.
September 10, 2024
This books presents the Gospel to the weary and burdened in a brief but beautiful way. Great example of why lots of different people should write books - it wasn't academic in feel but deeply personal - I greatly appreciated that. Recommended for those in a difficult season or preparing for one.
December 3, 2023
Engagingly written book. Charts a path from "crumpled heap" to "back on your feet", by recovering hope in Jesus and listening to his call to follow him.
July 28, 2025
I appreciated the author’s honesty and encouragement- and his poems and his practical advice. Sustaining in the Christian faith depends on abiding in the Lord Jesus.
April 17, 2024
Written from a place of brokenness for broken people to grasp desperately to Jesus, who was broken for us.
November 17, 2024
Excellent
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews