Open Hands: A Journey to Trusting the Lord with Your Desires and Disappointments

by Hannah Pettefer

What are the dreams you clutch tightly, afraid they'll never see the light of day? What are the disappointments you can't shake off because they hit a little too close to home? What if there was a life of freedom and trust awaiting you? Through her personal stories of heartbreak, dreams, and disasters, Hannah leads you from a vague hope for a change of circumstances to a rooted trust in the character of God. As you journey through this narrative, you won't find any religious Band-Aid fixes to life's problems. Instead, you'll discover how to better understand and apply the truth of God's Word to the uncertainty of life's timelines and questions. Keeping your plans in open hands positions your heart to receive all the unexpected goodness that God has to offer you. Are you ready?

Genres: Christian

244 pages, Paperback

Published March 18, 2024

About the author

Hello friends!
I am a 26 year-old entrepreneur in Louisiana seeking to find grace in the everythings of life. My first book, "Open Hands" came out Spring 2024, and I can't wait for you to read it. I'm cooler on Instagram, @princesshannahwrites.

Reviews

[Mary Spencer Veazey · Rating 5 out of 5]

You need to read this book. ❤️ relatable, honest, funny, full of scripture.

[Caitlin Yarbrough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where to even begin. This book was encouraging, convicting, and very timely for me in my current and difficult season. Some of my favorite quotes:

“Hold everything in your hands lightly, otherwise it hurts when God pries your fingers open.”

“I cried at church today, not necessarily out of conviction or sorrow, but out of need. Weariness tainted my worship, but I cried and came nonetheless, and God met me there.”
(I read this portion on a Wednesday night - little did I know it would end up reflecting reality for my own weary soul a few days later this Sunday morning.)

“To trust God isn’t just to feel good about the direction of your life but to press on to His goodness no matter what you feel.”

“An open-handed life is one of trust in who the Lord is and that He will give us what is best, even if that goes against our plans and timelines.”

I loved all the analogies Hannah gives to what trusting the Lord looks like and our position before the Lord, namely us being like the sheep stuck in a tire swing and being “unsnatchable.” I also greatly appreciated the realness and vulnerability shown in the book. In general the book is very well-written and poignant, rooted in God’s Word, and kept me captivated. Open Hands will help its reader to understand what it means to trust the Lord in the waiting, what trusting the Lord is not, and what it means to “cast your anxieties on [the Lord] because He cares for you.”

[Heather Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly this book is such a breath of fresh air. Hannah has such a conversational way of speaking that it feels like she’s right there with me as I’m reading it. This book is helpful to both to new Christians who may struggle with trusting God initially. But also to those who have been following God for a while who struggle to trust God in every part of their lives. This book does such a good job of helping you prepare to trust God in mind and heart, while also providing practical ways to hold your life in an open hands.

My favorite part of this book is all the poems at the start of each chapter and the questions at the end of each chapter to help you reflect and process what you just learned. This book would be perfect for a book club or for individual person. I feel like this book also challenges a lot of misconceptions around trusting God while using Scripture and Bible stories to actually explain what trusting God looks like.

While reading this book I certainly felt challenged to examine the areas of my life where I did’t trust God fully. At the same time I was delighted to let go and hold my life with loose hands because I knew that God is good.

[Hailey Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I continue to be astonished at the depth of Hannah’s Godly wisdom and how well she communicates it. This book is a well-organized, deeply thought-out, and highly practical look at trusting the Lord with our plans for our life. I left this book feeling encouraged and equipped that making the effort to be with God and know His character more deeply will reassure me that I can trust Him with every aspect of my life.
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“We are called to trust the Giver, not the gifts… To trust only in what God does for us is to miss out on who He is.”
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“Tell our doubts of God’s goodness to shatter at the feet of the Cross, because there we can *know* that God’s plan is for His glory and our good.”
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“An open-handed life is not about changing the outcome of our lives but about changing the position of our hearts.”
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“The practice of prioritizing and trusting Jesus is the only way we can prepare for the unexpected griefs of life.”

[Dawn R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

With open hands and an open heart, Hannah Pettefer shares stories of her dreams, desires, disappointments, and disasters as she navigates learning to trust in God’s plans for her life and waiting for his perfect timing in seasons of uncertainty. I appreciate her vulnerability and honesty as she shares openly of her personal struggles with letting go of her own expectations in exchange for having faith in God, his character, and his word. Beautifully and eloquently written, each chapter is a delight to read. For any young adult who is wrestling with sorting out the Lord’s plan and purpose for their life, I highly recommend “Open Hands” to guide you on your journey.

[Tyler Hartley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book so encouraging! What ever life is throwing your way you can trust in the Lord 100% this book helps you bring that back into perspective. Hold tight to the Lord and loosen that grip on everything else with open hands.💕

Hannah shared real life stories that she has over come with her faith and trust in the Lord. And to just read about her desires that are still not completely fulfilled but she continues rejoicing in the hope, is so inspiring. And so much good scripture that goes along with that. Its a good read!

[Christina Lindvay · Rating 5 out of 5]

A modern yet deeply timeless portrayal of what a life led by trusting God can offer. It won't always be easy, but Hannah Pettefer, in her beautiful prose, provides comfort and truth in the difficult moments of facing disappointment and desire.

Wholly recommended for anyone, especially rising adults, who needs someone to help guide them through and towards the life waiting for them. Hannah reminds you you're never alone.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with holding my hands open to God. I love to say I trust God in all things but there remain times when I trust God when He gives me what I think is best. But what He gives me is always the best for me, even when at that moment I might disagree. His plan comes with love and the desire to make me happy in the life He has given me.

[Caleb Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read! It was very theologically rich and laden with poignant biblical truths. Before you read this book, be sure to hold your conceptions, or maybe misconceptions, about God’s will and plan for your life loosely in your hands.

[Kaytlun Dardar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book walks through real struggles that many can relate to in some way. Hannah tells it like it is and is such an encouraging voice through the hard things and waiting seasons.

[Jennifer Tomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picked this up not thinking it would be much. But, oh did it turn into a study!! Loved her writing and honesty. Looking forward to rereading it soon!

[April Pettefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hannah has written a book filled with hope and wisdom that is so helpful during seasons of disappointment, discouragement, and even disaster! She points readers to the timeless truths of God’s Word and helps us to see how they can impact our lives. I love her openness about her own struggles and her compassion for the struggles others are experiencing!!

I highly recommend this book to women, particularly young women, who want to bring their challenges to the Lord or who are in the midst of uncertainty and waiting!!