Fierce Hope: Walking Through Pain with the God of the Universe

by Corrie Napier

“There is no tragedy so great that God can’t work his triumph in it. When your hope of happily-ever-after gives way to a nightmare, you’ve got to find a different hope. That’s what Corrie Napier does in Fierce Hope, as she tells her story with a sincerity that will touch your heart, vulnerability you’ll admire, and wisdom that will help you to find your own story of redemption when things go horribly wrong.” — Wayne Jacobsen, author of He Loves Me! and co-author of The Shack

When twenty-eight-year-old Corrie overhears a phone call and discovers her husband’s affair, her idyllic Christian world is shattered. Plunged into gut-wrenching pain and betrayal, Corrie’s life comes to a standstill as she cries out to God for a way forward.

In the midst of her darkness, an unexpected symbol of hope appears, igniting a transformative three-year spiritual journey.

During this time, she experiences what she now calls "11-11 moments," divine touchpoints of healing and closeness with her Creator where she senses Him showing her how to move forward, inviting her to dream again, and do what she was created to do.

This riveting memoir invites you into Corrie’s dual worlds—her dynamic outer life as an American living overseas in Shanghai, China, and her profound inner world of conversations and encounters with God.

For those who have felt the sting of betrayal, the weight of life-altering changes, or the longing for deeper divine connection, wondering, “Where is God?” this book is for you. It is also for those who feel paralyzed by grief or stuck in the darkness of pain.

You will laugh, cry, and cheer alongside Corrie as you glean insights, courage, and faith to experience your own transformation. Her journey of experiencing God in her darkest moments will encourage and inspire you to walk in the fierce hope and purpose that awaits you.

If you’re interested in the following topics or themes, this book is for Christian young women’s memoir, spiritual healing, hope and faith in the midst of pain, suffering and grief, overcoming divorce and separation, Christian journey of inspiration and resilience, spiritual warfare, and hearing from God.

300 pages, Paperback

Published August 11, 2024

About the author

Corrie Napier was named after Dutch World War II hero and concentration camp survivor Corrie Ten Boom and is the granddaughter of a Palestinian Arab who married an Israeli Jew. With these legacies of forgiveness and reconciliation in her DNA, Corrie became a peacemaker and bridge-builder, living abroad for many years and learning multiple languages. She earned her bachelor’s and a master’s in dispute resolution from Pepperdine University, where she is also an adjunct professor. In 2020, Corrie cofounded Pax Napier, an international consultancy and mediation firm.

Fierce Hope is Corrie’s first book, a deeply personal memoir recounting a dark yet redemptive chapter in life when she developed much of the grit and perspective that undergird her in her current endeavors.

Corrie is passionate about public speaking, singing, decluttering, and playing almost any game. She and her husband, John, are currently based in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Reviews

[K. Brittingham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m at a loss for words. I started reading this book months ago and had to out it on pause because of how emotional I was and it made me. Once I picked it back up I couldn’t stop. Beautiful, raw, funny, pitifully heartbreaking and fiercely warm. Corrie is an incredible storyteller. I cannot rave highly enough.

[Heather Newmyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Corrie is a dear friend of mine and reading her story was so much more meaningful because of that. However, even if you don’t know Corrie, she is so vulnerable and open it’s as if you’re reading from an old friend. Her story is one of heartbreak, pain and yet, in the midst, of hope and renewal because of how God spoke to her and led her the entire way. She truly is a gift and sharing her story will help so many people!💙

[Kelly Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful and brave memoir where God takes heartbreak and rewrites Corrie's story in a way she could have never expected. It was hard to put this book down as I followed along Corrie's journey of how God personally and intimately showed up for Corrie again and again as she experienced the biggest heartbreak of her life. This is a must read!

[Dylan West · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author looks for God behind every lamppost and under every turtle shell, and finds Him, often in baffling ways. Even if tragedy isn’t cratering your life right now, read this book just to see what pursuing God looks like. The adventures chronicled here felt very real—prayer has whisked me off to equally odd, awe-soaked moments. Many believers compile a scrapbook of memories they’ve made with Jesus, but few share it with the rest of the readerly world. And fewer still can wield a keyboard like a paintbrush like Corrie does. If loving God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength is how you measure success, you’re not looking at this book by accident.

[Jason Hinojosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fierce Hope is a raw, gripping, and honest memoir about betrayal and redemption. The writing is engaging and accessible, and the story is compelling. It's a page-turner. God's comforting and guiding presence is at the center of this narrative, though the story also highlights the profoundly healing power of support from family and friends. This book will appeal to many different readers, including but perhaps not limited to anyone who has experienced the specific pains of adultery and/or divorce, anyone who has been through a traumatic existential or spiritual crisis, anyone who has been close to someone who is grieving, anyone who is looking to their Christian faith for something more satisfying than "easy" theological answers, and anyone who had had their foundation of faith challenged by deep pain. Above all, this is a story about hope.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent book. Corrie, the author, walks through her journey of betrayal with her Heavenly Father at the realm. Through this painful process she is sanctified in a way unique to her suffering. She praises the Lord consistently and is always watching and listening for His guidance. The strength that exudes from her close walk with Jesus is inspiring. Growth can happen in our most painful hours. I would recommend this book to anyone!

[Deborah Coles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Corrie’s story touched my heart. I just couldn’t put it down. This book will have you longing to stay connected to God and to hear his voice each day and in every challenge and in every praise.

[Andrea Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are going through a tough season this book is for you. Or just a reminder that no matter the circumstances it’s about OUR walk with God individually. He is always there in the midst of the good and the bad. He uses everything to grow us if we allow Him. It’s funny how I literally just finished reading The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom and then was given this book to read since this author is named for her. After reading this book there is no doubt that was a sweet little kiss from God. I am so thankful for friend giving me this book and for listening and reading it now. Much needed in my life at the moment.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Fierce Hope: Walking Through Pain with the God of the Universe, Corrie tells her story with a captivating vulnerability that makes it impossible to put the book down. Her journey with God into a deeper relationship where she is able to find joy and love in the midst of such hardship invites the reader to do the same. I would highly recommend this book!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Corrie Napier shares her honest story of pain and heartache and also hope. It’s a love story of God wooing her in the midst of utter heartbreak and her rebuilding trust and hope in the Only One who will never fail. This intimate view of suffering and beauty in the midst is poignant but filled with hope and a sense of coming joy. It’s a reminder for all who suffer to press into the comfort that can only be found in God. Beautifully written. Wonderfully encouraging.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’d have definitely read it in one sitting if sleep and work hadn’t interrupted me. So let’s make it two sittings.
This is such an authentic, well told story about a grand adventure with the Creator of everything. Corrie!!! Thank you for sharing your story with the planet. We’re all richer for having read this book.

[Wendy Hinds · Rating 5 out of 5]

I surprised myself by reading Fierce Hope in 2 days but all the credit goes to Corrie for sharing such an inspiring and honest part of her life’s journey from a vulnerable place to help others to see that there is hope even in times of despair and disappointment in life. I was truly inspired by how she brings out the beauty of love even when it brings pain and the ultimate gift of forgiveness which brings profound healing and open the door for light and hope to flood into our lives.
I must say I was truly blessed and transformed to a greater level in my own healing journey. I encourage everyone to read this book and I am convinced that it will be especially beneficial to anyone who has experienced heart break and betrayal in a relationship. This book is unlike any other that I have tried to read in this genre because it is not making suggestions or assumptions or offering solutions but sharing from a place of vulnerability and profound wisdom with deep inspirations from the God of the Universe who is waiting to meet us at our points of need when we surrender totally to him.
Be blessed as you read Fierce Hope and may you have 11:11 moments that brings profound joy, peace and hope.
Wendy H.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first met Corrie in China when she was in the middle of facing the challenges that she writes about in this book. I never knew about the circumstances of this journey until a few years later. She amazed me then with her faith and conviction to pursue God.

In this book, I was impressed at how openly she shared about her life and all its challenges. It takes courage to write a story like this and I was greatly encouraged.

In her own words from the book “ When I think about my life now and what I want for my future, a simple picture comes to mind. It’s not about ideal circumstances or outcomes, though of course those can be good. It’s a picture of my hand in God’s hand, walking through life together, knowing Him intimately, hearing and responding to His voice” - Corrie Napier.

This is definitely a story of redemption. Of learning to hear Gods voice and how to respond to that voice.
What a blessing!

[EliG · Rating 2 out of 5]

I respect the process and journey the author has gone through, which she describes in this piece. However, I'm never quite captivated by the story as the form and the language feels too smooth for these hardships that are portrayed. This might be due to culture clash, as I'm from different worlds than Napier is (both geographically, culturally and theologically) , and I'm probably not in the target group for this book as English is not my mother tongue, but I was disappointed as it didn't deliver what I expected. Wish there was more to chew on between the lines.

The story itself is gripping and moving, but I wish I heard it through convo with the author, not via text, as the latter drowns out the message for me.

Great, intriguing title, and an overall important message of finding glimpses of hope in the darkness.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This memoir is beautifully written—raw, honest, and deeply moving. The author shares her personal trials with such vulnerability and grace that it’s easy to connect with her journey. Through every struggle, you can see the steady thread of hope that God weaves into her story, reminding the reader that even in the darkest moments, He is faithful.

This book didn’t just touch my heart—it strengthened my faith. It inspired me to keep walking with God, trusting Him more fully, and believing that He’s working even when I can’t see it. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for encouragement, especially in their spiritual journey.

[Pauline Chiang · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an honest heart-to-heart from someone who has known great joy as well as severe pain. Corrie’s words ring with the authenticity of joyful truth, even though this truth is often difficult to discern or comprehend. She does not neatly tie a bow around difficult situations, and she does not hold back from asking the hard questions we all wrestle with. I highly recommend this book for anyone who would like greater insight from someone who has done the hard work of self-examination and prayer refocus. It is very likely that your own hope will increase after encountering her story.

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a gem! I would recommend that anyone in the thick of suffering read it and reflect upon it.

Napier stresses the importance of keeping an open heart and mind to the Lord's communication. As Christians, we must be attentive to the ebbs and flows of the Holy Spirit; this book depicts that. I appreciated Napier's raw honesty about the trials she experienced in her marriage and the Lord's redemption of it through her current marriage. I hope it encourages you as much as it did me!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Words cannot express how deeply moved I was by Corrie’s words, and her deep knowledge of faith that comes from difficult times.

The way she grows to speak to God —and how God speaks to her— is a unique transformation I do not find in many individuals.

She taught me I can authentically grow to the woman God has made me despite the most heartbreaking moments in life.

A must read for those grieving, surviving trauma, or wish to enrich the way they speak to God🤍

[Amy Cooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is of the highest quality in both style and substance. For those who are hurting, it's like a roadmap to find the way out. It will make you want to know and experience God the way that Corrie does.

[Elaine Hanger · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, Corrie Napier shows us how to listen for God's voice and how to be obedient in the most difficult circumstances.
Despite deep deep wounds and dashed hopes, Corrie never waivers in her faith. All of us need inspiration to navigate struggles; this book is a deep well of inspiration.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! Both heartbreaking and yet so powerful!! God’s hand is clearly all over this book!! Thank you for sharing your story with us Corrie :)