Unexpected Blessings: 40 Days of Discovering God's Best

by Nichole Suvar, Traci Shnider, Susan Davidson

Have you faced unique storms in life that have left you emotionally and mentally drained? When faced with such hardships, it can be challenging to comprehend why God allows them. You might be wondering if there is a purpose behind your challenges. Is there a greater plan for the suffering you are experiencing? How do you maintain faith and hope amid trials?


Within these Unexpected Blessings devotions, you will encounter accounts of circumstances the authors did not ask for but witnessed God working through. They serve as a powerful reminder that He is a God greater than the storm and stands with us as we walk through the fires, offering strength and comfort.

Genres: Christian Living

180 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 26, 2025

Reviews

[Naomi Fata · Rating 5 out of 5]

This devotional is filled with tender relatable, real life stories of suffering. From job loss to lost coats the five authors point to our Heavenly Father as a very present help in suffering. A perfect daily devotional for the Lenten season.

[Gabby Wollert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This devotional came at the right time in my life. I've always been encouraged by one of the authors, Theresa Miller, so I knew the devotional would be good, but I had no idea how it would reach me each day in each way I needed for that day. I have been going through a very difficult season, and the encouragement and stories of the authors helped me to find glimpses of God's blessings throughout these trials. The journal portion of the book helped me to reflect these thoughts and offer prayers and it has been a gift to see be able to reread some of my entries and notice how God has been working on me over the past 40 days. I wish it kept going beyond 40 days, but I know it is what I needed for these first 40 days. If you are going through a difficult season I encourage you to lean into this devotional, dedicate yourself for 40 days and see how God can speak to you and walk with you through those 40 days.

[Julie Harbour · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a world where everyone experiences the storms of life, "Unexpected Blessings: 40 Days of Finding God's Best" can serve as a lighthouse for the weary. This collaborative work sheds light on life’s difficult moments and illuminates how discouraging, frustrating, or disappointing times can be transformed into moments of meaning and hope.
The authors share personal narratives that do not merely suggest that silver linings exist; they each have used their pen with the purpose of revealing how God's goodness persists, even when obscured by disappointment.
This devotional is perfect for the one who wrestles with the seeming contradiction between God’s promises and a painful reality. This book can become the compass to point you in the direction of the unexpected blessings in your life's storms.

[Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A reminder to slow down and appreciate life’s blessings
Sometimes God’s blessings in our lives are big and obvious, whether they’re answers to prayers or something else. Other times, His blessings are in the everyday — and often unexpected — things of life. And, yes, blessings can even come from not-so-good things that happen.

That’s what this devotional book helps us focus on — finding God’s unexpected blessings in the middle of real life. The good and the bad, the big and the small, the perfectly planned and the messy off-kilter.

Each devotion in “Unexpected Blessings: 40 Days of Discovering God’s Best” is a short, personal story from one of the five authors.

If you’re looking for a devotional book with heartfelt, easy to relate to readings,” Unexpected Blessings” is one worth checking out.

[Eve Harrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

40 Days of Blessings is a gift of blessings.

If you struggle with finding the blessing in daily life, trials, and an uncertain future then this 40
Day devotional is for you.

Included in each devotion is scripture that leads you to Your Provider, prayer that encourages the reader to draw near to Him and a challenge to see apply what you have learned.

My favorite quotes:
“What if we viewed our weakness as a superpower? Instead of succumbing to distress, we prayed to the Father and filled ourselves with His Holy power! Our weakness becomes a testament to God's goodness, and all we do glorifies Him.”
Deborah Rutherford

“God is teaching me that feelings of imposter syndrome are a signal that He’s about to do something powerful through us. Our job is to push through the doubt—and He doesn’t expect us to fight alone.”
Traci Shnider

[Stacey Pardoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know how much I needed this book until I started reading it. I've been facing some unexpected circumstances, and the title caught my attention. As I delved deeper into each devotion, I was blessed, challenged, and encouraged. God often works through the most unexpected circumstances to help us grow, draw us closer to his heart, and even heal our wounds. I savored these devotions and appreciated the insight from various wise Christian women. I'll be coming back to this book and sharing it with friends.

[Chelseasrfd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This devotional is exactly what I needed. Every time I picked this up to read it I found hope and encouragement. I read verses I've seen a hundred times but realized that I did not see the full picture until reading the devotion for that day. My favorite day was day 34. It is titled the unexpected blessing of a broken microwave door. I felt seen while reading this and it is hard to find a devotional that is written like this. I appreciate the way they relate verses to every day things that we encounter or can relate to. I definitely recommend reading this. It was exactly what I needed.

[Rosann S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Packed with powerful encouragement, Unexpected Blessings is a reminder that, even in the hardest circumstances, God brings wonderful gifts. In this lovely devotional, the authors offer personal stories, Scriptures, prayers, and reflections to help us find blessings in our own difficulties. If you want to discover hope, truth, and be inspired along the way, this devotional is for you. It’s also a great gift for a friend!

[Andrea Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpected Blessings is balm for the soul. Life rarely unfolds the way we expect. We plan, we hope, and yet, God often writes a story we never saw coming—one that is richer, deeper, and more transformative than we could have imagined. Unexpected Blessings is a testament to this truth, reminding readers that even in life’s detours, disappointments, and delays, God is at work, weaving His goodness into every thread of our journey.

[Hadassah Treu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpected Blessings: 40 Days of Discovering God's Best shares so many relatable experiences that it makes the devotional the best companion for all who are weary of life's battles and need fresh strength, courage, and hope to get going. The inspiring stories help us change our perspective and shift our focus to the faithful God, who always works for our best.

[Gladys Childs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpected Blessings is a powerful collection of devotions speaking directly to the storms of life we all face. The authors reveal how God works amid trials, offering strength, comfort, and hope through raw and honest accounts. This book reminds us that even in our darkest moments, God is greater than the storm and uses our hardships for His greater purpose. An uplifting and faith-building read!

[Katie Sampias · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is perfect for putting somewhere in your house where you can sit and enjoy a coffee or hot drink while reading a short uplifting story and then journaling on how it inspired you. This book is like chatting to a friend who always makes you feel good, even though you may be facing some tough times. This is perfect to buy as a gift for a friend, or as a gift to yourself.

[Sarah Frantz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpected Blessings is full of forty rich anecdotal stories thoughtfully shared by five Christian women. Each entry ends with an application question and prayer drawing the reader into a closer relationship with the Lord. Two lined pages follow each and provide space for the reader to record personal reflections and/or take aways.

[Sarah Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Unexpected Blessings” is a true gem! The authors beautifully highlight how God is present in our everyday lives, even amidst our struggles. They encourage us to open our eyes and hearts to the little blessings that we might otherwise overlook. A truly inspiring read that I highly recommend!

[Elizabeth Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpected Blessings: 40 Days of Discovering God’s Best, shares so many relatable experiences that it made the devotional more heartfelt because I resonated with the situations. I also love that the book has pages for you to write on for your reflections.

[Amber J Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gently & compassionately draws out blessings in the midst of struggles reminding us that God is greater than any storm. Each devotional feels like connecting with a friend and leaving with a word from the Lord as well.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a collection of short devotions from several authors. The devotions I enjoyed the most told great stories that were memorable. It will help you find reasons to see blessings in things that don't feel like blessings.

[Vickie Turley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This devotional is written for us today. The lessons can easily be applied to everyday living. It is thoughtful and heartfelt. I highly recommend this devotional.

[Maureen Metcalf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpected Blessings: 40 Days of Discovering God’s Best encourages hope in the struggle and remembering that you are never alone in your faith journey. Don’t miss the little miracles along the way!

[Michele Vrabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ladies have done a great job of incorporating life experiences with actionable steps to help us all find the unexpected blessings.

[Brianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collaborative devotional provides encouragement for the discouraged and weary. While we all face hard times and hard seasons, this devotional grabs your hand and lets you know you aren’t alone. This heartfelt devotional is the perfect journey for the one needing a friend to walk with you.

[Dawn R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful book! Each and every story of Unexpected Blessings: 40 Days of Discovering God’s Best is penned with love and thoughtfulness. The authors warmly and intimately share their stories of finding God’s blessings revealed within their moments of everyday life, from moments of joy to heartache. Their inspirational messages, along with Bible verses and heart felt prayers make this a must-read for those in need of hope and encouragement, as well as those want to bask in the goodness and love of God. A perfect gift for a friend or loved one!

[Eileen Glotfelty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpected Blessings is a book written by five women who are passionate to encourage others and give them hope. Each page is filled with relatable experiences that help me to know I am not alone in my struggles whether it be an everyday issue or something that affects me deep in my soul. I appreciate their vulnerability and grace to bring this message to those of us who need encouragement.

[DONNA MILLER · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a beautiful book! I just read Day 14 "The Unexpected Blessings From Feeling Uninvited" this morning by Susan Davidson. It deposited some much needed encouragement into my heart for my current situation and was just what God knew I needed today! Each of the 40 days of reading addresses a very tender and relatable experience in our lives and the unexpected blessings found in each of them. I am loving this book so much! Thank you Nichole, Susan, Theresa, Deborah and Traci! Your book is a sweet gift and treasure to all of us ...

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful devotional Unexpected Blessings: 40 Days of Discovering God’s Best has truly changed how I see God’s blessings in unexpected places because I have always just gotten frustrated or overwhelmed when unexpected things happen and never really saw the way God works out everything for my good. These daily devos are so helpful and powerful to the soul. Thank you to these sweet ladies for allowing God to use your heart to write these words for all the world to see and be transformed by.