What do you think?
Rate this book
The Miracle in the Middle: Finding God's Voice in the Void
This compelling, story-driven message shows how those who persist through the burnout and valleys of the “middle” will find that miracles await them on the other side. If you've ever been on a long trip with small children, you've no doubt heard, "Are we there yet?" Maybe you've felt that same way as you have journeyed with God. It’s the midway point where most of us feel impatient and frustrated. It's also where our hidden doubts find their voice. Where most beginnings start with energy and expectation for all that is ahead, and endings bring the joy of completion as you arrive at your desired destination, the middle is different. This midpoint can too quickly become a low point, as energy is lacking and enthusiasm wanes. Yet how well you handle the middle reveals what is in the “middle” of you. The disciples found—in the middle of a lake—a revelation of Jesus that they had never seen on the shore. In the middle is where new navigational skills are found. It's also where some of the most significant lessons are learned. In Miracle in the Middle , you’ll learn how to: Find strength in the struggle, passion to persist, wisdom in weariness, and joy for the journey.
208 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2015
73 people are currently reading
244 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 27, 2020
This has some really powerful moments integrated into the text, but I found the examples to be fairly surface and underdeveloped. When I read a book in this genre, I really want it to challenge my thinking and stretch me spiritually and intellectually. I felt like this didn’t quite scratch that itch for me.
December 26, 2019
This provides good advice for whatever process you're going through. I really enjoyed the visuals and life anecdotes she told us about. There are prayer points and questions at the end of each chapter. That was great.
December 31, 2024
Personal anecdotes overload! Don't get me wrong, there are a couple of little highlighted things I got out of this book; but overall this book was hard to want to read with it being so repetitive. And with the anecdotes, I never really felt like we got true ways to live it out.
March 9, 2021
I have seen Charlotte speak at several Date to Be events and have always enjoyed it. If you enjoy her speaking, you will enjoy this. I could hear her voice in my head while reading it. It was so full of good points to think about. It took me as long to read as it did because I would read something and then want to stop and really think about it and talk with God about it. I didn't really view myself as in "the middle" currently, but in reading this I realized that we all are in the middle of something all the time. The truths in this are valid all the time.
August 12, 2015
I had high hopes for learning more about listening to God when I read this book. I was disappointed. The book began with a car trip example, and boy, could I identify. As the mother of eight children, there were many years when my husband and I didn't take any trips at all, because there was nothing "fun" about listening to squalling babies and arguing toddlers for hours in a closed space. And yes, I agree, the middle of any trip always seemed the most difficult. By chapter four, however, I'd read more about author Charlotte Gambill's mountain-climbing and running than I did about developing a relationship with God. Yes, I understand using personal anecdotes to illustrate a point, but in this case, the incidents seemed more about the author's physical prowess and less about incidents and events readers could relate to. And dare I say it? Bible verses and stories were used too often, in places that didn't seem necessary, and I found myself skimming over them sometimes.
There are redeeming qualities to this book. If you are a runner, mountain-climber, or facing a large task or goal that seems insurmountable, there is encouragement to be found in sections of this book. You can get a lot out of just reading the pull quotes off each page. The prayer points at the end of each chapter are another plus.
There are redeeming qualities to this book. If you are a runner, mountain-climber, or facing a large task or goal that seems insurmountable, there is encouragement to be found in sections of this book. You can get a lot out of just reading the pull quotes off each page. The prayer points at the end of each chapter are another plus.
February 5, 2017
I don't know how, but God is always bringing me to books that hit home at just the right time. This one was a definite favorite for me.
This book is so encouraging and a great reminder that God truly does use our middle to strengthen who we are. I have learned that struggles, challenges, tears, my emotional breakdowns ... all of it, God uses!
::And I'm declaring my middle to be a place that builds me rather than breaks me.
This book is so encouraging and a great reminder that God truly does use our middle to strengthen who we are. I have learned that struggles, challenges, tears, my emotional breakdowns ... all of it, God uses!
::And I'm declaring my middle to be a place that builds me rather than breaks me.
March 23, 2022
DNF I stopped reading in middle of the book. I brought it because I enjoyed her preaching at Womens conference. But this book was boring and had no new information. I guess the focus is on the lessons you learn in the midst of your trials
November 26, 2022
I HEARD CHARLOTTE SPEAK TO OUR CHURCH AND FOUND THIS BOOK ONLINE FROM OUR LIBRARY. SHE IS VERY PRACTICAL IN HER EXPLANATIONS AS SHE USES ILLUSTRATIONS FROM HER PERSONAL AND PUBLIC LIFE TO BRING OUT HER POINTS IN EACH CHAPTER. AT THE END OF EACH CHAPTER ARE THREE ACTION POINTS AND POINTS OF EMPHASIS FOR PRAYER. THE THEME BEING IN THE MIDDLE GIVES THE BOOK AN EASY THREAD TO FOLLOW AS SHE ENCOURAGES THE READER TO LOOK FOR WAYS TO NAVIGATE WHATEVER CHALLENGES YOU MAY FIND YOURSELF IN AT THE MOMENT. THE KEY POINT IS TO PERSEVERE AND ALLOW GOD TO MEET YOU IN THE MIDDLE OF YOUR SITUATION SO THAT YOU CAN CARRY THROUGH TO THE OTHER SIDE. A FUN AND EASY READ WITH PLENTY OF APPLICATION TO MY LIFE.
September 4, 2025
This was a re-read for me but, this time around, it didn't seem to have the impact of the first read and I can only conclude that I am actually closer to the 'end' than the 'middle' with this season in my life and so not in need of the help contained within the book.
As with many Christian titles, this fits a particular season or circumstance in one's life and, if read at that sweet spot is filled with encouragement and good advice.
A good read for anyone who feels as if they are treading water during a period and unsure as to where they are heading or how to give some purpose to the moment.
As with many Christian titles, this fits a particular season or circumstance in one's life and, if read at that sweet spot is filled with encouragement and good advice.
A good read for anyone who feels as if they are treading water during a period and unsure as to where they are heading or how to give some purpose to the moment.
October 27, 2019
Remember to listen
I really enjoyed this book. I read they it in a small group setting and it was very informative to see how each one of us related to the book. Each week we read a bit more and had many great conversations on how we could see Jesus working in our lives. You will not be disappointed in this book.
I really enjoyed this book. I read they it in a small group setting and it was very informative to see how each one of us related to the book. Each week we read a bit more and had many great conversations on how we could see Jesus working in our lives. You will not be disappointed in this book.
April 28, 2019
I’m currently in a “middle” season and have been struggling to walk through it well. This book came at a great time and was an immense encouragement to me to keep working through the middle.
http://workinprogressblog.co/2019/04/...
http://workinprogressblog.co/2019/04/...
November 7, 2017
Great real life analogies that give hope
April 24, 2025
Such a good book and so applicable to any season of life - I would read again for sure! I was taking notes the entire time and it’s so encouraging too
August 12, 2015
The beginning.
The middle.
The end.
Every journey, every process has three stages. Beginnings are exciting and full of promise. Endings are satisfying and fulfilling. The Miracle in the Middle by Charlotte Gambill addresses the murky middle, the time between two shores when people lose interest, become discouraged, or just drop out. Charlotte’s word of encouragement is that the middle can be a place of building rather than breaking, and she offers practical and biblical wisdom taken from the life and ministry of Christ for managing our middle moments:
1.The middle feels uncertain, so follow Jesus. In response to His “follow me,” the disciples accepted the shift in management and followed Jesus through the highs and lows of His earthly ministry.
2.The middle may become turbulent, so stick close to the Word of God. Jesus’ words to His disciples put them in a boat in the middle of a lake, weathering “the perfect storm.” It was only after they were past the middle that they realized His plan.
3.Since most of us are stressed out and straining by the mid-point, it is critical that we deal with the “damage” immediately — pray, forgive, and practice peace. It was while they were straining at their oars that the disciples got a clear view of what Jesus could do.
4.In the middle of a storm, take courage, remember who Jesus is, and don’t fear. These were Jesus’ exact words to His disciples in Mark 6:50.
5.To hold the boat steady mid-journey, drop anchors into God, His Word, His promises, and His grace. Hebrews 6:13 reminds us that His promises are unbreakable. This gives us hope as an anchor in the muddle of the middle, (Hebrews 6:19).
6.The middle is all about patience and persistence. To make progress, position yourself correctly. My absolute favorite of Charlotte’s biblical vignettes portrays the daughters of Zelophehad (Numbers 27:1-4) as movers and shakers whose self-advocacy in the middle of a murky and uncertain time changed their family’s fortunes and solidified their standing in the flow of biblical history.
7.During those middle days, be a responder — not a reactor. In the middle, don’t be a moaner. The people of Israel, stuck in the middle somewhere between the Red Sea and the Promised Land, are poster children for how NOT to manage our middle moments.
8.We occupy the middle with others who also need space and encouragement. The disciples’ blunders were public, but so was their recovery as God used them to establish the Church.
9.Don’t confuse the mid-point with the destination. As in the case of David and Jonathan, God provides significant relationships to encourage and affirm.
10.To motivate: ACCELERATE! The destination — the deadline, the goal keeps our eyes focused on God’s big picture. Like the disciples, we may find that the Jesus we meet in the middle will change all future beginnings and endings!
Middles will never be my favorite (not even with a pan of brownies!). However, I appreciate Charlotte Gambill’s call to pick up the oars in our marriages and families, in our career, in our ministry. Time well-spent in the middle will produce soul-strength and character qualities that will magnify Jesus when, with Him, we finally reach the shore.
This book was provided by Thomas Nelson through the BookLookBloggers program in exchange for my review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
The middle.
The end.
Every journey, every process has three stages. Beginnings are exciting and full of promise. Endings are satisfying and fulfilling. The Miracle in the Middle by Charlotte Gambill addresses the murky middle, the time between two shores when people lose interest, become discouraged, or just drop out. Charlotte’s word of encouragement is that the middle can be a place of building rather than breaking, and she offers practical and biblical wisdom taken from the life and ministry of Christ for managing our middle moments:
1.The middle feels uncertain, so follow Jesus. In response to His “follow me,” the disciples accepted the shift in management and followed Jesus through the highs and lows of His earthly ministry.
2.The middle may become turbulent, so stick close to the Word of God. Jesus’ words to His disciples put them in a boat in the middle of a lake, weathering “the perfect storm.” It was only after they were past the middle that they realized His plan.
3.Since most of us are stressed out and straining by the mid-point, it is critical that we deal with the “damage” immediately — pray, forgive, and practice peace. It was while they were straining at their oars that the disciples got a clear view of what Jesus could do.
4.In the middle of a storm, take courage, remember who Jesus is, and don’t fear. These were Jesus’ exact words to His disciples in Mark 6:50.
5.To hold the boat steady mid-journey, drop anchors into God, His Word, His promises, and His grace. Hebrews 6:13 reminds us that His promises are unbreakable. This gives us hope as an anchor in the muddle of the middle, (Hebrews 6:19).
6.The middle is all about patience and persistence. To make progress, position yourself correctly. My absolute favorite of Charlotte’s biblical vignettes portrays the daughters of Zelophehad (Numbers 27:1-4) as movers and shakers whose self-advocacy in the middle of a murky and uncertain time changed their family’s fortunes and solidified their standing in the flow of biblical history.
7.During those middle days, be a responder — not a reactor. In the middle, don’t be a moaner. The people of Israel, stuck in the middle somewhere between the Red Sea and the Promised Land, are poster children for how NOT to manage our middle moments.
8.We occupy the middle with others who also need space and encouragement. The disciples’ blunders were public, but so was their recovery as God used them to establish the Church.
9.Don’t confuse the mid-point with the destination. As in the case of David and Jonathan, God provides significant relationships to encourage and affirm.
10.To motivate: ACCELERATE! The destination — the deadline, the goal keeps our eyes focused on God’s big picture. Like the disciples, we may find that the Jesus we meet in the middle will change all future beginnings and endings!
Middles will never be my favorite (not even with a pan of brownies!). However, I appreciate Charlotte Gambill’s call to pick up the oars in our marriages and families, in our career, in our ministry. Time well-spent in the middle will produce soul-strength and character qualities that will magnify Jesus when, with Him, we finally reach the shore.
This book was provided by Thomas Nelson through the BookLookBloggers program in exchange for my review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
August 23, 2015
This book is for anyone who has ever started on a journey in life, or been thrown into a difficult situation and wonders if the middle part of this journey will ever end? Is God seeing me? Hearing me?
I could really relate to this book because I have been through such a journey recently. When the situation begins you're hopeful that it's going to come to a quick and happy conclusion. As the middle drags on, you wonder if it will ever end. This is where we can lose hope or even question if God is there for us.
Charlotte shares from her life in this book and I always enjoy that. It reminds me that I'm not alone in this journey called life and that others have also struggled with difficult situations. She shares Scriptures to help us through this middle time in our lives and gives us the encouragement to hold on even when the end doesn't seem anywhere in sight.
She also has Prayer Points and Action Points at the end of each chapter that are perfect for individual reflection. I don't think this book has enough questions to really be used as a group study but it's perfect for the individual.
I understood what she meant by the title. Sometimes the miracle in the middle is just surviving it! We can grow and truly become closer to God if we will just have patience and trust while we're in the middle of our journeys.
I enjoyed this book and I learned a lot from it. I give it 4 out of 5 stars.
*This book was provided to me for my honest review by the BookLook Bloggers program
I could really relate to this book because I have been through such a journey recently. When the situation begins you're hopeful that it's going to come to a quick and happy conclusion. As the middle drags on, you wonder if it will ever end. This is where we can lose hope or even question if God is there for us.
Charlotte shares from her life in this book and I always enjoy that. It reminds me that I'm not alone in this journey called life and that others have also struggled with difficult situations. She shares Scriptures to help us through this middle time in our lives and gives us the encouragement to hold on even when the end doesn't seem anywhere in sight.
She also has Prayer Points and Action Points at the end of each chapter that are perfect for individual reflection. I don't think this book has enough questions to really be used as a group study but it's perfect for the individual.
I understood what she meant by the title. Sometimes the miracle in the middle is just surviving it! We can grow and truly become closer to God if we will just have patience and trust while we're in the middle of our journeys.
I enjoyed this book and I learned a lot from it. I give it 4 out of 5 stars.
*This book was provided to me for my honest review by the BookLook Bloggers program
August 28, 2015
This is an encouraging book that should be read in preparation for being in the middle of a long journey. She has great suggestions but the practical ideas are lacking. One of her suggestions is to develop a strategy to change your situation but no plan is given. The best way to use this book, I think, would be to read it with a small group of trusted friends. There are Action and Prayer Points at the end of each chapter that would be good to use to develop strategy and work on the character traits needed. Gambill does have a good section on helping others in the midst of a long journey so every Christian could benefit from reading the book.
You can read my entire review at http://bit.ly/1ElSGGe.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
You can read my entire review at http://bit.ly/1ElSGGe.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
July 23, 2015
I found this book to be encouraging and full of scriptural references to help me when I'm not sure what I'm doing or where I'm going. Everybody has times in their lives where it feels like God has stopped talking to you. A desert experience if you will. And being in the desert can make you feel desperate and depressed. But this book reminded me that God is always there, and always will be. We walk by faith, not by our feelings. This book is a keeper for me, and will have a place in my bookshelf.
August 24, 2020
Great point of view of the life we’re living is the middle part of our complete story and the end is when we reach heaven. Struggles will always come out way but how we manage to handle or react to the middle is important to our joy, happiness and sanity.
May 29, 2016
Fantastic book that really gives advice and guidance. For anyone who feels overwhelmed at times in this life! Thoroughly enjoyed this and had a ton of take-a-ways!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews