The Woman in the Wilderness: A 40-Day Devotional Journey

by Joanna Alonzo

The Woman in the Wilderness is a journey, yours and mine. It’s 40 days of seeking the heart of God. It’s 40 days of coming away, of allowing Him to allure you, to lead you into the wilderness and to speak gently to you.

This devotional is about your wilderness seasons, times you've felt Him beckon and draw you to seek out the God Who has always been with you, and yet is Someone you have to search out. Like a precious pearl buried in a field.

Each day of this journey begins with the story of a woman, who is going through a fantastical wilderness in search of her beloved. She faces obstacles and meets a variety of characters. She deals with both defeat and triumph. Accompanying her part of the journey is a section called Manna, which reflects on the word of God and how her journey parallels a Christian's life.

Every Christian in serious and ardent pursuit of Love Divine has, at some point, been The Woman in the Wilderness.

If any of these resonate with you, maybe you are her too.

174 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 14, 2018

Reviews

[Debbie Chatley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow finally a devotional putting to words the cry of every woman's heart for her Heavenly Father, her maker. I was fascinated from the first page as this is a unique powerful approach calling women to seek Gods face, to take a step of faith towards God to answer the longing of our deepest part.

Loved the chapter format, each chapter begins by putting the reader in the shoes of this allegorical woman who yearns for God. The reader gets to see through her eyes what this journey might look like. Then in a section called "Manna" the author shares some key verses that are highlighted in that day's story followed from some commentary by the author on how this applies to our lives. With the story followed by the authors reflection, I felt as if the author and I were friends sitting down reading the book together and we would occasionally pause for discussion and reflection. Very powerful format. And each chapter is just the right size for a daily reading. Even though once you start reading, it will be hard to only read a chapter a day, you will find yourself wanting to read more.

This book is like the pilgrims progress but for the Christian describing our journey in bite sized pieces. All the challenges that life brings are way are encountered by this traveler: doubt, temptation, valleys, wilderness experiences, fiery trials, times of waiting, and loneliness. Yet in each challenge words of truth ring out to encourage and calm. The same truths that we need to tune into when we face these types of life challenges. Additionally, we battle with the same weapons this woman used: the Word of God, prayer, worship, praise and thanksgiving.

This book would be a good gift to give other Christian woman in your life to challenge and encourage them. As I was both encouraged in my faith walk, challenged to remember how far God has brought me, while keeping moving forward in faith through the times of my wilderness journey, keeping my eyes on Him that I seek. Get your copy today and prepare to journey with this unnamed woman in the wilderness who seeks the lover of her soul. You will not regret it.

[Jessica Pietro · Rating 5 out of 5]

This devotional was unlike any I've ever read before. It's written as a story that follows a woman making her way through the wilderness, facing trials, meeting interesting characters, and finding faith along the way. Each day gives the reader a small chunk of the story, followed by an authors note that stands as the "devotional" portion.
The story is beautifully written, incredibly relatable, and thought-provoking. I have many highlights throughout so I can flick back through later and be reminded of all I learned on this journey alongside the woman in the wilderness.

Highly recommended to any woman who struggles to walk with God on a daily basis, who let's the trials of life distract her and discourage her.

I already have book 2, Kingdom Child, and I'm excited to see where the second part of this woman's voyage leads me.

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this devotional. The author's unique style of using a storyline followed by "manna" with the author's reflections held my attention. Walking through the wilderness alongside the sojourner, encountering what she did hit home to me. Beautifully written. Powerful insights that gripped me. Loved this unique devotional and I've already bought the next two! Can't wait to dive in. Friend, come on the journey through the wilderness. You won't regret it!

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Does it seem like you are in a wilderness? Are you wondering wht you can learn from the things that are happening in your life? God knows all about it. This book helped to understand so many things about the journey that I'm on. I highly recommend it to everyone. Very well done!

[Michaela | Reading in the Heartland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know where my review got lost, but this is an incredible devtional. I highly recommend it. And now I know that there are more that follow it. Alonzo has such a great way at getting at your heart and showcasing God's through everything she writes.

[Cathy M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful

I loved this very imaginative devotional. Great imagery and a solid foundation of scripture. I got a lot out of this. Now to put it into action. I highly recommend to all.