Where God Finds You: 40 Devotions Bringing Biblical Characters to Life
by Anita Higman
When the angel visited Mary, Jesus' mother, to tell her that God chose her to
give birth to his son, she trembled with fear. Noah's wife stood in awe of the
rainbow, God's sign of promise. The woman, who touched Jesus cloak with enough
faith to be healed, humbled herself before her Lord. When I read the Bible, I
try to picture how people like Rahab, Daniel or Lydia really lived. Did they
have feelings like I do? What did they think? How did they deal with a lack of
faith or loss of hope?
Anita Higman answers my questions as she paints intimate portraits of forty
individuals from Biblical times. Through in-depth fictional character sketches
and specific scripture, she creates a colorful slice of each person's story.
With emotion and clarity the writing brings the people to life as it pulls the
reader in to Old and New Testament times. Complimented by the life applications
and questions to ponder, each devotion offers wisdom and encouragement.
This is just one of the wonderful books that Anita has written. A prolific
author in several genres, Anita writes from the heart. Her deep relationship
with God guides her as she works. Let’s hear what she has to say about the
writing journey.
1. Anita, you’ve spent your career writing stories, so you must
have thought about this before—why do you think God uses stories so often to
communicate his truth?
I
believe Jesus used storytelling (parables) because he knew that we could truly relate
to this form of communication. After all, our lives are like living storybooks
with each chapter being written every day. Stories go right to our hearts—stirring
us, challenging us, inspiring us, changing the way we think. And most
importantly, ever moving us toward redemption.
2. You are an award-winning writer, a
best-selling writer – you are still writing fiction, also, right? Or have you
achieved all you set out to do with your fiction writing?
Yes,
I’m still writing novels, and I hope to do so for the rest of my life. I have
dozens of stories yet to tell. I just hope people will continue to want to read
them!
3. How do you see this book being used?
I believe Where God Finds You would make a good book to read while you’re
sipping your morning coffee, or it would work well for a group Bible study.
4. What did the experience of writing these
stories bring into your own life?
I
have never felt so close to God as when I was writing this book. The experience
felt a little like when you turn up the volume on your phone, and you can hear
someone’s voice with more clarity. But it was also sensing his nearness—the
warmth of his love and the light of his presence—that also made me well up each
morning with worship and wonder and gratitude.
5. Why did you decide to tackle this
particular subject matter?
Good
question. I generally write contemporary romantic fiction, so working on a
devotional book infused with Biblical fiction was not an easy task. Also, I’m
not a Biblical scholar, so at first I was overwhelmed, knowing how much
research it would take to write a book of this kind. In fact, I said no to the
editor who’d asked me to take on this project, but then he asked me to pray
about my decision. That weekend I did pray about it, and felt strongly that I
was meant to write this book. I may not have a degree in theology, but I did
want to be obedient to God. Writing this devotional book, Where God Finds You, turned out to be an amazing experience.
6.
What do you think readers will take
away from the book?
My
hope is that people will enjoy discovering how relevant the Bible stories are
to our lives today. I wanted to bring the characters to life and show that these
ancient people were very much like us with similar hurts and tragedies, hopes
and transgressions, joys and triumphs. Even though the culture was dramatically
different, our hearts are the same. Those famous Bible folk needed God back
then just as we need him in our daily lives right now.
7. What do you like about this book?
Getting
to know these Bible characters and writing their stories in first person was a
seemingly impossible undertaking, and yet the experience inspired and
encouraged me. I hope readers will be equally moved.
8. Beyond
your research, did you do anything special to prepare for a day of writing
Biblical fiction?
During the months of research as well
as the writing of this book I held to the routine of listening to the scriptures
on CDs while I was in my car running errands and while I was getting ready in
the morning. I did this hoping to absorb the Bible’s rich language, dramatic
metaphors, and epic nature. In the end, this technique of preparing my mind for
the day’s writing worked well. On some days the words flowed with little
effort, almost like taking dictation, and on other days I struggled to complete
one or two pages. But amidst my routine and aching back from long hours at the
computer, the one thing that helped me more than anything was prayer. God
really was faithful in helping me prepare this devotional book.
9. Do you have a favorite Bible character?
If I were to choose a favorite Bible
character, I’d say that I was drawn to Mary Magdalene. I wept when I read the
exchange between Mary and Jesus just outside the empty tomb. I could not only
see the Jesus who loved the masses, but I could see a more intimate
portrait—the Jesus who loved Mary Magdalene as a precious friend—the same Jesus
who loves me and you.
10. Any other thoughts about the book that we
didn’t cover?
Through the writing of these devotions
I sensed the Holy Spirit whispering, “This book is going to change your life,
Anita.” And I have to admit—it did. Even though all my troubles didn’t vanish
when I finished the last page of the book, I did come away with an awareness—that
the same God who set the stars in the heavens also knows the number of hairs on
my head. Jesus is nearer than I imagined, and he cares more deeply than I’d
hoped. And he’s constantly working things out for good in my life. And in your
life…
Bestselling and award-winning author, Anita Higman, has thirty-five books published (several coauthored) for adults and
children. She’s been a Barnes & Noble “Author of the Month” for Houston and
has a BA in the combined fields of speech communication, psychology, and art. Anita
loves good movies, exotic teas, and brunch with her friends. Please visit her
online at www.anitahigman.com and feel
free to drop her a note by clicking on the “Contact Me” button on her website.
What do the buttery smell of popcorn, fiddles, harmonicas, a
women’s barbershop quartet, and row after row of vendor’s booths filled with
colorful art have in common? They are all a part of the annual Summerfair in
southwest Ohio. 
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