I write about Stuff

Book Report: Hearing Jesus: 365 Daily Devotions for Women by Rachael Groll

Hearing Jesus: 365 Daily Devotions for Women by Rachael Groll is a year‑long devotional designed to help women cultivate a deeper awareness of God’s presence and learn to recognize His voice in everyday life. Groll, a Bible teacher and host of the “Hearing Jesus” podcast, writes with a warm, pastoral tone that makes the devotional both accessible and spiritually rich. Each of the 365 entries includes a Scripture passage, a short reflection, and a practical takeaway, creating a rhythm that encourages daily engagement with God.

A central purpose of the book is to help women understand that hearing God is not reserved for a select few. Groll emphasizes that God speaks through Scripture, prayer, circumstances, and the Holy Spirit, and that anyone who seeks Him can learn to listen. Throughout the devotional, she highlights themes such as identity in Christ, trust, surrender, and spiritual growth. Her reflections consistently encourage readers to release shame, embrace grace, and walk forward with confidence in God’s calling.

One devotion that captures the heart of Groll’s approach appears on Christmas Day. Rather than focusing on the familiar image of the baby Jesus in the manger, she turns to Philippians 3:13–14 and the story of Rahab. By choosing Rahab—a woman with a complicated past who nevertheless stepped boldly into God’s redemptive plan—Groll reframes Christmas as a celebration of new beginnings. The devotion emphasizes Paul’s call to forget what lies behind and press forward, showing how Rahab’s life illustrates the power of God to transform anyone who surrenders their past to Him. The takeaway is both simple and deeply encouraging: no matter how someone has failed before, God is worthy of all they have now. This example demonstrates how the devotional blends Scripture, biblical narrative, and practical encouragement to help readers hear God’s voice in a fresh and personal way.

Groll’s background as a pastor and missionary shapes her writing, giving the devotional a blend of biblical depth and real‑life application. Her reflections speak to the everyday experiences of women—relationships, work, motherhood, identity, and spiritual struggles—while consistently pointing back to God’s character and faithfulness. The book’s strength lies in its ability to offer daily encouragement without feeling repetitive or shallow. Each entry invites readers to pause, reflect, and take a small step toward spiritual maturity.

Although written specifically for women, the themes of redemption, purpose, and spiritual attentiveness are universal. The devotional is especially helpful for women seeking a structured daily practice, new believers wanting guidance in hearing God, or listeners of the “Hearing Jesus” podcast who want a companion resource.

Overall, Hearing Jesus: 365 Daily Devotions for Women is a gentle yet transformative guide for anyone longing to grow closer to God. Through Scripture‑centered reflections and relatable insights, Rachael Groll encourages readers to listen for God’s voice, trust His leading, and step confidently into the future He has prepared.