J. Kevin Butcher

When God Feels Far Away

Christian Living

“Pastor Jamie takes us on a journey to ancient Persia where the author of Esther tells the story of Israel living in exile, threatened with genocide, helpless to defend themselves—and God seems nowhere to be found. Jamie skillfully uncovers eight courageous ‘ways of being’ in the frightening darkness that allow Esther, Mordecai, and the Jewish people to experience the breakthrough presence of God when all seems lost. Their story, narrated through the lens of Jamie’s pastoral heart, gives hope that in our own valley of the shadows, we can know God is with us—at the very moment when it seems like he’s not.”