For several years now, there has been a single word coming up in my life and in the lives of those around me. I am not quite sure when I finally took notice of the word as I began to hear it in my thoughts and see it in various books and posts I read.

The word? Hurdles.

‘Hurdles’ as defined by dictionary.com is “a race in which contestants must leap over a number of such barriers placed at specific intervals around the track”. But more so, it is “a difficult problem to be overcome; obstacle.” When used as a verb, it is “to master (a difficulty, problem, etc.); overcome.”

And we are called to just that – to jump the hurdles in our life, one hurdle at a time.

Deeper Waters by Denise J. Hughes is the journey of the author who, in the midst of her questions and doubts, turned to God’s Word for the answers. It was there she discovered not only the answers to her questions, but a peace which ran deeper than her circumstances.

Deeper Waters is an invitation to delve into the truth of God’s Word so that His Word transforms our thoughts and way of living.

The book is written in three parts, addressing three thought provoking questions:

1. Part One: Why should I follow God in the face of so much heartache?
2. Part Two: How should I study God’s Word?
3. Part Three: How can I live with a heart of obedience to God’s Word?

They may seem like obvious or simple questions but our answers will surely matter and affect the way in which we live in the midst of difficulties.

“The hurdles we face are many. None more so than the plain fact that obedience might cost us something. At least, something in the here and now. Yet our obedience to God always reaps something beautiful and bountiful, whether we see that beauty and bounty here in this life or later.

When we obey with a right heart, from a place of love, we experience a joy and peace we’d never know otherwise.”
(from page 115)

We read and study our God’s Word so that it will transform us, make us more like Christ in the midst of joy and sadness, the ups and downs, and all the in between days.

“He humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.”
(Philippians 2:8, NLT)

God’s Word will change our lives – making us able to jump the hurdles in our lives – one hurdle at a time.

Every chapter of this book brings a fresh look at God’s Word. Denise helps to equip her readers with tools to read God’s Word more confidently and effectively. This book is a treasure, sure to encourage and awaken a thirst for the deeper waters of God’s Word.

*Yes, I received a copy of this book as a part of the launch team in exchange for my review. It was truly a delight and my privilege to read and share this book with you.

Today I am joining … Faith On Fire and Faith Filled Friday and Faith ”˜N Friends and Fresh Market Friday and Booknificent Thursday .