I’ve been walking forward in my faith for years, but that boldness was smothered by the struggle, the moment of drowning that I had experienced several years ago.

But as I read this book, I found countless relatable encouragements that have helped me to discover peace in that time of struggle that I had never thought attainable. Lauren is real and raw in this book and it’s one that I would highly recommend to anyone who has walked through deep waters.

I want to share some of the powerful encouragements that you will find in this book in hopes that you, too, will open its pages and find the healing that God has spoken through them.

Do You Fear the Deep Waters?

I’ve spent years fearing the return to the time where I felt that shallow waters fade and the deep waters suck me in. I’ve trusted God, but only at arm’s length when it came to facing this struggle. And that’s when this reminder struck a chord deep within me.

“You were made for the deep.”

We weren’t made to walk through a simple and comfortable life. In fact, Lauren reminds us over and over that we need to be comfortable in the uncertainty. That we need to live a life striving for God’s glory above our own comfort.

It’s not in the shallow waters and the comforts of this life that we experience the awe and power of God’s miracles. But it’s in those painful and difficult times that we see His hand at work.

If I can accept that I was made to walk through trials in this life, my attitude changes. Instead of trying to avoid every chance at pain, I begin to embrace God’s plan and path and follow Him where He leads.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” -John 16:33

When we lean on Christ, we can face the struggles, the difficulties and the pain with the hope and joy that Christ has overcome it once and for all.

Preparing for the Deep Waters

If you know me at all, you know I’m very much a practical person when it comes to dealing with struggles. Sure, words of encouragement are great, but I want practical ways to begin to find strength and healing and hope.

And this book provides so many powerful steps and practical encouragements and plans to find that hope and peace and strength.

The first powerful reminder that filled my heart was that “trust takes time”. This was an idea that I thought I’d known but realized I’d spent most of my time expecting that trust would just be there because I knew it should.

But as much as we can walk forward in obedience, I’ve learned that it’s okay that we don’t feel trust right away. As we walk forward in faith, God’s faithfulness will shine through and that trust will grow.

Lauren goes on to talk about so many powerful ways to walk through deep waters with joy. She reminds us to train ourselves, to put on the armor of God, and to commit to an ongoing connection with the Lord.

I’ve begun taking these steps in my own faith journey and found tremendous healing in the broken spaces of my heart. God is God of healing and of mercy and He will bring you strength as you prepare your heart for the deeper waters.

Raw, Relatable and Real

I first met Lauren when we discovered we have a very big part of our lives in common. We both are walking through life with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, and although it affects each person differently in the physical symptoms it causes, it leaves a similar struggle embedded within your everyday heart. I’ve also walked through a similar journey with anxiety and as I read through this book, I could not help but feel like she was speaking directly to me.

The words within these pages are so real and raw that you cannot help but relate. And because of this, God works. He will bring you healing and peace and joy as you strive to connect with Him in the deep waters. And this book is a powerful tool of encouragement and practical wisdom to help you along the way.

Lauren doesn’t just talk the talk, but she radiates joy as she walks through each trial. She encourages us to live with a victory mindset and these aren’t just empty words.

We may struggle and doubt and sometimes feel like we are drowning, but it’s in those deep waters that God calls us to Him. It’s in those deep waters that God’s glory shines the brightest.

If you’re looking for hope when you feel like you’re being pulled under or if you’re searching for peace for a time when you felt like you almost didn’t make it out, this book is for you. 

Special thanks to Read with Audra for providing me a review copy of this awesome book! All opinions are my own 🙂

You can check out Into the Deep here or by clicking in the image below: