Unstuck by Cole & Ross

The main purpose of this book is to guide and encourage people who feel stuck in their spiritual growth.  The authors share their own experiences with feeling stuck and share their research findings about how we end up there and how we can get "unstuck".  Bottom line: "Neglecting God's Word is the main reason believers become stuck spiritually."  They found that engaging the Bible four or more times per week (receiving, reflecting, and responding to God's Word) is the key to lasting spiritual growth - especially when it comes to overcoming temptations and changing negative behaviors.  Their research also revealed that "the lives of Christians who rarely read the Bible (less than 3 times weekly) appear identical to those who don't follow Christ at all".  Convicting, isn't it?  The book then gives guidance regarding how to engage God's Word and overcome common stumbling blocks, including a 45-day devotional to get started.

I was very drawn to the first few chapters of this book and the results of the studies that were conducted.  I was reminded of the importance of reading the Bible itself...not merely books about the Bible.  But midway through the book I lost interest.  The content was all good...I just didn't find it to be what I needed at this point in my spiritual journey.

What I do really like is that the authors are committed to helping others grow!  They created a website, www.gotandem.com, to help others engage the Bible in a way that is suitable for their lifestyles.  On the site you can take a spiritual assessment and then sign up for ways to have scripture delivered to you.  You pick the times and the delivery method (text, voicemail, email).  You can even sign up to have a person call you once a week to encourage you on your spiritual journey!

Overall, the book points believers back to the Bible and provides tools and insight to help them grow.  I don't think it's the best book on this topic, but the research findings set it apart and made it worth the read.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.