Take Hold of the Faith You Long For: Let Go, Move Forward, Live Bold

by Sharon Jaynes

On the outside, many women are well-put-together Christians with trendy shoes, beautiful children, and wide, white smiles. On the inside, those same women are little girls cowering at the edge of the playground, hoping no one notices them, yet still wishing they could join in. They've professed faith and know the right things, but they struggle to truly take hold of the "life more abundant" that Jesus offers. Instead they settle for a life that's less than what God has promised them.
In this liberating book, Sharon Jaynes reveals the most common reasons women get stuck with a mediocre, mundane faith. Then she shows women how to break free and move forward, leaving behind the feelings of inferiority, inadequacy, and insecurity that are holding them hostage. She uncovers untapped sources of confidence and courage, equipping women to move from knowing the truth to actually believing it--and living it out boldly in a life marked by true freedom.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Inspirational, Spirituality, Christianity, Christian Living

246 pages, Paperback

First published April 19, 2016

Reviews

[Elizabeth Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sharon Jaynes is a favorite of mine and this book most definitely did not disappoint! If you've struggled with you faith, and always longed for a deeper more meaningful relationship with God; or even if your just starting on your spiritual journey and want to know how to have a deep rooted faith, I encourage you read this book. It is life changing. Each chapter helps you pull back the layers of insecurity or self doubt that have held you back from your full godly potential. I love the combination of scripture and personal stories used to convey her message. Reading through each page I felt such a sense of eagerness to continue reading and searching Gods word to know him better! Definitely one of the best books Ive read to date!

[Sandra Futrelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a life-changer for me ! I have struggled with deep-rooted insecurities and feelings of inadequacy my entire life, and as such, I have not moved forward in faith as much as I would have liked. The disastrous choices I made in my life were intricately woven into the threads of my insecurities, and the feeling that I wasn't "enough". In Take Hold of The Faith That You Long For, Sharon tells of her own struggles, and also those of many characters in the Bible who felt that they too were not enough. But through the life-redemptive attributes of our Lord and Saviour, she shares that we ALL have the ability to push past these "feelings", and move into the wondrous faith-filled life that God wants for each and every one of us. Break the chains of unforgiveness, shame, bitterness, inferiority, discouragement, and reluctance~Step into a bold new existence of mountain-moving faith and the abundant promises of God ! This insightful book and the Bible Study Guide at the end of the book, will guide you through each step, and will ignite a soul-awakening FIRE within you ! Sharon writes, "Miracles happen when you let go of your perceived inadequacies, take hold of God's all-powerful sufficiency, and move forward in faith." If you want to discover how to move from a mundane life driven by a mediocre faith into a bold, adventurous life fueled by God's abundant promises, this is the book for you !!

[Rachelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sharon Jaynes has written a book that teaches us how to let go, move forward, live bold, and take hold of the Faith we long for.

This is a powerful book filled with wisdom and Biblical truths as well as personal stories from Sharon's life that I can so easily relate to. Take Hold has brought me to a whole new level in learning to be bold in my faith!

Sharon teaches us how to not let feelings or insecurities hold us back, but to trust the promises of God, and live our faith to the fullest!

I had the honor of being on the launch team for this book, and it was an amazing journey!

I highly recommend this book to all women, no matter where you are at in your walk

[Deje · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is your faith parked and you don't know how you should or why you should get moving again? Sharon's book is for you! Using Biblical examples and stories from today, Sharon shares with you how to achieve the faith you desire through your obedience to God's calling in your life. This book will help you live your faith bold! The best part is the Digging Deeper section at the back of the book. This is where you can dive into each chapter a little more through thought provoking and reflective questions. Excellent for use in individual or small group study.

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not sure I will ever really finish this book - it will be an ongoing source to refer to. Although I started Take Hold of the Faith you Long For 4 months ago, it wasn’t because it was a “grudge” read through. Actually the opposite. I could only take in so much. Absorb. Rehash. Think. Every other page is dog - eared so there’s the love:) At the back of the book there is a guide with questions, bible verses and enhanced thinking for each chapter. I haven’t even delved into that. I am sure when I read this book again, I will dog-ear more pages because as life evolves, so does our need to hear reminders to “let go, move forward, and live bold”.

[Laurie Herren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Encouraging and inspiring

I enjoyed this book immensely. The Bible study encouraged me and helped me to be more bold in seeking God's will for my life and in using the gifts He has given me. The fellowship with other believers through our Bible study was amazing using this book as our guide.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

for some reason I dragged through this book. the first chapter just didn't resonate for me, but it got much better. overall an affirming read for any Christian woman's walk with God. good insights and a nice perspective. I can recommend. I enjoyed Jaynes' perspective on Moses' story.

[Hannah Beth (Hannah's Book Cafe) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was good, but a little uncomfortable at times. Not because of the subject matter, but because of some of her wording. (For example on page 207 she says "pregnant with adventures".) Like I get the imagery, but it's just uncomfortable.

[Ainsley Steinbrueck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. It helped me in such a dark time of my life when I felt distant from God. I loved the topics in each chapter as well as the scripture used. It was very well written and helped me in my walk with God.

[Korrie F · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book years ago and decided to pick it up again-and I’m so glad I did! It was truly wonderful and reminded me of His miracles when I needed it the most. I highly recommend giving this book a read!

[Sarah Diaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I needed every chapter of this book. I recommend this book to anyone struggling with self esteem and who they are in Christ.

[Michele Winger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book.

[Michele Morin · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a couple of months, I’ll be celebrating two years of blogging. When my pastor first invited me to be a guest writer for the church’s blog, I could barely breathe whenever I clicked on that “publish” button — and that really hasn’t changed too much. What has changed, however, is my understanding of bold believing, my willingness to trust God with the risk of putting my words “out there” to invisible readers. I’m finding that God is not looking for a different Michele to carry His Truth.

Fortunately, I’m not the first follower to need this bit of encouragement, and Sharon Jaynes unpacks the “Let Go, Move Forward, Live Bold” lesson that God revealed to Moses. Take Hold of the Faith You Long For addresses my objections to a bold following, my amnesia about the nature of the God who calls, and my desire to cling to the timid reluctance that characterizes the lives of most believers.

Sharon speaks from experience. Feeling stuck between the Red Sea and the Promised Land, Sharon longed to move from “knowing the promise to believing the promise” in her life of faith. She has discovered in the story of Moses and the burning bush a rescue mission in which God lifted Moses out of his insecurity and into his true identity through a revelation of God’s own power and presence. The result of her study is a pondering of Moses’ four questions that were forever settled for him there on the holy ground that surrounded the burning bush:

1. “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?”

It turns out that Moses was asking the wrong question, for it was not who Moses was, but, rather, who God is that made all the difference, for He is the God who chooses, who loves, who enables, and who accepts His children with grace and patience. God’s presence and His abundant promises made all the difference for Moses as he moved into his new leadership role.

2. “If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?”

With this objection, Moses learned the glorious truth that the Great I AM would fill in all his perceived gaps, giving him words to say and showing him what to do. God is not looking for perfection in our era either. With all our inferiority and insecurity, the underlying statement is a sense of inadequacy:
I’m not smart enough.
I’m not experienced enough.
I’m not talented enough. Fill in the blank with your own . . .
I’m not _____________ enough.

In every case, the answer is the same: God replies, “I AM,” just as He did with Moses.

3. “But behold, they will not believe me or listen to my voice, for they will say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you.’”

Maybe you have been belittled in the past. Perhaps you are carrying an identity that is freighted with failure. At the burning bush, Moses was confronted with the shame of his past and encouraged to move forward with a new God-given identity. He could choose to forgive himself and others and move on, or he could have elected to stay in bondage to the past. Forgiveness does not absolve the offender, deny the wrong, or lessen the evil of whatever has been committed. The Greek word for forgiveness carries overtones of freedom and release, and this applies to both the offender and to the individual who was wronged.

Sharon also challenges her readers to let go of the “what if’s” and to move into “sure-footed confidence” in God’s messages of hope.

4. “Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.”

With one of many relevant and heart-warming stories from her own life, Sharon reveals a first-grade memory from her own days of being slow-of-reading. Today God is up-ending her insecurity around words in her career as a writer. She has written twenty books, and I’m smiling as I read a New Testament testimonial to the life and ministry of Moses:

“And Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and he was mighty in his words and deeds.” Acts 7:22
Mighty in words and deeds.

God washed away the stain of the REJECT stamp from Moses’ life, and Paul invites us to learn from this stunning example:

“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” Romans 15:4
Let Moses’ fireside conversation with God answer your objections to a bold faith — and then move forward into the faith you long for.

//

This book was provided by BakerBooks, a division of Baker Publishing Group, in exchange for my review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[A.J. Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review for Take Hold of the Faith You Long For by Sharon Jaynes




I feel so blessed to have had a chance to read Sharon’s book. I was asked to be part of the launch team and I went in to it looking at it from this perspective:
Can I take something away from this to strengthen my faith?
The answer, in short, is a resounding yes. As I read this book, I was very introspective. I was ponderous. I was engaged. I was also terrified about what taking hold of a bold faith and setting aside excuses might do for and to my life. My terror gave way to excitement and action. I WANT a bold faith. This book gave me ideas on how to get it.
I gave the book 5 start overall because I have genuinely been changed by reading it. Let me break it down for you, though. I have several criteria I use to review books.
How long did it take me to get into the book? 4 stars
I was busy with a lot of projects I was trying to finish and then took on one too many things. I had a great group of women reading the book with me, though, and they were encouraging. They even used quotes from Sharon’s book to help me get started. Once I started reading, though, I found Sharon’s cases compelling and her tone encouraging. I struggled some with the message, in part, because, like Moses, I want to argue with God about whether I am equipped to do what he calls me to do. I think had I set aside a larger amount of time on the first night, getting into it might have been easier. Once I really started pondering Sharon’s message, it was harder and harder to put the book down.
Can I relate to one of the characters or the example stories being told? 5 stars
Sharon’s stories had me in tears almost every time I picked up the book. They were good tears, though, healthy and cleansing. One of the stories was about being worried about what others would think of her dancing skills and how a woman and her wheelchair-bound husband danced as if they were the only ones there. A lame man can teach us all to dance.
Can I picture the world the author is trying to get me to see? 5 stars
I was looking for a book to help me in my faith journey. Sometimes I feel “stalled.” She spoke often about the need to live boldly, to TAKE HOLD of the promise God has given and to let go of the mediocre faith that keeps you in no-man’s-land. I can see that world as part of my path now. It does not glorify Him to live small.
Is the book well written? 5 stars
Sharon tells you up front that she doesn’t even spell well, but perhaps it is that exact weakness that makes this story so much more amazing. Despite what she saw as her flaws, God helped her to tell her story in writing. The entire book flows well.
Do I want to read the next book by this author? 5 stars
Yes. Absolutely. She offered me both biblical references and modern day stories that drew me in. (There is also a bible study guide at the end for further exploration of topics.) I learned a lot from reading Take Hold of the Faith You Long For. The sections on forgiving others and letting go of shame are POWERFUL. For me, they have been life changing and I am confident they will help shape your faith positively as well.
As an author, I try to give really honest book reviews. It is important. SO, yes, I am a part of Sharon’s launch team, but I hope you will find this review informative and helpful.

[Kelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! Book club pick for mentorship/discipleship. We really appreciated the Bible study guide included with the nook. Highly recommend!

[Julie D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so amazing and so life changing! I cannot explain how totally different I feel about my faith and my relationship with God because of the beautiful words that Sharon shares in this book.

My book is so highlighted because each and every page has something on it that totally spoke to my heart and mind in a way that nothing else has. I've allowed so many things to hold me back - fear, comparison to others, un-forgiveness - and this book spoke on each and every one of these issues. She shares how we can let go of all these things that would entrap us and keep us from living a faith that is bold and sure.

Here are some of my favorite quotes from the book:

God has given each and every one of us gifts - gifts He has purposed for us to use, invest, and multiply. And I'm not just talking about money but gifts in our inner being. He has given you talents and abilities He expects you to use to further the kingdom and minister to others. - page 129

No matter what you are going through today or will go through tomorrow, your destiny is greater than your difficulty, greater than your dilemma. - page 57

Oh friend, when God chooses you, anoints you, and appoints you for a specific task of great magnitude, there will always be those who question you, criticize you, and try their best to belittle you. When you dare to live bold, there will be those who will question your motives, your methods and your means to accomplish what God has called you to do. - Page 182

This entire book is full of wonderful, Biblical wisdom that has totally transformed my thinking and my life. Where I felt timid to go forward before, I now feel bold. When praying for what may seem impossible, I now have the bold faith to truly believe God for that prayer. When sitting down to write, I feel more sure about the fact that this is God's calling on my life.

This book is so easy to read and I had such a hard time putting it down. It was so exciting to read something that made me feel so much surer of my calling and my faith I just wanted to keep reading. I love all the personal stories that Sharon shares from her own life. I really related to so much of what she shared and how she feels. It was like sitting down with a good friend over coffee and having her share her heart.

I will be keeping this book where I can refer to it. In fact, I plan on reading it again because it was so good and I know I'll be able to get even more from it the second time around. I recommend this book to everyone to read! It really is a must read book for everyone!

*This book was provided to me for my honest review by the author

[Suzi Ciliberti · Rating 5 out of 5]

And without Faith it is impossible to please Him! Hebrews 11:6a I have been a Christian for almost 54 years. I have been a missionary for over 30 of those years. I have a BA degree with a double major in Biblical studies and Christian Education. I understand the importance of faith. I understand the need for faith. I long to have a deeper faith. This book about faith has been life changing.
I have read so many books about growing faith but none of them have affected me like this one,. Sharon has a gift from God that makes her writing extraordinary. The book is easy to read and the concepts, though very deep and very powerful, are simply said. She illustrates truth with stories, true stories from her life and the lives of others who are just like us. Sharon is a Jesus girl who wanted more and she is calling out to all of us Jesus girls who want to know more that we can be more, have more, experience more of Jesus.
If I was a wealthy woman, and if you know anything about missionaries you know that is one thing we are not, I would buy a copy of this book to give to every person I love. I would buy copies and keep them on my shelf to give away on every occasion possible
Like any book it can do nothing for the person who doesn't read it. But because I believe everyone will relate to what is in this book, I would buy it even for people who I know would take it thinking that they would never read it. Why? Because after reading this book I have the faith to believe that if I could get it to them, God will would get them into the book. And when God gets someone into this book He will use it in ways that are amazing. I know that through this book, His truth will be planted deeply into the heart of who ever reads it in ways that will change them from the inside out. If you need a Mother's Day gift, this is the perfect gift!

[Gini · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new author to me, but she has several other books which means I’ve been hanging around in another place. I’ve got to say that I’m so pleased to have made her acquaintance now, though. I mean, like I even went and found her blog and everything. It’s a nice one if you’re interested. But what about her latest book?

It grabbed me from the start. She has hit right where I have lived too long and too frequently. I suspect I’m not along either and that in itself is a help. She uses fresh illustrations and examples in her narratives while she gently encourages the reader to let go, move forward, and live bold. That sequence forms the basis for her encouragement and earned her another star from my point of view. While she does use some personal stories, this is not a book on how she survived to write about it now book. Hooray!! There’s plenty of those out there already. Instead we get a fresh look at Moses and his letting go, moving forward, and living boldly. Many of us know his story, but the author interweaves it into her text in such a way that it is fresh. Other Biblical characters make cameo appearances, too. She works with them in the same way with applications that are more than cardboard fixes. The final chapter has a header within it, Don’t Stop Too Soon (204). Probably one of the most important lines in this book. When you get to it you’ll see why.

There is a study guide available at the end of the book, which has a few more lines at its finish that you will not want to miss. That last little treat starts on page 235 and is a great way to finish off this book.

I do recommend this book to you. I found her encouragement biblically solid and applied well.

This book was provided to me by the publisher in exchange for a review.

[Victoria Sellers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being asked to be part of a launch team to help promote this book was one of life’s greatest opportunities for me. Little did I know the impact this inspiring book and its amazing author would have on me and all the women who were part of this launch.
“Take Hold of the Faith You Long For,” isn’t a how to guide or another self-help book to make you feel better about yourself. Sharon’s book is her personal journey and testimony of how she found a rooted faith in God and how she came to discover all that He had for her as His dearly beloved daughter. It also sheds more light on the story of Moses, who led the Israelites out of Egypt and the new life given to Paul who once persecuted and killed Christians. Sharon’s book is a message of hope, of redemption, and life giving faith that will move mountains and will break chains of bondage. It’s a love letter from God to every woman who longs for something more than this world has to offer. “Take Hold of the Faith You Long For”, will bring tears, fill you with peace, and draw you into a relationship with God that you could never imagined you could have. Simply put, its life changing!! I know, because it changed mine.
“God wants to show you truths about your true identity, His timeless sufficiency, and your pre-ordained destiny that flesh and blood cannot reveal. He sits by the well waiting for you to show up so He can dig down deep and pour out affirmations you are thirsty for----affirmations that call you to let go of the hindrances that hold you hostage, to take hold of the promises that set you free, and to live bold with that faith you’ve always longed for.”---------Sharon Jaynes “Take Hold of the Faith You Long For”

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

`Take Hold of the Faith you Long For` is a Christian living book written especially for women by author Sharon Jaynes, co-founder of Girlfriends in God. The topic is letting go of who you think you are and living boldly for the Lord. Sharon did much research for each chapter, from some authors I am familiar with and others that are new to me. This book is dedicated to Sharon Jaynes` mom who passed away in 2014.

Many Christians are just happy with their status quo comfort zones. Author Sharon Jaynes gives the reader a little push with such chapters as: `Take Hold of your True Identity`, `Take hold of Grace-Filled Acceptance`, and `Taking Hold of your Promised Land`. Sharon did an excellent job of laying out the chapters as the book seemed to flow flawlessly.

I believe the author's position, in this book, is at the bottom of page 12. "We think going from where we are to where we want to be is impossible, implausible, or unrealistic, so we pull up a lounge chair in the land of in-between and settle in.

This book captured and held my attention. I learned I am already a new creation, I don't have to wait to get to heaven to be a new creation. It's also something I don't have to strive for. I already am. I also learned that giving up control is not our natural bent as humans. However, when Christ makes us new He gives us the ability to give control to Him.

The author walks the reader with Moses. At first telling God `no` and explaining to Him why we can't do what He asks, before accepting the `yes` from God.

Disclaimer: I received this book free from Baker Books through the Baker Books Blogger program.

[Prairie Sky Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Let Go of Your Insecurities. Take Hold of God’s Promises.” With these words, author Sharon Jaynes invites us on a journey towards greater faith, confidence, and courage. “Take Hold of the Faith You Long For: Let Go, Move Forward, Live Bold” was published by BakerBooks in 2016, and will definitely prove to be a treasure trove of truths for many readers.

Because the titles of each chapter are very revealing of the contents, take a look at the truths you will unwrap through the pages of this impacting book:

1. Stuck on a Feelin’
2. Who Do You Think You Are?
3. You’ve Got What It Takes
4. The God Who Fills In Your Gaps
5. The Freedom of Forgiveness
6. When Your Rooster Crows
7. Give Fear the Boot
8. The Measuring Stick Will Get You Stuck
9. Get Up and Get Going
10. One Rock Is All You Need
11. Taking Hold of Your Promised Land

Perhaps the greatest element of this book is the author’s voice gently leading her readers through the words, pages, and chapters. Being honest and transparent, Sharon Jaynes doesn’t claim to have the definition and application of faith perfected in her life. No, she is more like a friend walking alongside us, sharing stories and encouraging us even as she admits her own struggles. She also uses Biblical characters such as Moses, Ruth, and others to illustrate her points.

If you, like me, want to move forward in bolder and more courageous faith, don’t miss Sharon Jayne’s beautiful treasure; “Take Hold of the Faith You Long For: Let Go, Move Forward, Live Bold”.

I am grateful to have received a copy of this book from Baker Books Bloggers, free of charge, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Naomi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I honestly enjoyed Take Hold of the Faith You Long For, but my review will be mild because of two reasons that have nothing to do with the book itself:

1 - I read it on my Kindle and I am notoriously bad about reading books on my Kindle! I'm still a creature of habit as far as reading goes, and physical books get more love from me right now.

2 - I waited way too long to write this review!

I took my sweet time reading this, but what I do remember of it was lovely. I think Sharon is a fun, engaging writer and I appreciated her wisdom. This had lots of scripture references which I liked, and the stories and anecdotes were good. I bet I would have remembered it more had I read it on paper. :)

[Anita Brands · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Settling is not your destiny…” With a tag-line like that, how could I not read this book? Having been on my own personal journey of discovering what it means to have the fullness of life Jesus talks about in John 10 the last couple of years, the title of Sharon Jaynes’ latest book grabbed my attention. In it, Sharon invites the reader to tread deeper in faith, to live boldly for Jesus and take hold His promises by letting go of the insecurities, fears, unforgiveness, comparisons and a number of other worldly things that hold His precious children back. Take Hold opened my eyes to a few things I hadn’t considered before and challenged my own perceptions of the events of my own testimony by looking through Sharon’s eyes and her own life experiences. Because of the truth sprinkled throughout this book, I’ve chosen to give God access to those very areas that I’m afraid of and let Him do with them what He will…it is for my own benefit. While not an easy ready (Sharon goes deep), I definitely recommend reading this book. If you’re looking to dig a little deeper and apply these truths to your life, there is a Bible study in the back of the book.

This book was part of a launch team package issued by the publisher.

[Stephanie Plair · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the moment I received the email to apply for the launch team, I knew this would be a life changing book for me. I honestly didn't know how much of an impact it would really have on me. I was able to identify with so much of what Sharon was sharing through her message. My eyes have been opened to many things about myself. Every time I turned the page I felt as if Sharon was speaking directly to me. Like she was an old friend that knew my life story and was speaking healing into my heart. With God's help, I am breaking strongholds that have been in my life for a long time. Reading this book has been a spiritual cleansing. I've let go of so much self doubt because I can now identify with who I really am in Christ. I'm learning to live boldly and courageously for God. Taking hold of who I am and whose I am and letting go of all the things that hinder me from being who God is calling me to be. I'm so excited for my new found belief to propel me forward to take courageous action for the kingdom. This book offers so much hope, inspiration, and encouragement. I know this is one of those books that I will read again and again. This is a must read! A book that you will mark up and share with all of your friends.

[Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful book filled with amazing insights! I loved how she used her own personal stories and examples from the Bible, especially the life of Moses, to point out issues we all struggle with and how to overcome them. She also used a lot of Scripture verses to point out the truth we all need to hear. She talked about the difference between being set free, but not really living free. We've accepted Jesus as our Savior, but we're still letting insecurity, fear, unforgiveness, shame, disappointment, comparison, etc., hold us back from doing what God wants us to do. We're stuck instead of living the adventure. We feel we're not perfect enough or good enough to do His work, but He just wants willing people who will be obedient. This was very inspiring and really caused me to look at my faith and what might be holding me back. I can see myself referring back to this book again for a good reminder of who I am in Christ. This book includes a study guide at the end with quite a few questions for each chapter. This was the first book I've read by Sharon Jaynes, but it won't be the last! I highly recommend it!

I received this book free from Baker Books in exchange for an honest review.

[Shelly Reveal · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started this new year I committed to drawing closer to God like never before !  Too often the struggle seems more fierce than my Faith...but I'm determined to push through !  I know it's GOD challenging me to dig deeper into His Word so I can really Walk in His Love & His Truth.  In this book Sharon does to. She helps you get unstuck !! She helps you realize feelings & lies that are holding you back. She reminds you who you are in Christ & encourages you to let go, move forward, & live bold. As I read, each word was as if she wrote it just for me. God is using her to speak to the hearts of so many of us. I thank God for that & her obedience to do what He has called her to do. But you see, God has called each one of us. I don't want to be one of the ones who doesn't hear or chooses not to obey. Let Sharon help you take hold of the faith & life Jesus died to give you. This book will jump-start you into walking the adventurous faith filled life he predestined you to have. He is just waiting for you to walk in it !! Tap into the Power of Jesus !! Move from knowing His Word, to believing His Word to actually living it out with a life of obedience through Him :)

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since I’ve read most of Sharon Jayne’s other books I was very excited to hear about the theme for this new book. I knew she would bring some great stories and examples, some down to earth advice and lots of biblical support and research to her topic. I was right! This is her most thorough and profound book so far and you can just feel that her heart is for women and seeing them live boldly. I love how she is able to laugh at herself and be transparent about her hurts in this book, so we truly grasp that we can do whatever God asks of us, just like she did and does. There are entire chapters I will reread, like "Get up and get going" (holding strong in the face of discouragement), dealing with comparison, and facing fear, so this is definitely a book to own and keep on your shelf. (I also refer back to her other books frequently. There's just so much wisdom there!) This book will help you, your daughters, your mother and all the women you love live out their faith in a day to day, practical way!

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take Hold of the Faith You Long for has really been a great blessing in my life. Sharon has shared so many personal stories as well as stories from the Bible that have hit home. This book really makes you stop and think about how we as Christians need to realize that God paid a debt for our lives that we do not deserve and how could we so many times forgot that debt he paid. A very painful debt to forgive us and let us have eternal life. Also we learn that God buries the shame of yesterday and resurrects new beginnings and new callings. So those things that you think you are not good enough for just the reminder in this book that we are good enough, smart enough and etc. One big thing that stood out to me because I really struggle with this is don't allow past failures to stand in the way of your future success. I promise that if you read this book you will be a changed person. I have already been praying for God to help me apply so much of this to my life and have a more calm life and full faith in him.

[Midgie Bardo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I was part of the launch team for this book, and received it free of charge in return for my honest review.

Sharon Jaynes weaves glimpses of her own life into the solid Biblical truth she shares in this book. There's a great mixture of stories, strategies and Scripture. I can honestly say that every chapter spoke to me, at times holding a mirror up to my heart and life that was less than comfortable. All of it called me out. Out of fear and lingering shame. Out of unforgiveness. Into both letting go and taking hold. (You have to read the book to fully understand that last one - go on, it's worth it!) It seems like an exaggeration to say that a book is life-changing. I believe the truth inside this one can be, if you let it. Only God and you can decide that.

There is a Study Guide beginning on page 211, making this suitable for small groups or deeper individual study.

I'm recommending this one to everyone I know!

[Rachael Trovillion · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is rooted in wisdom!!! If you are feeling stagnant in your faith or unsure if God is really calling you to do something this is a MUST read! Right before I started reading this book my family and I made a huge decision to move to a new church. We really felt called by God to do so. At the same time I was chosen to be a part of the launch team for this book. Talk about God's timing! This book was affirmation after affirmation of God's calling and purposes and plans for my life. So many personal stories and very visual descriptions to really help you remember and apply to your own life. The bible study portion is include IN the book which is always a bonus so you don't have to purchase something else seperately. I have not had a dig deeper section go as deep before and I really enjoyed it! This is an incredible book all around whether you are reading it alone or in a group setting. Enjoy!