Unsinkable Faith: God-Filled Strategies to Transform the Way You Think, Feel, and Live

by Tracie Miles

For many people, remaining optimistic and feeling positive about themselves and their lives is a constant battle—especially when circumstances are difficult and life is hard. For others, negativity is something that only sneaks up from time to time, yet still wreaks havoc in their hearts. Regardless of the root causes, once pessimistic thoughts permeate our minds, our feelings and emotions begin to control us instead of us controlling them. Eventually it doesn’t seem possible to stay positive, happy, and full of joy, and negative thought patterns shake our faith, causing us to sink emotionally, mentally, and spiritually over time. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Despite what storms roll in, hearts anchored in God don’t sink. When we change the way we think, we can change the way we feel and live, even if our circumstances remain the same. Intentionally embracing the opportunity to experience a transformed heart and a renewed mind opens the door for a changed life, because a positive mind will always lead to a more positive life. In Unsinkable Faith, author and Proverbs 31 Ministries speaker Tracie Miles offers hope for women who struggle with negativity. Each chapter explores Tracie’s and other women’s personal stories, showing how they rose above their circumstances by transforming and renewing their minds. Unsinkable Faith is a breath of fresh air for anyone longing for a heart full of joy, an unbreakable smile, and a new, more optimistic perspective on life. This book will equip you

Replace pessimism with positive thinking by becoming the captain of your thoughts;Learn how true joy and happiness are based on choice, not circumstances;Overcome unhealthy habits of negative thinking by intentionally implementing three easy mind-renewing steps;Stop feeling hopeless and pitiful, and start feeling hope-filled and powerful instead; andDiscover that when you change the way you think, you change the way feel, and in turn you can change your life completely.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Christian Non Fiction, Faith, Self Help, Inspirational, Christian Living

226 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2017

About the author

Tracie Miles is the Director of COMPEL Training at Proverbs 31 Ministries as well as an Author of five best-selling books including Living Unbroken, Love Life Again, Unsinkable Faith, Stress Less Living and Your Life Still Counts. She is the founder of the Living Unbroken Divorce Recovery Program. Tracie is also a contributing author to the popular Zondervan NIV Women's Devotional Bible and a monthly contributing writer for the Proverbs 31 Ministries Encouragement for Today daily devotions which reach over 1.5 million people per day around the globe. Tracie has 3 grown children and lives in Charlotte, North Carolina.  You can connect with Tracie on her blog at www.traciemiles.com as well as on her Facebook Author page and Instagram.
 

Reviews

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book because it reminds readers that everyone is struggling with something in their lives. Throughout the book, the author shares a variety of stories, each one describing a difficult situation that someone has gone through and then gives practical ways of dealing with different emotions. In each chapter there is also scripture listed that goes along with that particular topic. The author also provides stories about herself throughout the book. Some of the topics the book covers includes learning to replace pessimism with positive thinking, learning how joy and happiness are based on choice, how to overcome negative thinking and learning how to stop feeling hopeless and start feeling hope filled. I believe that the topics the author talks about in this book are something that most of us can not only relate to, but would all also benefit from making some of these positive changes.

The book is broken down into 10 chapters, each focusing on a different topic. At the end of each chapter there are two sections, one titled "Mind-Renewing Memory Verses" and one titled "Chapter Challenge." "Mind-Renewing Memory Verses" gives the reader several verses from scripture that not only fit the topic being discussed in that chapter, but that will also help the reader to implement the positive changes being discussed. "Chapter Challenge" gives readers a challenge to help implement the positive changes discussed in the chapter, such as journaling, making lists or other related exercises that will help the reader with the given topic. There are also questions at the end of each chapter that make the reader think about their own life, thoughts and choices and how the relate to the topic being discussed.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book, as well as the author's style of writing. The topics covered are important ones and I do believe that almost everyone can not only relate to this book, but would find it helpful. I truly believe if everyone learned to be more positive and hope filled, no matter their circumstances, that we could make this world a much better place. And I think this book would be an excellent resource for anyone looking to make those changes in their lives.

Thank you to the publisher for sending me an advanced reading copy of this book.

[Melissa Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way we handle challenges can affect how we live and how we relate to others. In Unsinkable Faith, the author gives true stories of different situations people have experienced. Each story is unique. This book shows practical ways of dealing with our emotions. Scripture references and chapter challenges allow the reader to think deeper. Reading this book reminds us that we are not alone in life. Everyone has struggles. Unsinkable Faith is great for study groups and for individual study. This is a book I will refer to often. I was given a copy of this book by the author and this is my honest personal opinion.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unsinkable Faith: God-Filled Strategies to Transform the Way You Think, Feel and Live by Tracie Miles

Keep your face to the sun and you cannot see a shadow.
~ Helen Keller

Romans 5:8. King James Version ... But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

"Below are six questions you can use during your quiet time in God's Word to help you be engaged and in tune with what you are reading and to prompt you to be aware of His voice.

1. Is there a promise to believe in this passage?
2. Is there a sin to avoid?
3. What new thing did I learn about God?
4. How can I practically apply this scripture in my life right now?
5. Does this scripture speak to a certain circumstance or problem I am facing?
6. How do I feel led to pray about what I've read?

Psalm 139: 14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

Proverbs 4: 23 Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.
Good News Bible

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5: 8

Don't copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person. Romans 12: 2

"Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honourable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise."
Philippians 4:8

Psalm 139: 17-18
17 How precious to me are your thoughts, God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand—
when I awake, I am still with you.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book I have read in some time on how to develop a more optimistic attitude. Miles provides practical instruction about how to develop a positive mind, leading to a more positive life resulting in unsinkable faith. She combines her own story with scientific research and biblical insights.

Miles did not want to be a negative and bitter person as the result of an unwanted divorce after 25 years of marriage. She began to talk with Jesus. She realized she could not change her circumstances but could control her thoughts through the power of the Holy Spirit. It changed her life.

I was impressed with the lessons she shares. She emphasizes being aware of our thoughts, something many ignore. She writes about strongholds of negative thinking and how to combat them. She offers great strategies to help us put our faith in control of our mind. She reminds us we need to be alert to the reality of spiritual warfare too.

This process was not easy for her yet she knew she had the tools from God. She developed the strategy she shares with us. She includes great questions to ask and verses to memorize to replace negative thoughts. She suggests reading this book with a journal and I think that is a great idea.

I highly recommend this book to those who want to take control of their negative thoughts. It will mean work but God has provided the tools and Miles adds a great strategy. For those ready to intentionally change their thought patterns, this book is a wonderful resource.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Litfuse. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Dawn Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll be the first to admit it — I don’t have unsinkable faith. Though I’d like to think I’m tough, when the waters of life start to rise, I start flailing. Like Peter trying to walk to Jesus over the sea, my attention is focused on anything and everything that could go wrong. Consumed with negative thoughts and worse-case scenarios, my own doubts, fears, and insecurities weigh me down like a sack of rocks tied to my feet. It’s only when I’m gasping for breath and nearly gone under that I finally remember to look to where my help is — Jesus.

Words have the power to heal or the power to harm. Similarly, our thoughts — essentially words we speak to ourselves (or sometimes words we’ve heard from others that we’ve internalized) — have the power to weaken or strengthen us. We can’t change our circumstances, but we can change how we think and respond. In fact, Miles uses support from neuropyschology to show us that science and God’s word are in agreement:

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)

Our minds can be reshaped and remade! With Unsinkable Faith, Tracie Miles shows us that we already have the tools we need to change our thinking and renew our minds and live more peaceful lives. With work, we can find that unsinkable faith. Fortunately, all we need is already at our disposal. What are the two main tools to defeat negative thinking? Scripture and prayer.

Miles makes the process clear through conversational language and repetition through various examples and scenarios. It’s a three step process – 3 R’s: recognize, reject, and replace. First, be aware of the negative/false thought or belief when it occurs. Next, compare what you’ve been telling yourself is “true” to what God’s word says is true. Reject the lie as contrary to God’s truth and, finally, replace it with words from scripture that will buoy you rather than pull you down. And by all means, pray for help releasing what you need to let go of.

Miles is part of the Proverbs 31 ministry, and if you’ve read other books from Proverbs 31 authors, some of what you find in Unsinkable Faith will be familiar. And that’s okay, because it takes repetition to break down fallacies in our mindset and start to rewire our thinking. I believe Miles had this in mind when she structured her book. She uses three stories from different women to help illustrate her points with each chapter.

At the end of each chapter, Miles hands over the oars and lets your “row your boat” and do the work. She includes prompts for “mind transforming reflections”, “mind renewing memory verses” from scripture for you to write down and commit to memory, and “chapter challenges” that ask you to take action or find practical applications for the skills you’ve been learning.

Miles acknowledges that renewing our minds is hard work. Habits take time to break and we must recognize that embracing positivity is a lifestyle, a continued effort, rather than a destination goal that, once reached, blankets you with uninterrupted peace of mind. You’ll slip, you’ll slide, and you’ll fall. But remember to get back up, dust yourself off, and keep looking up.

Ready to banish negative thoughts? What are you waiting for? Think you’ll fail? Miles knows we’re going to mess up. So in what is perhaps the most valuable section of Unsinkable Faith, she aims to help us avoid common traps she calls “whirlpools”. She lists ten of these hazards giving examples and explanations, then provides a lifeline from scripture we can use to stay afloat should we encounter any of these dangers. So, with a little reflection, you can close the book already equipped with some weapons with which to slay your own personal dragons!

Verdict: 5 of 5 Hearts. A Valuable Guidebook to Transforming Your Mind and Strengthening Your Faith.

In Unsinkable Faith, Tracie Miles shows us that God’s word can help us overcome negative thinking and strengthen our faith even in the roughest waters.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I would like to thank LitFuse Publicity Group for providing me with a copy of Unsinkable Faith in exchange for a fair and honest 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.”

[Hallie (Hallie Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Shannan Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unsinkable Faith offers hope and encouragement to a hurting soul. The book is full of stories about the author herself, along with stories of other women who have gone through storms and trials. I really enjoyed reading this book. At the end of each chapter there are Chapter Challenges, and the author lists several Bible verses of hope and encouragement to meditate on, write down and/or memorize. I really loved the verses the author chose to use with each chapter.
The author talks about the way we look at things in our lives can affect the way we think about them, and how that will be a positive or a negative result. I loved reading the stories of all the women in this book and how they dealt with their own situations.
I highly recommend this book and it gets 5***** from this reviewer.

*****I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions stated are my own*****

[Heather Britain · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy reading this book. After a long day, I can read it and apply all the concepts to what is currently going on in my life. Everything Tracey talks about hit home in some way, shape, or form. I definitely recommend reading this to anyone who wants to rewire the way they think or to anyone who wants to feel inspired.

[Shandyn Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would say this book is for anyone who has ever found themselves stuck in a pit of negativity. I'm willing to bet that's been all of us at some point or another. Tracie Miles does a wonderful job of conveying her own personal struggles with self-condemnation and negative thinking and allowing God to renew her mind and transform her thinking. Tracie uses a 3 point method. 1)notice the negative thoughts, 2) reject the negative thought, and 3) replace the negative thought. Her book guides you step by step in this process. At the end of each chapter, she ends with a time for self reflection and journaling. This is the most valuable aspect of the book. We can read all day long but until we take the steps and put them into action, we will not see change. This is a book you can read again and again to remind yourself of the incredible ways God has equipped us to have a mind like Him, and to be bound in Unsinkable Faith.

[Sarah Piper · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I want to start by saying the only reason I didn't give this 4 stars was because I dislike reading books that have devotional and assignments at the end of each chapter ... and NOT knowing this before the end of the first chapter. This will be better the second time I read it when I know how I need to read it.

That being said I did love the content. It's a great spiritual read to reset your faith and transform your relationship with God.

"Ships, whether huge barges or tiny sailboats, don't sink because they get caught in a storm or because of the towering waves tossing them about. They sink because of the water that gets inside of their hulls ... We don't have to let the storms of life get inside of us and cause us to sink because we have the power in Christ to guard our hearts, if only we seek it out."

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you feel as though you are tossed to and fro in the waves of your emotions? Are you Captain of your own ship, or has a storm of negativity capsized your boat? Do you feel like you are drowning, and the hopelessness of your situation is out of your control? In this book Tracie Miles gives practical tips and hope-filled strategies for shifting our focus away from the raging sea. Seeing the shore will give us hope that it is within our reach, and we are able to live out a life of “Unsinkable Faith.”

Note: I received an advance reader copy from the publisher in exchange for my review.

[Rachelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever been stuck in a pit of negative thinking and couldn't force yourself to change your thinking pattern? I have! In her new book, Unsinkable Faith, Tracie Miles gives us the reassurance that we are not alone. When life happens, and brings us the not so pleasant circumstances that are beyond our control, we can easily become consumed with negative thoughts. The more we think, the more negative our thoughts become. The enemy of our souls will play games in our minds that can lead us to anger, frustration, anxiety, and even depression. The lower we become, the more he enjoys our despair. But when we take all of those negative thoughts captive, and turn them over to Jesus, He will replace them with His beautiful truths.

Tracie has such a beautiful heart for helping women who need to be drawn closer to God. In Unsinkable Faith, she tells stories of her own life, and in the lives of several other women who have been stuck in the storm of negativity, feeling like they are about to sink. Tracie points us towards scripture that shows us how to be the Captain of our own ship by clinging to God's word, and allowing Him to transform our thoughts and our feelings to His truth's. He will rescue us from the raging sea, and guide us to the beautiful shore, allowing us to live our lives filled with Unsinkable Faith!

At the end of each chapter, you will find Mind Transforming Reflections, Mind Renewing Memory Verses, and a Chapter Challenge, allowing you to go deeper in your study.

This book would be a great book for group Bible Studies, or a study to do on your own. No matter how you choose to use it, I highly recommend this book to all! This is a book I will not put on a shelf, or in the closet, I will be referring to Unsinkable Faith often. I give Tracie Miles and Unsinkable Faith 5 Stars!

**I was given a copy of this book by the author and this is my honest, personal opinion.**

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you struggle with a negative thought-life? In her warm, authentic voice, Tracie Miles offers encouragement for claiming a positive outlook, no matter how difficult your current circumstance may be. She writes about her own tough challenges with tact and humility. She also shares stories of many overcomers, using Bible stories and stories of friends from her own life. As one who has struggled with negativity most of my life, I enjoy this multifaceted look at ways to develop a positive, hopeful, God-pleasing outlook. Each chapter offers strategies and challenges to put into practice what you’ve just learned. I’m going to reread this book and dig more deeply into those questions. I want to write them down, ponder them deeply, and have a total shift in thinking. This book is the best tool I’ve found for changing a negative mindset. How many moms do you know who could benefit from a tool like this?

[Anni · Rating 2 out of 5]

I bought this book on a whim at Hobby Lobby. I was excited to see that it was highly rated here but unfortunately, for me, the book didn’t quite live up to the hype.
With a book like this, I was more or less expecting the author to talk about lessons she had learned and was able to apply to her life. (This seems to be a pretty typical approach, right?) Anyways, instead, this book contains a bunch of small stories of other women who had strong faith and were able to be victorious in their struggles. Then some biblical references sprinkled in which were great. The author explained that that is how she best learns. Hearing from other women’s experiences. But I want to hear from HER specifically. Not a short story of short stories. But that’s just me.
1 star for the short stories. 1 star for the biblical references.
I’ll be donating this book to my local church library so that other women can enjoy.

[Phyllis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an encouraging book for anyone who struggles with negative thoughts. The author writes warmly from her own experiences which is always better than reading an often dry how-to lecture. She also uses actual examples from others who have lived through difficult situations, which provides plenty of issues and how they were successfully handled. At the conclusion of every chapter there are bible verses pertaining to God's faithfulness and growing our faith, as well as journal-type questions to help you work through issues, if you wish. This would make a great group study, too. I read this book in the morning as part of my devotional time, so there are several ways this book can be used to great benefit for every reader. I just bought three copies to share with friends, as I think it's the kind of book that is not only helpful but also hopeful and supportive.

[Sarah Hunter (Bireley)]

Started strong, with thoughts and ideals I could identify with, but I'm one of those people who gets distracted easily. This book was full of examples of poor copyediting. Using too/to in the wrong context, run on sentences, etc. I lost respect for the author and publisher with each chapter, and ultimately could not finish the book. While her message is from the heart, and I appreciate her courage to share her story, there are many other books out there about faith thru trials that are more thoughtfully done.

[Sue Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book somewhat sceptical about the subject matter and how it might come across as a 'self-help' book. However as a committed Christian I really appreciated the helpful wisdom given out over the chapters, especially the scriptures and questions to ask ones self at the end of each. I shall be rereading this with a notebook at hand and may well use it in mentoring in the future. Thanks you.

[Kristine Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first started Tracie Miles' book Unsinkable Faith as research for a project I was working on. I intended to read a couple of chapters but found myself looking forward to reading more! Miles' book meets my top two criteria for a great faith-based nonfiction. First, each chapter should leave me wanting to read the next. And second, each chapter should leave me wanting to take time to ponder what I just read. Unsinkable Faith does both! A win-win.

[Barb Hegreberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Break the Bonds of Negativity

“…if we want to transform our thoughts, feelings, and lifestyles: 1. Notice negative thoughts. 2. Reject negative thoughts. 3. Replace negative thoughts.”

This book is chocked full of real-life examples, journal prompts and thought-provoking questions that can help you overcome crippling negativity.

I received this book FREE from the author, publisher, distributor, or other source. My only obligation is to provide a fair and honest review.

[Kim Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

All of us encounter stormy seasons in life, some more severe than others. In Unsinkable Faith, Tracie shares her story, along with stories from other women who have endured despite the storm. They not only endured, but kept a positive attitude along the way.

“We can give up or we can God-up.”

Tracie gives practical applications for unsinkable faith with her “tools for the trip” including studying God’s Word, prayer, strategies for transforming your thinking, and a challenge at the end of each chapter.

“Toxic thinking will always stand in the way of God’s sweetest blessings.”

I highly recommend you read this book. Also, grab your girlfriends for a Bible study or book club with the Unsinkable Faith companion study guide and journal. You can also read a sample chapter, get the 5-day Optimist Challenge and the 4-day Bible app reading plan on Tracie Miles’ website.

[Vickie Bowen · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are someone who deals with negative thought patterns or a lot of negative circumstances in your life, this is the book for you. It has a lot of practical wisdom, which a lot of books promised, but don't deliver. This book delivers! I would encourage you to get the journal that goes with the book, especially if you have areas you want to work on, because this journal is going to challenge you to do the work. If you read this book and do the work in the journal, your life is about to change in the best way ... a positive thought life and a positive attitude. That is a game changer!

[Sandie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As storms come up in my life, I focus on the storm, not Jesus. I read this book to learn how to have that kind of faith where I don't even look at the storm. This book delivered! It showed me the areas where I was sabotaging my walk with Jesus and my faith. I'm so glad I read this!

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! This book is powerful and packed with great information on changing your thought patterns. Too many of us live in a negative and complaining state of mind. It’s time to change that and start using God’s Word to help you live a more positive life!

[Penny Abbott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spirit filled thoughts take charge

Practical solutions and ideas to keep your thoughts positive and the ability to find a positive aspect in those times when life throws you curve balls.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A challenging and helpful book looking at ways of realigning negative thoughts and replacing them with biblical truths. A short read but plenty to think about.

[Peter K Van Staagen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book

This book had wonderful ideas on how to focus on the positive in every situation. It can make a difference in your life! A very motivating read!

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book

I absolutely love this book. It is filled with enlightening and practical information. It helps you dig deeper into God's word to gain unsinkable faith.

[HelenA33 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This helpful book is packed with good advice about how to get rid of old habits of negative thinking, which will transform not your circumstances but how you see them and cope with them. Recommended.

[Patti Jani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good.

[Thankful Reader · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is one of those book that I would have preferred as an article instead of as a book.