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After reading Steven Furtick's first book, Sun Stand Still, where he writes about believing God for the impossible and living an audacious life through the story of Joshua, I couldn't wait to read his newest book, Greater.

In this book he shares about coming out of the mediocre Christian life and living one that is extraordinary. That we all long to know that who we are and what we do matters more. Through the story of Elisha, he encourages us to "burn the plows," "dig the ditches," and move forward into the greater life that God has for us.

In no way does he convey that this is easy. In fact he shares how difficult living a life pursuing God's purpose is, but that it is so worth the challenges along the way. He writes in one chapter about walking in faith. God asks us to step out in faith, trusting Him to lead. That all we can do is take that step He asks of us each day. He references when God told Abraham to "go" and Peter to "come." Just one word is all He needs to say and with Him that one word is more than enough.

One of the things I love about Steven Furtick's writing is that he not only teaches through scripture, but also shares about his journey. He is so transparent in writing about his struggles and what God has revealed through them.

Here are a few quotes that spoke to me:

"Evaluate the 'interruptions' He's using to knock you off your rhythm. Examine the way God is aligning the truths in His Word with the context of your life."

"He's more interested in your full obedience than your full understanding."

"All God needs to take your life to a higher level is all you have."

"Your box is never going to expand to accomodate the dreams outside of it until you learn to trust God in it."

I have only touched the outer edge of all the wisdom and encouragement Steven Furtick shares in this incredible book.

Get it. Read it. Give it.

About the Book

Are you ready to open your imagination to the possibility that God has a vision for your life that is greater?

We all have honest moments when we’re gripped by a desire to feel that what we’re doing matters more. That who we are matters more.

And according to one of the most shocking verses in the Bible, Jesus wants the very same thing for every one of us:

“Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” -John 14:12

That single promise—“even greater things than these”—should be enough to shatter our acceptance of spiritual mediocrity. Unfortunately, most believers have only tried and given up on vague notions of greatness…then settled into a life that’s just good enough.

Good enough = Baseline living that is marked by mediocrity, stuck in spiritual survival mode, and controlled by complacency.

Greatness = Vague, unrealistic aspirations of doing better that don’t work in real life and lead to endless frustration.

But there is a third way.

Greater = The life-altering understanding that God is ready to accomplish a greatness in your life that is entirely out of human reach—beyond anything you see in yourself on your best day, but exactly what God has seen in you all along.

In Greater, Pastor Steven Furtick draws on the biblical story of Elisha to empower you to:

• Take a God-given dream from idea to reality

• Stretch your limited resources and abilities in ways you never thought possible

• Replace the images of yourself that keep you feeling stuck in the past

• Make a significant impact with your life starting today, rather than making endless plans for tomorrow that you never get around to

If you’re tired of being ordinary, it’s time to dream bigger. If you’re feeling overwhelmed about where to begin, it’s time start smaller. It’s time to ignite God’s Greater vision for your life.

About the Author

Steven Furtick is the founder and lead pastor of Elevation Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, named by "Outreach" magazine as on of the top ten fastest growing churches in the nation. He and his wife, Holly, have two young sons and make their home in the Charlotte area.

You can read more from him on his blog at http://www.stevenfurtick.com/ and follow him on Twitter @stevenfurtick.

You can purchase the book here:

Greater - Amazon.com

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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