Book excerpt: Sometimes we feel as if our faith isn't thriving, and maybe even that it's wilting. But we need not lose hope, for God provides us with everything we need to mature in the Christian life. In this book, Dr. R.C. Sproul identifies five crucial disciplines that the Lord uses to stretch and strengthen us in our spiritual growth. As we make diligent use of these tools, commonly called spiritual disciplines, we can develop greater fortitude and fuller joy as we strive to live lives that glorify our Redeemer.