Into the Deep: One Man's Story of How Tragedy Took His Family but Could Not Take His Faith (Focus on the Family Books) [Paperback]

Robert T. Rogers (Author), Stan Finger (Contributor)

Book Description

Series: Focus on the Family Books | Publication Date: June 21, 2007

On the evening of August 30, 2003, Robert and Melissa Rogers and their four young children were driving home from a family wedding. Caught in a flash flood, Melissa and the children all drowned. Into the Deep is the compelling story of how one man's faith took root and blossomed through trials, blessings, and a deepening trust in God.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (June 21, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 158997378X
• ISBN-13: 978-1589973787
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #183,321 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "God is still good, all the time", June 25, 2007

By 

Cindy Swanson (Rockford, Illinois) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Into the Deep: One Man's Story of How Tragedy Took His Family but Could Not Take His Faith (Focus on the Family Books) (Paperback)

When "Into the Deep" crossed my desk a few weeks ago, I glanced at it, but put it aside, as I was reading at least three other books at the time. But something prompted me to pick the book up over the weekend, and I read it straight through. A slim volume, it's a quick read that is both extremely painful and unrelentingly hopeful.

"Into the Deep" is the story of Robert Rogers, who lost his wife and all four of his children in a flash flood in Missouri in 2003.

The scenes where Rogers has to identify the bodies of his children and his wife are nothing short of heart-wrenching. Early on in the book, when Rogers describes how playing with his family was among his greatest joys, and how he would literally bless them every day, we get a glimpse of the fact that this is an extraordinary man.

But it is in Rogers' response to the sudden destruction of his family that we see God's incredible peace and grace truly revealed. Yes, Rogers had his agonizing times of questioning God, and hours of anguished tears. But he was not without hope, and he has come through the tragedy "shining like gold."

This is a book about a tragedy, and if such things touch you deeply, you'll want to keep the Kleenex handy. But as you agonize with Robert Rogers over the loss of his family, you will also rejoice over a faith that is able to sustain a person over the most catastrophic and horrifically painful times. There is great comfort in the fact that Rogers can still say, "God is still good, all the time."

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars No Regrets!, August 19, 2007

By 

Hope (San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Into the Deep: One Man's Story of How Tragedy Took His Family but Could Not Take His Faith (Focus on the Family Books) (Paperback)

This book has really impacted me in a big way. I have decided that I want to live the rest of my life with no regrets and to cherish every moment with my family. Yes, God is still good even when there is pain and sorrow, even when things don't make sense. We must make a conscientious effort to trust HIM for God's grace is sufficient for us.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Triumph Through Tragedy, November 28, 2008

By 

kone "kone" (USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 50 REVIEWER)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Into the Deep: One Man's Story of How Tragedy Took His Family but Could Not Take His Faith (Focus on the Family Books) (Paperback)

After hearing Mr. Rogers speak at our church, I bought his book for my wife. I have reviewed the book and found it extremely compelling, in that it chronicles a man's struggle with faith in a loving God through incredible immense tragedy.

Mr. Rogers lost his entire family in one horrible stormy night while driving home from of all things, a wonderfully happy celebration - a wedding. This book tells the story of that tragedy and Mr. Roger's reaction to it. Rather than react with a raised fist and a "curse God and die" mentality, Mr. Rogers finds a solid faith in the very center of supreme tragedy.

This is a heartbreaking story, and yet conversely; it is an uplifting story. The loss experienced is overwhelming, incalcuable, yet; the faithfulness of Mr. Roger's to God in the midst of tragedy is also overwhelming. I was moved to sobbing tears by this story, but was also moved to tears by the expression of faith in the midst of horrific circumstances.

The Bible does not promise a life of luxury and problem-free living in return for faith in the Lord. Actually, the Bible states that we will have problems in this life and that we are to remain faithful to the Lord even in the midst of disaster. That is the central message of this book. I think it is a hard message for Christians, for tv evangelists (for years) have promised a prosperity-filled life for those that follow the Lord. The prosperity gospel is a false gospel. Did Jesus's disciples become rich and lead an easy life to heaven? Of course not, and likewise, neither should we expect anything different.

As a person of faith, you WILL experience difficult, perhaps even disasterous times (such as described in this book). Having the example of Robert Rogers and his reaction to having all that was important to him taken away in one single moment, is an object lesson for us all. Faith is what God requires of us in ALL circumstances, and this book clearly demonstrates a faith that brings Mr. Rogers through the storm all the way to the other side.

This is a remarkable story that all Christians and persons of faith need to consider, for life will not always go according to plan. When our lives fall apart, will our faith be strong enough to hold our lives together? This book shows one man's reaction to that question. Like Job, the ultimate message of this book is this: "Even though he slay me, yet will I praise him!".

Jim Koenig