As Ben and James enter Central State University, the two friends find that their opposite worldviews lead to radically different choices. The twists and turns of their lives reveal how these choices bring very different results. One path leads to regret and self-destruction. The other path shows vividly that doing things God's way is always worth the wait.

Pages: 176 :: 6x9 Paperback :: ISBN 9781615071104

Worth the Wait is an interesting and compelling story that communicates God’s principles of sexual purity. The truths contained in this book are the same values I have challenged young adults with all over the world for the past 50 years. I highly recommend this book for youth, college students, single adults, as well as their parents.
–Josh McDowell, speaker and author of More Than a Carpenter and Why True Love Waits

Worth the Wait is a powerful story that accentuates the radical difference between God’s ways and the world’s ways in the area of relationships. As a family psychologist and teacher, I am pleased to see a book that touches on so many of today’s issues woven into the fabric of an interesting story.
–Dr. Kevin Leman, speaker and uthor of The Birth Order Book and Have a New Kid by Friday

At no other time in our history have youth been more under attack in the area of their sexuality. “Worth the Wait” is timely for this generation. It has the potential and the author to speak truth into this generation at this critical time. I have known Cliff Lea for over 11 years. There are few out there who can address this issue than Cliff. This is one book that parents and youth should put on their “must read” list .

-Johnny L. Derouen, PhD
Youth Ministry Professor, Southwester Baptist Theological Seminary

Book Review

Facts and figures have a place, but nothing touches the heart the way a story can. Cliff Lea has done just that in his novel, Worth the Wait. Lea, pastor of First Baptist Leesburg, takes truths from his time as Minister to University Students, his experience of dating his wife Suzy, and the truth of God’s Word and weaves them into a compelling narrative.

Ben and James, the central characters, spring to life in the pages and carry the reader on a fascinating journey into the collegiate world of relationships and sexuality. Without being preachy, this novel reveals the truth that choices have consequences—both positive and negative.

After an uneventful high school experience, Ben cannot wait to enjoy all that college has to offer, including meeting and dating “college girls.” Ben jumps right in—emotionally and physically—the first day on campus. Lea does not shy away from describing real-life situations and challenges in Worth the Wait. Yet, he also tells the truth about the consequences of improper sexual relationships—the ending that is lacking from so many of the world’s stories.

James, although interested in meeting new people and eventually dating, has his focus on the right things—grounding his fun time in college with Bible study, church and supportive friends. The reader follows with anticipation as a romance blossoms between he and a godly young woman, Julia. Lea portrays clearly the differences between doing things God’s way and doing what feels right in the moment.

Tens of thousands of True Love Waits teenagers are now entering the young adult world. Worth the Wait is just what they need to keep them on a journey toward purity. For the many who are married across the country, this book provides a tool to teach the next generation about God’s design for marriage and sexuality.

Worth the Wait is an essential tool as we seek to create a winsome and persuasive picture of a life lived in accordance with God’s principles of sexuality purity. It is a great accompaniment to the True Love Waits message and to those like it.

Dr. Richard Ross is Professor of Student Ministry at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. (www.RichardARoss.com)