Power Moves: Ignite Your Confidence and Become a Force

by Sarah Jakes Roberts

Unleash the superpower of being yourself. Sarah Jakes Roberts, bestselling author of Woman Evolve , will help you craft a language toward your issues with intentionality. Stripping our minds of the expectations that inundate our world has never been more difficult. One quick scroll of our phones and we're consumed by other people's projections of how we should be feeling or responding. The ability to determine your truth without judgment is the beginning of harnessing authentic power in Christ. When we do the work of embracing where we are, we create space for God's love to meet us in our most raw form and then polish us to shine like never before. Power does not lie in success, achievement, or performance. Power rests in humility, honesty, and the commitment to continuous growth. Power Moves will help you to qualify whether you're living life authentically or if you've found a way to maintain status quo. It will reveal the principles required to tap into the most powerful version of who you are, then lead you in how to introduce your authentic self to the world around you. Sarah will help you Open your eyes to the way that God sees you and awaken your boldness to effect change in the world by living out the truth of who God says you are with confidence.

Genres: Self Help, Christian, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Inspirational, Business, Faith

224 pages, Hardcover

Published April 30, 2024

Reviews

[Dr. Joy C.]

This is my 3rd book I’ve read by Pastor SJR. It has a lot of good nuggets. It is written like she is speaking directly to you in her conversational style. I think I’ll take a break from her books because I feel her messages are starting to be repetitive and it’s hard to not question whether her overcoming is due to her hard work and God’s faithfulness or having generational resources that make hard things easier. I’m disappointed because the marketing was so grand for this book but I don’t feel I learned anything new even though I wanted to.

I think this is a decent book for those who are new to discovering themselves and a good gateway into beginning to learn and discover the power within you. If you’ve been studying this awhile you may not learn anything new but you will be encouraged.

[J.E. Grace]

Power Moves is a very in-depth read concerning how to control the power God placed inside of you.

It contains examples from Sarah's life and the things she learned. There are insights from scripture to solidify your journey. Her application at the end of each chapter has marinate, active, and prayer sections.

This book when applied, could allow God to work a positive change in your life.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and voluntarily chose to review it. A positive review is not required.

[KiKi]

This was great listen on sitting with and centering yourself.

[Toya]

“Stay in the flow…”

This book was everything I needed to get the wheels of life turning again. I have been going through a rough season and this put a lot of things in perspective for me. I can’t wait to use my key points for the turn around to make my POWER MOVES. 🎉

[kiriahsbookshelf]

I REALLY really REALLLLY enjoyed this book. I already love SJR down!!! She dropped so many good gems in this book. So many great keynotes and I loved how SJR made it so personable but yet still gems for the reader to pick up on. I could’ve finished this book in one day but it was just SO MUCH (in a good way) that I wanted to take it in doses. Power Moves is a great read about centering yourself, being true to yourself, trying to find yourself, and more. Would def recommend.

[Synthia Salomon]

“The main takeaway is that in order to reclaim your power, you first need to identify the areas of your life where you feel drained or powerless. After doing this, you can identify the dysfunctional behavioral systems and relationships that contribute to your feelings of powerlessness. Your task now is to update them to programs that serve your true greatness.”

“The next keys to stepping into your power involve embracing faith and connection with the divine, pushing past your comfort zone, aligning your actions with your desires, knowing they're rooted in divine purpose, and finding balance through rest.”

[✨Shay✨]

While Sarah Jakes Roberts Is a power house when preaching this book did fall flat for me.

There were a few tips that I felt were really good but overall the book was word vomit. That i simply could not understand.

Like girl just say what you want to say without trying to sound like a theologian.

This will be my last book from her. I would much rather hear her preach!

[Jay DeMoir]

This was another good book from the exceptionally gifted Mrs. Sarah Jakes Roberts.
Power Moves focused on sitting with yourself, reflecting, and centering yourself through wisdom and God. Enjoyed it.

[Dominique James]

There are some good chapters in the book, but I did not love this read. I yearned for more.

[Kiera]

Great book! So many great reminders

[Kay Marie]

Those dates are correct, started in 2024 nd finished a year and a month later and I’m so glad I did.

This book is different for me because I went through a rough patch while reading this in a lot of areas of my life.

I would read this over the months and I mostly read it in batches bc I wanted to soak in the lessons she would write about and it ended up truly helping me see the power that already lies within me through the Holy Spirit AND see how power does move and how to make those power movesssss!

A blessing in my life and I will forever cherish this book. 5/5! I encourage everyone who reads this to not binge this but take inventory in your life as you read it and see how the power within you unfolds ! Much love💛💛💛

[Kerri Moss]

Really enjoyed listening to this and it gave me alot of insight on how I have been really disconnected from God and his teachings. We think power is in status when in reality it comes from God. I hope that I can use this book as a stepping stone to overcome the fear and the challenges that show up in my life.

[Kaara]

I've seen SJR in person, but this is the first time I've read her book. Her message is just as powerful on the page! I enjoyed the prompts at the end of each chapter and the examples from her own life.

[BetweentheCoversLiterary]

Sarah will always be one of my favorites when it comes to explaining life and everything in it as plain as I need to understand and including biblical principles. I can relate to her not only as a woman but also as a mother. she is phenomenal and i’m excited about what will be next

[Tamela Gordon]

Rereading this book in the morning is definitely going to be my new guilty pleasure.

[Bridgette]

It is usually hard for me to get into motivational books, but I have to say this one is very good and speaks to where I am in my life right now. I can’t put it down, I’m truly enjoying this book

[(Adri)ana | TenPieceLemonPepper]

another powerful (no pun intended 😂) book from SJR. everything she writes just feels like a much needed hug.

[Leigh Anne]

I really liked her on the Mel Robbins podcast and her book on being safe is good but this book just made me mad. First, she doesn’t give credit where credit is due talking about IFS she acts as if she had that idea. Then she just gets down right almost self righteous. Plus her use of overused bible verses is annoying—find something people haven’t heard.

[Kathryn]

I started listening to this audiobook at a point of reflection for me. The amount of times I had to pause and run and get my journal was A LOT. It got me thinking about all the ways that power can move and shift....and also ways i can center myself in the ebbs and flows. This is one of those that will get a second and third listens as I grow my faith. Great read.

[Ka’Rae]

“When your revelation becomes consistent with your declaration, and presentation … you will experience transformation.” - SJR

[NYCPrincess18]

Too much words repetition. Also, I’m not even sure what message she’s trying to relay. Everything seems out of place. She discussing herself way too much.

[The Bourbon-Sipping Bibliophile]

🥃 Book Review: Power Moves She came to ignite your confidence and she brought scripture, stories, and a whole lot of conviction.

Author: Sarah Jakes Roberts
Genre: Nonfiction — Inspirational / Self-Help / Faith-Based
Tropes: N/A (Nonfiction — but if it were fiction: the comeback story, reclaiming your power, faith as foundation)
Format: Audiobook
Series: Standalone
Drink Pairing: The Inner Fire
Spice Level: N/A (Nonfiction — but the Holy Spirit was MOVING)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5) — A Good, Solid Read

THE POUR
Sarah Jakes Roberts does not need an introduction — but she gives you one anyway, and it is drenched in the kind of raw transparency that has made her one of the most compelling voices in the faith space. Power Moves is her invitation to stop performing confidence and start actually living in it, rooted not in external achievements but in the deep, spiritual, sometimes uncomfortable work of knowing who you are and Whose you are.

The premise is strong. The message is needed. The delivery, however, does not always match the fire of the woman behind it.

THE TASTING NOTES
Roberts writes from a place of genuine authority on the topic of rebuilding. She has been public about her own journey — teen motherhood, divorce, the weight of being T.D. Jakes' daughter while trying to build her own identity — and that transparency gives Power Moves an authenticity that generic self-help books cannot touch. When she is telling stories from her own life, connecting her struggles to the reader's, the book WORKS. You feel seen. You feel challenged. You feel like someone who has been through it is handing you a flashlight and saying "this way."

The faith framework is central and unapologetic, which will either resonate deeply or feel limiting depending on where you sit. For readers who share Roberts' spiritual foundation, the scriptural grounding adds depth and conviction. For those coming from outside that tradition, some sections may feel more like sermon than strategy.

Where the book stumbles is in its structure. There is a repetitiveness to the language and messaging that dulls the impact over 224 pages. Some chapters circle the same ideas with different phrasing, and by the midpoint, the central thesis — that true power comes from within, through God — has been stated so many ways that the repetition starts to work against the message rather than reinforcing it.

WHAT I SAVORED 🥃
THE AUTHENTICITY — Roberts does not preach from a pedestal. She preaches from the wreckage she climbed out of, and that makes every word hit differently. Her personal stories are the book's strongest moments.

THE CORE MESSAGE — The idea that confidence is not a costume but a conviction is powerful. In a world that sells self-help as self-performance, Roberts insists on something deeper. That distinction matters.

THE AUDIOBOOK DELIVERY — Roberts is a SPEAKER. Her voice carries weight, warmth, and authority. If you are choosing between formats, the audiobook is the way to experience this one.

WHAT I SIDE-EYED 🥃
THE REPETITION — The same themes and phrases circle back too often. A tighter edit would have let the strongest points land harder. When you tell me something powerful once, I remember it. When you tell me five times, I start skimming.

THE STRUCTURE — Some chapters feel like they exist to fill space rather than to build on the previous one. The book reads more like a collection of motivational talks than a cohesive, building argument. The message is there — the architecture around it needs more support.

THE FINISH
Power Moves is a sincere, faith-rooted book about reclaiming your confidence from a woman who has done the actual work. Sarah Jakes Roberts brings transparency, conviction, and genuine warmth to a topic that is too often handled with platitudes. The repetition keeps it from reaching its full potential, but the core message — that your power is not for sale and not for show — is worth hearing. Especially in her voice.

A warm pour. Best enjoyed in small sips rather than all at once.

🍸 Drink Pairing: The Inner Fire Because the real power was never on the outside.

Recipe:
2 oz Buffalo Trace bourbon — for the deep, rooted foundation she builds from
3/4 oz honey syrup — for the sweetness of grace woven through every chapter
1/2 oz fresh ginger juice — for the fire and conviction in Roberts' voice
Dash of cinnamon — for the warmth that makes you feel held, not lectured
Lazzaroni Amaretto cherry garnish — because even the hard truths deserve a sweet landing

Stir gently over ice. Sip with intention.

Recommended For: If you enjoy: ✨ faith-based personal development ✨ Sarah Jakes Roberts' preaching energy ✨ books that challenge you to stop performing and start being ✨ audiobooks where the author IS the experience...power up.

#PowerMoves #SarahJakesRoberts #BourbonSippingBibliophile #BookReview #FaithBooks #Inspirational #Nonfiction

[Jung]

In "Power Moves: Ignite Your Confidence and Become a Force," Sarah Jakes Roberts delves into the concept of personal power and how it can be reclaimed and sustained in the face of life's challenges. The essence of the book revolves around the idea that true power doesn't stem from external achievements or superficial markers of success but rather from tapping into one's inner potential and authentic self. Roberts begins by acknowledging how easily our sense of power can be stripped away, leading to feelings of vulnerability and powerlessness. She argues that true power is not about titles or possessions but about realizing and harnessing one's inherent potential.

Roberts emphasizes that reclaiming power is an act of defiance against forces that seek to contain us. She encourages readers to confront the memories, ideologies, fears, and oppressions that drain their energy and limit their power. By facing these challenges head-on, individuals can begin to return to their true selves. She warns against allowing external validation to rob one of uniqueness, creativity, and ambition, advocating instead for a life led by truth and radical honesty. According to Roberts, creating space for authenticity allows the fullness of divine goodness to enter one's life.

To fully reclaim power, Roberts suggests identifying the areas where power is being drained. She uses the metaphor of a parking lot, where different aspects of life are represented by various vehicles, some running smoothly and others sputtering. Power is often unevenly distributed, and merely avoiding power-depleted roles won't solve the problem. The solution lies in fulfilling core obligations to oneself, such as self-care and spiritual nourishment. Roberts points out that people often neglect their own needs to avoid disappointing others, but true power comes from advocating for oneself.

Breaking free from draining relationships and dynamics is crucial. Roberts describes such bonds as hostage situations where one's authenticity is compromised. She stresses that the only way to lose power is by not believing in one's own power in the first place. Drawing on the story of Adam and Eve, she illustrates how power can be lost through deception and self-doubt. She urges readers to recognize the small, insidious ways they relinquish power daily by disqualifying themselves from pursuing their true desires.

Roberts also discusses the importance of updating behavioral systems to align with one's core values and highest potential. She compares outdated systems to a broke college student subsisting on ramen noodles – inadequate and unsustainable. She explains that trauma often constructs comfort zones designed to protect from past hurts but ultimately hinder growth. By recognizing and updating these systems, individuals can break free from limiting patterns and move toward their true potential.

Faith plays a significant role in reclaiming power. Roberts advocates for embracing the belief that one is unconditionally loved and supported by a higher power. She suggests that faith can transform thought patterns and propel individuals toward growth and fulfillment. She encourages readers to connect with the divine through simple, open-hearted desire and to create dedicated moments for spiritual practices. By doing so, they can recognize divine guidance and move beyond their comfort zones with confidence.

Rest is another crucial aspect of power. Roberts argues that society's distorted view of power often leads to burnout and stress. True power, she says, is not about outperforming others but about being present and adaptable. She highlights the importance of rest and support, citing the example of God resting on the seventh day of creation. She urges readers to define power based on their own needs and to recognize when to push through and when to rest. By doing so, they can preserve their power and peace.

In conclusion, "Power Moves" by Sarah Jakes Roberts provides a comprehensive guide to reclaiming and sustaining personal power. Roberts emphasizes the importance of authenticity, self-care, and spiritual connection in achieving true power. By identifying and addressing power drains, updating behavioral systems, embracing faith, and finding balance through rest, individuals can move through life with grace, wisdom, and inner strength. The book encourages readers to step into their full power and become a force for good in their own lives and the lives of others.

[Lidariya]

From the very beginning, this book creates a sense of growth.In this book Sarah is very inspirational.She tells us how we can grow into better people.She explains in her book about how she has grown.For instance she gave an example of her trying to bond with her new step kids.She was very detailed in her writing and she helps you through your life.She gives you ways to change yourself to be a better person.She helps you face challenges and in this book she talks a lot about challenges and how to overcome them.For instance on the 34th page she ends off the page telling us her thoughts on how she believes that confidence is a challenge for us women and as humans in general.
This book is very interesting. It matches what people in the world go through.This book is good for christians who are trying to better themselves in the world and better themselves through Christ.Sometimes she will even talk to you as if you are really there in a room with her talking about your life and trying to better yourself.Me as a person who is trying to change, this book really helped me out.I struggle with confidence myself and she has taught me to be confident in myself and through Christ.She prays to God for you throughout the book.If you are a christian and are trying to be a better person and trying to build yourself up i recommend this book for you!!! She connects with the reader and shares her own experiences with things that she has mentioned in the book.
Overall this book is a very well written book.It has tones of man vs self in it.She tells you how to deal with man vs self.Her vocabulary is very sophisticated.I do like the book overall.I do think the book is a little simple for my liking.The book itself is a book that if you see it in a store personally i might’ve either walked past it or picked it up and read the back or even a random page.It is very simple but it can help you grow as a person.I overall recommend this book especially for women.If you are struggling with your faith as a christian this a recommendation of mine.

[Sarah Cupitt]

WIP - Whoever or whatever has left you disempowered, powerlessness is not a state you need to accept permanently. 3 stars?

Notes:
- Don't let people-pleasing steal your uniqueness. Don't let rejection steal your creativity. Don’t let fear steal your ambition.
- Imagine you're standing in a vast parking lot, each space reserved for an area of your life – one spot for leadership, another for friendship, another for finances, and so on. As you watch, vehicles begin filling the spaces. Every time you move between the various responsibilities and roles of your life, you step into a different vehicle. Some run smoothly and on a full tank. Others sputter and stall, losing gas. Power is rarely distributed evenly across all areas of our lives. The fact that one vehicle is running on fumes doesn't necessarily mean the others are, too. But simply avoiding those power-depleted roles won't solve your problems
- Ultimately, the only way you can lose your power is by not believing you possessed it in the first place.
- consider the possibility that you’re avoiding threats that may actually be harmless
- until you have behavioral systems in place to support those visions, they cannot manifest into reality
- "I feel tired, overwhelmed, or confused." VS "I need rest and support."

Quotes:
- “Your power is not going to come from an opportunity, position, or person.”
- “Life is a messy job. You get to decide whether you allow that mess to help you or bury you.”

[Jessica Womble]

I’ve read several of Sarah Jakes Roberts’ books over the years, and I always come away with nuggets of wisdom that help me grow in my faith and realign my perspective with Christ. Power Moves was no exception.

I especially loved experiencing this one on audio because Sarah narrates it herself. It felt less like listening to a book and more like sitting across from a trusted mentor having an honest, encouraging conversation.

One of the biggest takeaways for me was the reminder that, as children of God, we already have the power of Christ within us. Too often, our comfort zones are shaped by our trauma instead of our purpose. That message really hit home and challenged me to think about the ways fear and past experiences can keep me from fully embracing the life God has called me to live.

One quote that especially stood out was:
“You’re not any less powerful just because you’re bruised.” ❤️

That line is such a beautiful reminder that our wounds don’t disqualify us. God can use every part of our story, and He truly works all things together for our good. We don’t have to stay stuck in our circumstances when He’s calling us to move forward in faith.

If you’re looking for a faith-filled read that will encourage, challenge, and remind you of the strength you already have in Christ, I definitely recommend adding Power Moves to your TBR.

[Jules]

3.75 ⭐️

If you’re looking to read motivational quotes to help better yourself and choose power over fear these books will help!

“Self-esteem = seeing yourself as a flawed person, and still holding yourself in high regard.”

“Confidence is not about being flawless.”

“You can be powerful without being perfect.”

“Each day grants us another opportunity to get closer to reflecting God's image. It doesn't matter what decisions you made yesterday. If you stay alive for one minute past this moment, that's one minute that can be used to bear God's image and reflect His heart to every person you encounter.”

“Sometimes we confuse familiarity with confidence and don’t want to change because we're afraid that we'll fail. Trust me when I say this: you work wherever God sends you. Are you going to be nervous and afraid? Yup! Are you going to fail? Prolly so.”

______________________________________________
It was great to read about how you can’t let your fear get in the way of you becoming who God wants you to be. You have to be willing to be uncomfortable in order to make progress.

These quotes and mindsets can help in any aspect of your life which you may feel needs some sort of change to better yourself and help others.

Thank you to @frontgatem for the gifted copies!

[Ardria Weston]

5/5 ⭐️s - Power Moves moved me! My favorite chapter was Fearless. SJR talks about how we have to be brave enough to make mistakes and fail. How do we learn lessons and become experts in what we set out to do? It is in our failures that we learn to be powerful.

“God can’t multiply what we won’t sacrifice.” This is our fear of not taking risks.

I’m reminded of the cartoon of Jesus and the little girl. Jesus is holding his hand out for the little girl to give up the small teddy bear in exchange for the bigger teddy bear. She is scared to release because she is fearful she won’t have anything. It is just like us. We won’t trust Jesus to multiply our little for more.

We possess the power (moves) before we were born and yet we have allowed our experiences to hold us back from living powerful in Jesus. We have to learn to access the power within so we can move forward.

A must-read for the person who is looking for a new perspective in how we have a better understanding of the power we possess.

[Billie Cordeiro]

3.5⭐️ Malgré quelques répétitions, j’ai vraiment apprécié cet audiobook. L’analogie du “Flip the switch” m’a particulièrement marquée, surtout parce que je l’utilisais déjà. Pour moi, c’est un outil puissant et concret.

Le livre regorge d’outils et de pistes de réflexion, et il nous rejoint exactement là où nous sommes rendus dans notre évolution.

J’ai aimé le ton direct et vulnérable de l’autrice, ses exemples personnels ainsi que les passages bibliques qui soutiennent le cheminement. Les questions à la fin de chaque chapitre invitent à une vraie introspection et à prendre conscience de nos patterns profonds.

Oui, certaines idées sont redondantes… mais parfois, on a besoin que le message soit répété pour vraiment l’intégrer et passer à l’action. La foi occupe aussi une place centrale. Si ce thème ne vous parle pas, ce livre ne sera peut-être pas pour vous. Personnellement, il a confirmé que je suis en paix et alignée dans ma marche spirituelle.

Un ouvrage pour celles et ceux qui sont ouverts d’esprit, qui veulent grandir et, qui sait, peut-être vivre certaines révélations💛

[Haerlee]

From the description:
The ability to determine your truth without judgment is the beginning of harnessing authentic power in Christ. When we do the work of embracing where we are, we create space for God's love to meet us in our most raw form and then polish us to shine like never before. Power does not lie in success, achievement, or performance. Power rests in humility, honesty, and the commitment to continuous growth.

This is the statement that led me to ask: did this book live up to its promise? I believe it did. Roberts narrates in a conversational style that imparts wisdom without judgment. If that appeals to you, it’s worth a read. While I enjoyed Jake Roberts’ narration, I found I had to listen at an increased speed for maximum enjoyment. The actionable items at the end of each chapter are great for reflection or revisiting, so a future edition might make them easier to access.