5⭐️ audiobook, but I’d give this more stars if I could! Read by the author and available for free as a “podcast” on Spotify (Little Things with Amber Albee Swenson, April 7, 2025; each chapter is separate and most are just 10-15 minutes).
Amber leads with Bible stories and passages, and supplements with her own personal stories and wonderful commentary. This book will make you take an honest look at your life, but that comes right alongside a heavy dose of Jesus’s grace. There is lots of Bible learning and also lots of super practical and immediately actionable tips.
I think literally anyone would get something out of this book, and the chapters could be read as standalones - here are the chapter titles to pique your interest! (Personally I was most reflective and encouraged by the prayers chapters 2-4 right now.) 1. Confident you can get past your past 2. Confident that prayer moves the hand of God 3. Confident that God isn’t bothered when you ask for little things 4. Confident you aren’t asking too much 5. Confident to put one foot in front of the other as God does the work 6. Confident God won’t fail even if you do 7. Confident that difficult people are no problem for God 8. Confident God works through your suffering 9. Confident you don’t need more 10. Confident your worry isn’t helping the situation 11. Confident you don’t have to be your own worst enemy anymore 12. Confident you are the one to get the job done 13. Confident God can see a future you can’t imagine
The message of this book is our confidence is in our Lord God. In the preface the author states: “None of us will ever be enough, but God is more than enough for all of us.” Sections of scripture show how God is able to provide so we can live a confident life in Him. This book also challenges us to review how we think and act, to live a God-pleasing life to God’s glory and to be a blessing, to examine ourselves and make changes, and to grow closer to God by studying His Word. Each chapter offers practical ideas and solid discussion and reflection questions.
This is not a self-help book! It is way better, and way different than any self-help book I have read. The author talks a lot about the things that people often use to gain confidence are ultimately empty and useless when compared to the confidence you can get knowing that you are a redeemed child of God. She offers very helpful ways to reframe the struggles that you are going through Into an eternal perspective.