This Isn't the Life I Prayed For

by Tami Bailey Nantz

This isn’t the life you prayed for.
The one you pictured. The one you planned.
Now you’re left with questions—deep ones.
Where is God in this pain?
Why didn’t He intervene?
And what do you do with a faith that feels fractured?
You’re not alone.

And this is not the end of your story.

This Isn’t the Life I Prayed For is a 15-week Bible study through the book of Job, written for anyone walking through seasons of suffering, loss, or disappointment.

With honesty, hope, and deep reverence for Scripture, author Tami Nantz invites you to slow down, wrestle through hard questions, and discover the character of a God who is still good—even here.

Inside you’ll find:
• Weekly reading guides and study questions
• Scripture passages quoted from the King James Version
• Thoughtful reflections and journaling space
• Encouragement to anchor your hope in Christ, not in outcomes

Whether you're grieving loss, wrestling with unanswered prayers, or simply weary from the weight of life, this study will remind you:

Jesus sees. He stays. He still speaks.

And He is your hope for the hardest chapters.

“Tami doesn’t write from the mountaintop; she writes from the trenches—right where you and I often find ourselves.” —Andy Andrews, New York Times bestselling author of The Traveler’s Gift

279 pages, Paperback

Published November 3, 2025

Reviews

[Joy Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn’t the life I prayed for: a study of the book of Job is truly a life-changing study. Even if you don’t join others in a study, you’ll never look at Job, his friends, or God the same way. You’re going to want to buy several copies to give away. This is the best book I’ve read all year and the best Bible study I’ve ever seen. Nantz has such a fresh way to look at Job—from the perspective of HOPE. Seeing the Hope Job had and the way he struggled through the loss and the suffering will change how you treat your own friends and family when they are going through difficult times.After you read every word from the forward by Andy Andrews to the acknowledgments by the author, you will want to read it again. Bring a highlighter, a pen and notebook along for this one.

[Christina Ables · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been going through a severe health struggle, and God brought this beautiful book into my life in His perfect timing. It has been incredibly enlightening, validating, and comforting in the midst of it all. We all have so many ‘why’ questions during hard seasons, but this study of the book of Job helps deepen faith and leads us to a place of peace and rest. If you know someone who is struggling, I would absolutely bless them with a copy of this book. It has been a true blessing to me, and I’m confident it will be for them as well.

[Matt Lempert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Isn’t the Life I Prayed For by Tami Nantz the most insightful and beautifully written studies of the book of Job I’ve ever read. What’s often seen as a story centered on suffering becomes a journey of hope, faith, and restoration. She dives deep into the text—examining details most of us have likely skimmed past—and reveals a depth of truth that can genuinely shift your perspective.

The layout of the book itself is stunning, making it as enjoyable to hold and browse as it is to read. Each section is thoughtfully designed, inviting you to pause and reflect. Whether used as a devotional, a group study, or a personal guide, it offers a meaningful and fresh way to engage with Scripture.

This isn’t just a book you read—it’s one you experience. If you’ve ever wrestled with faith, pain, or the question of “why,” this book will remind you that even in life’s hardest moments, hope is closer than you think.

[Cheryl Adkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tami’s incredible gift with words reaches straight into your heart from the very first sentence. The depth of her vulnerability and the powerful, Spirit-led insight she brings to the book of Job make this Bible study nothing short of life-changing. I found myself moved, challenged, and comforted all at once. It pulled me in immediately, and without question, it is the most impactful and meaningful Bible study I have ever experienced.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This study on the book of Job explores the issues of suffering in an open and honest way. Nantz invites the reader to journey with her through not only Job’s response to his suffering but also his friends response to Job’s suffering. It is worth the read. It is also a beautiful book and would make a great gift. Highly recommend

[Mandy Holzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new and refreshing study on the book of Job. Most of us probably wouldn't list Job as our favorite book in the Bible, but Tami uncovers new perspectives I hadn't thought of before. Her style is encouraging and very inspirational. The photography is beautiful. It'll help your relationship with God. Read it, you won’t regret it!

[John Nantz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written, Scripture-centered study that handles the book of Job with honesty and care.