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Destined To Win: How to Embrace Your God-Given Identity and Realize Your Kingdom Purpose

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Pastor and cofounder of the Bethel School of Ministry Kris Vallotton walks Christians through the profound process of discovering their true identity and experiencing the wonder of their kingdom purposes. Christians are often told that they were born with a purpose that reaches beyond their human strivings, but most are not sure how to break past the daily struggles holding them back, much less how to fully step into their callings. As a pastor and the cofounder of the Bethel School of Ministry, Kris Vallotton has been teaching Christians all over the world how to walk in wholeness and purpose for more than seventeen years. In Destined to Win , he passes on the lessons that will help readers discover who they really are, overcome destructive behaviors, and become equipped for their kingdom purposes. Confronting the challenges that limit Christians—such as living shackled by past pain, fear, and unforgiveness—Vallotton offers practical solutions to the of­ten-complex problems that undermine their destinies and derail their pur­poses. With personal stories and biblical teaching, Destined to Win combines practical wisdom and profound revelation to unlock the latent potential present in each person.

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2017

139 people are currently reading
400 people want to read

About the author

Kris Vallotton

131 books276 followers
Kris Vallotton is the senior associate pastor under the senior pastor Bill Johnson at Bethel Church in Redding, California

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5 stars
259 (53%)
4 stars
145 (29%)
3 stars
66 (13%)
2 stars
8 (1%)
1 star
7 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
Profile Image for Dean.
538 reviews135 followers
December 4, 2018
Kris Vallotton is indeed a gifted writer, he understands how to encourage, counsel, motivate and uplift people, and that masterfully!!!

"Destined To Win" has rightfully his five stars from me..
**Forged in the Furnace**
**Walking Out Of Pain**
**Chipping Rocks**
These are my favorites portions in his book, enriched with lots of interesting and funny anecdotes..
A very valuable book, written by a counselor and genuine Christian!!
Kris Vallotton has a dramatic testimony to tell, proclaiming God's Power and love..

Refreshing, encouraging, enlightening, and with much anointing and love!!!
My full recommendation..
It was a real pleasure to read..

Happy readings
Dean;)
Profile Image for Šarūnė.
170 reviews
December 31, 2020
Tai buvo knygų klubo skaitinys ir koks geras. Geriausia dalis ta, kad tuos du kaskart perskaitytus skyrius mes galėdavome aptarti ir dar labiau paanalizuoti susizoomindavusios ;)
Šiandien visi ieško, kaip išpildyti tą savo p o t e n c i a l ą - surprise! Man labai patiko, kaip autorius papasakojo, kas slypi tame potencialo išpildyme, ko mums šiandien reikia (bendraminčių), kad su savo naujais fordais nevažinėtume po karietų išvagotais ruožais (daugiau info knygoje!).
Keletas minčių:
- ,,Jei esi pašauktas būti didžiu, puikiu lyderiu, skaityk įžymių lyderių biografijas, interviu arba pats apklausk tuos, kurie, tavo manymu, yra puikūs lyderiai <...>. Taip darydamas, netrukus ir pats ,,užsikrėsi" didinga vizija ir pradėsi svajoti bei kurti planus, kaip to pasiekti." (194 psl.)
- ,,Išsigryninus viziją, ateina metas sunkiai darbuotis. Vizija motyvuoja ir suteikia energijos. Ji yra tikras vaistas nuo apatijos ir tingumo. <...> ,,Priežastis, dėl kurios daugelis žmonių neatpažįsta savo galimybės, kai ją sutinka savo kelyje, yra ta, kad toji galimybė dažnai vaikšto vilkėdama paprastais darbo drabužiais ir atrodo kaip Juodas Darbas.""(195 psl.)
- ,,Yra didžiulis skirtumas, ar triūsi ir stengiesi dėl Dievo karalystės, ar plėšaisi be jokio aiškaus tikslo. Kadangi gyvename tarsi kokiose žiurkių lenktynėse, užsisukame darbuose tarsi žiurkių rate - kažkam skiriame daug laiko ir pastangų, bet vėliau neturime kuo pasigirti. Drauge su kitais užsisukame savo veiklos ratuose, kad neberandame laiko stabtelėti ir atidžiai įsižiūrėti į savo dieviško pašaukimo viziją. (196 psl.)
Profile Image for Ineta Lopez.
100 reviews3 followers
June 22, 2021
Knygoje radau nemažai gerų įžvalgų pašaukimo tema, kurias tarsi pasąmoningai žinojau, bet autoriaus dėka pavyko sau "įsigarsinti". Ypatingai atliepė saviškių atradimo ir gyvenimo vizijos svarba.
Kaip žmogaus gyvenime yra svarbu surasti tuos "my people". Kur gali būti pilnai savimi, besąlygiškai priimtas ir suprastas, neturėti baimės klysti: „Būnant šalia žmonių, kurie laiko tave gražiu, dedasi stebuklingi dalykai. Tas požiūris keičia tave, kai ką primena ir perkeičia tavo mintis apie save. Tai veiksni meilė, penas sielai. Meilė yra toji vidinė sveikata, kurios reikia, norint gyvenime laisvai įgyvendinti Dievo numatytus tikslus. <...> Mus supantys žmonės pažadina mumyse snaudžiantį pašaukimą. Gerai įsidėmėkite: atradę „savus“, greičiau atrasime ir savo likimą. ".
Mums jau tampa įprasta turėti organizacijos viziją, misiją. Tačiau man patiko knygoje paminėtas žmogaus gyvenimo vizijos turėjimas. Kaip autorius teigia, ji kasdienybei suteikia kitą perspektyvą, yra vaistas nuo apatijos ir tingumo. Ji suteikia prasmę skausmui. Yra didžiulis skirtumas, kai stengiesi dėl kažko didingo, ir kai tiesiog plėšaisi kasdienoj be jokio aiškaus tikslo. Įkvėpė!
Profile Image for Cierra Elizabeth.
111 reviews3 followers
Read
August 1, 2025
No star rating because I don't want to. I just unfortunately have not read a theology commentary book that I enjoy. Some chapters really made me sit back and see past experiences in a new light or urged me to be proactive in the way I connect to the Church, but some chapters just made me feel like I was walking through the cringey and questionable part of Hobby Lobby's signage aisles. Maybe I will read it later in life and think more of it then, but for now I'll stick to just reading my Bible.
3 reviews
February 16, 2018
I love this book, I've read it twice and each time it was amazing. If you have questions about your identity and purpose in life, this book is a go too. It explains everything so well with the scripture so that you can have a better understanding. I also like that Kris Vallotton uses his personal example to help you understand certain concepts that he talks about. Overall, I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Talia.
176 reviews8 followers
March 26, 2021
I didn't read the back before I started reading the book, but this book fits along with the theme Kris Vallotton has in a lot of his books — becoming who God created you to be + growing as a son/daughter.

The first part talks a lot about the soul. Many teachers I have heard from believe that the soul is often the impulsive, eager-to-sin-and-never-think-of-consequences part of us, while our spirit is the more noble, truer model of who God made us to be. Some, like Katie Souza, believe that the soul is not all bad but is often bogged down with wounds or issues caused by our sins. Kris looks at it more as a thing we need to invest in and take care of, like our natural body. He believes it is neglected in the spiritual bubbles of Christianity and he's probably right.

I don't know necessarily who is correct in their "theology" of the soul. I don't believe it is all bad. And I tend to think that the soul is the emotional part of us. Physically, it makes no sense why we are heartbroken when someone dies as we all die, but I think the soul is the part that feels and cares about those sorts of things. I also think the soul is one of the parts that is offended at certain things. It seems like the carnal part of us. I think the soul does need help and refining, just like the other parts of us, but I admit: I'm a little hesitant of any teaching on this issue. Something about it just makes me want to tap the brakes a little. It's one of those see-if-this-thing-pans-out type of things for me.

Then the author discusses the dilemma of many Christians — that we know of God's love, but we have not experienced it. He compares this to reading about love, passion, etc. in the dictionary, but how we do not understand romantic love without first experiencing it. He has a good point.
So what are some of the ways we can experience God's love? Thinking on the ways God has come through for us, even when we were doubting Thomases. Spending time with God and listening to His voice. Giving Him time. Thinking on how He has accepted us despite Him knowing every flaw, mistake, and sin we have ever committed. Thinking about His goodness.
》"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." Phillipians 4:8 ESV


The author also believes strongly in needing the right people to "be on your bus" regarding your destiny — like your tribe, your family. Not everyone is called to be on board, but he believes that everyone does need someone on board. That having these select people around you will help you to fulfill your destiny, grow, and become the person you were meant to be.

Kris also discusses the importance of asking for advice and constructive criticism, but also accepting it (when God wants you to—not every criticism or bit of advice is from a good place or from God. Use discernment and discuss it with God if you are unsure). He also mentions that even unsolicited correction should be paid attention to. He writes that sometimes people ask for his advice, then he's honest, and they shun or punish him with silence or resistance which makes him more hesitant to ever offer that person advice again. We need to be correctable if we are in the wrong! So many people struggle with this and its easy to think that you're always right but as the author points out:

"The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man is he who listens to counsel." Proverbs 12:15


One problem I have with a small area of this book is this quote: "Carry yourself like nobility. That certainly shoots the 'don't follow me, follow Jesus' idea in the head!" Pg. 101. This is one of the things he mentioned while discussing points in 1 Timothy 4:12, 13-16.

I got a problem with this. It should always be Follow Jesus 100% of the time always FIRST and then, if God leads you to follow someone else under that first important leadership (God), then do it. This idea Kris mentions is rampant and I mean rampant in American churchianity. I cannot tell you how many times God has led someone to do something and leadership steps in to say, "Not in my house!" If we submit to a "Christian" authority before ultimately being under the lordship of God, it is idolatry. Being led by someone under the guise that "this person is my shepherd and I cannot have a relationship with God without this surrogate" is no different than believing a priest is the entrance to a connection with God. Jesus is the only high priest, the only necessary connection, and the Father, Holy Spirit, and Jesus should be the only one in full authority over you.

The veil was torn. Praise God!

I am not sure if that is what Kris meant when he wrote this passage but I wish he would have expounded on it if he did not mean what I think he meant. Perhaps he was saying that many people believe they shouldn't follow anyone else no matter what, and he believes that is wrong. I think it can be wrong to do so. It really just depends on each individual and what God wants them to do.

The author has a great section on getting visionaries/dreamers and administrators/builders to work together. Very well done.

The sections on boundaries are excellent. Kris tells several stories about boundaries to emphasize the importance of having them. He points out why you need them and what can happen if you don't have any. He makes the point that too many people may love you (and probably think they know what's best for you), but you're the only one who really knows your energy levels, your limits, etc.—aside from God.

And I felt convicted in certain areas of this book. Kris was discussing initiating things and driving your life instead of letting life just drive you.

There's also a Nobility Assessment Test at the end.

Quotes:

"... love covers a multitude of sins, but fear transforms the gift of discernment into suspicion." Pg. 149

"From now on, you must only negotiate for win-win. You must bless the people you buy from, those who work for you, and those whom you work with." Pg. 191


I enjoyed the book. Most of it was interesting and I feel like a lot was to be learned. My favorite part of the book was probably the section he did on dealing with pain.

4 stars.
243 reviews
May 15, 2017
Excellent book for going deeper into your walk with God and what he has planned for you. Needed to read it twice as there was so much in it to take in the first time! A lot about leadership and developing wise council around you in your leadership journey.
12 reviews
December 2, 2024
How reading this book changed me!
Designed to win is a really great book to read because it changes the way I think and see things in life. I have noticed a change in the actions that I take in school and work and even the simplest of things. An example of an action I have started to take is my mindset instead of thinking that I can't do it or it's hard to start thinking that I am capable and I'm able to. I think that has helped me the most in the past 3 weeks of reading this book. I feel that this book has also helped me grow in the relationship that I have with God and learning more about what he has to offer. because the Lord has so much to offer each and every one of us and wants to show us how he was and cares about us. but we just have to do the work to understand it. It talks about in the Bible how we are created in the image of God so with me being created in the image of God and wondering how he created me is just a great example of how much he loves everyone. because none of us are worthy of his love and peace Joy. everything that he has to offer us. but with understanding the gospel and who God is and how he goes and sending his son and understanding that just gives peace to me and helps me understand how to not worry about it but cast it onto the Lord, so I don't have to stress or worry about tomorrow or even today all I have to do is go to the lord.

Author
I think that Kris vallotton Is a very great guy and wrote This Book to help inspire people to understand how much value they have in them. I think that he wrote This Book help those who may not know what the Lord has to offer them. I really like how he wrote and Incorporated the Bible in the book so people understand that it's not just his writing that it's the Bible who inspired him and the Lord inspiring him to write this book to help people like me and you reading this. the Lord help him write this book so that we could understand who, what, when, where and how God created things. I know that this book was written in a way where the Holy Spirit worked through him and would talk through him to type things out and write things out in this book or the Holy Spirit to speak through the book to the person for the people reading it.

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Michael Newville.
49 reviews
March 21, 2018
A bit slow of a read at some points, but nonetheless essential for any in a leadership position.
The humble heart and caring spirit within Kris is evident, and creates a desire to display that in your leadership role wherever God has called you.
He gives insights from his own journey and walk, as well as Biblical truths to support.
I’ve been in leadership at 24 years old in Youth With A Mission in New Zealand for 3 years now. And the information given here is already helping heaps at my pioneering base. To serve, love, and (what I needed most) continue to receive vision for the future and what God has ahead.
A great book, essential for any future leaders (of ministry or just business), but not too essential for any just looking for a good read.
Profile Image for Analie.
604 reviews4 followers
November 10, 2019
This book is a light, easy guide for anyone struggling in their purpose and identity as a believer. My favorite parts were about building a wise counsel of people who can speak into your life and finding your tribe. Kris admits that he always thought others were more gifted than him; then, he realized they were simply serving in their sweet spot. God has a sweet spot for each of us and ironically... the places where our flaws and weaknesses show up are likely where He wants to show His power and call us!

I liked the helpful little insights in this book. I also noted that Kris seems to buy into a Christian version of karma. (The example he gave: If you believe you will have a car accident, you will.) The last chapter also assumes prosperity is part of the New Testament Christian life.
262 reviews
October 14, 2025
Finished Kris Vallotton's book, Destined to Win. The motivation to come to Christ, according to Kris, is to win, to be nobility, to succeed. It's not to turn from your sins, turn to Him for mercy, and to trust in Christ alone for salvation. He even has a test for you at the end of the book to see if you are a Slave or Noble. The more highly you view yourself, the closer you are to nobility. Poor Job who when he compared his knowledge of himself to God's knowledge had to "repent in dust and ashes". The entire book is simply human motivational pep talks disguised as Godly wisdom. Oh, Kris spoke to God and God spoke to him but rather than immediately, and accurately write it# down, he simply said it "went something like this"! This book, like all his books, is #forhereticalresearchonly.
Profile Image for Victoria Duffoo.
39 reviews1 follower
July 3, 2019
I learned and was reminded of several "nuggets" of truth in this book. Here are a few: fear is faith in the wrong kingdom, to find your purpose you first have to find your people, you will prosper because God is with you and everything God is a part of prospers (this doesn't mean our definition of prosperity matches God's in specific circumstances), and accountability is keeping yourself accountable for your abilities (+ several other definitions of words I often use but don't stop to remember its meaning). The author was really honest with ways God has molded him as a writer and kingdom builder.
Profile Image for Hannah Billingsley.
24 reviews
March 8, 2022
Surprisingly, Kris touches on some deep subjects early on in the book— perhaps it’s my season of life, but really resonated and gave me a lot to consider throughout the day. Middle section I found humorous as he broke out “tribes.” Finding your tribe is no joke! Last section about how to have a sustainable ministry and be a healthy soul. He uses a lot of personal stories which I find both effective and entertaining. Destined to Win is for those at the beginning of their team-building/ministry or for those needing a reset. If you’re not open to making big changes in your team, thoughts, etc — may not be your book.
Profile Image for Debby.
471 reviews24 followers
April 5, 2021
You will find excellent tools for getting "unstuck, released and unbound" here.

The book concludes with tests to help ascertain where you in the matter of being "bound" by things of the past. Then a test on nobility with a great measure of where you are in your desired walk and how to get beyond the pain, fear and hurt of the sticky places is available.

I believe this is a great tool for any person trying to move forward in their life or even find the energy to have a vision of the future. You are destined to win.
Profile Image for Vance Ginn.
204 reviews662 followers
October 13, 2018
Kris Vallotton provides another thought-provoking, internal-questioning, Jesus-loving book that outlines how to meet your God-given destiny to win.

Attacking each and every day and endeavor with this mindset sets you up for success. I recommend this book if you’re struggling with your vision or whatever circumstance you may be in.

I give it 4 stars because some of the book is repetitive now that I’ve read several of his books, but the content is excellent. Check it out.
Profile Image for Haley Kingsley.
320 reviews1 follower
July 17, 2020
Rating: 4/5
(More thoughts in the link below!)

During COVID-19, it has been hard to connect communally because of social distancing and a stay-at-home order in tact. In Destined to Win, Kris’ main purpose in writing this book was to highlight our need for community and remind us that we will find our purpose/goal/destiny in the people we surround ourselves with.

I am giving this book 4/5 Stars because of the timeliness of the read and the way it challenged me in my personal life.

If you’ve never read Kris Vallotton, this would be a great one to start with! Check out his other reads, too!!

Book blog post:https://brookeandbinding.wordpress.co...
Profile Image for Lina.
9 reviews
September 10, 2021
buvo tikrai daug gerų minčių ir vieną iš jų pasiėmiau, kai rašė apie baimes: kai tik kažko išsigąstam, mes patarnaujam priešui, o ne Dievui, pas kurį nėra baimės.
tačiau nors ir buvo daug gerų pavienių minčių, bet kartais jautėsi, jog šokinėja temos ir nėra tos ‘pasikartojančios’ pagrindinės minties:)
Profile Image for Carlo Grossmann.
24 reviews1 follower
March 25, 2019
Awesome

This is a real eye opener and alot of new Revelations and practical stuff has been revealed and shared with me in this book. A realist for who ever struggle with personal development and identity matters.
Profile Image for Jennifer Utech.
226 reviews
October 19, 2023
So much good insight, revelation, and encouragement to press forward toward God’s best for one’s life. Not Pollyanna or “prosperity gospel” garbage. Achieving our destiny takes effort but boy is it worth it and doable.
12 reviews
August 14, 2025
you find your identity in who is surrounding you almost? finding your people and tribe, covenant relationships helps to discover purpose. when reading the descriptions for the different types of people, i related to almost all of them - childlike, artist, etc.
Profile Image for Amy.
135 reviews2 followers
May 16, 2017
Another good one from Kris. Very thought-provoking concerning self perception and our destiny in the Kingdom!
Profile Image for Andre.
8 reviews
July 23, 2017
Another life changing book by Kris Vallotton, I love this guy!
22 reviews2 followers
November 18, 2017
Great read

Empowering and biblical; great addition to the content Kris has written over the years. Grab a copy today and enjoy.
Profile Image for Alex Camaerei.
1 review28 followers
October 24, 2017
An excellent read

Kris gives divine success keys throughout this entire book. It helped me to think bigger and think about ways to use my fittings in the marketplace.
Profile Image for Andy Stinespring.
6 reviews1 follower
January 22, 2018
Incredible look that shifts your mindset to operating from the place of victory rather than fighting for destiny and gives you ways to remain in this.
Profile Image for Dan.
59 reviews1 follower
February 11, 2019
As usual a great book by Kris, encouraging and challenging. Change the way you think!
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