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Nothing to Prove: Why We Can Stop Trying So Hard
All too many of us struggle under the weight of life, convinced we need to work harder to prove to ourselves, to others, and to God that we are good enough, smart enough, and spiritual enough to do the things we believe we should.
Author and Bible teacher Jennie Allen invites us into a different experience, one in which our souls overflow with contentment and joy. In Nothing to Prove she calls us to...
* Find freedom from self-induced pressure by admitting we're not enough--but Jesus is.
* Admit our greatest needs and watch them be filled by the only One who can meet them.
* Make it our goal to know and love Jesus, then watch what He does in and through us.
Author and Bible teacher Jennie Allen invites us into a different experience, one in which our souls overflow with contentment and joy. In Nothing to Prove she calls us to...
* Find freedom from self-induced pressure by admitting we're not enough--but Jesus is.
* Admit our greatest needs and watch them be filled by the only One who can meet them.
* Make it our goal to know and love Jesus, then watch what He does in and through us.
242 pages, Audio CD
Published January 31, 2017
928 people are currently reading
8849 people want to read
About the author
Jennie Allen
97 books2,339 followersJennie Allen, Bible teacher, author, and the visionary behind IF:Gathering and Gather25, a 25-hour global prayer gathering. Driven by a deep love for God and an unyielding belief in the potential of this generation, Jennie's mission is to disciple a generation of Jesus followers to live what they believe.
Through her writing and teaching, Jennie seeks to convey a simple yet profound truth: God sees you, loves you, and invites you to play your part in His unfolding story. She has witnessed firsthand the miraculous work of Jesus when people fully surrender to Him.
Jennie is a passionate leader following God's call on her life to catalyze a generation to live what they believe. Jennie is the New York Times' best-selling author of Untangle Your Emotions, Find Your People and Get Out of Your Head. Jennie has a masters in Biblical Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary and lives in Dallas, Texas, with her husband, Zac, and their four children.
Through her writing and teaching, Jennie seeks to convey a simple yet profound truth: God sees you, loves you, and invites you to play your part in His unfolding story. She has witnessed firsthand the miraculous work of Jesus when people fully surrender to Him.
Jennie is a passionate leader following God's call on her life to catalyze a generation to live what they believe. Jennie is the New York Times' best-selling author of Untangle Your Emotions, Find Your People and Get Out of Your Head. Jennie has a masters in Biblical Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary and lives in Dallas, Texas, with her husband, Zac, and their four children.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 442 reviews
August 1, 2017
When I first started this book, I had a hard time and nearly wrote off the book. But I had this determination in me to finish it, for some reason. So, I decided to read it as I could. And now that I"m done, I realize that my reticence, my near-ambivalence wasn't the book. It was me. What was happening in my life. Because once I allowed myself to really pay attention, dig my heart and mind out of a rough season in life, Jennie's words were razor-sharp, cutting away unhealthy branches in my personal vineyard. Having read through the book, I've now experienced a breakthrough--God totally used Jennie's words to tie together several things He's shown me over the past few weeks that I wasn't grasping. Thank you, Jennie. Really needed this read!
January 14, 2022
Sometimes I wonder if certain books flop for me because I read it at a bad time. Sometimes I wonder if certain books shine for me because I read it at a perfect time.
Regardless, I read this at a perfect time. Because let me tell you, being the leader of a 24/7 hospital unit during COVID has made me feel utterly and, at times, despondently inadequate.
I. Am. Inadequate. And you know what, ya'll? Duh. Why would I think one mortal, imperfect person could possibly be the answer to every need, whim, and frustration of dozens of people?
I am inadequate. And that's okay, because HE isn't. But I am working out of a funk where I was beat down, thinking I needed to be enough for everything and everyone.
If you're there- or that's a place you have repeatedly fought to stay out of- this is a great book. I know it's lengthy, but I want to be able to come back to this quote when I need the reminder, so I included it after my rating. Hang tight, friends. Things ARE getting better.
I'd rate this book a G.
"When we are settled and secure in that truth, the light that is in us cannot help but shine forth. When we aren't secure in our identity, our actions towards others become more like pride and performance than service and ministry. Part of what has felt angsty to me about being in leadership was that if I was going to do it, I was going to knock it out of the park. Simple obedience to God wasn't enough.
"I wanted to be admired and incredible in the process. 1 Thess. 5:5 says, 'You are the children of the light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness.' I feel like God is saying, 'Okay, [insert name here], you can keep living like this- working so hard, striving to make your own light in the dark, or you can walk into who you already are. My child. A child of the day. A child made to enjoy the sun. You can keep trying to be enough all the days of your life, or you could quit. I promise you all those things you are craving: peace, joy, fun- I'm going to show you how to receive all that. I'm even going to show you how to give it away.'
"Cease striving. Abide in me. I produce the fruit. You don't have to work so hard at this; you can feel urgently for My people and yet keep still in your soul. You can abide. You don't have to run so hard."
Regardless, I read this at a perfect time. Because let me tell you, being the leader of a 24/7 hospital unit during COVID has made me feel utterly and, at times, despondently inadequate.
I. Am. Inadequate. And you know what, ya'll? Duh. Why would I think one mortal, imperfect person could possibly be the answer to every need, whim, and frustration of dozens of people?
I am inadequate. And that's okay, because HE isn't. But I am working out of a funk where I was beat down, thinking I needed to be enough for everything and everyone.
If you're there- or that's a place you have repeatedly fought to stay out of- this is a great book. I know it's lengthy, but I want to be able to come back to this quote when I need the reminder, so I included it after my rating. Hang tight, friends. Things ARE getting better.
I'd rate this book a G.
"When we are settled and secure in that truth, the light that is in us cannot help but shine forth. When we aren't secure in our identity, our actions towards others become more like pride and performance than service and ministry. Part of what has felt angsty to me about being in leadership was that if I was going to do it, I was going to knock it out of the park. Simple obedience to God wasn't enough.
"I wanted to be admired and incredible in the process. 1 Thess. 5:5 says, 'You are the children of the light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness.' I feel like God is saying, 'Okay, [insert name here], you can keep living like this- working so hard, striving to make your own light in the dark, or you can walk into who you already are. My child. A child of the day. A child made to enjoy the sun. You can keep trying to be enough all the days of your life, or you could quit. I promise you all those things you are craving: peace, joy, fun- I'm going to show you how to receive all that. I'm even going to show you how to give it away.'
"Cease striving. Abide in me. I produce the fruit. You don't have to work so hard at this; you can feel urgently for My people and yet keep still in your soul. You can abide. You don't have to run so hard."
July 5, 2019
”If I were your enemy, this is what I would do: Make you believe you need permission to lead. Make you believe you are helpless. Make you believe you are insignificant. Make you believe that God wants your decorum and behavior.”
The first half of this book was my heart’s cry, so full of the exact feelings that I have been writing in my journals and feeling in my soul. A craving and a knowing. A desire that’s been burning inside me to grow deeper roots, to spend time with the One whose presence can fill all of my emptiness. I could read to so many parts of this book over and over again, just to let it sink it.
The. There were the parts that I didn’t fully agree with. They were few and far between, but they were there nonetheless, pulling me out of the soul filling moments and making me scrunch my nose in disagreement.
But that’s okay. Because I know how to decipher between the two. I am grounded enough in my faith to discern what rubs me wrong.
Some reviewers have said they wanted more of the how. Here’s the how: Jesus. Nearly every page of this book points back to Jesus. Not just reading another book to fill up your soul: they will leave you empty. Not just hearing yet another message that will leave you dry. Being in the presence of Jesus, in your own place of quiet. Reaching for Him, asking Him to meet you, to fill you. And knowing that Jesus is what will be enough. It was such a refreshing reminder.
The first half of this book was my heart’s cry, so full of the exact feelings that I have been writing in my journals and feeling in my soul. A craving and a knowing. A desire that’s been burning inside me to grow deeper roots, to spend time with the One whose presence can fill all of my emptiness. I could read to so many parts of this book over and over again, just to let it sink it.
The. There were the parts that I didn’t fully agree with. They were few and far between, but they were there nonetheless, pulling me out of the soul filling moments and making me scrunch my nose in disagreement.
But that’s okay. Because I know how to decipher between the two. I am grounded enough in my faith to discern what rubs me wrong.
Some reviewers have said they wanted more of the how. Here’s the how: Jesus. Nearly every page of this book points back to Jesus. Not just reading another book to fill up your soul: they will leave you empty. Not just hearing yet another message that will leave you dry. Being in the presence of Jesus, in your own place of quiet. Reaching for Him, asking Him to meet you, to fill you. And knowing that Jesus is what will be enough. It was such a refreshing reminder.
December 8, 2017
Undoubtedly written to other women, but an encouraging perspective of leading with Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit instead of trying to live in our own strength
May 5, 2023
I think I can officially say that this is my favorite book.
Convicting and eye-opening, Jennie Allen delivers a book with freedom and truth that I didn’t even know I wanted.
Centered around the invitation to stop striving to earn God’s love and favor, Jennie writes passionately that we can rest in Him instead.
Jennie points to Jesus. The beauty of the book is that Jennie doesn’t offer a solution to fix your problems. She offers Jesus. Her life is a testimony to Him, and she truly displays Him in this book.
I loved the theme of rivers, and how Jesus is the forever thirst-quenching, living water. Ironically, I was on a 2-day trip with my family, and we stayed next to a river while I was reading this.
I didn’t realize how much pressure I was putting on myself, and the shame I was carrying until I read this. The thing is though, Jesus offers a life full of grace. A life that is full of love for Him and others, not a life of striving, striving, striving.
Jennie hits hard on the truth that on our own, we are not enough. I used to think that that was something bad. I’d always wanted to somehow make myself “be enough”. But really, our failures and mistakes lead us to Christ, who is enough.
Jennie is honest. She is relatable and genuine and shares her own stories to learn from. I could definitely resonate with her in some of them!
This book is beautiful. Not because the author is perfect or bestows great advice, but because she wholeheartedly delivers the must-needed truth that Jesus is the only one who is enough for us. This book is a call to let go of trying to do enough and trust and love the One who can.
Convicting and eye-opening, Jennie Allen delivers a book with freedom and truth that I didn’t even know I wanted.
Centered around the invitation to stop striving to earn God’s love and favor, Jennie writes passionately that we can rest in Him instead.
Jennie points to Jesus. The beauty of the book is that Jennie doesn’t offer a solution to fix your problems. She offers Jesus. Her life is a testimony to Him, and she truly displays Him in this book.
I loved the theme of rivers, and how Jesus is the forever thirst-quenching, living water. Ironically, I was on a 2-day trip with my family, and we stayed next to a river while I was reading this.
I didn’t realize how much pressure I was putting on myself, and the shame I was carrying until I read this. The thing is though, Jesus offers a life full of grace. A life that is full of love for Him and others, not a life of striving, striving, striving.
Jennie hits hard on the truth that on our own, we are not enough. I used to think that that was something bad. I’d always wanted to somehow make myself “be enough”. But really, our failures and mistakes lead us to Christ, who is enough.
Jennie is honest. She is relatable and genuine and shares her own stories to learn from. I could definitely resonate with her in some of them!
This book is beautiful. Not because the author is perfect or bestows great advice, but because she wholeheartedly delivers the must-needed truth that Jesus is the only one who is enough for us. This book is a call to let go of trying to do enough and trust and love the One who can.
March 26, 2020
4.25 stars. This was a powerful read and I read it alongside one of my best friends, so I have a lot of great memories and even great conversations over this book. Review to come.
December 28, 2016
I really felt like this book couldn't have come at a better time for me. Trying to prove my worth by performance and then feeling overwhelmed when I do, is getting old. How does one break out of this pattern? Jennie Allen gives us the tools.
The thing I love about Jennie Allen's writing is she makes you feel as though she is sharing her life with you as a friend. She doesn't pretend to be something she's not, therefore, making you feel as though what you are going through or feeling is not odd or bad.
I felt such a relief as I read that my needing to prove my worth is not something only I am feeling. So many women feel this way as we make our way through life. Jennie reminds us that God doesn't require us to prove ourselves. He loves us just how and right where we are.
Lots of Biblical wisdom and Scripture make this book an absolute favorite. I am reading it again because I need to be reminded of these truths again as I live my life not feeling I must prove myself. I love this book and give it 5 out of 5 stars.
*This book was provided to me for my honest review by the author
The thing I love about Jennie Allen's writing is she makes you feel as though she is sharing her life with you as a friend. She doesn't pretend to be something she's not, therefore, making you feel as though what you are going through or feeling is not odd or bad.
I felt such a relief as I read that my needing to prove my worth is not something only I am feeling. So many women feel this way as we make our way through life. Jennie reminds us that God doesn't require us to prove ourselves. He loves us just how and right where we are.
Lots of Biblical wisdom and Scripture make this book an absolute favorite. I am reading it again because I need to be reminded of these truths again as I live my life not feeling I must prove myself. I love this book and give it 5 out of 5 stars.
*This book was provided to me for my honest review by the author
July 9, 2017
So many books for Christian women out there are so fluffy and feel good, but this one hits home.
February 15, 2022
Do you feel tired? Like you’re carrying the weight of expectations you can never live up to? Oooof. Aren’t we all. “Nothing to Prove” by Jennie Allen challenges the prevailing mindset that in order for people to love you, you have to prove you deserve it. She dives in even further and dissects how that changes our relationship with God, too. This was definitely an interesting read.
Allen is a charismatic writer. Her words leap off the page, like she’s sitting right across the table with a cup of coffee. She is relatable, funny, and not afraid to get real or share her own flaws. Most of her books feel more like a conversation than a book.
In the end, I rated this book with 4 stars. I enjoyed it and read it fairly quickly. I wish it would have dived a little deeper into scripture, but I get that this wasn’t supposed to be a deep dive. Definitely something to check out if you’re looking for a place of grace to start being authentically you, even if it isn’t instagram pretty.
Allen is a charismatic writer. Her words leap off the page, like she’s sitting right across the table with a cup of coffee. She is relatable, funny, and not afraid to get real or share her own flaws. Most of her books feel more like a conversation than a book.
In the end, I rated this book with 4 stars. I enjoyed it and read it fairly quickly. I wish it would have dived a little deeper into scripture, but I get that this wasn’t supposed to be a deep dive. Definitely something to check out if you’re looking for a place of grace to start being authentically you, even if it isn’t instagram pretty.
September 9, 2017
This book spoke right to my type A, people pleasing, insecure heart and I have copied so many passages into my journal. So much truth from this will root and grow in my heart. I didn't love the story sections at the beginnings of each chapter, the prose wasn't strong enough, but I forgive that because the book was so helpful and true.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 442 reviews