Nothing to Prove: Why We Can Stop Trying So Hard

by Jennie Allen

All too often, we 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, spiritual enough to do the things we believe we should. In"Nothing to Prove"author and Bible teacher Jennie Allen helps us find the freedom to accept that fact that we are not enough, but God is. We can stop striving to be seen, to be known, to matter and instead find our strength and rest in Jesus, who offers more than enough for our every circumstance."

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Faith, Christian Living, Self Help, Christian Non Fiction, Christianity

244 pages, Hardcover

First published January 31, 2017

About the author

Jennie 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.

Reviews

[Amanda · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have never bought a book at full price. I was desperate for something that could encourage me. It did that, but it also inadvertently caused me more stress.

Ironically, this book perpetuates the very thing it was written to free us from: expectations. They are just the same expectations, minus our egos. It's still about doing more, about being a better Christian, the focus being largely on us, not on what Christ has done, and even less on having the Holy Spirit lead us in our service, which is so essential! If we cannot find our identity in our works or achievements, we must identify with being co-heirs with Christ. Many of the Bible's most powerful passages about that identity are missing. (Eph. 2:1-10; 1 Thess. 2:13-14; Romans 8:17)
The beginning makes a lot of promises that we can get rid of the baggage but the solutions don't really deal with them fully or deeply. We carry this baggage because we don't fully understand grace. Nothing in this book really helped that.

The social aspects of this book really put me off. I have social anxiety. It's a phobia of people. In a nutshell, it's hell on earth, which makes the Christian walk hell on earth with flowers. The book actually reinforced all the pressure that's been crushing me lately--which is the reason I picked this book up--pressure to do, mostly evangelism. It's bad enough that hearing about it so much has turned me off to the whole idea. It's not that God doesn't use me--he does, in a way that uses my gifts. I should be content with that, but being different has challenges not everyone understands. I get the impression that the author is speaking to one particular type of woman--the busy, very social Christian woman. That's a big assumption.

There are too many of those assumptions. The first one is that we are thirsty because we don't spend enough time with God. That is not true for all of us. I spend the equivalent of a part-time job with God, yet I am still thirsty. I can't be with Jesus face to face and that always leaves me thirsty. Allen's solution leaves out the possibility that some of us even know how to have that relationship. It took me a long time to get there and I wish someone could've taught me, instead of just telling me to do it. It could've been a good opportunity for the author to dig a little deeper.

Another assumption is that people reading actually have friends and a good church environment. Many, many people don't. My church environment and friends are pretty good, but because of the ways I've been misunderstood and judged, I cannot honestly say that I trust the few friends I have.

In the end, because of the book, I felt I had something to prove.

I had extremely high hopes for this book but I'm realizing that maybe some of these things I'm feeling are the "disease" I'm fighting and not just baggage. It actually left me feeling more hopeless and out of options (and money) than how I started out. Perhaps all I really needed was a change in how I view myself through God's eyes of grace and understanding what was done for me on the cross. While reading this I was also reading "The Cross-Centered Life" by C.J. Mahaney, which deals with legalism (striving and self-worship) and condemnation (self-loathing). It helped me see the cross like never before and was really more what I needed. I'm glad to know "Nothing to Prove" helped so many others but it just wasn't helpful for me.

[Ronie · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Chrystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book! It has rocked me to my core. It is a gift from Jesus for my soul. I needed every single word if it. I have struggled with people pleasing my whole life. It is sin. It focuses on self. I needed these words of truth spoken to me. I almost didn't read this book. It felt "trendy" and who has time for trendy christian books right?! ;) Boy was I wrong. Jeannie Allen loves Jesus and his word and very solid in her teaching. Get your hands on this book. We have nothing to prove.

[Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book did make me think differently about things and I was able to glean a couple nuggets of truth and was encouraged for sure,but so much of it just sounded the same, chapter after chapter.

[Cori · Rating 4 out of 5]

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."

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little scattered, but overall good content. Just could have easily been said in 1 chapter.

[Traci · Rating 2 out of 5]

Everyone else with one star/ 2 star reviews summarized what I was thinking. So I’ll keep it short.

1. This book could have been a blog post
2. Half way through my husband asked what the book was about and I had to honestly answer with, “I don’t know”. It’s so unorganized and doesn’t seem to be going anywhere
3. This is another Christian book that puts the focus on US, not Jesus, where it belongs. The idea or theme of the book, is that’s it’s all about Jesus. The follow though is contradictory.
4. She references more popular tv shows than Bible verses. That always makes me wonder if the author’s theology is so weak and shallow she / he must constantly reference television as a smoke screen to hide their weak theology.
5. This book is shallow.

Maybe I’m comparing in my head the recent books I’ve read including those from Jen Wilken. Those are deep. This was so sadly superficial in comparison.

I gave it 2 instead on 1 because the second half is a smidge better and let’s be honest, writing books is hard. I added the extra star for effort

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

”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.

[Jordan Shirkman · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first part of this book was good and helpful, though the writing is a bit disorganized. I really appreciated Allen's treatment of our culture of striving and the damage it does to us. I wanted to love this book, as I find the topic incredibly important in our culture. But I found the second half, in which Allen does her own interpretation of several passages of the Gospel of John, quite problematic for several reasons.

First, her reading of these passages is quite limited, with almost no footnotes of scholarly interpretation, and no consideration that the writers might not have had our particular modern situations in mind when they put these words on the page so many years ago. She leaves no room for other readings of these texts, and in some cases, I think her interpretation moves beyond "creative" to "wishful thinking." It's clear that Allen and I approach Scripture in different ways, but also that she and I differ on our understanding of God's hope for the world. Allen is summarily focused on "saving souls" in this book, as if God's call on our lives is to believe with all our hearts, and that's it. I believe God wants us to believe, but also that God wants us to live so that the world looks more like the kingdom, which includes working for justice and peace in the world. Allen leaves this out entirely.

Second, Allen seems to assume that all women in her audience are having a similar experience. The problems she addresses in people's lives are those usually experienced by particularly privileged, largely middle- to upper-middle-class, largely majority demographics. And, perhaps because of the scriptural interpretation to which she ascribes, the assumption seems to be that women reading Allen's book will be in complimentarian heterosexual marriages (or praying for such, if not already there).

Third, and perhaps most problematic, while critiquing our self-help culture, Allen seems to suggest two things that I find dangerous, one theological and one psychological. The theological issue is that she seems to suggest that any suffering we experience is caused, intentionally, by God, to teach us a lesson or make us rely on God more. I reject that a loving and merciful God causes suffering in our lives. Yes, God is with us in suffering, but it is our own brokenness and the brokenness of the world that causes it. God does not cause children or spouses to die, cause natural disasters to destroy homes, cause racism, cause sexual abuse, etc.

My biggest concern, however, is that Allen seems to suggest that, whatever issues with which we are struggling - psychological, emotional, or otherwise - can be solved by prayer. Of course prayer is helpful in all situations, but to suggest that someone can heal their own mental illness without the help of psychotherapy, to suggest that (like Allen's own story) an eating disorder can be overcome without assistance, is dangerous and puts struggling readers at risk. Coupled with her assertion (through an entire chapter) that we should actually be longing for our own death so that we can go to heaven to be with Jesus, I could see Allen's book encouraging someone who is clinically depressed to end their own lives.

My suggestion would be to read Part 1 of Nothing to Prove, because again, I found it helpful and encouraging. But be very, very careful if you decide to wade into Part 2.

[Robin Sayers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing to Prove by Jennie Allen is a great reminder for seasoned believers that God loves us and we don't have to perform for Him. It's also wonderful for anyone asking the question, "Am I enough." Allen's anwser is, "No. You aren't but Jesus is."

This book is divided into two parts: Our Desert of Striving and God's Streams of Enoughness. The first section describes our need and lack as humans, while the second part, describes who God is and who we are in Him. For Part 2 of the book, each chapter is based on a passage of Scripture followed by an "Experience Guide" to help dive deeper and for practical application.

Some of my favorite quotes include: "God is not after great performances or great moments. He is after us!" and, "To get to a place where God is enough for us, we must first admit that we aren't."

I would highly recommend this book to anyone that is tired of striving or feeling the weight of their not enoughness.

*I received an advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

I tried this book because of its high ratings, but it just didn't speak to me the way it seems to speak to others. I didn't finish it.

[Jaime Hillegonds · Rating 1 out of 5]

The concept is good, but it's such a repetitive book. She says the same things over and over again just in new ways. I could barely get through it and skimmed the last third.

[Lillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audio book version of this book, which is narrated by the author, and I think it made my experience just that much better. Jennie's passion for Christ and His people is evident even as she is reading aloud.

This book was a good reminder of how I will never be enough- and that's perfectly okay, because there is someone greater who is and will meet all my needs.

I had a few moments listening to this book where I scrunched my face a little in disagreement, but those moments were few. I also felt like the majority of these instances could have been easily misunderstood if looked at the wrong angle, but it was enough to bring me to pause.

From my perusing of other reviews of this book, I noticed that on occasion a reader will feel like this book could have been condensed into about a chapter. And to that, I could somewhat agree. Jennie does repeat herself several times throughout the book, but she also explains the same message in different ways. And maybe I'm just a slow learner, but I'm the kind of person that often needs something explained to me more than once before I completely catch on. So from my perspective, hearing her explain the same concept in different ways-and with different scriptures- helped me to solidify what I was trying to glean from her book.

Overall, I enjoyed listening to this audiobook and would recommend it if you are a striver like me. :)

[Mckinley Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Sassy Sarah Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Abigail Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Jennie isn’t too flowery, nor does she make excuses for our problems, but she also empathizes with those who’s pain is out of their control.
Very few people will lovingly tell you that the desire to prove yourself may be sin in your life. Now, there’s a lot more to it, but it’s something I so needed to hear.

[Julie D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book. It constantly turned me back to the gospel and to what Jesus has done to release me from the burden of my sin and striving.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many books for Christian women out there are so fluffy and feel good, but this one hits home.

[Nikki Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed the way I look at Jesus and my life. If you are a striver - READ IT NOW LADIES. So good.

[Natalyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Meredith Devore · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of good thoughts that challenged me. Glad to have read it

[Calypso · Rating 5 out of 5]

Decir que es el libro preciso en el momento en que me hacía falta es lo más importante.

No creo que cuente cómo spoiler decir que es un libro con fondo religioso.

Me gusta cómo escribe desde el punto de vista de las personas que viven en el evangelio, no desde fuera ni desde Jesús.

Me gusta porque se alinea con mi perspectiva de la vida y del encuentro con Dios.

[Megan Boatwright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actually changed my life - thank you Lord for the way you work through these words

[Sonya Macon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book. It helped me to see the importance of weighing my decisions and seeing the necessity of consulting God about my emotions and the decisions that I make.

[Macy Lins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has changed my perspective on life and how I live my life with God. I don’t have to prove to be enough because with God I am enough and when I acknowledge that I am not enough that is when I can live life to the fullest.

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book resonated deeply with me. If I highlighted every sentence that touched my heart, most of the book would be yellow. I may as well just dip it in yellow paint!

[Dorothy Inoa · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a time of healing myself I found this book very helpful! I definitely recommend and May read it again soon. Give grace to myself more.