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The God Guarantee: Finding Freedom from the Fear of Not Having Enough
"Not enough" is the theme of our day. Fear, scarcity, and inequality dominate the media cycle and are constant companions in our culture. While 74 percent of Americans believe in God, we can feel our world changing in ways that simply seem out of control. We want to cling to a sovereign and loving God who tells us repeatedly in Scripture to "fear not," yet it is estimated that nearly 90 percent of his followers have a scarcity mentality rooted in fear.
Five times in Scripture, Jesus showed us a pattern to deal with fear and how to access his abundant provision, both spiritually and practically. In The God Guarantee, Jack Alexander uncovers the four steps in this pattern, showing readers how to live it out in order to experience true abundance. Far from a prosperity gospel, this book is not about how to get rich quick, how to manage your money, or how to give it all away. Instead, it will change the reader's conversations about finances completely and, as a result, will transform the way they see and access God's provision in every single area of their lives.
Five times in Scripture, Jesus showed us a pattern to deal with fear and how to access his abundant provision, both spiritually and practically. In The God Guarantee, Jack Alexander uncovers the four steps in this pattern, showing readers how to live it out in order to experience true abundance. Far from a prosperity gospel, this book is not about how to get rich quick, how to manage your money, or how to give it all away. Instead, it will change the reader's conversations about finances completely and, as a result, will transform the way they see and access God's provision in every single area of their lives.
224 pages, Paperback
Published August 1, 2017
22 people are currently reading
301 people want to read
About the author
Jack Alexander
1 book4 followersJack Alexander has built and led companies in real estate, business services, and technology. Two companies that he cofounded made the Inc. 500 list, and another, in which he is a partner, made the Inc. 5000 list. He is currently chairman and cofounder of a software firm called Understory, as well as for The Reimagine Group, a content company that makes high-quality media for the church market. A previous recipient of the Ernst & Young National Entrepreneur of the Year award, Alexander is also winner of six global awards in the corporate travel and hospitality arena. In 2005, he received the Family Honors Award as a businessman who made a positive impact on the American family. He is a regular speaker, coach, and board member for a number of businesses, nonprofits, and ministries. Jack lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with his wife, Lisa. They have three grown sons and three grandsons.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 15, 2019
"In the life He has provided for you, God guarantees, you will have enough." (Jack Alexander, The God Guarantee)
I almost gave up on this book a few times; however, I persevered until the end. I don't know if was me, the fact that I listened to the audio book version, or something else. I just didn't think this book delivered on its promise, that being: "Finding freedom from the fear of not having enough."
Jesus said, "seek first the kingdom of God, and all His righteousness, and all these other things shall be added to you" (Matthew 6:33, KJV). Personally, I think that this is God's guarantee. When we put God first, everything else will fall into place.
The author and I have a different view of abundance, he says, "He promised [Jesus] an abundant life, not an abundant lifestyle. The abundant life has to do with the fruitfulness of our lives." While I agree that "the abundant life" that Jesus is speaking about in John 10:10 is not about an abundant lifestyle only per se; however, I believe it includes it. Jesus didn't promise us a broke life! Poverty is a curse. Jesus said in Mark 10, starting in verse 29: "Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or farms, for My sake and for the gospel's sake, will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields--along with persecutions--and in the age to come eternal life." Therefore, I believe material wealth is included in the abundance that Jesus promised.
Another issue I had with this book is the author's definition of capacity and his use of potential. He says, "Capacity is the fulfillment of opportunity created in each thing or person for His purposes and glory..." and "Potential is limited, capacity is unlimited." How can potential be limited? The very definition of potential is the capacity to become something in the future. Does God really put a limit on what we can become? I think God has given us unlimited potential. It is we who squander this potential, and many take it to the grave with us. I felt the opposite is actually true: capacity is limited and potential is unlimited. I could be wrong...I am open to discussion...
I almost gave up on this book a few times; however, I persevered until the end. I don't know if was me, the fact that I listened to the audio book version, or something else. I just didn't think this book delivered on its promise, that being: "Finding freedom from the fear of not having enough."
Jesus said, "seek first the kingdom of God, and all His righteousness, and all these other things shall be added to you" (Matthew 6:33, KJV). Personally, I think that this is God's guarantee. When we put God first, everything else will fall into place.
The author and I have a different view of abundance, he says, "He promised [Jesus] an abundant life, not an abundant lifestyle. The abundant life has to do with the fruitfulness of our lives." While I agree that "the abundant life" that Jesus is speaking about in John 10:10 is not about an abundant lifestyle only per se; however, I believe it includes it. Jesus didn't promise us a broke life! Poverty is a curse. Jesus said in Mark 10, starting in verse 29: "Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or farms, for My sake and for the gospel's sake, will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields--along with persecutions--and in the age to come eternal life." Therefore, I believe material wealth is included in the abundance that Jesus promised.
Another issue I had with this book is the author's definition of capacity and his use of potential. He says, "Capacity is the fulfillment of opportunity created in each thing or person for His purposes and glory..." and "Potential is limited, capacity is unlimited." How can potential be limited? The very definition of potential is the capacity to become something in the future. Does God really put a limit on what we can become? I think God has given us unlimited potential. It is we who squander this potential, and many take it to the grave with us. I felt the opposite is actually true: capacity is limited and potential is unlimited. I could be wrong...I am open to discussion...
January 19, 2018
Fear of not having enough or fear that God won’t provide are what author Jack Alexander calls a scarcity mindset. When we hoard what little we have, God can’t use us. The author writes, “When we have a scarcity mind-set, we hold on to what we have been given instead of freely giving it to others—and God’s miracle of provision stops.”
In contrast to a scarcity mindset, the author urges us to develop a capacity mindset. Capacity is not limited to the current circumstances as we see or experience them. Rather, our lives and circumstances have the capacity to be more. While scarcity looks at how little we have, capacity looks at how much God can make of it. Again, the author writes, “Living within God’s capacity changes the entire conversation. It’s no longer about living in scarcity and whether we have enough, because in regard to God’s purposes, everything we are and everything we have can be more.”
Throughout the book, Alexander follows the miracle of the loaves and fish to show how God can take our sacrifices and make them into infinitely more than we could imagine, but it first begins with relinquishing our right to keep it for ourselves.
I had always heard of the abundance vs. scarcity comparison, but the idea of thinking about capacity or potential was new to me. It’s given me a new way to reframe my fear of God’s apparent lack of provision.
The only downside I found in the book had to do with the points drawn from the loaves and fish. Some of the applications were a stretch—a fish tale, if you will. But that in no way diminished the overall message of the book and the positive teaching about capacity thinking in God’s economy.
To sum up in the author’s words, “The sense of scarcity that fills the world now, the feeling that there is not enough, is present because we alone are not enough. Only God is enough.”
In contrast to a scarcity mindset, the author urges us to develop a capacity mindset. Capacity is not limited to the current circumstances as we see or experience them. Rather, our lives and circumstances have the capacity to be more. While scarcity looks at how little we have, capacity looks at how much God can make of it. Again, the author writes, “Living within God’s capacity changes the entire conversation. It’s no longer about living in scarcity and whether we have enough, because in regard to God’s purposes, everything we are and everything we have can be more.”
Throughout the book, Alexander follows the miracle of the loaves and fish to show how God can take our sacrifices and make them into infinitely more than we could imagine, but it first begins with relinquishing our right to keep it for ourselves.
I had always heard of the abundance vs. scarcity comparison, but the idea of thinking about capacity or potential was new to me. It’s given me a new way to reframe my fear of God’s apparent lack of provision.
The only downside I found in the book had to do with the points drawn from the loaves and fish. Some of the applications were a stretch—a fish tale, if you will. But that in no way diminished the overall message of the book and the positive teaching about capacity thinking in God’s economy.
To sum up in the author’s words, “The sense of scarcity that fills the world now, the feeling that there is not enough, is present because we alone are not enough. Only God is enough.”
August 1, 2017
Thank you Goodreads and Baker Books! I won this book as a giveaway. It came at a time in my life when I needed to really look at my fear of not having enough. There were so many good tidbits in this book that it should have something for anyone who needs a spiritual uplifting. I will try to capture the essence as best I can. My take on it is that fear holds us back from sharing the blessings we receive from God with others, whatever those blessings may be-not just material things, but our talents and time as well. Many of us are afraid our blessings will run out and God won't show up the next time we need him so we hold onto all He has given us, instead of sharing with others.
Jack reminds us also, that following Jesus does not mean an easy life, quite the opposite in fact. Yet, when we go through "the wilderness " we are changed; we are not alone. God will always provide, but it may not be what we expect. God's provisions come through our worst circumstance, not in its absence. A little something else Jack says, "Your pain holds untapped power-power that can change far more lives than just your own." There are lots of references directly to scripture; I really liked that. I can see myself going back to highlight quotes I want to remember for those times I'm in "the wilderness." My only problem with the book is I think Jack talked too much about his company. He referred to it frequently, and for me it was a little much. I'm sure he was just trying to give background to his stories.
Jack reminds us also, that following Jesus does not mean an easy life, quite the opposite in fact. Yet, when we go through "the wilderness " we are changed; we are not alone. God will always provide, but it may not be what we expect. God's provisions come through our worst circumstance, not in its absence. A little something else Jack says, "Your pain holds untapped power-power that can change far more lives than just your own." There are lots of references directly to scripture; I really liked that. I can see myself going back to highlight quotes I want to remember for those times I'm in "the wilderness." My only problem with the book is I think Jack talked too much about his company. He referred to it frequently, and for me it was a little much. I'm sure he was just trying to give background to his stories.
October 3, 2020
This book by Christian businessman, author and speaker Jack Alexander looks at an important topic: Many Christians live in a scarcity mindset. This plays out in our daily walk with Christ in that we believe in God and the Bible, but live as functional atheists when it comes to whether or not God will provide for our needs. Since most of us don't thinbk God is that interested in us personally, we live in a constant state of fear of losing our jobs, or homes, our health, and our families. This then leads to trying to depend on our own knowledge and efforts to get by, rather than to trust in a loving and personal God.
All four gospels tell about the incident when Jesus fed the multitudes with a few fish and a couple of loaves of bread. Because this story is one of the few miracles of Jesus that is recounted in all of the gospel accounts, Alexander uses this story to highlight four principles of God and His attitude toward us and His provision: (1) We discover God's capacity; (2) We consecrate what we do have an offer it to God; (3) He reorders our lives through challenges so that we find a new perspective on abundance and provision; and (4) The God provides what we truly need, often through community.
This is a most encouraging and thought-provoking book, and I cannot recommend it more highly!
All four gospels tell about the incident when Jesus fed the multitudes with a few fish and a couple of loaves of bread. Because this story is one of the few miracles of Jesus that is recounted in all of the gospel accounts, Alexander uses this story to highlight four principles of God and His attitude toward us and His provision: (1) We discover God's capacity; (2) We consecrate what we do have an offer it to God; (3) He reorders our lives through challenges so that we find a new perspective on abundance and provision; and (4) The God provides what we truly need, often through community.
This is a most encouraging and thought-provoking book, and I cannot recommend it more highly!
November 28, 2018
Though my rating seems harsh I will say that Alexander offers many - quite disparate - smarting insights. These were often driven home with excellent illustrations.
So why only two stars? As someone who isn't afraid of reading large works I'm also quickly annoyed by unnecessarily long books, which is how I would describe The God Guarantee. Alexander pads everything, often to the point that it felt interminable. Though he holds it together with the fourfold pattern, wrongly inferred from and developed by Jesus' miraculously feeding the 5000, there are just too many anecdotes and metaphors, both of which are usually excellent.
Alexander's book will no doubt strengthen faith and help us to fix our view on others, by providing us with a comforting vision of God. For this alone I recommend it others and found myself grateful while reading it. But its weaknesses will frustrate some readers.
So why only two stars? As someone who isn't afraid of reading large works I'm also quickly annoyed by unnecessarily long books, which is how I would describe The God Guarantee. Alexander pads everything, often to the point that it felt interminable. Though he holds it together with the fourfold pattern, wrongly inferred from and developed by Jesus' miraculously feeding the 5000, there are just too many anecdotes and metaphors, both of which are usually excellent.
Alexander's book will no doubt strengthen faith and help us to fix our view on others, by providing us with a comforting vision of God. For this alone I recommend it others and found myself grateful while reading it. But its weaknesses will frustrate some readers.
August 2, 2017
The God Guarantee
Finding Freedom from the Fear of Not Having Enough
by Jack Alexander
Baker Books
Christian
Pub Date 01 Aug 2017
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy of The God Guarantee through Baker Books and Netgalley:
Jaden Hayes had a hard childhood and two years later he discovered his Mothers body after she died in her sleep.
This book talks about the media making us feel if we are "Not enough, that what we have is not enough." But we are reminded that Jesus still provides
This book talks about the four steps to Capacity. We are reminded that Satan's Capacity's killer. We are reminded that Lifting our eyes in prayer reveals capacity. This book reminds us of the importance.
I give The God Guarantee five out of five stars.
Happy Reading!
December 31, 2018
Most people whether wealthy or poor live out of fear or scarcity withholding their ability for God to use them to their fullest. Author Jack Alexander uses this four part (capacity, consecration, challenges, and community) structured book to challenge this mindset freeing you live in the true abundance of what God has for you. The structure is based on the best captured new testament story in the bible when Jesus Christ fed over 5000 people. I found the capacity and community parts to be the most convicting for me to reconsider how I live out my daily faith for my purpose here on earth.
I would recommend reading this in a small group or with an accountability partner to help share and reflect on key topics.
I would recommend reading this in a small group or with an accountability partner to help share and reflect on key topics.
July 27, 2017
The God Guarantee is a Christian Living book that is written by Jack Alexander. This book is full of scripture and reflection along with teaching and stories along the way. Alexander opens your eyes to fear and helps explain how to change so that you can live a life that is generous and giving. You will learn that true security comes from believing in God. After reading this book, you will open your eyes to the world around you changing the way you live, love and give.
February 25, 2018
Very interesting read in terms of his life story and his views on God's relationship to us. However, the trials he experienced when he decided to totally devote himself to doing God's will were not a great endorsement for copying him in that. He does succeed in coaxing us to reexamine many ingrained precepts regarding prosperity.
September 2, 2020
A good book - this book helps you to understand and recognize all the gifts and blessings you’ve been given. Then he shows you ways to recognize how you can give back to others.
I’d recommend this book to anyone wanting to strengthen their giving ability and abundance mindset(from a Christian perspective).
I’d recommend this book to anyone wanting to strengthen their giving ability and abundance mindset(from a Christian perspective).
August 18, 2024
I loved this book. It truly has changed my perspective on how God is a God of capacity, not a God of scarcity. His economy is one where the more you give, truly the more you get (I’m not talking only about money).
If we never give beyond what is comfortable we are missing out on seeing His miraculous provision. Highly recommend.
If we never give beyond what is comfortable we are missing out on seeing His miraculous provision. Highly recommend.
January 22, 2020
Some helpful reminders, particularly from the business world perspective. The writing definitely errs on the devotional side (perhaps in a simplistic way) and I thought that he stretched the application of the feeding of the five-thousand.
January 9, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed the book. It did bring me to my knees. The author highlights the importance of dying to one self and in that, the life in abundance is found. This can only be done through God. The book is inspiring and brings reflection on ones own life. Thank you.
January 2, 2018
Just what I needed.
Good perspective on not putting limits on God. Was very eye opening and reminded me of the friend who suggested reading the book.
Good perspective on not putting limits on God. Was very eye opening and reminded me of the friend who suggested reading the book.
July 28, 2020
The story of Jesus feeding the five thousand demonstrates that God sees capacity where we may see only scarcity. This book encourages us to consecrate all that we possess to God with the faith that He can do much with even small things. I found it to be thoughtful, inspiring, and hopeful and came away with the motivation to invest more of my time, an area where I tend to be stingy, for God and others. I’m glad I got past the unfortunate title and gave this book a try!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews