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Restless: Because You Were Made for More
Do you feel like you're missing something?
What if this feeling wasn’t a bad thing? It could be a longing for more of God and a catalyst to living the life that was designed before the foundations of the earth were laid.
A lot of us, if we’re honest, are afraid. We hold our dreams close to our chest. But our passions have a purpose — they were engineered for God’s greater plan and he intends for us to use them for his glory and purposes.
In Restless, Bible teacher and fellow struggler Jennie Allen explores practical ways to identify the threads of your life and how to intentionally weave them together. She explains how your gifts, passions, places, and relationships aren’t random; they’re deliberate and meaningful. And your suffering — it’s possible it has produced the very thing you want to give back to the world.
Using the story of Joseph, the dreamer, Jennie explains how his suffering, gifts, relationships — all of the threads of his life — fit into the greater story of God and how our stories can do the same. What would happen if God got bigger than your fear and insecurity, and you spent the rest of your life running without reservation after his purposes for you? You were created for more.
What if this feeling wasn’t a bad thing? It could be a longing for more of God and a catalyst to living the life that was designed before the foundations of the earth were laid.
A lot of us, if we’re honest, are afraid. We hold our dreams close to our chest. But our passions have a purpose — they were engineered for God’s greater plan and he intends for us to use them for his glory and purposes.
In Restless, Bible teacher and fellow struggler Jennie Allen explores practical ways to identify the threads of your life and how to intentionally weave them together. She explains how your gifts, passions, places, and relationships aren’t random; they’re deliberate and meaningful. And your suffering — it’s possible it has produced the very thing you want to give back to the world.
Using the story of Joseph, the dreamer, Jennie explains how his suffering, gifts, relationships — all of the threads of his life — fit into the greater story of God and how our stories can do the same. What would happen if God got bigger than your fear and insecurity, and you spent the rest of your life running without reservation after his purposes for you? You were created for more.
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 7, 2014
473 people are currently reading
6922 people want to read
About the author
Jennie Allen
97 books2,336 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 - 30 of 241 reviews
May 9, 2014
I appreciate a book written on the topic of calling, and I like that this one invites introspection and self-evaluation, but unfortunately Restless belongs to the growing population of Christian-chick-self-help books: not well-written, loosely focused on Scripture, and theologically watered down. Perhaps I'm not the intended audience for this book. I wanted more protein and less fluff. Also, having led a group of women studying this book, I should add that the structure of the book is awkward, in that there's a lot of chapters of introduction before she gets to the real meat of things. There seems to be this emergence of regular gals penning books of spiritual encouragement, which is a good thing, but I would prefer books on these topics (spiritual direction, motherhood, etc.) from the hands of writers with real craftsmanship and art.
September 5, 2018
DISCLAIMER: I didn't know this book was intended for women until after I started reading it; I thought it was just a regular Christian devotional book.
Now, for my review: This volume had some excellent thoughts that I will start applying to my daily life; like she says, I've been feeling restless for quite a while, and had a lingering feeling like I could be doing more...so, now, I will!
Now, for my review: This volume had some excellent thoughts that I will start applying to my daily life; like she says, I've been feeling restless for quite a while, and had a lingering feeling like I could be doing more...so, now, I will!
January 8, 2014
A beautifully written book that calls all women to serve their God fully. Jennie's rich and candid prose makes it feel as if you are having a conversation with an old friend over coffee. And when she spoke of the look of longing she saw in other women's eyes I recognized her words to be true. I would recommend this to my girlfriends. Useful for those who have had any major life challenges or who are just "getting through their days". Although I didn't agree theologically with the entirity of it I found it a challenging read and the exercises very useful. An excellent book for the start of a new year that will greatly impact how I live for God!
September 8, 2015
Jennie Allen’s interactive book (not a Biblestudy–I’m not sure why it’s billed that way) Restless: Because You Were Made for More has some helpful points about considering whether your vague restless feeling is God calling you to a bigger purpose and seeking Him more deeply.
I appreciated that Allen led off with an admission that our culture, even church culture, encourages an often obsessive amount of self-focus. She is up front about how a lot of times we just need to get over ourselves and get started obeying God’s word.
The majority of the book then walks the reader through how the various threads of your life may point to God’s purpose for you. This may be helpful for some readers, but to be honest I thought it was a little too surface in some areas and a little too opaque in others.
It’s not that the book wasn’t worthwhile at all–I did get some good reminders and insights–but overall it felt a little light to me. If you’re really interested in digging into this sort of thing, I’d recommend Lara Casey’s book Make It Happen instead.
This review was originally posted on A Spirited Mind.
I appreciated that Allen led off with an admission that our culture, even church culture, encourages an often obsessive amount of self-focus. She is up front about how a lot of times we just need to get over ourselves and get started obeying God’s word.
The majority of the book then walks the reader through how the various threads of your life may point to God’s purpose for you. This may be helpful for some readers, but to be honest I thought it was a little too surface in some areas and a little too opaque in others.
It’s not that the book wasn’t worthwhile at all–I did get some good reminders and insights–but overall it felt a little light to me. If you’re really interested in digging into this sort of thing, I’d recommend Lara Casey’s book Make It Happen instead.
This review was originally posted on A Spirited Mind.
March 13, 2014
Cannot even say how much I loved this book -- the theme, the encouragement, the challenges, the dares, etc. What's it about? From the back of the book, it "explores practical ways to identify the threads of your life and how to intentionally weave them together." This book guides you in ways to do that in such a practical, encouraging, and challenging ways.
And I loved the author's writing style. Listen to just this sentence, "Some of us have decorated our prison walls so beautifully that we have altogether forgotten we are sitting in a cell, wasting our lives." Beautiful. And tragically true.
The author, a Bible teacher and fellow struggler, offers concrete ways to begin to lay it all out there--your dreams, your passions, your gifts, your talents, you personality--and see what threads are pointing you to your God-calling. Again, beautiful. And so and beautifully and authentically done.
And I loved the author's writing style. Listen to just this sentence, "Some of us have decorated our prison walls so beautifully that we have altogether forgotten we are sitting in a cell, wasting our lives." Beautiful. And tragically true.
The author, a Bible teacher and fellow struggler, offers concrete ways to begin to lay it all out there--your dreams, your passions, your gifts, your talents, you personality--and see what threads are pointing you to your God-calling. Again, beautiful. And so and beautifully and authentically done.
November 14, 2017
The general message was good but I felt like some of it was problematic. As a black woman, I was bothered by the author's need to keep mentioning Africa as if it was a country and also as if it was at times, something bad.
February 18, 2014
The very same day that I picked up a copy of Jennie Allen’s Anything on the bargain rack at my local Christian bookstore, I had the opportunity to review her new book Restless. And while I have not yet read Anything, I found myself unable to put down Restless.
A book about dreams, calling, purpose, and bringing Glory to God, Restless touched my soul and gave me wings.
Through sharing her own personal life experiences, the stories of some of the people closest to her, and the Biblical account of the life of Joseph, Jennie encourages readers to take off the masks, face their fears, and embrace who God created us to be.
Using the analogy of “threads”, Restless helps you through the journey of identifying your own gifts and passions, and how the darkest, most painful moments of our lives are often the moments God uses to shape us most.
There is no randomness in the Christian life. God works everything to the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28), always. Even when it hurts, even when we can’t understand why, God is there, creating something beautiful, for our good, and His Glory.
Overall, I found Restless to be a Biblically-sound and enriching book, that encouraged me to run whole-heartedly after God. I would give the book an “A”.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 .
A book about dreams, calling, purpose, and bringing Glory to God, Restless touched my soul and gave me wings.
Through sharing her own personal life experiences, the stories of some of the people closest to her, and the Biblical account of the life of Joseph, Jennie encourages readers to take off the masks, face their fears, and embrace who God created us to be.
Using the analogy of “threads”, Restless helps you through the journey of identifying your own gifts and passions, and how the darkest, most painful moments of our lives are often the moments God uses to shape us most.
There is no randomness in the Christian life. God works everything to the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28), always. Even when it hurts, even when we can’t understand why, God is there, creating something beautiful, for our good, and His Glory.
Overall, I found Restless to be a Biblically-sound and enriching book, that encouraged me to run whole-heartedly after God. I would give the book an “A”.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 .
September 21, 2023
Jennie Allen really hits 5 stars with her books 👏🏻
Overview:
A practical plan to identify the threads of your life and intentionally weave them together for God's glory and purposes. Using the story of Joseph, Jennie Allen explains how his suffering, gifts, story, and relationships fit into the greater story of God, as well as how our stories can do the same. Reading this book helps you discover how your gifts, passions, places, and relationships aren’t random. They’re deliberate and meaningful. When it comes to your suffering, it’s possible it has produced the very thing you want to give back to the world!
Things that hit home:
- What you’re doing isn’t unimportant. You just don’t believe in it’s importance.
- Pray for surrender.
- No matter what you’re called to do, do it unto the Lord.
- Take the raw materials you’re given and use them to help others flourish.
- It’s better to be unsettled for a minute and sure you’re in the will of God than to be content in the wrong place.
- Sometimes we think we’re suffering because God is cruel. Maybe it’s because we don’t have the perspective He does.
- We know God most deeply during suffering because it’s when we’re closest to Him.
- God wrote suffering into our stories to redeem it for His glory.
- Fear might make us miss the best parts of life.
- What we don’t know yet is meant to lead us to dependence on God.
- Great people don’t do great things. Our great God does great things with surrendered people.
Overview:
A practical plan to identify the threads of your life and intentionally weave them together for God's glory and purposes. Using the story of Joseph, Jennie Allen explains how his suffering, gifts, story, and relationships fit into the greater story of God, as well as how our stories can do the same. Reading this book helps you discover how your gifts, passions, places, and relationships aren’t random. They’re deliberate and meaningful. When it comes to your suffering, it’s possible it has produced the very thing you want to give back to the world!
Things that hit home:
- What you’re doing isn’t unimportant. You just don’t believe in it’s importance.
- Pray for surrender.
- No matter what you’re called to do, do it unto the Lord.
- Take the raw materials you’re given and use them to help others flourish.
- It’s better to be unsettled for a minute and sure you’re in the will of God than to be content in the wrong place.
- Sometimes we think we’re suffering because God is cruel. Maybe it’s because we don’t have the perspective He does.
- We know God most deeply during suffering because it’s when we’re closest to Him.
- God wrote suffering into our stories to redeem it for His glory.
- Fear might make us miss the best parts of life.
- What we don’t know yet is meant to lead us to dependence on God.
- Great people don’t do great things. Our great God does great things with surrendered people.
October 11, 2021
Another great witty, honest, challenging book/bible study!
If you are wondering what your purpose on earth is, why you are living where you are or have to deal with the people you do, this book is for you. If you are in need of affirmation that your mission field IS where you are called, this book is for you. If you are simply searching for the tools on how to seek deeper relationship with God or people, this book is for you.
Allen challenges her readers to ask the question, "what happens now that I've surrendered?"
What I love most about this book is the way that each chapter allows room for the reader to think and meditate, processing their personal journey of why God has placed them on the path they are on. Allen talks about celebrating the things that bring us joy, and helps us realize that God finds joy in our talents. There is also a great parallel from the story of Joseph to our own.
All in all, great book and writing style! Excited to read her other books!
If you are wondering what your purpose on earth is, why you are living where you are or have to deal with the people you do, this book is for you. If you are in need of affirmation that your mission field IS where you are called, this book is for you. If you are simply searching for the tools on how to seek deeper relationship with God or people, this book is for you.
Allen challenges her readers to ask the question, "what happens now that I've surrendered?"
What I love most about this book is the way that each chapter allows room for the reader to think and meditate, processing their personal journey of why God has placed them on the path they are on. Allen talks about celebrating the things that bring us joy, and helps us realize that God finds joy in our talents. There is also a great parallel from the story of Joseph to our own.
All in all, great book and writing style! Excited to read her other books!
December 13, 2025
She is quite possibly my favorite author—I took so many notes on this one! Her use of Scripture throughout the book, woven alongside her personal stories, was immaculate. It is so encouraging to hear a word and know that it is backed by THE WORD!
I also loved how she used the analogy of running so frequently alongside following God. “Figure out what it means to run after God!” —Jennie Allen. Her reminder throughout the book about the importance of surrender taught me so much: 1) Until there is surrender, there is no vision. 2) Great people do not do great things…God does great things through SURRENDERED people!!!!
3) When surrendered, we can help the world around us—know Scripture, know ourselves, and know those around us.
My one-liner from the book: Dream on, and surrender to the Almighty King and Loving Father!
I also loved how she used the analogy of running so frequently alongside following God. “Figure out what it means to run after God!” —Jennie Allen. Her reminder throughout the book about the importance of surrender taught me so much: 1) Until there is surrender, there is no vision. 2) Great people do not do great things…God does great things through SURRENDERED people!!!!
3) When surrendered, we can help the world around us—know Scripture, know ourselves, and know those around us.
My one-liner from the book: Dream on, and surrender to the Almighty King and Loving Father!
January 8, 2025
Quite a few months later, I finally finished the book. I was procrastinating reading this because I knew I needed to hear the wisdom included and find it funny how God knows exactly what you need to hear in each season. I wish I would've stopped procrastinating and read it sooner.
If anyone is struggling with depicting their calling or have fear relating to their purpose, this book is the one for you.
Throwing off all weight that entangles you (Hebrews 12:1), and running with full obedience the race that God has laid out for us. Day by day. Step by step.
If anyone is struggling with depicting their calling or have fear relating to their purpose, this book is the one for you.
Throwing off all weight that entangles you (Hebrews 12:1), and running with full obedience the race that God has laid out for us. Day by day. Step by step.
August 7, 2024
Inspiring writing-style but somewhat watered-down without a lot of application/Scripture. Some good discussion questions about living strategically within God’s mission (perhaps good for newer believers) - but for deeper reading on topics of personal/career discernment I’d recommend other books like ‘Discerning Your Call to Ministry’ / ‘Every Good Endeavor’ / ‘Called to Cultivate’ (women & work).
July 21, 2022
For those who love Jesus but are struggling to figure out what He is “calling” you to do, read this! Jennie Allen does a great job of easily and descriptively telling you how to lay down your life before your eyes and examine how all the things, big and small, can point to where God wants you to be !
August 1, 2023
I benefitted from this book and its encouragement to think through where God has placed us and what passions he's given us. I did think it was overly focused on *us* as opposed to God — it would have been richer with more Scripture and more discussion of the gospel and God's character.
April 2, 2024
Listened to this one but immediately ordered a paper copy because there is so much to highlight, journal and reflect on from this book. So much in the words that hits exactly where I am in life. Restless.
May 28, 2019
I’ve had this on my unread bookshelf for years and I’m so glad I finally picked it up!
June 4, 2020
I love Jennie Allen's writing and her heart for the Lord. I feel refreshed and challenged after reading her books or hearing her speak, as if she were my personal mentor.
January 1, 2021
Great book to end 2020.
Really appreciate Jennie's writing. Will definitely check out more of her books.
Excellent message in this book.
4.1/5
Really appreciate Jennie's writing. Will definitely check out more of her books.
Excellent message in this book.
4.1/5
June 19, 2023
Read this a few years back and didn’t quite appreciate it at the time. Picked it up again recently and was amazed by the truths it held and the way God truly works through our ordinary places, people and hurts of our unique lives for His glory and our joy. High key recommend if you’re feeling stuck or confused by a current season of life. Fave quote “Out of our hurt, we will heal our world.”
January 31, 2019
Jennie Allen is a powerful writer and speaker. Easy read with journaling prompts if you want to dig deep
May 18, 2023
A lot of great wisdom in here. I definitely underlined a lot! Perfect for whoever is still exploring their life purpose (aka everyone!)
May 31, 2014
This book lives on the shelf with Helpful Gamechanging spiritual reads. I can't think of the last book that was *this* practical and inspiring. My middle name is Restless, so the theme especially spoke to me. I participated in the online chats with Jennie Allen and Jamie Ivey which drove home how needed this message of encouraging women to live in the fullness of their Christ-given callings is. The text itself is well-written but very simple. I gave this book 5 stars because of the reader response portion of the book. It offers such great context and utility to the lessons in this book and I literally marked up just about every page. The response sections are not like dorky workbook. Think: small opportunities to write down thoughts, ideas in a way that feels purposeful and ignites action. I would recommend this book to any woman who is trying to discern her spiritual gifts and how to use them.
October 12, 2015
Restless is the perfect adjective for how I've been feeling this year. I loved this book. It gave me just the nudge I needed to find direction and take 20 seconds of courage and do something. At one point she says maybe I need to quit worrying about my motivations and just use the gifts I've been given...so applicable to where I was. I'm not sure how this would work as a group study, but for a personal study that I took my time getting through, it was amazing. I'd encourage you to really do the journaling and ask yourself the questions. I learned so much about myself in the process.
February 1, 2016
Through scripture and journaling, Jennie Allen invites you to untangle the threads of your life and discover God's purpose for you.
This is the book you pick up when you feel--as the title suggests--restless. For me, personally, my call feels insignificant in the face of mission fields and church plants, so these words were timely and the soul-searching got me asking lots of questions and helped me discover themes and passions I didn't realize I had.
This is the book you pick up when you feel--as the title suggests--restless. For me, personally, my call feels insignificant in the face of mission fields and church plants, so these words were timely and the soul-searching got me asking lots of questions and helped me discover themes and passions I didn't realize I had.
September 1, 2019
I owned this book nearly a year before I read it. All in God's timing, right? But the minute I began, it was a game-changer. I had been "sitting in God's waiting room" for over a year. This book helped me literally map-out where He was leading me, and what my new ministry would be.
If you're looking for direction.....read - and pray through - this book. God will speak when it's time. Maybe this is your time! :)
If you're looking for direction.....read - and pray through - this book. God will speak when it's time. Maybe this is your time! :)
May 6, 2015
The first third or so, I didn't quite understand. Plus, I cheated cos I just wanted to read & not do the journal assignments. By the end, I was with her, so I'll read it again, slow, do the assignments, & MAYBE the last one where you show it all to a dear one & let that person tell you what she sees.
January 18, 2018
Fantastic book on listening to the story God is writing through your story. It's beautifully written, challenging, and honest (yes, cheesy on occasion). It's aimed at women, but it's applicable for men, as well. Definitely worth engaging.
July 21, 2015
The second half of this book is excellent and worth muddling thru the first half for. Very insightful. The journal exercises were useful.
December 24, 2015
Much better than I expected. Worth reading and answering the questions just for the insights you get about your life.
March 14, 2019
Potentially better for younger people (35 and below) and or younger, untested Christians.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 241 reviews