Obedience Over Hustle: The Surrender of the Striving Heart

by Malinda Fuller

The world promises recognition and promotion if we "hustle harder," but at what cost? Join the counter-cultural movement of choosing surrender over striving. Throughout scripture, we encounter individuals who had to face the hard reality that their dreams and time lines weren't God's best plan. By exploring these biblical narratives alongside her own personal stories of radical obedience, author Malinda Fuller encourages readers to respond to the questions God asks each of "Will you trust Me? . . . Will you do what I'm asking you to do?” 

Fuller's challenge to all of us is to yield to God's voice — no matter where He leads or what He asks, whether it's complicated or straightforward, accepted by others or challenging to understand, and regardless of how it makes us feel (even if it appears foolish). May we have the courage to surrender to His plan and His timing — to choose obedience over hustle.
 

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Spirituality, Faith, Religion

224 pages, Paperback

Published September 1, 2019

Reviews

[Melissa Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book reminded me to pause and think about my activities. Am I doing things to promote self or to share about God? Am I focused on rushing through my days, trying to get chores done? While reading each page, I was brought back to the truth that my words and actions are supposed to glorify God, not to glorify anyone else. I do not have to say "yes" to every opportunity. I do not have to "hustle" in every moment. My focus should be on God and what He has planned for me. What a great book! I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Hustle=Burnout. The word hustle has always had a negative affect on me, even before I was a believer. For several years now I feel like the world is crazy busy and spinning out of control.
The author talks about work ethic and workaholic....which mean completely different things. This was insightful I kept asking myself, “what’s my motive?, does this honor God?, why am I really doing this?”
I especially loved the authors honesty about church involvement. This is a tough subject to talk about and I thought she did a job.
And lastly the author talks about obedience. Why we should obey and what would that look like.
This was a good study and I would do this with a small group. The issues in this book are real and I felt the study could be very helpful for anyone struggling with this issue.

This was a NETGALLEY gift and all opinions are my own.

[Brent Soderstrum · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book through GoodReads First Read program.

I enjoyed the second part of the book which covered obedience more than I enjoyed the first part of the book which covered hustle. The first half of the book really appeared to be written for young women with kids. It didn't have to be so but Fuller covered her situation which was that. She even limited her examples to women reacting to the societal pull to hustle. I wish the book had made clear on its cover that this book was geared towards women,

The second half of the book was really for everyone covering obedience which everyone needs to do. I wish Fuller would have covered how to listen to what God wants from you. I have always struggled with knowing what God wants me to do. There is no burning bush or audible voice that would make it easier to know God's will. Fuller just says she knew what God wanted. She never explained how she knew what God wanted her to do.

[Zakiya · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book as part of my small group. I enjoyed the writer’s casual style and how she approached the topic towards the second half of the book. I thought that the first part of the book was rather dictionary-based and something that anyone could’ve written. I do like how she continued to show biblical examples throughout the book of individuals who were obedient to God. I also appreciated her paraphrasing those stories as well. It made them feel very real.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book and I have already recommended it to a number of friends in the few short days since. Malinda is eloquent and succinct, making relevant points and simple arguments to point hearts and thoughts away from the rush and into the rest of relationship with God. I’m so grateful she wrote this book - I found her when I starting searching for other women who can’t accept “the hustle” as all there is to this life. Bravo!

[Pam Mooney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring. A gentle reminder to look at our lives and see if we are doing what is best in God's eyes as well as for those we care about. I loved the biblical narratives that illustrate the obedience over hustle movement. I felt like I was being guided through lessons that would bring me to a better place rather than reading another book of "should do's". It is such a nice idea to listen to the whispers of God rather than making up our own ways that lead to anxiety and broken relationships. A good read.

[Wendi · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a book review blogger, I sometimes have the privilege of receiving advance copies of books, usually in electronic form. But I decided to order my own hard copy of a new book from Malinda Fuller, “Obedience Over Hustle.” Why? Because this one needs to sit on my nightstand and join a short list of books that are important re-reads every year!

I am a perfectionist. I ask way more of myself than anyone else ever will. I am guilty of the sideways glance, measuring my own achievements by what I see others accomplishing around me. My passion can run amok, driven more by selfish ambition than unwavering commitment to clear direction from the LORD. That drive can leave me anxious. Worrying I have missed the mark. It can all become very fragile. Those insecurities fueled by ugly, sinful pride.

Malinda very quickly grabbed my attention. Drawing me away from my teetering house of cards, built in fits and starts, bursts of stubborn, independent determination. She suggests a much firmer foundation. OBEDIENCE. To the LORD’s leading! Orchestrated by His divine plan, guided and equipped by His Spirit, fueled by His power, and characterized more by worship, compassion and conviction than self-serving passion. There is purity in obedience. There is also peace.

I could have highlighted the whole book! I lingered over every chapter, savoring the balm to my weary, fickle heart. Malinda’s compelling definitions of “hustle” and “obedience” remind me of the dialogue among fellow believers that has captured my attention over recent years. To choose the counter-cultural way. To worry less about the tips and tricks and hoops to jump through to dream big and make those dreams become reality, and instead, to dedicate myself more to stepping aside with the LORD. To regularly pursue a place where all other voices fall silent, where I can ask Him what He wants me to be doing!?! And to get busy doing it!

In my writing, my longing to speak truth into hearts of women in whatever avenue is open to me, I also want to truly grasp that I am first a wife and mother and more importantly a child of the King! He is the One who longs to hold first audience with my heart! As Malinda describes what it might look like to prioritize my days and efforts in a way that honors Him, she reassures me that most of my steps are not as faltering as I fear. Most of them have been toward Him, NOT swept away with the raging tide around me.

“She knows the voice of the One who speaks her dreams into being. She has learned to heed those promptings when they come. Instead of becoming bitter about the mundaneness of her days [as a mom], she’s choosing to be the influential leader GOD has created her to be, right now. Even though she doesn’t have a giant platform, she is using her unapologetic voice to bring healing and inspiration to others through social media . . . she has gathered together women from all seasons and denominations in her city for mornings of Bible conversation and coffee . . . she meets together with other moms to encourage and strengthen them on a regular basis . . . and most importantly, she has sunk deep into the trenches of motherhood with an eternal perspective. She is going after the hearts of her children, intent on raising them to love and follow JESUS. Instead of chasing what other people are doing, she has plugged herself into her family and her community. That’s what obedience looks like for her in this season. Laying down the hustle meant being content with being small. She has said yes to GOD, given up the hustle, and stepped into obedient living.” (p. 50-51)

Malinda’s words speak peace to my easily distracted heart and encourage me to keep choosing Him, even when the path forward seems unclear or uncertain, or unseen by others. His full plans for me and my efforts will one day be realized. A lot of them are already unfolding in those unseen places! He is the One who has gifted me and faithfully leads me one step at a time. He will truly delight in seeing any further plans for me come to fruition . . . in His time! If I simply hunger to know His heart, with deeper passion than for anything else, I’ve already received the greatest gift He can offer! As I look to the Father for His plan and His purposes, and work hard to align my efforts with His, I can rest assured that I am always on the right path.

As I recommit to choosing His way, these quotes from “Obedience Over Hustle” will serve as important reminders:

“Continued obedience . . . it is carefully tending to what He has commissioned us to do, sometimes without being able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It’s not just a one-time risk or a single act, but faithfully putting our hand to what GOD has led us to do.” (p. 220)

“It is choosing His way over our own. It’s laying down what we think best (our timing and our methods) and yielding to what GOD thinks is best.” (p. 221)

“It’s living with the knowledge that His opinion is the only one that matters, and that seeking Him first is a command worth following. When we live like this, we are choosing obedience over hustle.” (p. 221)

Malinda beautifully weaves Biblical truth with personal stories, her extensive research as she wrestled with these concepts, and examples from Scripture of men and women who have faithfully gone before us, choosing to follow Christ!

Do you find yourself crumbling under the pressure to succeed, to chart your course and make it happen, to dream big and “go for it!”? Do you battle fear that you will miss that one big break, falter at that pivotal moment and lose your one big chance? “Obedience Over Hustle” offers you the chance to breathe and look UP! Malinda Fuller suggests a much kinder option: simply ask the One with the master plan which next step to take . . . and follow where He leads!

“Obedience Over Hustle” by Malinda Fuller, from Barbour Publishing, is available wherever books are sold. Find Malinda on Facebook or Instagram to follow #thefulleradventure as their family continually chooses obedience to the call of Christ!

#obedienceoverhustle #justbreathe #Hehasaplan #Hisplanisbest #justaskHim #followwhereHeleads #trustandobey #trustingJESUS #heldandbeloved #whispersofrest #mysteriouskindness #lostinwonder

[Ginger Hudock · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had been feeling anxiety lately even though I "have it all". I am happily married, have a part-time nutrition career, volunteer on a regular basis, and have two grown children out on their own.
But I was hustling. The description of Malinda Fuller's book, Obedience Over Hustle immediately struck a chord with me.
Fuller says "Maybe you've heard a similar whisper: "You are doing too many things. You are striving and multitasking and chasing productivity... You are eager to serve, but out of what motive?'" If this quote rings true for you, I highly recommend this book. Fuller uses many Biblical examples to encourage readers to engage with God about what He wants you to be doing in your life. She asks readers to be obedient to the voice of the Holy Spirit instead of the world.
If you are a Christian whose desire is to follow God's will for your life, but are uncertain how to do this, then I highly recommend this book.
I received a complimentary advance copy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Casey | Essentially Novel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is so good! The word "hustle" has been popularized by culture and social media, and here author Malinda Fuller breaks her book into two segments: hustle and obedience. She dives into the meaning of the words, what living that out looks like in our lives, and how the concept of hustling isn't necessarily a good thing. She reminds us of our motives, priorities, and as Christians, the importance of obeying God above our own desires and dreams. She executes this out in her writing in such a way that it is straight to the point without being accusatory. Using Scripture and biblical truth as its solid foundation, this book is a must have for anyone who is striving to pursue their dreams and goals, who compares themselves to other's successes, who questions what God desires of them, and even for believers in general to know how to handle the lifestyles of hustling and obeying. Loved being able to read this one.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy to review.

[Angela Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I absolutely adored this book and finished reading through it in just a couple sittings. I found it extremely relevant and timely on a personal level and gained many fresh new insights about what it means to choose obedience over “always pushing and striving to be...” or the “hustle.” The author uses her own personal struggles, challenges and her journey of choosing to obey God in all areas of her life to illustrate the importance of not getting caught up in being busy and always striving but instead to be content in this season and listening to Gods voice. I would recommend this book to many of my peers as I feel we can all relate to the constant tension between hustling and obedience.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trust and Obey Back in first grade, we had to design a T-shirt about what we wanted to be when we grew up. I wanted to be a writer. That dream got sidetracked for a few years during and after high school, and although I thought I was working toward my career goals, God had other plans. Less than a year after graduating from college I started having health issues, and before long I became chronically ill with a laundry list of conditions that grows with each passing year. I kept stubbornly waiting for healing, and it wasn’t really until this year that I accepted that I am likely not going to get better, although of course nothing is impossible with God! In the meantime, I had started writing book reviews, as I have always been an avid reader, and several doors opened. I don’t get paid, but I do get free books, which is a bibliophile’s dream! As I commit to reviewing more and more books, of which the vast majority are specifically Christian, I realize that out of pain and loss God has brought me back to the dream that He planted in my heart as a young child, allowing me to glorify Him through reading and writing. I do not have a big following on social media, but I do have the contentment of knowing that I am doing what the Lord created me to do, and that I am hopefully planting seeds that He will water and grow. This encapsulates much of the message of Malinda Fuller’s “Obedience Over Hustle” and is partly why this book resonated with me so strongly. The book is divided into two segments: “Confronting the Hustle” and “Choosing Obedience.” As Fuller points out, our culture builds itself around doing more, being more, beating out the competition and being at the top. While I’ve never been very competitive, I am a perfectionist, so I am always striving. Being chronically ill has added another layer to this, as there are many things that I can no longer do, so I push myself harder in those things that I can do. Reading this book, I realized that this is hustling, and that while society promotes it, God doesn’t. “Hustling is chasing after a goal at any cost. It’s the pushing that comes from a heart focused on what others have and what others are doing, rather than choosing contentment and listening for the voice of God.” That’s the crux of the issue: hustling is about what “I” can do, rather than about working with God and relying on Him. On the other side of the coin is obedience. In order to be obedient, we have to acknowledge that God is in control, and often it isn’t easy to hand over the reins to our lives. We want things to happen in our way and according to our schedule, but submitting to God “means that we surrender not only to His plan but also to His timeline”. We have to acknowledge that His ways are always best and that He is sovereign. If we are walking with Him, we can expect Him to ask us to do things that are outside of our comfort zone and that seem to fly in the face of reason. Think of Joseph, Noah, and Moses, and so many others from the Bible. Obedience is “living with the knowledge that His opinion is the only one that matters and that seeking Him first is a command worth following.” What He calls us to do won’t be in accordance with popular opinion and what the world tells us, but what blessings flow forth when we obey! “Obedience Over Hustle” has an interactive framework. Most chapters open with an account of a Biblical character demonstrating either hustling or obedience, with contemporary examples of obedient women throughout the chapters. At the end of both segments, divided into and corresponding to the chapters, are questions to discuss, journal about, or ponder, as well as Scripture verses to look up. This is therefore ideal for both group and individual study, and while it is geared toward women, I think that it would be appropriate for men as well. We all need to learn how to slow down and obey God more fully! I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

[Debbie Chatley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a life changer in that in causes you to stop and second guess the messages that we are bombarded with day in and day out to do more, be more and have more. Especially as woman, we are overtly and subtly encouraged to be superwomen, having kids that involved in everything, having the perfect marriage, and the magazine worthy house and a career that makes others jealous. Yet is this what God really intended for us. This book draws on expertise of personal experience, characters from the Bible, and stories of others walking the same paths to call us to the life of step by step obedience to God instead of following the world's call to hustle.

I love the format the author used to divide the book into 2 parts, the first part focused on understanding the call to hustle and the second part focused on understanding the call to obedience. In this way, the 2 concepts are contrasted and compared. Another thing I loved about this book was the journaling/thought provoking questions provided for each chapter at the end of each part. I would definitely recommend taking the time necessary to ponder over these questions, they are so powerful in helping the reader digest and apply the concepts discussed in the book.

Some of my favorite quotes that cut right to my heart as they echoed the sentiment of my heart as I started this book include:
pg 10 I had been burning the candle at both ends and in the middle. I wanted to have it all. I wanted God's provision , but I wanted it my way. - these statements cut right to my heart as they echoed the sentiment of my heart as I started this book
pg 27 hustle creates a false urgency to act
pg 29 hustle brings weighty pressure - to perform and please, to hurry and overwork, to strive after recognition or power
pg 51 laying down the hustle meant being content with being small
pg 111 Obedience is both a choice and an act of faith
pg 149 Obedience is often difficult because it isn't the shiny and sexy stuff of faith

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hustle seems to be a buzzword right now. There is the drive to accomplish much for the Kingdom of God. We are urged to increase our media outreach and be an “influencer.” There are podcasts and webinars on being an over achiever, on setting and meeting all our audacious goals.

Fuller wants us to stop and think about it all. Is that really the life God has called us to? She encourages us to wait on God and determine His purpose for us. A super achiever “waiting” on God? A woman who wants it all, a picture perfect family and a successful career, being silent before God to listen for His small voice of direction?

Bring it on, Fuller. I have seen social media inundated with the fast paced, “do-it-all” kind of Christian hustle. Finally, someone is bringing some sense into the conversation. What a shock to think it is Satan's temptation to do more, to be more, to have it all. (Loc 751/2007)

This is a book young women would do well to read. Fuller points out the pitfalls of the hustle and the blessing of obedience. She tells good stories on herself and others to illustrate her teaching. Bible stories are included too. (Ever wonder what would have happened if Noah had said “no” to God because the whole idea didn't make sense?) She has also included questions on each chapter for personal reflection or group discussion.

Jesus is our example. He never did anything without His Father's approval. Are we willing to follow His example? It means listening for God's direction and then being obedient. Fuller says it has taken her years to get better at asking God what He wants rather than demanding He bless her already established ambitious plans. If you are ready to set aside the hustle and be obedient, this book will get you on the way.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is brilliant from Malinda. She's a woman of God who clearly has spent plenty of time in the 'secret place' learning how to listen to God. The essence of this book's message is 'listen to God and do what He says' rather than believing we need to live like the world does seeking to 'hustle' our way to capture attention.

It's an obvious message but one so many of us don't adhere to. Yes, we have an obedience problem (and I include myself in this cohort) but also a listening problem. It's unlikely God is going to ask us to hustle through our life juggling all the balls of family, career, church and friendships. There's no real evidence of such a lifestyle in the Bible so why have we in the modern world adopted it?

There are two sections to the book: outlining the issues with hustle and outlining the wonder of obedience. Using some tremendous Biblical illustrations, this is powerful writing and should give all of us believers a right kick up the backside and turn in repentance.

Each of the two sections ends with a series of questions for each chapter. These are thought-provoking and challenging. I wish each chapter's questions were at the end of the relevant chapter rather than all lumped at the end of the section.

I thoroughly enjoyed Malinda's voice and wisdom not too mention her learned ability to listen to the Lord.

I hope Malinda becomes an important new voice in the modern church and I'm excited to read what she writes next.

Read this. Just do.

I received an early ebook copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley without any expectation of a positive review.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obedience Over Hustle will certainly hit home with millions of women who are trying their best to keep up with all the responsibilities of their busy days. Malinda Fuller writes very openly about her own journey to keep up with it all while still having quality relationships with her God and her family. As with many of us, she reached the point where something had to give.

This book reminds us that we need to question what we're doing and why? Several quotes really stood out for me:

"Focus on what I've asked you to do, Malinda; stop the striving and obey."

"If you don't have time to do the things God has called you to do, you are doing things He didn't intend for you to do..."

"You're focused on the wrong things; slow down; trust Me I know a better way."

"Relationships are always the most important things."

"The right thing, at the wrong time, is the wrong thing."

After listening with her heart to what God was telling her, and questioning why her need for the approval and validation from others was so important to her, the author made a big change in her life. Her obedience required a large leap of faith, and she took it.

I really enjoyed this book. I easily related to the feeling of running in circles, being busy, busy, busy, and questioning my priorities. Fuller writes in an easy, flowing manner and presented many things to think about. Well done!!

My thanks to NetGalley, Shiloh Run Press and the author for allowing me to read an ARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Today we strive for more, to be better, faster, more productive. We learn how to multi-task and connect ourselves 24/7 to our work, our lives and our families. Is this what God intended for us? Does God want us to “hustle” through life missing His calling for us? God wants us to slow down, take a breath and follow Him. He knows the way. We have to realize we can’t get there faster on our own. But when you are doing the “hustle” you miss Gods whisper, His direction and His call.
Malinda Fuller takes us on her personal journey of retransformation from the “have it all”, “do it all”, “be it all” to a silent moment when Gods whisper touched her life. She shows us that what we think we want may not even be close to what God has planned for us. She teaches us through Scripture and her personal journey how we to can slow down, spend some quiet time in His word and learn to follow His voice.

This book is like a breath of fresh air. It’s like a friend who says it’s ok not to “hustle” and to take the Spiritual path in life. I felt relief, moments of uncertainty wondering if I too could follow God, and pure peace in knowing that I’m not alone in this struggle. This was a fabulous book that I’m sure will touch the lives of many readers. Thank you to Barbour Publishing, Malinda Fuller and NetGalley for an advanced copy of the book to review.

[Gretchen Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this book does tackle the idea of hustle, mainly it is about obedience. The story is packed with biblical truth. And I agreed with almost all of it. (The only thing I was not too sure about was her idea that serving in other ways can take precedence of church service - I am not sure that is biblical). Plenty of personal ancedotes are a part of the book, but even more are passages taken directly from the Bible. Commentary indicates that God always expects us to surrender to Him. I was challenged in my own approach to following God. This book is convicting and thought provoking. The discussion questions are relevant and challenging as well. While sometimes those parts of a book are added as an after thought, these two groups of questions (found after part 1 and part 2) were deliberately crafted. This book would make an excellent personal Bible study as well as a great read for a book club. (But two weeks are definitely recommended for proper discussion!) I did not enjoy every sentence of this book because I felt convicted - am I truly obeying God in every part of my life? I do plan on following this author because I know that her thoughts reflect biblical truth. Thank you to Net Galley and Baker Publishing for allowing me to review this book. All opinions and thoughts are my own!

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obedience over Hustle by Malinda Fuller
The Surrender of the Striving Heart
The world promises recognition and promotion if we "hustle harder," but at what cost?
Join the counter-cultural movement of choosing surrender over striving.
Throughout scripture, we encounter individuals who had to face the hard reality that their dreams and time lines weren't God's best plan. By exploring these biblical narratives alongside her own personal stories of radical obedience, author Malinda Fuller encourages readers to respond to the questions God asks each of us: "Will you trust Me? . . . Will you do what I'm asking you to do?”
Fuller's challenge to all of us is to yield to God's voice—no matter where He leads or what He asks, whether it's complicated or straightforward, accepted by others or challenging to understand, and regardless of how it makes us feel (even if it appears foolish). May we have the courage to surrender to His plan and His timing—to choose obedience over hustle.
I highly recommend reading.
Obedience over Hustle by Malinda Fuller is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
"I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review."

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

The world makes promises of validation and promotion if we just work harder and do more.  However, God does not want us to do more if we aren't doing what He called us to do. What we do here on Earth is pointless if we destroy relationships and live only for ourselves.  If what we are doing destroys our peace and robs us of our joy, we are probably on the wrong path.

Malinda Fuller teaches us how to surrender to God in her book, "Obedience Over Hustle".  She shows us how to drown out the noise and shouts of this world so that we can hear God whispering in our ear.

She encourages us through her personal stories and Scripture.  The discussion questions and Bible study create an opportunity for small groups to learn together and encourage each other.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Barbour Publishing, Inc. I was not required to write a 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: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was God's perfect timing for me to win this book via a Goodreads giveaway and I will be rereading it again and highlighting verses and marking phrases. I already have a slew of bookmarks and post-it and will probably spend quite some time writing down all the Keepers in my quotes book. God used this author to continue teaching me many thing He has been pruning me and leading me through for a few years so she had me at the title, that's for sure. I have also been able to be used by God in how people have either seen me reading it or I have had opportunities He's provided me to teach or just share on friend, stranger or mamma conversations. I am very thankful for this book and will continue to read it and my Bible and let God teach me this kind of heart's surrender. Malinda, thank you for sharing some of your journey. Thank you for obeying God and writing this book. I will continue doing the workbook part of it and the group discussion part. I have read the book but am not at all done with it yet. Very exciting!

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book. It spoke truth right into my struggle to equate busyness to significance and reminded me I need not be fearful of missing out because the Lord's timing is far better than anything the "hustle mindset" communicates. I believe that women will be significantly impacted by this book as Malinda speaks in such a refreshing way to the importance and blessing of being obedient to where the Lord leads us.

One of my favorite quotes is - "Hustlers are intent on creating something fabulous using their own power, operating on their own schedule, and working to advance their own name. But God desires that our partnership with Him would make His name great - that our most significant accomplishments would not make us rich and famous (or powerful and influential) but rather point people to Jesus." SO GOOD. Highly recommend.

[Marie Pinkham · Rating 5 out of 5]

The world values hustle, tells us that's where we'll find our significance, where we'll do the most good. But what God wants is for us to be obedient, in the big and the small things. To be obedient even when the results don't look like we thought they'd look like. When things happen at a different pace then we thought they would. When it takes more courage, or seemingly more ability than we have. Michelle Fuller deals with all these issues and helps make clear that God is more interested in us following His plan for our lives than in doing great things. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. All thoughts are my own.

[Linda Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

In our hurry-up world, this book is a siren call to every heart that hungers for peace and serenity. This was a sorely needed read in my life currently and it's highly recommended.
Perfect for a women's study, the author weaves real life stories with examples of people in the Bible. They were obedient no matter what the cost.
At the end of this wonderful book questions for discussion can be found. Once again, making this greatly adaptable for small groups.
This book is one that has earned a permanent spot in my personal library and one that I will read multiple times.
I received an Advance Review Copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
@barbourpublishing @malinda.fuller #obedienceoverhustle #bookstagram

[Renell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher as a gift for being a part of Malinda Fuller’s Launch Team, and have had the privilege of reading it before it’s out in the real world.

As an Enneagram 3- an Achiever- my tendency is to run as hard as I can towards my dreams, but often times I run so hard, I crash and burn at the expense of my mental health and relationships. Malinda Fuller reminds me in this book that there’s another way. It’s a gentle slap to the soul that choosing obedience to what God has for my life is so much more sustainable of a lifestyle than anything our hustle culture says to do to reach my dreams. I highly recommend this book!

[Caitlin (CMAReads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Barbour Publishing for the free review copy. All opinions are my own.

I liked how Fuller decided to address hustle in this book. Hustling is seen as something to be aspired to in everyday life, and Fuller challenges her readers to realize how hustling can be detrimental to themselves. She talks about the dangers of hustle in the first part of her book to help set up her second half on obedience. I really enjoyed the message of this book. Obedience to Jesus and his calling on your life should be followed above trying to hustle and keep up with the rest of the world. Christ followers are called to be set apart, and I think this is a message she hits on well within her novel.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every woman that has a family, is thinking about a family needs to read this book. Today's society tells us work harder, make more money, have your kids in everything extracurricular and be a perfect wife and Mom. Melinda reminds us to follow Christ's words and plans for us he has mapped out in scripture.
Rest in Jesus, live our lives for Jesus, not society. Breath in the word of God and listen to him for his plans for your life.
I absolutely am thrilled that Malinda has addressed this issue and pray it gets in the hands of those who desperately need it!

[GG · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
I wish I had read it when I was smack dab in the middle of doing “the hustle”. I am now retired from that corporate hustle.

I wish I’d had the courage and the confidence to that Malinda describes so well to slow down and listen more for God’s guidance.

As a retiree, I still find myself feeling like I should be hustling more. Thank you Malinda for fortifying the belief that it is still okay to slow down and listen and then step off the next cliff, with God by my side.

[Jennifer Malech · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely incredible read about the importance of living in a posture of surrender. This book forces you to let go of the hustle mentality, which is more prevalent than ever before in our culture, and points you to the Truth. The Truth that is found in Jesus, who asks that we surrender every single aspects of our lives and listen to His voice above the noise. Practical, insightful, and supported by Scripture, this is a read that I will definitely come back to.

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely cannot put into words how much this book has helped me through this season. Not only did Melinda do an amazing job encouraging but she also got down to business and set many things into place, I was convicted many times. There were so many things covered just when I figured a thought was complete there would be another chapter tackling thoughts ideas and culture and gearing my heart back to God. I would give this book 20 stars if I could definitely a must read!

[Cheri Swalwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obedience Over Hustle is a subject God has been talking to me about lately and this book was a great addition to our conversations. I highly recommend it and have been telling my friends about it – it’s refreshing, truthful and a breath of fresh air.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.