Made for This: 40 Days to Living Your Purpose

by Jennie Allen

Recognize your calling, find your place of service, and follow God to a life of purpose.

In her bestselling books Anything and Restless, Jennie Allen challenged women to fully surrender their lives to God and then offered a process to uncover and understand the raw materials He had given them to use for His glory and purposes. Now, for the first time ever, those two concepts have been combined to create a forty-day journey for women to pursue God and find the deepest yearnings of their heart fulfilled.

This step-by-step process, to fully surrender to God and then identify the threads of gifts, passions, places, relationships, and sufferings in your life, is not to get what you want but to find what God wants of you. The journal-like edition includes


a new introduction and perspective from Jennie
stories and testimonies from women whose lives have been changed by the process
and the workbook graphics to determine the individual threads and how to weave them together
Divided into forty days, Made for This will help readers not only follow their dreams but also be able to answer life's ultimate Why am I here?

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Faith, Christian Living, Self Help, Christianity, Spirituality

283 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 5, 2019

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

[M.E. Carter]

I've really been trying to find my purpose as I seem to be in this stagnant phase, so I picked this one up.
Almost immediately I started praying, "Anything, but..."
Then God laughed and said, "But."
Lol

[Bethany Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this devotional. It discusses the mantra "let go and let God" in a way that feels completely doable. I enjoyed the layout of each day's lesson and the opportunity to reflect in a way that was convicting but not guilt-inflicting.

[Lidia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good and well made devotion for the start of the new year that explores the seeking of your purpose in life but especially the will of God for your life ☺️🤩💞

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent and convicting devotional. There is so much Jennie packs in to each day that there is always something to think about or dwell on. She uses lots of scripture and her response portions are not your average basic questions. She has so much depth and passion in her writing. I haven't read a daily devotional this moving in years.

[Kimberly Patton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m shocked at the progress I have made in my personal life after starting this book a few months ago. I really needed the journal aspect to help me process through many emotions, struggles, dreams and questions.

It helped me dig deep and find out what the threads of my life are. Where the intersection is of where I live, who I serve, what my gifts and passions are, and how God can use me. I took a ton of notes and looking back, it really was a life changing book.

Thank you Jennie Allen for helping women figure out how to implement God’s call on our lives. ❤️

[Christina Casares · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this devotional. Jennie shares so much truth from scripture and this came in a season where I was trying to figure out some big changes for myself, career-wise. So grateful for the wisdom in this book and how it helped me to process where God would have me right now.

[Bailey Marissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book revealed some things and pissed me off in a good way. It's a lot for 40 days, so buckle up.

Recommended 15+ because this may have younger readers stressed the heck out.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one you will want to have a physical copy and write all over it. Each day includes Scripture, an essay/teaching and response questions for your own study.
It is so much more than information, but how the truth of who God is interacts with who he made us to be and thus why we are here on this planet in our individual lives, with the unique stories we all are living.

Much of the content is similar to, but expanded from previous Bible studies fron Jennie, but presented as an experience for the reader to dive into their own God-given purpose.

[Sherri · Rating 4 out of 5]

40-day devotional. Narrator was good.

[Leslie McKee · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I’ve never read anything by this author, but I really liked the description (as well as the cover) of this book, so I was excited to have the chance to review it.

I love that this book is interactive! It’s designed to be used over the course of forty days, and there are passages, scripture verses, and reflection questions/activities for each day. Real stories and Biblical connections are used for each passage.

You can read the full review on my blog: https://lmckeeediting.blogspot.com/20...

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy as part of the HarperCollins BookLook Bloggers program, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.

[Vicki Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re ready to make a journey to find God’s specific purpose, then Jennie’s latest book is ready to lead you onward.

From the beginning to the end, Jennie guides with practical thought processes and Scriptural avenues to help you consider the very question we all grapple with at some point in life: Why am I here?

Wow, did I ever love this book! It’s a 40-day journey, that could possibly lead you know to know exactly what God’s plans and purposes are in your life, or at least get you so much closer.

Each day consists of a teaching and thoughts to engage your heart and mind, a ‘Respond” section with questions to take you to a deeper understanding of the teaching and yourself, and a “Read and Reflect “section with verses to consider and ponder.

A few of my favorite quotes:
• “When we don’t love or feel joy or peace or passion, it’s because we do not know His love or His joy or peace or passion. He is a Person, not a magic pill you take when our life or your soul is broken. He is a Person you talk to and listen to and respect. He’s someone you decide to spend time with and dream with, someone you follow and learn from and hurt with… the Person who defines my life…”
• “We all fight our divided motives every day. The key is to fight.”
• “God is accomplishing a thousand tiny purposes at any given moment around us … It may feel quiet, and possibly even feel forgotten but God is moving to work out His plans all around us.“
• “The most sacred moments of our lives are bottled up in inside us—the moments that flash in our minds when our souls have never been so satisfied or the moments we wish we could forget because we have never felt so much pain.”
• “There is a very real and active battle, and the prize is faith. God gives faith and Satan steals faith. God loves faith more than any other thing in us and Satan hates our faith more than any other thing. Faith is the measure to which we believe God is God. And faith is the measure to which we let God be God.”
• “Unique design indicates unique purpose. Not one part of you exists by accident. God wants to move all these pieces into epic stories that last forever.”

Jennie helps you to process the things in your life that weave your story. And trust me, this isn’t “navel-gazing” as Jennie reminds us, it’s truly about finding your place and purpose in the greater story of God’s grand story.

You will want to embark on this 40-day journey. It will change you. It changed me. I found renewed challenges in my life to mentor the young women in my life, taking seriously the call to reach and equip a generation. Don’t wait. God is ready to show you all the good He has prepared for you.

[Alex Jacobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

"She had me at hello." If ever that phrase was pertinent it's now, in reference to Jennie Allen's new book Made For This: 40 Days to Living Your Purpose. From the very introduction, an anecdote about Sarah, to the beautiful layout and workbook format I found this book drawing me in. This would be a wonderful study to engage in during the Lenten season, starting this Wednesday on Ash Wednesday you could dive into the study for the 40 days of Lent. Made for This is a beautiful tool for deepening your relationship with Jesus and to not just discover, but to live out your purpose.

There is also a current study going on (not too late to join!) and watching how the workbook is impacting the lives of other women is awe inspiring. The book is a "new look at Jennie Allen's core message from her first two books Restless and Anything." The two books have been combined in Made For This  to "create a unique interactive journey to help [the reader] analyze the places they find themselves in, the passions, the gifts, the experiences, their age, and their position to discover their specific calling." Allen has accomplished what she set out to do. The workbook format is practical and engaging. Although some of the ideas and stories are familiar as a reader of Allen's aforementioned books, much of the content is new.  I find that hearing a story again provides a unique opportunity to hear it from a different perspective in a different time or space, plus it makes Allen feel like an old friend who tells you the same story a handful of times.

Allen asks challenging questions, leaves room for the reader to process their answers, and provides encouragement to go deeper. The space to respond, read, and reflect both on Allen's words and on Scripture is refreshing. With each page her genuine spirit and love for God and His Word is evident. Her authenticity and candid nature provide a safe space for the reader to engage in the same way.

Thanks to BookLook Bloggers for a copy of this book. All opinions shared here are my own.

[Amanda Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to get my hands on an advanced copy of this book! Despite having a very tight schedule (full time working mom of 6 young children), this devotional moves quickly but goes deep! Each day/chapter was only a few pages but got right to the heart of issues so can be read daily or straight through as a normal book. I also purchased the audio version which allowed me to get through the entire book in a day.

Jennie’s previous book studies have been beneficial in my own life; I attended a group study of Restless when in a very broken state and it allowed me to see the benefits of pushing through to a place of healing. Following this I read Anything by myself and submitted every area of my life to the Lord, leading me to invest in myself by joining Mom Mastery University, coaching specifically designed for moms with a Christian basis.

Made for This should be worked through either more than once (if sped through) or savored, preferably jointly with others. It was beneficial to read through but to get a real impact it would require writing down personal reflection and praying through the threads of your life. Because I have done some of this work already and have recently walked into my deeper purpose this resource was more of a confirmation however it is still beneficial to continue to examine the path of our lives. Jennie has such a passion to encourage women to run the race established for them, this devotional is an invaluable resource for those who are looking to determine exactly what that is and for the women who have a similar passion to lead others into their best purpose!

Summed up: Made for This is a versatile resource that both goes deep and is easily broken down into manageable steps!

[Rebecca Burnsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I saw this book and its title “Made for This”, I just had to take a look at it. I always seem to compare the book of Esther in the Bible to its Bible verse that has the words, “made for such a time as this.” I am always intrigued by books, stories or Bible studies that could perhaps pertain to Esther. When you open up this book, you are met with an introduction. It might be best if you do read the introduction because it’s so empowering to read these words that it makes you want to dig in. Over the forty days in the book, you’ll discover ways to pray and how to discern God in your life.

I really feel that if you are out there still looking for your purpose in life, then you should pick up this book. In just forty days, the author Jennie Allen, is able to get you to reflect on your own life. This book is just like what the back cover says; it is a 40-day interactive journey. It would be hard to say this book is a devotional because it is more than that. It can be life changing for you. There are many pages that you can write on and make your own notes. Or you can use a notebook. However, you work through this book, you’ll have some monumental experiences while reading and reflecting on your own life.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've followed Allen's IFGathering for a number of years (we men could do with something similar) and read one of her books, "Anything", so was keen to get my hands on her latest.

By all accounts this book is the 'best of' bits of the other books Allen has written and re-worked into a 40-day action-oriented program that has the reader getting their pens out and meditating on serious sections of the Bible. I love Allen's zest for more of God and the fact that she encourages us to believe that there is always more for us as a result of our relationship with Him. And that is the reason we should be going deeper with God, because He will reveal more, use us more and stretch us in making us whole and holy.

Each of the 40 chapters is 3-4 pages one and often uses real-life situations from her own life or from others she knows to illustrate the key learning of the chapter. Then there is a series of thoughtful questions that challenge you to contemplate in more detail that key learning. Allen finishes each chapter with a little Bible study featuring another few questions to stimulate reflections on the passage.

Don't buy this if you're not willing to do some work and/or be challenged to move forward in your walk with Christ.

Men, don't be put off by this being a woman's-only book. The majority of the lessons and learnings are very relatable to our situations and you will benefit greatly from picking up a copy of this book.

[Laura A Pyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's funny. I started reading this book last fall... while praying what Jennie Allen challenges us to do on day one: praying for anything.

Little did I know, during this 40 day exercise, God would draw me closer to his story and dreams for my life, which truly were bigger than I could imagine, setting our family off on a journey to a new state, a new position, a new book project, and maybe someday into the mission field.

Jennie Allen uses SIMPLE daily exercises to draw readers closer to God's word by speaking truth in plain language, and providing exercises to go deeper than the standard "feel better" devotional. By walking through the hard parts, and focusing on the way God has crafted our stories from the start, this simple book helps push readers toward God, and toward his plans for their lives, while breaking chains and doubts that might be holding them back. That's what it did for me. For any woman searching for a way to find purpose in the day to day, or, who knows a shake-up might be necessary but isn't quite sure what that might mean, this is THE book to dive into while wholeheartedly offering herself up to God's plan for her life.

I've purchased the book for 10 friends now because it's that important. Friends: don't miss out on God's plan for your life because you're stuck in a routine that needs to change. Check out this book, today.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jennie Allen helps us answer life's ultimate question, "Why am I here?" in her new book, "Made For This".  This 40-day interactive study blends two of Allen's previous books, "Anything" and "Restless" and creates an insightful study that can be used individually or as a group.

This interactive book will help you find your purpose through the "Believe", "Respond" and "Read & Reflect" portions at the end of each day (chapter).  Each day builds on the last and by the end of "Made For This", you should be able to pray the "Anything" prayer with confidence and enter into God's purpose for your life with a spirit of excitement and adventure rather than holding on to your insecurities and clinging to the security of the world.

I loved the format of the book allowing for more writing room on the discussion pages.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Booklook Bloggers, as part of Thomas Nelson‘s Book Review Blogger Program. 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.”

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a HUGE fan of Jennie Allen and am always thrilled to get my hands on all of her books. Her latest book "Made for This" is amazing! From the start of her book, Jennie gives practical application and thought processes to help the reader grapple with the questions of purpose. This book is deep and meaningful and helps the reader land the plane for understanding or drawing closer to their purpose.

Every day, the reader will be challenged with thoughts to engage your heart, mind and spirit that will take you deeper as you read and reflect. Filled with scripture, stories, and insights from some of her previous books, this 40 day journey will change you. I honestly feel like I was sitting down having coffee with Jennie as she was mentoring me through the 40 day journey. This book will equip you and challenge you.

Grab your copy today!

[Create With Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennie Allen is a gifted and passionate writer whose latest book, Made For This, is perfect for anyone looking for a creative and interactive way to learn more about herself and to use her gifts, life experiences, and dreams to pursue God’s plans for her life.

Each day, you’ll read a devotional and complete a series of exercises that will help you to uncover and explore the gifts, passions, places, relationships, and sufferings in your life. In the process, you’ll also discover how God can use all of these things, as well as your dreams and passions, for His greater purpose.

This excerpt is taken from the original review that is published on my blog. To read my review in its entirety, please visit Create With Joy.

[Angie French · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you wrestling with your purpose? Do you often ask, “Lord, why am I here?” Are you searching for something bigger?

With her trademark earnesty, Jennie Allen builds on her previous works to take you on a journey to living out God’s purpose. In this 40-day endeavor, Jennie guides you through scripture and self-examination to discover the life God is calling you to live.

The book itself is beautiful. The bold use of color on the cover invites you in and the texture of the pages encourages you to make your mark. And it wouldn’t be a Jennie Allen book without some deep reflective questions. Space is provided to respond and work out your thoughts. Made For This would make an all-around fabulous gift!

[Beth-Anne White · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have heard or read Jennie Allen before you will enjoy this book. And if you never have read her before this is a great place to start! This is a blend of two of her best loved books Anything and Restless. But don't worry that this is just a copy and paste type of book. Instead you will find new format and layout and fresh stories of how this has worked and impacted others.

This is a beautiful journal-like edition with workbook graphics to help bring it all together. This book will help you go surrender to God and ask Him what your purpose is. This is a great book for yourself or to give as a gift.

I highly recommend this book.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm using this resource through the season of lent as it's made to be complete in a 40-day window. The devotions are short and sweet but full of depth and questions that make you think. As a full-time working mother, I am always looking for devotions that will challenge me, but won't take hours to complete. This one is perfect for me. I was a little nervous that it would be much like a "Search for Significance" book since I feel like there are a lot out there in this similar manner of theme, but this is unique in its own way. I highly recommend it.
Thank you Thomas Nelson for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Sarah Mahieu · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this, but honestly I had a really hard time with it. I felt the author's excitement in wanting to share experiences and her desire to help the reader to experience those same things for ourselves, I just don't feel like that's how a relationship with God works. Each relationship is so different because we are all different people and He relates/communicates with us individually in unique ways. I have a hard time with the philosophy that if I pray this ______ , then _____ will happen. That's kind of how this comes off to me. I just couldn't agree with some things said also. Much love to Jennie-I respect her and her heart for God-I just couldn't get into this one.

[Brittany Larsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF. I attended an IF Local virtually and I liked Jennie and decided to read one of her books. I felt like this book had a lot of focus on why Jennie does what she does and how she is called. Even in the stories from other women some of it I felt pointed back to Jennie being called into her position, like a constant excuse to why she is a popular “celebrity”. I didn’t like that. I also don’t agree that it’s everyone’s purpose or calling to do something radical for God because He also asked us to live quiet peaceful lives and mind our business so how can everyone be called to “take action”? I was just a little put off by some things and I read til day 21.

[Emily Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This devotional journey leads you through deep thoughts, and heavy lifting in your heart as you examine what it is that makes you tick, ultimately arriving at the truths that will align your heart with God’s plan for your life. Jennie has an incredible way with writing that allows you to be reachable, included and not overlooked. Sometimes, our thoughts are our worst enemies, drudging up insecurities and doubts. Jennie’s guide is a vital tool paired with the Word for the person looking for their purpose, and a refreshing guide for a seasoned believer who may have lost their way ❤️

[Micah Dodd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read tons of devotionals over the years, this by far is my favorite! Jennie is so authentic and gut level honest about her life, experiences, thoughts and feelings especially in this book! What I love the most is at the end of every day there are questions to dig deeper very similar to a mini Bible Study and suggested scripture reading. I walked away from each daily reading feeling like I had not only learned but also had experienced Jesus. I cannot recommend this book or Jennie enough! Her teaching has changed me so much and I believe this book will change many others lives as well!

[Sarah Senften · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was excited to get my hands on a copy of Made for This because Jennie Allen’s previous books have had such a profound effect on my walk with Jesus. Needless to say, my expectations were high. And I wasn’t disappointed at all.

If you’re looking for a devotional that will push you off of the couch and into the beautiful chaos of following Jesus, this is the book for you. You’ll be challenged, inspired, and encouraged to start to live out your faith—your love for God— with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! I highly recommend for college age and up--Yes, even ladies in their 30's, 40's, 50's will reap wonderful benefits. Feel like you are missing something but not sure where to start? Jennie Allen's new devotional will guide you and help you ask the right questions. I love how she weaves and applies scripture throughout the book. She expresses my thoughts and the deep questions of my heart--How does she do that?! There are so many wisdom nuggets tucked into these pages. Her authenticity and commitment to God makes this a powerful book. Let Jennie lead you with the help of the Holy Spirit to your God-purposed life.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a phenomenal study guide! I didn’t want this to end. ;(. I even skipped days at the end bc I don’t have my next devotional. I am a big fan of Jennie Allen’s works and ministry. I was in the process of re-reading Anything when I found this book. I picked up and was like - Wow! How perfect. Then, I liked it so much, I bought another copy of this book AND Anything to give to my general manager for Christmas.

[Malinda Fugate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a combo devotional/Bible study/workbook, and I found it to be incredibly encouraging. The daily reading and response exercises/questions are just the right length to include in personal Bible study and prayer time each day. Some of what Jennie Allen writes is fairly basic and I have heard/read it before, but there were some new perspectives and insights as well. "Made For This" is helpful for anyone who needs inspiration or a reset in purpose, vision, and guidance.