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Tired of Trying: How to Hold On to God When You’re Frustrated, Fed Up, and Feeling Forgotten
What if that hard thing you’re going through is not happening to you but for you?
You’ve tried it all―saying the right words and prayers, reading the right Bible verses―but nothing seems to work. What do you do when your faith doesn’t seem to be “working” anymore?
Ashley Morgan Jackson is no stranger to this kind of spiritual exhaustion and discouragement. Much like the biblical character Jacob, Ashley wrestled with God, trying desperately to keep trusting Him despite her pain. It was here she found that sometimes God requires us to hold on to Him so we can let go of everything holding us back.
Rich with biblical encouragement, personal story, and practical application, Tired of Trying is an invitation to wrestle―and face God in your greatest fears, pains, and unanswered questions. You’ll learn
Choosing to wrestle isn’t easy or quick―but it does have purpose. What seemingly tears us down may be an opportunity to grow. God is good at redeeming heartache. When we reach the place where the only choice is to run to God or run from Him, we can hold tight . . . because transformation and blessing will come.
You’ve tried it all―saying the right words and prayers, reading the right Bible verses―but nothing seems to work. What do you do when your faith doesn’t seem to be “working” anymore?
Ashley Morgan Jackson is no stranger to this kind of spiritual exhaustion and discouragement. Much like the biblical character Jacob, Ashley wrestled with God, trying desperately to keep trusting Him despite her pain. It was here she found that sometimes God requires us to hold on to Him so we can let go of everything holding us back.
Rich with biblical encouragement, personal story, and practical application, Tired of Trying is an invitation to wrestle―and face God in your greatest fears, pains, and unanswered questions. You’ll learn
Choosing to wrestle isn’t easy or quick―but it does have purpose. What seemingly tears us down may be an opportunity to grow. God is good at redeeming heartache. When we reach the place where the only choice is to run to God or run from Him, we can hold tight . . . because transformation and blessing will come.
224 pages, Paperback
Published August 1, 2023
368 people are currently reading
2615 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
January 11, 2024
This book was exactly what I needed to start the new year. I cried almost every time I read it. It was like she took the thoughts right out of my head and put them on paper. It was so helpful to me right now.
March 3, 2025
I've been in a hard place for a while now and no matter how hard I've tried, I cannot pull myself out. The Word I was once thirsty for has lost its luster. The hours I could once spend in prayer have slowly been filled with other things. The desire for God I had is now a desire to desire Him. And I hate this place--because I know that this isn't how I'm meant to feel.
Praise the Lord for Ashley's book! She helped me to make sense of what I've been going through by taking me on a journey (using the biblical narrative of Jacob) through what it looks like to wrestle--"to face God in our greatest fears, pains, and unanswered questions." With honesty and vulnerability, she shares a season of her life where the wrestle was particularly real and how the Lord worked through that season for her good and His glory.
This is a book about surrender when it's hard. About dying to parts of yourself that have become overly familiar and comfortable while stunting your growth in Christ. About falling to your knees and crying out to the Lord that you don't know it all. About humbly coming back to Him when you distanced yourself because of unspoken disappointment and distrust.
This is a book for when you're truly tired of trying. One that will remind you that you didn't need to try so hard in the first place. That you were trying in all the wrong ways. That the Lord is the only One who can hold it all together. That we aren't meant to try.
Needless to say, i loved this one! It wasn't a "bippity-boppity-boo and now all is better" type of read, but one that caused me to ask hard questions of myself, confront ugly truths, process by journaling, and take some stuff to the Lord in confession, repentence, and petition. The change may not be instantaneous, but the Lord has done some deep heart work through Ashley's words. Definitely a book I recommend if you're frustrated, fed up, and/or feeling forgotten!
Praise the Lord for Ashley's book! She helped me to make sense of what I've been going through by taking me on a journey (using the biblical narrative of Jacob) through what it looks like to wrestle--"to face God in our greatest fears, pains, and unanswered questions." With honesty and vulnerability, she shares a season of her life where the wrestle was particularly real and how the Lord worked through that season for her good and His glory.
This is a book about surrender when it's hard. About dying to parts of yourself that have become overly familiar and comfortable while stunting your growth in Christ. About falling to your knees and crying out to the Lord that you don't know it all. About humbly coming back to Him when you distanced yourself because of unspoken disappointment and distrust.
This is a book for when you're truly tired of trying. One that will remind you that you didn't need to try so hard in the first place. That you were trying in all the wrong ways. That the Lord is the only One who can hold it all together. That we aren't meant to try.
Needless to say, i loved this one! It wasn't a "bippity-boppity-boo and now all is better" type of read, but one that caused me to ask hard questions of myself, confront ugly truths, process by journaling, and take some stuff to the Lord in confession, repentence, and petition. The change may not be instantaneous, but the Lord has done some deep heart work through Ashley's words. Definitely a book I recommend if you're frustrated, fed up, and/or feeling forgotten!
August 6, 2023
This is a powerful book. The title grabbed my attention, and then it completely delivered on the bold claim in the subtitle: How to Hold On to God When You're Frustrated, Fed Up, and Feeling Forgotten. This was the right book at the right time for me. If the title caught your attention like it did for me, follow through and get this book. It really will help you!
I think what I liked most in this book is that it was authentic and relatable. One of my favorite quotes in the book was this gem: "To hope is to make the choice to wait and to trust. God knows that this is a hard choice. He knows we are weak, especially when we feel tired of trying, and so He helps us." That's where I'm at right now. I'm tired of trying. I'm tired of the constant and unyielding spiritual battles. I'm weary of only reaping contention at every turn. I've constantly had the thought that I've lost my hope, but then I read this definition and I'm refreshed at the way Ashley describes hope as a choice and acknowledges the level of difficulty. Maybe that's a little thing, but I needed the reminder that God knows and understands and wants to help me through that. He isn't surprised or put off at my frustration. That's huge for me.
The ongoing example of Jacob wrestling with God is the backbone of this book. It is grounded in Scripture and I can't say enough good things about how well this is put together from cover to cover. There's no fluff. It's all solid material, edifying and encouraging from start to finish.
I loved the example of Gideon and his words, "if the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us," from Judges 6. Ashley sums it up with the same words I was thinking as I was reading, "With Gideon, we wonder, if God is with me, why have all these bad things happened to me?"
She also uses the example of Elijah and how, even though he was obedient to what the Lord had told him to do, he still faced unbearable adversity and difficulty. He wanted to die. Elijah "reached this point not after disobedience of failure but after walking closely with God and performing an incredible miracle in God's power." I needed that affirmation that a life of obedience does not lead to a life without troubles. Ashley says, "It mattered to God that Elijah was strengthened. God provided for Elijah's needs because God doesn't just love what we do for Him, He loves us--and He understands our very real human needs and limitations." This aligns very well with Hebrews 4:14-16!
She also references David's honesty before God with his own struggles throughout Psalms, and throughout the book she reminds me that I need to go back to what God says in His word and not rely on my feelings of despair, regardless how intense they may be from time to time. She says, "it isn't until we are confronted with our own utter weakness that we begin to understand we have been quite happy to get by on our own strength and abilities."
And then, right when I'm thinking that this book couldn't possibly be any more timely for me than it already is, I read this: "If you are in the middle of what feels like the hardest wrestle of your life, it is not a punishment from God. It is not a punishment at all... I know it can be tempting to believe that everything you're going through could have been avoided if, at some point, you had made a different choice."
I beat myself up with that exact thought every single day of my life. It is reassuring to know that I'm not the only one, and that the thought itself is something I need to let go of and choose to trust God through Romans 8:28 instead and let Him work.
And again, Ashley points the reader back to Scripture, using the example of the Israelites and how God cared about their spiritual and emotional state, not just their physical freedom, and she explains that God "never expected us to figure things out on our own or have what it takes to get through our struggles without Him."
My goodness, I needed this book right now. It helped me better understand who God is and how He sees me.
Ashley, thank you for writing!
I think what I liked most in this book is that it was authentic and relatable. One of my favorite quotes in the book was this gem: "To hope is to make the choice to wait and to trust. God knows that this is a hard choice. He knows we are weak, especially when we feel tired of trying, and so He helps us." That's where I'm at right now. I'm tired of trying. I'm tired of the constant and unyielding spiritual battles. I'm weary of only reaping contention at every turn. I've constantly had the thought that I've lost my hope, but then I read this definition and I'm refreshed at the way Ashley describes hope as a choice and acknowledges the level of difficulty. Maybe that's a little thing, but I needed the reminder that God knows and understands and wants to help me through that. He isn't surprised or put off at my frustration. That's huge for me.
The ongoing example of Jacob wrestling with God is the backbone of this book. It is grounded in Scripture and I can't say enough good things about how well this is put together from cover to cover. There's no fluff. It's all solid material, edifying and encouraging from start to finish.
I loved the example of Gideon and his words, "if the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us," from Judges 6. Ashley sums it up with the same words I was thinking as I was reading, "With Gideon, we wonder, if God is with me, why have all these bad things happened to me?"
She also uses the example of Elijah and how, even though he was obedient to what the Lord had told him to do, he still faced unbearable adversity and difficulty. He wanted to die. Elijah "reached this point not after disobedience of failure but after walking closely with God and performing an incredible miracle in God's power." I needed that affirmation that a life of obedience does not lead to a life without troubles. Ashley says, "It mattered to God that Elijah was strengthened. God provided for Elijah's needs because God doesn't just love what we do for Him, He loves us--and He understands our very real human needs and limitations." This aligns very well with Hebrews 4:14-16!
She also references David's honesty before God with his own struggles throughout Psalms, and throughout the book she reminds me that I need to go back to what God says in His word and not rely on my feelings of despair, regardless how intense they may be from time to time. She says, "it isn't until we are confronted with our own utter weakness that we begin to understand we have been quite happy to get by on our own strength and abilities."
And then, right when I'm thinking that this book couldn't possibly be any more timely for me than it already is, I read this: "If you are in the middle of what feels like the hardest wrestle of your life, it is not a punishment from God. It is not a punishment at all... I know it can be tempting to believe that everything you're going through could have been avoided if, at some point, you had made a different choice."
I beat myself up with that exact thought every single day of my life. It is reassuring to know that I'm not the only one, and that the thought itself is something I need to let go of and choose to trust God through Romans 8:28 instead and let Him work.
And again, Ashley points the reader back to Scripture, using the example of the Israelites and how God cared about their spiritual and emotional state, not just their physical freedom, and she explains that God "never expected us to figure things out on our own or have what it takes to get through our struggles without Him."
My goodness, I needed this book right now. It helped me better understand who God is and how He sees me.
Ashley, thank you for writing!
March 21, 2023
Writing from painful experiences Ashley Jackson teaches us how to rest, how to struggle but in a good way. She doesn’t give us the Sunday School platitudes of read your Bible more, pray more, serve more to get out of your difficult situation. She advises to trust and listen and wrestle with the tough questions: Why do we insist on being angry, disappointed, bitter? Why do we insist on seeing ourselves differently from the way God sees us? Why do we not learn from the examples of people who had difficult, if not catastrophic, circumstances in the Bible?
Too often we insist on control, and want to see only the desired effect to what we cause. If we do this, then this will happen and it will be good. But what if it isn’t? As Jackson writes, we think we’re saved by grace but everything else in our life is totally in our control. Ask the person who’s laid off for mistakes made by management. Or the person filing for bankruptcy because medical bills following a car accident piled up. Things happen and we happen to be in the way: the wrong place at the wrong time. Likewise, we think we created the good things in our lives—cf. Deut. 6.4-12–instead of realizing that we might have just been in the right place at the right time.
Also, we can learn from God’s response to Job. God was not angry with Job—only the knuckleheads chastising him for some unknown, unconfessed sin. God tells Job, “Stand up. Get up out of the ashes. Stop feeling bad about yourself. You’re a man, made in My Image. Though you didn’t create the universe, or even nature, or aren’t as marvelous as many creatures that inhabit the earth, you are still My beloved.” (My paraphrase of chapters 38-41). Ashley Jackson shows us how the Psalmists questioned God, as well as several heroes of faith. She follows the story of Jacob—deceiver—as he becomes Israel—wrestler—understanding the ways of God in high times and low times. And Jacob passed along the blessing he received to his clan….and to the rest of us as spiritual descendants.
This book should be read/listened to by everyone who is struggling with life. This isn’t a book of sympathy that tells us to “get over it” but, using a example she saw, lays down in the driveway in the rain with us because we just can’t do it, take it anymore. She comes with us.
Too often we insist on control, and want to see only the desired effect to what we cause. If we do this, then this will happen and it will be good. But what if it isn’t? As Jackson writes, we think we’re saved by grace but everything else in our life is totally in our control. Ask the person who’s laid off for mistakes made by management. Or the person filing for bankruptcy because medical bills following a car accident piled up. Things happen and we happen to be in the way: the wrong place at the wrong time. Likewise, we think we created the good things in our lives—cf. Deut. 6.4-12–instead of realizing that we might have just been in the right place at the right time.
Also, we can learn from God’s response to Job. God was not angry with Job—only the knuckleheads chastising him for some unknown, unconfessed sin. God tells Job, “Stand up. Get up out of the ashes. Stop feeling bad about yourself. You’re a man, made in My Image. Though you didn’t create the universe, or even nature, or aren’t as marvelous as many creatures that inhabit the earth, you are still My beloved.” (My paraphrase of chapters 38-41). Ashley Jackson shows us how the Psalmists questioned God, as well as several heroes of faith. She follows the story of Jacob—deceiver—as he becomes Israel—wrestler—understanding the ways of God in high times and low times. And Jacob passed along the blessing he received to his clan….and to the rest of us as spiritual descendants.
This book should be read/listened to by everyone who is struggling with life. This isn’t a book of sympathy that tells us to “get over it” but, using a example she saw, lays down in the driveway in the rain with us because we just can’t do it, take it anymore. She comes with us.
November 30, 2023
3.5 stars. Very thought provoking and helpful, but I didn’t see eye to eye with her on some parts.
March 5, 2025
Liked but didn’t love. The author isn’t in the same period of “waiting” I am in so I didn’t relate to their wrestling as much. I think there were good nuggets but not my overall favorite in this genre. Which I’ve been reading a lot of so I may be judgmental!
May 4, 2023
I was immediately drawn to this book- The title and the cover caught my attention, and I was convinced I had to read it after reading the blurb.
I could identify with the concept of the book, and I was curious how it could benefit me at this time.
I liked how vulnerable this book was. The author shares her difficult times in her life and invites the reader into the struggles she faced and doesn't wrap her life into a nice bow.
The book's author provided several interesting insights, which I also enjoyed. She brought up some interesting ideas that were worth reflecting about. The book was also simple to read.
However, I lost interest in reading after a certain point. I eventually put it down for a while and picked it back up later. I will admit that I enjoyed the second half of the book a little bit better than the first.
It was a decent read all around.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
I could identify with the concept of the book, and I was curious how it could benefit me at this time.
I liked how vulnerable this book was. The author shares her difficult times in her life and invites the reader into the struggles she faced and doesn't wrap her life into a nice bow.
The book's author provided several interesting insights, which I also enjoyed. She brought up some interesting ideas that were worth reflecting about. The book was also simple to read.
However, I lost interest in reading after a certain point. I eventually put it down for a while and picked it back up later. I will admit that I enjoyed the second half of the book a little bit better than the first.
It was a decent read all around.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 15, 2023
This book was an absolute blessing!!!
There were so many instances where I thought Ashley must have been reading my diary, because she so perfectly described how I felt! She's so relatable, yet encouraging! Ashley made me feel like I wasn't alone in my struggles; she made me feel seen. Ashley's honesty and transparency is truly refreshing. Her heart to help those who are hurting is so evident on these pages!
This book is filled with so many nuggets of wisdom, mind blowing revelations and comforting scriptures. I HIGHLY recommend this book!!!
There were so many instances where I thought Ashley must have been reading my diary, because she so perfectly described how I felt! She's so relatable, yet encouraging! Ashley made me feel like I wasn't alone in my struggles; she made me feel seen. Ashley's honesty and transparency is truly refreshing. Her heart to help those who are hurting is so evident on these pages!
This book is filled with so many nuggets of wisdom, mind blowing revelations and comforting scriptures. I HIGHLY recommend this book!!!
April 22, 2024
I really took my time reading this book because I wanted to soak it in as much as possible and I’m so glad I did! The end had me tearing up reflecting on my own life! Filled with so much personal experience and scripture and truth, it was a great read that I will hold onto!
July 26, 2024
So good! My copy is now covered in underlined sections and highlighted reminders.
January 11, 2025
So so good. To anyone who has gone through (or currently is going through) a struggle that you don’t understand, read this book. Jackson shares her story with vulnerability and biblical insight. Learn to wrestle and come out stronger and closer to God on the other side.
“The wrestle exposes our self reliance and reveals our need for surrender”- Ashley Morgan Jackson
“The wrestle exposes our self reliance and reveals our need for surrender”- Ashley Morgan Jackson
July 16, 2023
Facing frustrations in unhealthy ways like me? Instead of checking out or numbing out, how about we accept the invitation to wrestle with God? I love how the author unpacks Jacob’s story using the analogy of a wrestling match and showing us how God also invites us to wrestle with him. Having grown up watching wrestling on TV every Saturday night, I’ll never look at the sport the same again.
As a special needs mom, I feel like I wrestle often with God, but yet I still strive to control everything and it is exhausting. This book is an incredible resource if you too are tired of trying and ready to enter the ring with God.
I highly recommend you grab your girlfriends together for a book study and dive into what God can reveal within the wrestling match of your life.
Some of my favorite quotes:
Face your “what-ifs” head on. God has met you in this wrestle to bring you clarity about both who He is and who you are in Him.
Wrestling is not easy; it is not fast; it is not a box quickly checked so you can move on. There will be days you make mistakes, days you doubt, and days you fall down and feel like staying down. When that happens, remember that how you feel in that moment is not how you will feel forever. It will pass, and you will see light again.
The enemy will often convince us that others don’t understand or don’t care, and that we must wrestle on our own. But refusing to believe this lie is also part of the wrestle.
God is not in a hurry with me. He has given me the power to be more than a conqueror, and He is teaching me once again to tell the enemy to shut up, because I know who I am in Him. I am His.
Conquerors become conquerors by fighting. Overcomers become overcomers by persevering. Warriors become warriors by staying in the battle through both the pain of defeat and the amazing glory of victory.
As a special needs mom, I feel like I wrestle often with God, but yet I still strive to control everything and it is exhausting. This book is an incredible resource if you too are tired of trying and ready to enter the ring with God.
I highly recommend you grab your girlfriends together for a book study and dive into what God can reveal within the wrestling match of your life.
Some of my favorite quotes:
Face your “what-ifs” head on. God has met you in this wrestle to bring you clarity about both who He is and who you are in Him.
Wrestling is not easy; it is not fast; it is not a box quickly checked so you can move on. There will be days you make mistakes, days you doubt, and days you fall down and feel like staying down. When that happens, remember that how you feel in that moment is not how you will feel forever. It will pass, and you will see light again.
The enemy will often convince us that others don’t understand or don’t care, and that we must wrestle on our own. But refusing to believe this lie is also part of the wrestle.
God is not in a hurry with me. He has given me the power to be more than a conqueror, and He is teaching me once again to tell the enemy to shut up, because I know who I am in Him. I am His.
Conquerors become conquerors by fighting. Overcomers become overcomers by persevering. Warriors become warriors by staying in the battle through both the pain of defeat and the amazing glory of victory.
July 27, 2023
Receiving an ARC of this book was a blessing that I did not know that I needed. Through the story of Jacob, Ashley helped me to see that wrestling with God is ok. In fact, he invites us to do so. Ashley shares that sometimes the blessing is in the wrestle. That has certainly been the case for me. Going through a divorce and learning to be a single mom was not what I had in mind when I thought about my future. This book helped me to acknowledge my pain and learn how to move forward in it. I believe this book can offer hope and peace to people in a hard place.
Thanks to Tyndale for providing me with an advanced reader copy of the book.
Thanks to Tyndale for providing me with an advanced reader copy of the book.
August 1, 2023
Ashley is not afraid of honesty and authenticity which is refreshing. Caught in a season of pain, frustration and confusion and taking notes from the life of Jacob, Ashley shares how she wrestled with God to understand, heal and begin living again.
Honest, raw and relatable.
Honest, raw and relatable.
March 30, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5️⃣ —> I rate this 4 out of 5 stars.
Tired of Trying is written by a woman whose life reflected the title, she was tired of trying. She gave examples of what she was growing tired of, examples that seemed minor in the grand scheme of life, but we all have felt overwhelmed at times by the smallest mundane things. She shared how she grew tired of trying - to be happy, to feel worthy, of mothering, and life was simply weighing her down. The enemy was attacking her mind and she felt that God and every one had abandoned her. It wasn’t until she truly seeked Him and surrendered her mind and thoughts to Him that she found peace. Keep in mind, her circumstances didn’t necessarily change, but her inner spirt was transformed and her mind was renewed.
I appreciated how she brought every idea and concept back to scripture. Everything that she wrote about was backed by Bible and she gave all credit and glory to God which I appreciated. This book was very thought-provoking, relatable, and clearly and thoughtfully written. She was also quite vulnerable which I commend her for.
If you’re needing a reminder of who you are and where your source and strength comes from, then read this book. ✝️
Tired of Trying is written by a woman whose life reflected the title, she was tired of trying. She gave examples of what she was growing tired of, examples that seemed minor in the grand scheme of life, but we all have felt overwhelmed at times by the smallest mundane things. She shared how she grew tired of trying - to be happy, to feel worthy, of mothering, and life was simply weighing her down. The enemy was attacking her mind and she felt that God and every one had abandoned her. It wasn’t until she truly seeked Him and surrendered her mind and thoughts to Him that she found peace. Keep in mind, her circumstances didn’t necessarily change, but her inner spirt was transformed and her mind was renewed.
I appreciated how she brought every idea and concept back to scripture. Everything that she wrote about was backed by Bible and she gave all credit and glory to God which I appreciated. This book was very thought-provoking, relatable, and clearly and thoughtfully written. She was also quite vulnerable which I commend her for.
If you’re needing a reminder of who you are and where your source and strength comes from, then read this book. ✝️
July 2, 2024
I would definitely recommend this to anyone going through a struggle that feels neverending, pointless, or unfair. I liked that she included practical advice and have found myself re-shaping some of my negative thoughts about my struggles over the past two years and those to come. Her references to scripture were very helpful and didn't take things out of context that I saw!
Couldn't spring 5 stars because I did have trouble with some of the assumptions she made. The first fourth of this book largely assumes that you are a woman with a very negative self view and high levels of anxiety, whereas I was reading it for more general/health struggles and don't relate a lot to that.
Couldn't spring 5 stars because I did have trouble with some of the assumptions she made. The first fourth of this book largely assumes that you are a woman with a very negative self view and high levels of anxiety, whereas I was reading it for more general/health struggles and don't relate a lot to that.
February 7, 2024
I listened to this one and as I did enjoy the context and reference to scripture, I didn’t particularly enjoy the authors read through. She was monotone and sounded a bit bored reading her book.
I would like to read the physical book to take notes and highlight what stands out to me. I think my rating would be higher if I read it myself instead of listening.
Overall, I think this book has important information and it can be very relatable but the audio version wasn’t for me.
I would like to read the physical book to take notes and highlight what stands out to me. I think my rating would be higher if I read it myself instead of listening.
Overall, I think this book has important information and it can be very relatable but the audio version wasn’t for me.
September 14, 2024
Wow. I’m in tears at how much I needed this and how good God is. This book was so beautiful and there are so many good nuggets in there can have equipped me for future empathy and encouragement.
I will be recommending this book to anyone and everyone who invites me into their wrestle. This book healed me and makes me excited to proudly wear my ‘limp’ to shine the light of Jesus!!!
Thank you Ashley for your vulnerability in writing this. Jesus shines through your words 🥰
I will be recommending this book to anyone and everyone who invites me into their wrestle. This book healed me and makes me excited to proudly wear my ‘limp’ to shine the light of Jesus!!!
Thank you Ashley for your vulnerability in writing this. Jesus shines through your words 🥰
Read
May 11, 2024This one is hard to rate because a good part of it is memoir (which I enjoyed), but I don’t adhere to the same theology of suffering. If you’re struggling, I highly recommend skipping this book and reading Josh Porter’s Death to Deconstruction instead.
February 14, 2024
Could not finish. Audiobook - narration was boring/hard to get enthused about the subject. Had to keep rewinding because I would tune out. Finished first 3 chapters then had to give up on it.
December 17, 2024
Inspiring and Uplifting
Reading this book was like reading my own life’s story. While my heart ached for the author and the dark valleys she had to walk through, it did my heart good to know that I’m not the only one facing such darkness. It can feel so lonely when no one around you truly understands the wrestling taking place in your heart and so much more so when they’ve grown weary of your melancholy and meltdowns. This book has served as a reminder that the trials in this life are not necessarily a punishment from God but rather a means to drive us closer to Him and to become more like Him. I’m still walking through my valley, and I don’t know when it will end, but the author has reminded me that God is never in a hurry, and the process will take as long as it needs to take. While in some ways, that’s not very encouraging, her testimony gives me hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel, and this too shall pass. If you are feeling discouraged and depressed, I cannot recommend this book enough. It is a message of hope and a ray of light in the darkness.
Reading this book was like reading my own life’s story. While my heart ached for the author and the dark valleys she had to walk through, it did my heart good to know that I’m not the only one facing such darkness. It can feel so lonely when no one around you truly understands the wrestling taking place in your heart and so much more so when they’ve grown weary of your melancholy and meltdowns. This book has served as a reminder that the trials in this life are not necessarily a punishment from God but rather a means to drive us closer to Him and to become more like Him. I’m still walking through my valley, and I don’t know when it will end, but the author has reminded me that God is never in a hurry, and the process will take as long as it needs to take. While in some ways, that’s not very encouraging, her testimony gives me hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel, and this too shall pass. If you are feeling discouraged and depressed, I cannot recommend this book enough. It is a message of hope and a ray of light in the darkness.
March 5, 2024
Very insightful and helpful. With all the applications Ashley gives, it’s easy to feel like you can take actual steps to move through difficult times (wrestling moments with God) without staying stuck. I highly recommend!
October 28, 2023
I was really surprised by this book. It was this months pick for a book club I am apart of, and I was a little apprehensive before starting. Despite this, the authors message is uplifting and strong. This would be a great book, filled with lots of biblical encouragement for anyone going through scenarios where they might be wrestling with the “why” of a situation.
January 23, 2024
This book. Just wow. Exactly what I needed to read, at just the right time. Absolutely excellent.
August 21, 2025
Truly one of my favorite books and one of the most meaningful biblical based books I’ve read 🤍
March 18, 2025
This book is so so good. Going through a season of struggle and being angry with God, this book opens my eyes that there is purpose in the wrestling. God wants us to hold on to Him so we can let go of what’s holding us back. God is in the struggle and He is right there with us.
April 14, 2024
Incredibly uplifting. It helped me to understand why we struggle and when life seems like it’s not fair there is a reason. This will be a book that I give away often to help anyone struggling. 5 stars is not enough. I feel that every person should read this book.
August 13, 2024
If you are going through a tough period in your life and questioning your faith… then I highly recommend this inspiring read 🙏🏼✨
August 8, 2023
Jackson is honest and raw about her fear and frustrations with God. The book is easy to digest with distinct parts of conversation. Jackson is very vulnerable in this book which makes her easier to relate to. She parallels her journey with the story of Jacob, allowing the reader to see scripture in a more real, intimate way. Overall, Tired of Trying is filled with a wealth of wisdom and insight that can help believers and non-believers alike overcome struggle and understand their fears and frustration.
August 4, 2023
I enjoyed reading this book and was left encouraged and challenged to press on during trying times.
One of the many thoughts I reflected on was, "He says no because there is a purpose He can accomplish in no other way."
One of the many thoughts I reflected on was, "He says no because there is a purpose He can accomplish in no other way."
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