Read this Book - Tired of Trying
I love to read. I thought what better way to let others know when I’ve come across a good read, than to feature a summary on the blog. Here’s my first pick to add to your list.
Title: Tired of Trying
Author: Ashley Morgan Jackson
My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
“God doesn’t invite you to the wrestle because you are bad or because He is mean, but because He wants to show you things and give you things that will bless you - things you can’t see or receive any other way.”
I think if we are honest, we could all say we are in a wrestle of some sort. Or that we have been in the midst of one recently. When my mom handed me this book and I saw the title, I instantly resonated. It was a season in which my frustrations were running insanely high and I legit felt tired of trying. The reminder that God is present with me was what my soul needed. I needed to be reminded that I had done nothing wrong, and God wasn’t mad at me.
“Will you trust me, even when I say no again?”
I’m comforted to know that God understands the deepest desires of our hearts. He knows that these desires are important to us. When our dreams don’t seem to be answered it can impact us in ways we could never have imagined.
What if the pregnancy test continues to say no?
What if your family member doesn’t make it through the surgery?
What if the job lays you off and you can’t pay your bills on time?
What if…? The questions are seemingly endless.
It was a question I had to sit with myself. What if I never carry a baby to term, will I still love God and live to glorify Him? If God’s answer is a no, will I be okay? In the midst of a wrestling season, it’s hard to know how to answer these questions. If we are honest with ourselves God knows when we are struggling. And He still loves us. God provides comfort to us when our hearts ache.
“Each prayer, each tear, each decision to hold on by faith when we just want to give up is a precious offering to the Lord.”
Persevering through the trials will ultimately make us stronger. Though it doesn’t feel like it at the moment when we are in the struggle, one day when we are able to look back, we will see God’s goodness interwoven through it all.
“Time brings change and change takes time.”
As we journeyed through the Old Testament story of Jacob, we saw how God can untangle all of our messes and bring purpose to the wrestle. I appreciate the author’s tie of Scripture even amidst our most troubling seasons. The reminder that nothing is wasted, and the hope of Heaven meant my story wasn’t over.
I enjoyed this read and I think you will too.
Psalm 19:7-9, NIV
The law of the Lord is perfect,
refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
The precepts of the Lord are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.
The fear of the Lord is pure,
enduring forever.
The decrees of the Lord are firm,
and all of them are righteous.
