In episode 230, we interview Ashley Morgan Jackson, Christian author of “Tired of Trying: How to Hold On to God When You’re Frustrated, Fed Up, and Feeling Forgotten.” Ashley talks about a season in life where she wrestled with God, and how she’s come through the other side by holding onto Him. Her newly released book helps readers do the same while they’re deep in their struggle. “Tired of Trying with Ashley Morgan Jackson” is one of seven in our Author Mini Series 2023.
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About the Book
We bring Ashley Morgan Jackson onto the show to tell us the details in her newly released book. Have you felt the following before? You’ve tried it all―saying the right words and prayers, reading the right Bible verses―but nothing seems to work. 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.
About the Author
As soon as Ashley begins to speak you can easily see she’s full of life, complete with a goofy personality. A girl after our own hearts here on the show! Ashley loves the Lord and her family. She is currently on the Proverbs 31 social media team, and loves to help other Christian women with their social media reach.
A few years ago, Ashley found herself in what she now calls an identity crisis. She wrapped her identity up in what she did serving God instead of resting in being a child of God (more on that in the episode). In this five year period, she wrestled with God, and now she’s here to tell you all the details. Maybe you’re in the midst of a similar experience, and you need a guide who’s gone before you.
What else can you do when your faith doesn’t seem to be “working” anymore? Ashley is no stranger to this kind of spiritual exhaustion. Much like the biblical character Jacob wrestled God, Ashley wrestled with God when she had done everything she knew to do to trust Him, despite the pain. And she found that sometimes God requires us to hold onto Him so we can let go of everything holding us back.
Book Details
Have you ever felt spiritual exhaustion? You’re trying to keep control or manipulate a circumstance, or it seems like you’re doing all the right things. Nothing seems to work. The feelings of frustration, fed up, and feeling forgotten creep in, and you feel like you are stuck on a hamster wheel. Good news, friend. Ashely has written Tired of Trying with you in mind.
She addresses the big question: What do these seasons of wrestling with God mean? How does that work in our favor into God’s big plan? We know that we’ll have trials on this side of Heaven, so we can leverage our time wisely by learning how to wrestle well and get the most out of any situation or season. Maybe you’ve wrestled with these feelings:
- You know something needs to change, but don’t know what it is.
- You know what needs to change, but you don’t know how to do it.
Talk with God and be honest with Him. He can handle your big emotions and frustrations, and He will listen. Whatever it is you’re wrestling with, it is creating a barrier between you and God. Maybe it’s grief or disappointment. Perhaps it’s a sin cycle or someone else’s sin is affecting you. Remember that God uses the hard things to work together for His good. Face whatever it is head on, and don’t let it toxically overflow into other pockets of life.
A Word from the Author
Ashley concludes her interview with us as she gives motivating advice to our listeners. There is power in healthy vulnerability, and it changes lives for the better. Pray that God puts Christian community in your life and that you can develop a safe space to share what’s truly going on between you and God. Remember that your brokenness can serve as encouragement for others. You are never alone.
Look back on times in the past where God has shown up, and pray about Him continuing to move. The power of reflection and gratitude can help change our heart posture. God can bring us further than we can imagine when we just choose to hold onto Him. If you’re in a season of wrestling, keep holding on to God. He will give you the strength you need.
We hope you enjoyed “Tired of Trying with Ashley Morgan Jackson.” We are so excited to release our Author Mini Series 2023! Episodes 229-235 feature seven Christian women authors who give us all the details on their latest and greatest tools. We know that you’re always looking for a way to grow your faith through Biblically backed resources. If you’re looking for a great gift for a friend (or yourself), resource for your children, or your next women’s Bible study, there’s something for you here! CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL MINI SERIES.
Links from the Show
- Tired of Trying Book
- Ashley Morgan Jackson website
- Ashley’s Instagram
- Ashley Facebook
- Ashley’s TikTok
- Witty & Gritty Instagram
- Witty & Gritty Podcast on Apple Podcasts
- Author Mini Series 2023
