16 min 28 sec

Power Moves: Ignite Your Confidence and Become a Force

By Sarah Jakes Roberts

Discover how to reclaim your internal strength and authentic self. This guide explores shifting from survival mode to spiritual empowerment by identifying power leaks, updating behavioral patterns, and embracing the necessity of rest.

Table of Content

In our modern world, we often talk about power as if it is something you can buy, inherit, or seize through a promotion. We treat it like a commodity—a trophy to be displayed on a shelf. But what happens when that external validation disappears? What do you do when a job loss, a breakup, or a personal failure leaves you feeling stripped bare and vulnerable? The truth is that many of us are walking around with a hollowed-out sense of self, trying to fill the void with superficial markers of success. We chase titles and social standing, hoping they will shield us from our insecurities, yet we remain remarkably fragile.

This is where we must begin our journey: by recognizing that true power isn’t a destination or a possession. It is a flow. It is a living, breathing force that blossoms from your potential, not your current bank balance or your relationship status. When we feel powerless, we naturally tend to withdraw. We pull back from our dreams, we isolate ourselves in fear, and we become anxious about the very things we used to handle with ease. This state of powerlessness is a dangerous trap, but it is not a life sentence. Reclaiming your strength is the ultimate act of defiance against the voices—both internal and external—that want to keep you small.

To become a true force, you must be willing to face the memories, the ideologies, and the fears that have sapped your energy for years. It requires a level of radical honesty that can be uncomfortable, but it is the only way to clear the path for something greater. Think of this as clearing out a clogged pipe so that grace and goodness can finally flow through you again. We are going to look at how to stop letting people-pleasing steal your uniqueness and how to prevent rejection from stifling your creativity. By the end of this journey, you’ll see that stepping into your full power is about making room for your authentic truth and allowing the fullness of a higher purpose to guide your every move. It’s about moving from the shadows of ‘I can’t’ into the radiant light of ‘I am.’

Explore why your energy might be thriving in one area while failing in another, and learn the essential steps to plug the leaks in your spirit.

Discover how outdated mental ‘programs’ and past traumas act as obstacles to your growth, and why you need a system update to reach your potential.

Learn how shifting from self-sabotage to a faith-driven mindset can dismantle the internal barriers preventing you from fulfilling your destiny.

Challenge the myth that power requires constant activity and discover why true strength often manifests in the ability to rest and be present.

As we wrap up this journey through the principles of reclaiming your strength, let’s reflect on the core message. Real power is not something that can be taken from you by a bad boss, a difficult season, or a painful memory. It is an internal state of being that is forged through radical honesty, spiritual alignment, and the courage to change your own narrative. You’ve learned that your life is like a parking lot of vehicles, and it’s your job to ensure the spiritual fuel is flowing to every single one. You’ve seen how old behavioral systems, often built on the foundation of past trauma, can act like a ‘ramen noodle’ pantry that keeps you from the life you were meant to feast upon.

The throughline of this entire experience is the idea that you are a divine project in progress. By sabotaging the old systems that held you back and replacing them with a faith that trusts in your inherent value, you unlock a version of yourself that is both resilient and adaptable. Remember that power isn’t about being the loudest or the busiest; it’s about being the most present. It’s about knowing when to act with authority and when to rest with grace.

Your next step is simple but profound: look at your life today and identify one area where you are playing small to please others. Make the ‘power move’ of setting a boundary in that space. Whether it’s saying ‘no’ to an extra commitment or ‘yes’ to a dream you’ve been hiding, act on your truth. As you do, you’ll find that the more you honor your authentic self, the more the world begins to reflect the force you were always meant to be. Step into your power; the world is waiting for the real you.

About this book

What is this book about?

Have you ever felt like your strength was stolen overnight, leaving you hollow and searching for meaning in titles or status? This exploration of personal empowerment argues that true force doesn't come from external validation but from a deep, internal alignment with your potential and faith. It addresses the common traps of people-pleasing, fear, and past trauma that keep us tethered to a version of ourselves that is no longer sufficient for our dreams. Through a series of transformative metaphors—from depleted vehicles in a parking lot to the restrictive 'ramen noodle' diets of our emotional lives—the book promises a path toward radical honesty. You will learn to identify where your energy is leaking, how to 'update' the behavioral systems that govern your reactions, and why surrender to a higher power is the ultimate move toward victory. It’s a roadmap for anyone ready to stop merely surviving and start becoming an intentional force in their own life and the lives of others.

Book Information

Rating:

Genra:

Motivation & Inspiration, Personal Development, Religion & Spirituality

Topics:

Confidence Building, Motivation, Self-Awareness, Self-Confidence, Spirituality

Publisher:

HarperCollins

Language:

English

Publishing date:

April 30, 2024

Lenght:

16 min 28 sec

About the Author

Sarah Jakes Roberts

Sarah Jakes Roberts is a New York Times bestselling author and a highly influential speaker who has dedicated her life to empowering others. She is the visionary founder of Woman Evolve, a prominent organization focused on supporting and elevating trailblazing women. As the daughter of Bishop T.D. Jakes, she carries a rich legacy of ministry. Alongside her husband, Touré Roberts, she serves as a pastor, and together they balance their leadership roles with raising their six children.

Ratings & Reviews

Ratings at a glance

3.7

Overall score based on 118 ratings.

What people think

Listeners find this book empowering and motivating, noting that it helps them transform their mindsets and find focus through Godly inspiration. They describe it as an incredible read that is well worth the investment, with one listener calling it the self-help book of the century. The writing style is highly regarded, and listeners appreciate the authenticity and humor, with one listener sharing that it moved them to both laugh and cry.

Top reviews

Liam

Wow. This book hit me right where I needed it. Sarah Jakes Roberts has this way of speaking that feels like a warm hug and a firm push at the same time. I’ve been struggling with my confidence lately, but reading through her personal stories about rebranding her life gave me the spark I desperately needed. The "marinate, active, and prayer" sections at the end of each chapter are genius because they force you to actually apply what you're reading instead of just nodding along. To be fair, her writing style is very conversational, so it feels more like a late-night chat with a mentor than a dry self-help book. It made me laugh and cry, sometimes on the same page! If you're looking to transform your mindset through a Godly lens, this is the one to grab. It truly feels like she's pulling you together when you're falling apart.

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Nathan

Finally got around to reading this after hearing Sarah on a podcast, and I’m just blown away by the depth here. Power Moves isn't just about career shifts; it’s about the internal shift required to handle the power God has placed inside of you. Look, I’ve read a lot of Christian self-help, but this feels like the self-help book of the century because it touches on both the psychological and spiritual aspects of centering yourself. She talks about sitting with your own thoughts and reflecting on wisdom, which is so necessary in our loud world. The humor she sprinkles in makes the heavier lessons easier to digest. Personally, I found the chapter on inner strength to be the most motivating thing I've read all year. Every penny spent on this purchase was worth it for the mindset shift alone.

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Montri

Picked this up during a really dark season after losing my parents, and it felt like God guided me straight to these pages. Sarah Jakes Roberts speaks a language that resonates deep within my soul, especially regarding how women can hold power in ministry and life. It felt like I was listening to an older sister give me advice rather than a distant author. The analogies she uses make the spiritual lessons super relatable to everyday struggles. Not gonna lie, I cried through several chapters because she articulated feelings I couldn't put into words. This book helped me realize that centering yourself through wisdom is the only way to move forward when life knocks you down. It’s more than just a book; it’s a tool for transformation and healing. I'm already planning to re-read it next month.

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Look

This book opens my eyes to the reality of Godly authority in a woman's life. As an ARC reader, I wasn't sure what to expect from a self-help book, but this was a phenomenal surprise. SJR shares stories that make you realize you aren't alone in your insecurities or your "low" moments. The way she frames a "rebrand" not as a fake persona, but as returning to who God meant you to be, is incredibly motivating. Gotta say, her ability to blend humor with deep spiritual truths is what makes this an amazing read. It’s one of those books where you find yourself highlighting almost every sentence. It really helped pull me together during a time when I felt scattered. This is a must-buy for anyone who wants to feel empowered and centered.

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Book

Power Moves is exactly what the title suggests—a call to action for your spirit. I loved the way Sarah breaks down the concept of "power" as something that requires stewardship and wisdom rather than just force. The "marinate, active, and prayer" segments at the end of each chapter are the highlights for me. They turn the reading experience into a mini-retreat. Personally, I think this book is a masterpiece of modern spiritual guidance. It made me laugh, cry, and ultimately, it made me stand taller. Not only is it empowering, but it provides a roadmap for transforming your mindset through God’s grace. Every woman should have this on her nightstand for those days when the world feels like too much. It’s a 5-star investment in your own growth.

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Supaporn

As someone who has followed SJR for a while, I knew I was going to enjoy the core message of this book. Her authenticity is always top-tier, and her humor keeps the mood light even when she’s calling you out. Truth is, there are moments where the message feels a bit repetitive if you’ve read her previous work, but the "Power Moves" framework still adds value. I appreciated the focus on trusting God through the day-to-day grind. Some might find her use of certain Bible verses a bit overdone, but they are classics for a reason, right? It’s a great read for anyone going through a transition or a "rebrand" of their identity. While it didn't completely reinvent the wheel for me, it provided that much-needed encouragement to keep going. It’s definitely a solid addition to any spiritual library.

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Kasemsan

The chapter on sitting with yourself changed my whole perspective on what it means to be powerful. Most people think power moves are loud, but SJR argues they are often quiet moments of reflection and centering. I loved the scripture insights used to solidify the journey; they felt integrated rather than just tacked on. My only minor gripe is that she discusses herself quite a bit, though usually, it’s to illustrate a point. Her conversational style makes for an easy read, yet the "active" sections ensure you aren't just a passive consumer of information. In my experience, books like this usually lack practical application, but Sarah provides a clear path. It’s an empowering read that truly helps you control the power God placed inside of you. Definitely worth the purchase if you need a mental reset.

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Sai

After hearing her on Mel Robbins' podcast, I had high expectations for this book, and for the most part, Sarah delivered. Her authenticity is her greatest strength, and she writes exactly how she speaks—passionate and direct. The book is focused on how to handle the internal power God gives us, which I found very motivating. To be fair, if you’ve followed her for years, some of the themes might feel like things you’ve heard before in her sermons. There is a bit of repetition in the middle chapters that slowed my momentum. But the "marinate" sections really helped me slow down and actually think about my life. It’s a solid 4-star read that offers a lot of Godly inspiration for those needing a push. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a fresh start.

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Rin

Not what I expected based on the marketing, which promised a groundbreaking manual for success. Don’t get me wrong, Sarah has a wonderful heart, but the structure of this book felt messy to me. At times, the message was buried under significant word repetition, making it hard to follow her logic. Frankly, I struggled with the fact that she speaks on 'overcoming' without fully acknowledging the generational resources that provide a safety net most readers don't have. I also noticed she discusses concepts similar to IFS (Internal Family Systems) without actually giving credit to the framework or the creator of that idea. It’s a decent gateway for those new to self-discovery, but I was yearning for more depth. It’s okay for encouragement, just not a life-changer for me.

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Prae

Ever wonder if a book can be too wordy? That was my main struggle with Power Moves. Sarah has an amazing heart and her humor is infectious, but I found myself skimming through some of the repetitive paragraphs to get to the point. Truth is, the message is beautiful—reclaiming your power through God—but it could have been said in half the pages. For those looking for a spark, you’ll definitely find it here, especially in the prayers at the end of the chapters. However, the conversational tone sometimes veers into "word salad" territory where the actual advice gets lost and seems out of place. It’s a good gateway for beginners, but seasoned readers might find it a bit thin on new concepts. I’m giving it three stars because the spirit is great, even if the editing could have been tighter.

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