Experts say successful people are people who read! I’d like to add that the most successful people are those who nourish and edify themselves with sound doctrine. I’m one that gets excited when my friends (yeah, you!) are excelling and living their best lives with Christ at the forefront. And so, I thought I would bring to you seven of my favorite books that will grow your confidence and your faith. If you’re interested in learning more about nurturing kingdom confidence, check out my YouTube channel and previous blog posts for more help on your journey!

Alright, let’s begin with the seven books that will grow your confidence and your faith! For the full list, click “read more” and/or watch the video above for my book reviews, additional excerpt readings, and favorite quotes!

1. Claim Your Crown by Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien

In 2018, I signed a 3 book deal as a young, first-time author! This year, my first book, Claim Your Crown, was released! 

I always had a passion for encouraging and equipping young women with the right weapons to conquer their battles whether big or small. However, when I was crowned Miss Black NJ 2018, God specified my mission. During a Teen Vogue press trip, I visited a school in my homeland of Haiti and the students were enthralled with my crown. It made me ask myself, “what if every girl already knew they had this?”

Claim Your Crown was born when I realized God wanted me to let His daughters know that their crowns have always existed. Physical crowns mean nothing compared to the imperishable crowns God has deserved for His heiresses.  

I kid you not when I tell you God wrote this book! I fasted and prayed and He guided my hand. As a young woman, I realize the deep dissatisfaction with society’s standards (and double standards). We all want more for ourselves–but sometimes we don’t quite know what that more should be! I’m here to tell you that the answer is not the distorted mirror, media, or men. The answer is Christ. 

Through insightful comments on media, pop culture, and pervading cultural myths about beauty, fashion, and womanhood, I dismantle the messages that feed into the insecurities, fears, doubts, and guilt that young women experience today. I introduce you to an understanding of God as a loving Father and the King of all kings, who bestows upon his daughters a crown of love, worth, and power. And I show you how to not only claim the promises of God but also walk purposefully in them as independent women (no prince necessary!) who respond to adversity with righteousness and authority.

Claim Your Crown is available at all major book retailers (Ebook and audiobook are also available.) The free devotional can be found on the YouVersion Bible app with over 75,000 completions around the world!

2. Fervent by Priscilla Shirer

I admire Priscilla Shirer so much! I found my book next to hers at Barnes & Noble and was so amazed at God’s goodness. 

I was drawn to this book particularly because Adorned in Armor is inspired by Ephesians 6 which tells us to put on the full armor of God to withstand the enemy’s schemes. When I first bought Fervent, I didn’t know as much about spiritual warfare, I just knew I was experiencing it. But guess what? We already have the victory in Christ Jesus! 

Fervent reminds you that though you must fight, the battle has already been won. If you don’t want to waste time and want to learn how to effectively use your weapons, get this book. It will show you how to have confident faith and how armoring up for victory trickles into all aspects of your life.

You can purchase Fervent here! 

3. Growing in Holiness by R.C Sproul

I’m the type of girl that hates writing or highlighting my books. I threw that pet peeve away for this one. I practically highlighted this whole book! I always say if you want to fully embrace who you are, you must know who your Creator is. This book is a must-read for understanding God’s role and yours.

Phew! Growing in Holiness will challenge you. I read it in the beginning of quarantine and was blessed. It stretched me so much and opened my eyes to different perspectives I hadn’t considered before. 

Sproul says you were “not called to childishness but to maturity…to grow up into the fullness of Christ!”

And Hebrews 5:13-14 tells us, “Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”

This book is solid food. 

Purchase Growing in Holiness here!

4. Uninvited by Lysa TerKeurst

I love Lysa’s writing and speaking style and I am so amazed at the excellence of her work with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Though I haven’t read Uninvited in its entirety, I can say that themes are shame, abandonment, unworthiness and I felt led to share because I truly believe it will help free you if you struggle with any of that! 

I earned a scholarship to Lysa’s She Speaks conference and I learned more about her heart and her mission. Whenever I open up the pages to ger book, I feel welcomed. She’s great at making you feel that you are always invited to the table of God. 

Purchase Uninvited here! 

5. Radical by David Platt

I read Radical years ago and I’m reading it again now! As things get worse in the world, it’s so easy to get into the idealistic mindset of hope. Life is not all doom and gloom but our only hope is in Christ.

Sometimes, hope will look crazy. It will look radical. The cost of following Jesus is out of this world, quite literally.

A quote by the author that sticks out to me is, “If Jesus is who he said he is, and if his promises are as rewarding as the Bible claims they are, then we may discover that satisfaction in our lives and success in the church are not found in what our culture deems most important but in radical abandonment to Jesus.”

I love this book because Platt doesn’t just step on the neck of American culture but American church culture at that, which is so necessary. He challenges us to step out of our comfort zone! You will grow in your faith by learning what values and ideas aren’t biblical and that is so important.

God didn’t call us to sit down and be comfortable; He called us to stand up and shine his light.

Get Radical here! 

6. The Purpose-Driven Life by Rick Warren

My dad bought me this book and then my youth leader bought it for all of the youth to read together. It’s a staple in any Christian’s library for many reasons. The purpose is to remind you that you are here for a reason. I’m all about any reminder to let us know that Jesus is the reason not just for the season but for every single day. 

Popular in both Christian and secular spaces. How to be a follower of christ introduces you to living life with renewed hope and confidence.

There is more to life than temporary highs. 

Get purpose-driven here.

7. The Bible

The Bible is the best book we could ever read! 

If you want to grow in confidence you have to know what God says about you. 

The word of God will teach you to stand and lift your head up. It will show you that you are dearly loved, chosen and royalty. It will demonstrate that God’s love has called you out and given you a new name. He has given you purpose. He desires for you to live a life of worth and confidence.

If you are open to actually opening up this book, and ask God, “Lord, speak to me. I don’t understand this. I have no interest in this…”

He will visit you right where you are and He will show you that yes, He’s been speaking to you this whole time. 

If you have no interest in the Bible, will show you this if you were open opening and ask him lord speak to me right where you are

Here’s the link to my favorite artisan Bible!

Hope you enjoy these picks and enter into a season of newfound holy confidence!

FTC: This video is not sponsored, however, some affiliate links are used! This means if you do buy something, you’re helping me earn a commission at no extra costs to you! Thanks for your support.