
Stop Trying
How to Receive - Not Achieve - Your Real Identity
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
$0.99/mo for the first 3 months

Buy for $19.95
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
Narrated by:
-
Cary Schmidt
-
By:
-
Cary Schmidt
About this listen
From looking outwardly to please others to looking inwardly to define ourselves, we constantly try to cultivate or construct our identities. But guided by the whims of culture or the faulty advice of tradition, we often find identity collapses when life falls apart or change threatens that fragile structure. Is it possible to discover an identity bolstered with unassailable confidence, strengthened for the challenges of life rather than destroyed by them, and free from the whims of cultural pressure? Yes! It is an identity received, not achieved - an identity established in the gospel.
In Stop Trying, Cary Schmidt’s storytelling creates compelling scenes in which you’ll see yourself and your self. You’ll understand why defining your identity outside of Jesus Christ is ultimately fragile, hollow, and unsatisfying. And you'll discover that your truest and most fulfilling identity is a byproduct of a relationship that changes everything.
©2021 Cary Schmidt (P)2021 Cary SchmidtListeners also enjoyed...
-
Steady Strength
- Reversing Ministry's Dangerous Drift Toward Depletion
- By: Cary Schmidt
- Narrated by: Cary Schmidt
- Length: 6 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Ministry in modern society presents a perpetual assault on the pastor’s soul. Culture has changed, and the challenges of ministry have changed with it. Many new pastors are discovering that they’re ill-equipped to manage unexpected, soul-health tensions of ministry. Some are walking away, and others are choosing to not enter the pastorate despite a sense of God’s calling.
-
-
Authentic
- By J on 02-22-24
By: Cary Schmidt
-
Twelve Ordinary Men
- How the Master Shaped His Disciples for Greatness, and What He Wants to Do with You
- By: John MacArthur
- Narrated by: Maurice England
- Length: 7 hrs and 46 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
You don't have to be perfect to do God's work. Look no further than the twelve disciples, whose many weaknesses are forever preserved throughout the pages of the New Testament. Join best-selling author John MacArthur in Twelve Ordinary Men as he draws principles from Christ's careful, hands-on training of the original disciples for today's modern disciple, you!
-
-
Not worth it
- By David W. on 02-25-21
By: John MacArthur
-
The Prodigal God
- Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith
- By: Timothy Keller
- Narrated by: Timothy Keller
- Length: 2 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Taking his trademark intellectual approach to understanding Christianity, Timothy Keller uncovers the essential message of Jesus, locked inside his most familiar parable. Within that parable Jesus reveals God's prodigal grace toward both the irreligious and the moralistic. This book will challenge both the devout and skeptics to see Christianity in a whole new way.
-
-
didn't attend church, now want to
- By Dalem on 12-19-09
By: Timothy Keller
-
Emotionally Healthy Spirituality
- It's Impossible to Be Spiritually Mature, While Remaining Emotionally Immature
- By: Peter Scazzero
- Narrated by: Peter Scazzero
- Length: 6 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In this revised best-selling book, Peter Scazzero outlines a road map for discipleship with Jesus that is powerfully transformative. He unveils what's wrong with our current definition of "spiritual growth" and offers not only a model of spirituality that actually works, but seven steps to change that will help you experience authentic faith and hunger for God.
-
-
Very thoughtful book
- By Anonymous User on 01-28-22
By: Peter Scazzero
-
Gentle and Lowly
- The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers
- By: Dane Ortlund
- Narrated by: Dane Ortlund
- Length: 5 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Christians know what Jesus Christ has done — but who is he? What is his deepest heart for his people, weary and faltering on their journey toward heaven? Jesus said he is "gentle and lowly in heart." This audiobook reflects on these words, opening up a neglected yet central truth about who he is for sinners and sufferers today.
-
-
Disappointment.
- By Fossilized Tree Sap on 12-27-21
By: Dane Ortlund
-
The Death of Porn
- Men of Integrity Building a World of Nobility
- By: Ray Ortlund
- Narrated by: Ray Ortlund
- Length: 3 hrs and 52 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Pornography may seem inescapable, but God can free us from its destructive power. The gospel replaces the dehumanizing lies of pornography with this surprising truth: God created us as royalty. How then can we reclaim our God-given identity to take a stand against - and ultimately starve - the predatory porn industry? In The Death of Porn, Ray Ortlund writes six personal letters, as from a father to his son.
-
-
Voice is annoying but message is GREAT
- By Scott on 04-05-22
By: Ray Ortlund
-
Steady Strength
- Reversing Ministry's Dangerous Drift Toward Depletion
- By: Cary Schmidt
- Narrated by: Cary Schmidt
- Length: 6 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Ministry in modern society presents a perpetual assault on the pastor’s soul. Culture has changed, and the challenges of ministry have changed with it. Many new pastors are discovering that they’re ill-equipped to manage unexpected, soul-health tensions of ministry. Some are walking away, and others are choosing to not enter the pastorate despite a sense of God’s calling.
-
-
Authentic
- By J on 02-22-24
By: Cary Schmidt
-
Twelve Ordinary Men
- How the Master Shaped His Disciples for Greatness, and What He Wants to Do with You
- By: John MacArthur
- Narrated by: Maurice England
- Length: 7 hrs and 46 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
You don't have to be perfect to do God's work. Look no further than the twelve disciples, whose many weaknesses are forever preserved throughout the pages of the New Testament. Join best-selling author John MacArthur in Twelve Ordinary Men as he draws principles from Christ's careful, hands-on training of the original disciples for today's modern disciple, you!
-
-
Not worth it
- By David W. on 02-25-21
By: John MacArthur
-
The Prodigal God
- Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith
- By: Timothy Keller
- Narrated by: Timothy Keller
- Length: 2 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Taking his trademark intellectual approach to understanding Christianity, Timothy Keller uncovers the essential message of Jesus, locked inside his most familiar parable. Within that parable Jesus reveals God's prodigal grace toward both the irreligious and the moralistic. This book will challenge both the devout and skeptics to see Christianity in a whole new way.
-
-
didn't attend church, now want to
- By Dalem on 12-19-09
By: Timothy Keller
-
Emotionally Healthy Spirituality
- It's Impossible to Be Spiritually Mature, While Remaining Emotionally Immature
- By: Peter Scazzero
- Narrated by: Peter Scazzero
- Length: 6 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In this revised best-selling book, Peter Scazzero outlines a road map for discipleship with Jesus that is powerfully transformative. He unveils what's wrong with our current definition of "spiritual growth" and offers not only a model of spirituality that actually works, but seven steps to change that will help you experience authentic faith and hunger for God.
-
-
Very thoughtful book
- By Anonymous User on 01-28-22
By: Peter Scazzero
-
Gentle and Lowly
- The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers
- By: Dane Ortlund
- Narrated by: Dane Ortlund
- Length: 5 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Christians know what Jesus Christ has done — but who is he? What is his deepest heart for his people, weary and faltering on their journey toward heaven? Jesus said he is "gentle and lowly in heart." This audiobook reflects on these words, opening up a neglected yet central truth about who he is for sinners and sufferers today.
-
-
Disappointment.
- By Fossilized Tree Sap on 12-27-21
By: Dane Ortlund
-
The Death of Porn
- Men of Integrity Building a World of Nobility
- By: Ray Ortlund
- Narrated by: Ray Ortlund
- Length: 3 hrs and 52 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Pornography may seem inescapable, but God can free us from its destructive power. The gospel replaces the dehumanizing lies of pornography with this surprising truth: God created us as royalty. How then can we reclaim our God-given identity to take a stand against - and ultimately starve - the predatory porn industry? In The Death of Porn, Ray Ortlund writes six personal letters, as from a father to his son.
-
-
Voice is annoying but message is GREAT
- By Scott on 04-05-22
By: Ray Ortlund
-
The Gospel According to Jesus
- What Is Authentic Faith?
- By: John MacArthur
- Narrated by: Tom Casaletto
- Length: 12 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Gospel According to Jesus challenges Christians to re-evaluate their commitment to Christ by examining their fruits. MacArthur asks, "What does it really mean to be saved?" He urges listeners to understand that their conversion was more than a mere point in time, that, by definition, it includes a lifetime of obedience.
-
-
This message needs to be heard
- By John on 12-03-10
By: John MacArthur
-
Winning the War in Your Mind
- Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life
- By: Craig Groeschel
- Narrated by: Craig Groeschel
- Length: 4 hrs and 59 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
We've all tried to think our way out of bad habits and unhealthy thought patterns, only to find ourselves stuck with an out-of-control mind and off-track daily life. Pastor and New York Times best-selling author Craig Groeschel understands deeply this daily battle against self-doubt and negative thinking, and in this powerful new book, he reveals the strategies he's discovered to change your mind and your life for the long-term.
-
-
Thought I had ‘heard this before’
- By Rachel on 03-03-21
By: Craig Groeschel
-
Making Home Work in a Broken Society
- Bible Principles for Raising Children and Building Families
- By: Paul Chappell
- Narrated by: Paul Michael
- Length: 7 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Raising kids and building families is tough these days. We live in a broken society that celebrates sin and minimizes family relationships. Is it possible for Christian parents in today's society to raise emotionally healthy kids who love God and are equipped to do God's will for their lives? Yes. Emphatically, yes. God has entrusted you, as a parent, to care for and raise your children for him, and he has given you the resources you need for the job.
-
-
Helpful
- By Jason on 08-05-17
By: Paul Chappell
-
Finally Free
- Fighting for Purity with the Power of Grace
- By: Heath Lambert
- Narrated by: Bob Souer
- Length: 5 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
If you have struggled personally against the powerful draw of pornography, or if you have ever tried to help someone fighting this battle, you know how hard it is to break free. But real freedom isn't found by trying harder to change. Nor is it found in a particular method or program. Only Jesus Christ has the power to free people from the enslaving power of pornography. In Finally Free, Dr. Heath Lambert, a leader in the biblical counseling movement, lays out eight gospel-centered strategies for overcoming the deceitful lure of pornography.
-
-
We need books like this
- By Tim on 01-25-18
By: Heath Lambert
-
Radical
- Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream
- By: David Platt
- Narrated by: David Platt
- Length: 6 hrs and 19 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It's easy for American Christians to forget how Jesus said his followers would actually live, what their new lifestyle would actually look like. They would, he said, leave behind security, money, convenience, even family for him. They would abandon everything for the gospel. They would take up their crosses daily...BUT WHO DO YOU KNOW WHO LIVES LIKE THAT? DO YOU?
-
-
Theology distorted
- By Ray on 09-29-11
By: David Platt
-
Stop Calling Me Beautiful
- Finding Soul-Deep Strength in a Skin-Deep World
- By: Phylicia Masonheimer
- Narrated by: Carla Mercer-Meyer
- Length: 5 hrs and 34 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
If you're tired of hearing the watered-down Christian teaching and hungry for a deeper spiritual life - one that gives real answers to your hardest questions - Stop Calling Me Beautiful teaches you how. Jesus doesn't offer a powerless salvation. He makes your brokenness part of his whole redemption story - if you allow him to. Don't settle for a feel-good faith. If you want victory over insecurity, fear, shame, and the circumstances you are facing, it's time to embrace Jesus. All of him.
-
-
not what I expected, in a good way!!
- By Kristin on 09-03-20
-
Good Boundaries and Goodbyes
- Loving Others Without Losing the Best of Who You Are
- By: Lysa TerKeurst
- Narrated by: Lysa TerKeurst, Jim Cress
- Length: 7 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Stop the dysfunction of unhealthy relationships and learn biblical ways to set boundaries--and, when necessary, say goodbye. Is it unloving or selfish to set a boundary with family members or friends? Are Christians ever called to walk away from a relationship that’s no longer safe or sustainable? #1 New York Times bestselling author Lysa TerKeurst deeply understands these hard questions in the midst of relational struggles.
-
-
A must read/listen!
- By prestonpreuss on 11-12-22
By: Lysa TerKeurst
-
The Power to Change
- Mastering the Habits That Matter Most
- By: Craig Groeschel
- Narrated by: Craig Groeschel
- Length: 5 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Few things in life are more frustrating than knowing you need to change, wanting to change, and trying to change, but not changing. Craig Groeschel knows what it's like to be caught in that demoralizing cycle. That was his own story—until he discovered practical principles for experiencing lasting change. Since then, Craig has helped countless others find true change in their relationships, habits, and thoughts. A powerful blend of biblical wisdom and fascinating psychology, The Power to Change will equip you to start living the life God wants for you.
-
-
Nothing original here
- By Tom on 03-29-23
By: Craig Groeschel
-
Authorized
- The Use & Misuse of the King James Bible
- By: Mark Ward
- Narrated by: Mark Ward
- Length: 4 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The King James Version (KJV) of the Bible beautifully rendered the Scriptures into the language of turn-of-the-17th-century England. Even today, the King James version is the most widely read Bible in the United States. The rich cadence of its Elizabethan English is recognized even by non-Christians. But English has changed a great deal over the last 400 years and in subtle ways that very few modern readers or listeners will recognize.
-
-
Important and thought-provoking!
- By Edward on 02-10-21
By: Mark Ward
-
Where Do We Go from Here?
- How Tomorrow's Prophecies Foreshadow Today's Problems
- By: Dr. David Jeremiah
- Narrated by: Henry O. Arnold
- Length: 8 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Today's headlines shout of modern plagues, social tensions, economic crises, and rampant depression. Many are asking, what day is it on God's prophetic calendar? Trusted Bible teacher and Pastor Dr. David Jeremiah opens the Word of God to reveal what it has to say about the days we are living in.
-
-
Highly recommended!
- By Rad5030 on 10-09-21
-
Made to Crave
- Satisfying Your Deepest Desire with God, Not Food
- By: Lysa TerKeurst
- Narrated by: Jill Brennan
- Length: 6 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This is not a how-to audiobook. This is not the latest and greatest dieting plan. This audiobook is the necessary companion for you to use alongside whatever healthy lifestyle plan you choose. This is an audiobook and Bible study to help you find the "want to" in making healthy lifestyle choices.
-
-
Really good book, TERRIBLE NARRATOR
- By Johnna Joy on 08-15-14
By: Lysa TerKeurst
-
Ordering Your Private World
- By: Gordon MacDonald
- Narrated by: Maurice England
- Length: 6 hrs and 43 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Tempted to give imbalanced attention to the public world at the expense of the private, we become involved in more programs, more meetings. Our massive responsibilities at home, work, and church have resulted in a lot of good people on the verge of collapse. In this timely update of his classic Ordering Your Private World, Gordon MacDonald equips a new generation to live life from the inside out, cultivating the inner victory necessary for public effectiveness.
-
-
Life changing.
- By Laura on 05-05-18
By: Gordon MacDonald
What listeners say about Stop Trying
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Jeremy Patrick
- 08-10-21
A work backed by Scripture!
This is a great book that deconstructs a secular view of personal identity; while also building a foundation of Scripture for an identity found in Christ.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
- Steve Greenwood
- 08-07-21
The Gospel is Powerful
After a year of shut down due to COVID this book is exactly what needed.I love the story telling but the practical applications are life changing.I highly recommend.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Mike
- 07-19-24
Clarity on Identity!
Thoroughly biblical.
Great storytelling.
Immediately applicable.
This is the kind of corrective clarity needed on this subject!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Rob Martinez
- 04-26-23
Read this book! A gospel win!
This book is a must read! I require all those I counsel to read this book and believe that Cary has done an absolute kingdom service in writing this book! It is available both in book format and audible!
My favorite chapters are 2, 8, and 10-13! All are good! A must read!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- J
- 03-15-23
Really loved how Cary brings this truth to life!
Would definitely recommend this book to anyone, seeking to grow in their personal walk with Jesus.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!