I wrote this book because

I’ve been a doer my whole life

But then, everything fell apart. Unexpected expenses wreaked havoc on my bank account. Everything I owned broke. People I trusted hurt me. Health failed me and those near me. I disappointed the people I loved. I fell into depression. The sun—even though I live in Phoenix—was a bit dimmer.

In short, I was a man undone.

As difficult as that time was, though, it was necessary. It was because of my undoing and the Lord’s work in me then that I was able to discover a rest unequaled to any I had experienced prior. And now, I want to share what I’ve learned with others.

Of course, most religions proudly and regularly teach what their followers must do to reap spiritual rewards and climb the peaks of enlightenment. But then, there’s Jesus. Rather than tell His followers what they could do, Christ taught that believers could “do nothing” apart from Him (John 15:5). Likewise, the Son of God insisted that He could “do nothing” apart from His Father in heaven (John 5:19).

Unfortunately, this is a message that has been largely forgotten among even the most well-intentioned Christians. I was one of them.

In Do Nothing, I pray that readers will learn how to peacefully rest, better discern, and calmly walk forward in the completed work of Jesus. Finally, you can escape the burdensome mantras of today’s culture which indoctrinate everyone everywhere to work hard, hustle, earn it, make it happen, try harder, and do something. So much doing.

Jesus offers a much easier way—in fact, He is the Way. And He accomplishes everything He begins. Find out what that means for you.

If you want to know about the author

Hi, I’m Jonathan Cottrell 👋

I’m a husband of sixteen years, father to three homeschooled children, many-time entrepreneur who has exited three businesses, former executive at global technology companies like Go Daddy, organic church planter, citywide event organizer, and active business community leader in Phoenix, Arizona.

But as this book illustrates, these accomplishments alone do not amount to anything essential in the kingdom of God. Now, as a self-described “recovering doer,” I occasionally write and communicate about contrarian Christian living that emphasizes Jesus above all else. Through my professional, personal, and spiritual exploits—and failings—I’ve gained the necessary insight and experience to help encourage believers on similar journeys into the unpopular path of extravagant rest, walking forward at a consistent, but unhurried pace in Christ.

I’m still learning, of course, but I invite you to join me on the journey.