Hero Section

As a ministry leader, having pastored for 14 years, the thrust of my role was encouraging others in their spiritual life. But during that time, I experienced two distinct seasons of emotional exhaustion.

During those seasons, I wrestled with a lot: chronic exhaustion, self-harming, and debilitating anxiety attacks.

There were days I couldn’t get out of bed and nights when I couldn’t sleep. Several times, I thought my mind was going to snap. Relief seemed elusive, unattainable and insurmountable.

Frankly, I didn’t even have any faith to get better. I thought this was how it was going to be for the rest of my life.

Then one day I was reading the beautiful words of Jesus:

For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

—MATTHEW 11:30

And then it hit me. If all I was feeling was exhausted, stressed and overwhelmed, who was I coming to? It certainly wasn’t Jesus.

If life feels stressful, burdensome, and a dark cloud over you. Know that most likely, you haven’t yoked yourself to Jesus, but to your own self-effort and striving.  

I’m convinced the enemy works overtime trying to get you to:

• “earn” something already given
• to “become” someone you already are
• trying to get you to“pay” for something that had already been forgiven.

Friend, this way of life is the very definition of frustration.

They say that when the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of changing, you’re ready for change.

Are you ready to lay down the frustrating work of trying to "make it happen" in your own strength—and let God do the heavy lifting?

Simply pray:

“Father, deliver me from performance-orientated Christianity. Lord bring your Holy Ease to this situation. I can’t do it in my own strength, but I choose to rest in YOU. Thank you you've got this—and it will feel even become light and refreshing."

1) Comment below ONE area you may be striving in your own strength, but need God's Holy Ease to take over. 

2) Then locate another commenter, pray for them, and encourage them by commenting "Praying."