By: Rachel Riquelme
Have you ever agreed to do something that sounded like tons of fun, only to find yourself wishing you had never agreed to it when the time actually came? Maybe it was a dinner with friends or even a weekend trip. At first, you were excited. But then life happened. You got tired. You felt overwhelmed and maybe even discouraged. Suddenly, what once sounded amazing now feels like a chore.
Has this ever happened to you as you serve in ministry? Perhaps ministry used to bring you joy, provide fulfillment, and be life-giving, but now you feel weary, heavy, and broken. The weight of expectations, the loneliness that often comes with leading, and the unseen battles you fight behind the scenes can leave you exhausted. If this sounds familiar, know you are not alone. Here’s the truth: God isn’t asking you to show up with all the answers, ready to perform; instead, He is asking you to stand still and take in what He is doing around you with an open mind and an open heart, willing to follow His lead.
Weariness is an invitation to lean on God’s strength. God tells us that His grace is sufficient for us, and His power is perfected in our weakness. (See 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.)
In moments of weakness, weariness, and discouragement, God can and will reveal His presence and work through us in ways that remind us He is with us, He has a good purpose for us, and He is not finished with us yet. His grace is sufficient.
So what do you do when you don’t want to show up?
- Pause and pray. Before a Sunday morning service, a ministry event, or a typical workday, remember to pause and pray. Whisper a simple prayer: “Lord, I need You. Reveal Your strength in my weakness.” Sometimes the most powerful, heartfelt prayers are the shortest ones.
- Change your perspective. You are not showing up to perform or impress anyone. You are showing up to serve and love. Service flows from grace, not performance. Let go of the pressure to be perfect, strong, and have all the answers. Instead, lean into the Lord. He is perfect and strong.
- Remember, this is a calling. You didn’t say yes to Kids Ministry because you knew it would be easy. You also don’t have to do it alone. God called you, equips you, and is with you. This is a calling you cannot live out on your own; you need to rely on the Lord to provide you with strength, vision, and community. You can rest confidently knowing He will!
There will always be hard days in ministry but keep showing up. God, who called you, is faithful and trustworthy to carry you through. You do not have to feel ready or have the strength to do it all on your own. Rest in God; His grace is sufficient. He is enough. Embrace your weakness as you lean on His strength, find encouragement in His presence, and rest in His grace.
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