A Real and Raw Confession
We all experience that moment when life feels like too much. Can I be honest? A few weeks ago, I found myself sitting in my car in the Kroger parking lot, shaking and trying to catch my breath—another panic attack. I was supposed to be running errands, but my body and my heart had other plans. Everything just hit me at once. My health has been unpredictable, my marriage feels distant, and my adult children feel spiritually out of reach. And work? Business? Nothing is flowing. I’m creating content meant to encourage others, but behind the scenes, I’m fighting not to fall apart.
I don’t say this for sympathy or to make it about me. On the contrary, I say this because I know I’m not the only woman smiling through tears. And I want you to know: you are not alone either.
The Weight We Carry in Silence
It’s one thing to go through a tough season—it’s another to show up in the middle of it. Yet, we have no option but to show up even when life feels like too much. We’re wives, moms, sisters, leaders, caretakers, and encouragers. Sometimes, we carry the weight of everyone else’s world while quietly crumbling in our own. But we don’t always permit ourselves to admit we’re struggling. Especially as women of faith, we sometimes think that being overwhelmed means we’re lacking faith. But it doesn’t. The truth is that struggle doesn’t disqualify you from being strong.
You can trust God and still have hard days. Trusting in God doesn’t exempt us from experiencing hardship, sorrow, and pain. We can see this in the examples of women of faith in the Bible. Great women like Esther, Ruth, Hannah, and many others all experienced a moment that broke them. They had moments when they silently cried behind closed doors. For instance, in Esther 4:4 (NIV), the Bible tells us, “When Esther’s eunuchs and female attendants came and told her about Mordecai, she was in great distress.” At some point, Esther, an icon of resilience, experienced great distress. Esther’s and other stories show that you can be a woman of faith and still feel frustrated, exhausted, or unsure. It’s not about being immature in faith or spiritually weak. This is normal.
When life feels like too much, the enemy wants you to think that your struggles mean you’re failing. He wants you to believe that facing trials means God has left you. But even in your most difficult moments, God is still working in you.
The Myth of “Having It All Together”
Social media portrays the impression of women who seem to have it all together. Every time you log in, you see posts of smiling selfies, happy marriages, career achievements, thriving businesses, or well-behaved children. But what you don’t see are the silent battles, the prayers whispered through tears, and the nights spent questioning everything.
Even in church, we feel the pressure to show up “strong.” You hear statements like, “This is not how a woman of faith should look like.” In other words, they tell us not to embrace vulnerability. So, even when we cannot hold it, we pretend all is well. We walk in, paste on a smile, and respond with “I’m blessed and favored” even when our hearts are breaking.
But what I want to tell you today is that strength is not about suppressing pain. Strength is about choosing faith despite the pain. It is about acknowledging your weariness and surrendering it to God. In John 11:35 (NIV), the Bible says, “Jesus wept.” Even Jesus, as mighty, holy, and powerful as He was, acknowledged sorrow. So, why do we feel like we have to hide ours when life feels like too much?
God Is Still God in the Middle of the Mess
When life feels like too much, many of us fail to recognize the presence of God. Yet, even in the storm, God is right beside you. He never leaves. The Bible tells us that when our world is falling apart, God stays close. He sticks by to comfort and strengthen us. Psalm 34:18 (NIV) says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” He’s not distant. God is right there, collecting your tears, hearing your cries, and strengthening you even when you don’t feel it.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve sat in my car, sobbing, telling God, “I can’t do this anymore. This is too much.” And every single time, He reminds me: “I am with you.” Even when you don’t feel Him, He’s there. He is still God in the mess. Even when your prayers feel unanswered, He is still at work.
The Power of Still Showing Up
Showing up when life is easy? That’s one thing. But showing up when life feels unbearable? That’s faith. It takes great faith to create, encourage, love, and lead while hurting. You must be strong and courageous to help others find healing when you are nursing your own wounds. To fulfill the divine mandate to love when you feel all alone takes courage. You must still show up. “Still” doesn’t mean that you are perfect. It only means that you are obedient and faithful to your divine assignment.
Maybe you don’t feel like praying. Pray anyway. You don’t feel like worshiping when life feels like too much? Worship anyway. Or maybe you don’t feel like hoping. Hope anyway. One powerful Scripture that encourages me to show up is 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV): “We walk by faith, not by sight.” We show up not because of the underlying circumstances but because we are women of faith. And showing up in faith, even when it’s messy, is an act of spiritual warfare. It is a move that disappoints the enemy and weakens his strategies. You may not have the strength to run, but take one step. Move, even if it’s slow and shaky. Even if it’s tear-stained, still, show up.
Hope Is Not Cancelled
However bad the struggles seem, they won’t last forever. The night does not last forever; it is only for a moment. Morning comes eventually, no matter how dark the night is. Have hope because your morning will come. Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV) says, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Pain has an expiration date, but God’s faithfulness does not. He renews His faithfulness and compassion over us every morning.
Sis, you won’t always feel this lost. You won’t always be this tired. Your morning will come with God’s love and faithfulness. Hold on.
What Can You Do While You Wait for the Breakthrough?
· Be still. Rest. God doesn’t require you to have all the answers, just to trust Him. In Psalm 46:10 (NIV), He tells us, “Be still, and know that I am God.” So, rest in Him and let Him handle your situations.
· Pray. Even if all you can say is “Jesus, help me.”
· Lean on community. You were never meant to carry this alone. Find someone you trust and share your struggles with them. Proverbs 17:17 (NIV) says, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
· Be honest with God. He can handle your questions, your anger, and your doubts. When life feels like too much, pour out your heart to Him.
I don’t know what battle you’re facing right now, but I know this: You are not alone. If this message is relevant to your current situation, drop a comment or message me. Let’s lift each other up. Let’s pray together. Let’s stand in faith together.
Sis, even here, right now—He’s still with us. Even in the exhaustion and in the breaking. Let’s walk this out together.
