Some days feel impossibly long.
Tonight, as I headed into another night shift, I felt the weight of it all. I’d just learned my already heavy schedule was about to get even tougher. With two coworkers heading home for good, I was bracing myself for what may be the most grueling weeks I’ve faced since I moved to the Middle East seven years ago.
I looked at my schedule and whispered, “How am I supposed to survive a 12-hour shift every day, seven days a week?”
And yet, here I am—writing this in the middle of it all, reminded once again that I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:13)
The Reality of Overwork
There have been many moments where I could barely feel my legs after a long shift. The physical exhaustion isn’t just my own—it’s a shared burden. Our entire hospital, like many others, is struggling with staff shortages. Most of us work 12-hour shifts, and some stretch to 14 or even 16.
Is it fair? Not at all. But pointing fingers—at management, policies, or governing bodies—does little to ease the load. What I’ve found instead is that bitterness adds weight, while surrender to God brings peace.
Even when I was spared from extra paperwork during our recent hospital accreditation process, it didn’t mean I had free time. It just meant I had one less thing on an already full plate.
Holding Ministry and Work in Balance
Years ago, I was entrusted with leading the Education Ministry at our local church. What an incredible privilege—but also, what a responsibility. Teaching and discipling others isn’t something I take lightly.
I’m constantly reminded of Paul’s words to Timothy:
“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth”(2 Timothy 2:15, CSB).
There were weeks when preparing for our pre-worship Bible studies felt like climbing a mountain. I didn’t always feel ready. I didn’t always have the time.
But I thank God for brothers and sisters in Christ who stepped up without hesitation. Their words, “Anything for the Lord, sis,” always touched my heart.
It’s a beautiful thing when the body of Christ supports one another—not with judgment, but with grace and willingness.
When Quiet Time Feels Elusive
I’ll be honest—there have been seasons when my personal quiet time with the Lord felt sparse. Not because I didn’t want it, but because life was pulling me in every direction.
And that guilt? It’s real.
I know how vital it is to spend time in the Word, in prayer, in worship. Our relationship with God thrives on fellowship and communication. But there are moments, especially in busy or overwhelming seasons, when we struggle to give Him our full attention.
If that’s you too, let me say this: Don’t give up. God isn’t looking for perfection—He wants your heart. Even the smallest prayer, the quietest whisper, the tear in your eye—He sees it all.
Christ Is My Strength
So, what holds me together?
It’s not caffeine (though that helps on night shifts).
It’s not even the support of my amazing co-workers or church family—though I’m incredibly grateful for them.
It’s knowing that God will never leave me nor forsake me (Hebrews 13:5).
Even when I am weak, God is strong. And it’s in my weakness that His strength is made perfect (2 Corinthians 12:9). The challenges haven’t disappeared. But I now face them with renewed confidence—not in myself, but in the One who equips me.
There have been times I thought about giving up. But then God gently reminded me: Don’t make decisions when you’re drained or discouraged. Rest, lean on Me, and wait.
Encouragement for You
Are you in a season where everything feels too much?
Maybe you’re stretched thin at work.
Maybe your responsibilities at home feel overwhelming.
Maybe your ministry feels more like a burden than a blessing right now.
Let me encourage you:
You are not alone.
Your strength doesn’t have to come from yourself.
It comes from Christ.
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped” (Psalm 28:7).
Take a breath.
Pray.
Keep moving forward.
You can do this—not because you are superhuman, but because you serve a supernatural God.
A Resource That’s Helped Me: New Morning Mercies
If you’re looking for a gentle, gospel-centered way to connect with God each day—even on your busiest or most exhausting mornings—I highly recommend New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel Devotional by Paul David Tripp.
This devotional has been such a blessing in my own walk with the Lord. Each day’s reading offers a powerful reminder of God’s grace, written in a way that feels personal, truthful, and full of hope.
It doesn’t just offer motivation—it points your heart back to Jesus, even in the middle of life’s messiness.
Whether you’re running on empty or simply longing for more of God in your everyday moments, this devotional can help you start your mornings with truth and encouragement.
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New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel Devotional By Paul David Tripp Do you sometimes feel spiritually asleep? Here’s an energizing jolt of gospel truth that will keep you awake to God’s presence! Tripp’s biblically centered tweets, inspiring meditations, reflection questions, and prayers will help you encounter the living God as you learn to trust in his goodness, rely on his grace, and live for his glory. 392 pages, hardcover from Crossway. |
This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I truly believe in and think will be beneficial to my readers. Thank you for supporting Biblical Christianity!
Final Thoughts
Life doesn’t always slow down. But by God’s grace, we can move forward with courage, strength, and hope.
No matter what you’re facing, remember:
Yes, you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.
And when you feel like you can’t, lean harder into the One who always can.
Hi Alice,
we all get overwhelmed by the amount of things to do on a daily basis. And we often times forget that God wants us to lean on Him and bring Him all our burdens; we try to drag ourselves through the many things. I often question why there is so much work to do everywhere and how come I have to do so much. I work full time in a Christian School and we try to teach the students and parents about God and His love! And yes, God is my strength as well and helps me through all this. Often times we don’t see our job bringing forth the fruit that have been looking for after working so hard, but I can rest assured that God will work His wonders in His own good time.
Great reminder of the fact that God is really there to strenghten us.
Best wishes,
Oscar
Hi Oscar,
Thanks for stopping by.
You’re absolutely right. Often times we get overwhelmed by the amount of works we need to do that we tend to forget God’s promise that He will never leave us nor forsake us. A friend and brother in Christ once asked me how I am able to do a lot of extra works despite having a full time job that requires me to work 12 hours almost everyday and the only reason I can think of is because of the grace of God and the strength and wisdom that come from Him alone.
Thank God for always being there to strengthen us because apart from Him we can do nothing (John 15:5).
If your faith is unwavering and you leave it in your God’s hand, just persevere because through Him all things are possible.
Hi Maurice,
You’re right! Perseverance is something that the saints of God must keep doing because we know that the trials and difficulties we are facing today cannot compare to the joy we will experience in the presence of our Lord for eternity.
Dear Alice,
Indeed, we all grow tired and weary. Nobody is spared from the toils each of one has to bear. Even the youth grows weary and fail (Isaiah 40:30), but we are blessed because we have God with us. He lifts us up with His righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10). God promises to refresh us whenever we are weary (Jeremiah 31:25). Praise Him for His goodness!
Surely, we need to surround ourself with people of the like manners as our faith so we can be blessed and we can bless them too!
You have been touching the lives of many people both near and far through your inspiring articles. I pray that the Lord sustains your health, knowledge and wisdom for His glory!
In Christ, we remain!
Bro. Jess,
Thank you so much for your words of encouragement, it means a lot.
Having a personal relationship with God really makes all the difference because no matter how difficult or impossible the situation might be, we are able to face them head on because we’re never alone in this. We know that God is always with us and His grace is sufficient to sustain us; He gives us the strength to get through every challenge, great and small.
Yes, it is very important we surround ourselves with people who encourage and uplift us when we’re down. Thank you for being one of them and thank you for your help and support. Let me say, together let us continue to get the Word of God out there, to enlighten, encourage and inspire others while we wait for the Lord’s return.