When Life Feels Like Too Much | Empower Her Blog
- Empower Her Ministries
- Mar 11
- 4 min read
Have you ever reached a point where life simply felt like too much?
Not because you don’t believe in God, don't pray, or not trying.
But, because the weight of everything happening around you feels heavier than what you expected to carry.
One thing I believe many believers don’t talk about enough is this: faith doesn’t make us immune to feeling overwhelmed.
Jesus Himself told us in John 16:33 that in this life we will face trials and trouble, but He also reminded us to take heart because He has already overcome the world.
Still, when you’re in the middle of the storm, sometimes that truth doesn’t immediately remove the feeling of exhaustion.
Sometimes it can feel lonely.
Sometimes it can feel like you’re the only one struggling while everyone else seems strong.
Sometimes God’s most faithful servants can have moments where the pressure feels overwhelming.
And, one of the most honest examples is found in 1 Kings 19.
"While he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.”
Friend, this man...a prophet...Elijah had reached a breaking point.
This was the same Elijah who had just witnessed God perform an incredible miracle on Mount Carmel. He had trusted God, obeyed God, and stood boldly for God!
Shortly after that victory, fear, exhaustion, and pressure caught up with him.
Imagine that.
This reminds us of an important truth: even faithful people can experience heavy seasons.
If I can be honest, there have been moments in my own faith journey where I have felt similar.
There were seasons where I was doing the best that I could to follow God. I trusted Him.
I believed Him.
I kept showing up.
I kept encouraging others.
But, sometimes circumstances created a pressure that felt overwhelming.
And part of what made it difficult was this:
I had become used to being the strong one.
The one encouraging others or reminding people to keep believing.
Because of that, it sometimes felt difficult to admit that I needed encouragement too.
Sometimes when you’re the one pouring into others, it can feel strange to ask someone to pour into you.
But in those moments, God reminded me of something powerful:
We were never meant to walk through life alone.
One of the most beautiful parts of this story is how God responded to Elijah’s exhaustion.
God didn’t rebuke him or shame him.
Instead, God sent an angel to care for him.
The angel allowed Elijah to rest.
Then, provided food and water!
The angel also encouraged him to eat again because the journey ahead was too much for him without strength.
Friend, God gave Elijah exactly what he needed to continue forward.
Sometimes when we are overwhelmed, we think God will be disappointed in us.
But, this story shows something different:
God understands human weakness.
And instead of pushing us away, He often meets us with grace, provision, and restoration.
This Week's Faith Moves...aka Nuggets :)
There will be times where pursuing what God has called you to do feels like a lot.
You may feel passionate about the assignment God has given you.
You may believe deeply in what He told you to build.
You may keep showing up day after day.
But, sometimes even passion-filled obedience can become exhausting!
This passage reminds us of three important truths:
1. Feeling overwhelmed does not mean you lack faith.
2. God is not surprised by your exhaustion.
3. God provides strength for the journey ahead.
If you’re in a season where life feels like too much, here are a few Faith Moves to help you navigate it.
1. Be Honest With God
Elijah didn’t pretend everything was fine.
He told God exactly how he felt!
God already knows your heart. You don’t have to hide your emotions from Him.
Prayer isn’t about performing, it’s about being real with God!
2. Allow Yourself to Rest
Before giving Elijah new instructions, God allowed him to sleep and regain strength.
Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is simply rest.
Burnout does not honor God...healthy rhythms do.
3. Let People Support You
God used an angel to care for Elijah.
In our lives, God often sends people.
Community matters. Encouragement matters. Prayer from others matters!
You don’t have to carry everything by yourself.
4. Remember the Assignment Is Bigger Than the Season
The angel reminded Elijah that the journey ahead required strength.
In other words, his story wasn’t over.
That's the same for you, bestie!
Your current season may feel heavy, but it does not define the rest of your life.
God still has purpose ahead...Amen!
You truly never know what someone else may be going through.
The person encouraging everyone else may quietly be fighting their own battles.
The person showing up strong may be asking God for strength behind the scenes.
This is why it’s important that we give grace to one another.
Kindness matters.
Prayer matters.
Encouragement matters!
Because sometimes a simple moment of support can be exactly what someone needs to keep going.
If you’re in a season where life feels overwhelming, please remember this:
You are not alone.
God sees you.
God understands.
And, God provides strength for the journey ahead.
Just like Elijah, God will meet you in the middle of your exhaustion and give you exactly what you need to keep moving forward.
If this message encouraged you today, don’t keep it to yourself.
✨ Share this post with someone who might need encouragement.
✨ Send it to a friend who has been carrying a lot lately.
✨ And if you want more faith-building encouragement like this, join the Empower Her Ministries community.
You can also grab the Bet on God book where we talk about trusting God even in uncertain seasons.
Because sometimes all it takes is one reminder to help someone keep going.
Verse of the Day
1 Kings 19:4 (NIV) “While he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.”
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