Pressure is real, but it does not get the final word.

There are incredible joys in ministry: people saved, churches strengthened, prayers answered, and lives transformed. Yet never without pressure.

People disappoint us. We disappoint people. Plans change. Relationships shift. Discipleship investments don’t always bear fruit. Ministry involves burdens few people know about.

And then there’s just life — raising a family, kids making decisions about their future, aging parents (not talking about mine, in case they read this), finances, vehicles, taxes, and retirement. Sometimes, we are simply exhausted.

Scripture doesn’t shame us for acknowledging weariness. Paul writes: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9 NIV

Biblical resilience isn’t pretending nothing affects us. Resilience says: What I have walked through may have affected me, but by the grace of God, it will not define me, destroy me, or keep me from continuing faithfully.

At some point in every calling, bravery has to become resilience. Bravery says, “I’ll step out.” Resilience says, “I’ll keep going.” But resilience doesn’t always mean pushing harder. Sometimes it looks like rest and renewal.

Isaiah says: “But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31.

Some seasons we soar. Some seasons we run. And sometimes, faithfulness simply looks like continuing to walk. We do not rest because we have abandoned the assignment. We rest so God can renew us for it.

In his book Dangerous Calling, Paul David Tripp asks an important question: What is happening in me while ministry is happening through me? Pressure can expose fear, self-reliance, control, insecurity, or isolation. Yet it can also make us increasingly aware of our dependence on Jesus.

That is why rhythms matter: prayer, Scripture, rest, relationships, reflection, and healthy boundaries. If you’re not sure where to start, try setting aside a consistent daily time—even just a few minutes each morning—to be quiet with God in prayer or read a brief passage of Scripture. Consider a weekly check-in with a trusted friend or mentor to share some of the challenges you’re dealing with or maybe just to vent.

Small, faithful steps like these can help us stay grounded. Practice what my friend Dr. Darryl Wootton calls the “Two-beat rhythm”: before you respond to a comment, an email, a request, or a moment of tension - pause for two beats. Inhale. Exhale.

AGK family, don’t let a hard season become your permanent address. Remember, you’re not alone—we are here for each other. If you are feeling pressed or weary, reach out to someone you trust or offer encouragement to someone else. Let’s carry one another’s burdens and walk through this together. You can reach out to our Network office, your presbytery, or me. My cell is 417-825-0159.

Allow the Lord to renew you. Stay close to Jesus. Do the next right thing. Keep moving faithfully. We are in this together.

Paul’s words remain the goal: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7, NIV

Pressure does not determine your final shape. Resilience helps us stay faithful.