The Ministry of Staying: Embracing Faithfulness When Life Feels Quiet
“Abide in Me, and I in you.” —John 15:4 (ESV)
In a world that celebrates hustle, results, and the next big thing, we rarely stop to honor the ones who stay. Staying doesn’t trend. It doesn’t draw applause. But in the upside-down kingdom of God, staying—especially when life feels uncertain or God feels quiet—is one of the most courageous forms of obedience.
When Faith Feels Heavy
Maybe you’re in a season where you’re still showing up for your faith—still attending church, still opening your Bible—but your heart feels heavy. Disconnected. Quietly discouraged.
You’re not walking away, but you’re not sprinting forward either. You’re just… staying. And you wonder: Does this count as faithfulness?
What It Means to Abide
In John 15, Jesus gives His disciples a final word of instruction before the cross. He doesn’t command them to prove their worth or perform more. He tells them to abide.
The Greek word He uses—meno—means to dwell, endure, remain, or continue in a fixed state. It’s a picture of rootedness, not performance. Jesus says:
“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself… neither can you, unless you abide in Me.” —John 15:4
This isn’t a call to do more. It’s an invitation to stay connected to the One who does the sustaining.
The Countercultural Call to Stay
In a culture that prizes productivity and visibility, staying can feel like failure. But in the kingdom of God, staying is sacred. It’s an act of trust. It’s a holy stillness. It says, “I may not see fruit today, but I believe the Gardener is still at work.”
Staying might look like:
Praying when you don’t feel anything
Worshiping when you still have questions
Opening your Bible when your heart feels numb
That kind of quiet obedience is still faithfulness. And that kind of faithfulness still bears fruit.
God Sees Your Quiet Yes
The enemy would love to convince you that your faith doesn’t count unless it’s loud, certain, or impressive. But God sees your quiet yes. He honors your small surrender. He is with you in the staying.
If this season feels slow or silent, take heart: the Gardener is still near. And the roots you’re planting today will sustain you tomorrow.
A Prayer for the One Who Is Staying
Lord, help me to stay. When I feel unsure, unseen, or worn down, remind me that abiding in You is enough. Amen.
Go Deeper in the Word
Isaiah 40:31
Psalm 1:1–3
Galatians 6:9
Reflect:
What does “abiding” look like in your current season? Share in the comments below—I’d love to encourage one another in the ministry of staying.
Meet the Author
Kara Kistner
Kara is a writer, former therapeutic foster parent, and current advocate for the foster care system who creates space for women navigating faith in the harder places—church hurt, grief, transition, and spiritual healing. Her words are rooted in Scripture and steeped in honesty, gently guiding readers back to the goodness of God even when everything feels uncertain. Kara is passionate about helping others hold on to hope, honor their emotions, and rediscover Jesus outside of performance.
