When Ministry Feels Heavy: Finding Strength to Keep Going

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9, ESV)
There have been moments—quiet, soul-heavy moments—when I wanted to walk away. Not from God, but from ministry. From the small group that no longer felt safe. From the church that once felt like home. From the spaces that used to bring joy but now only bring a deep ache.
If you’ve ever wanted to quit—not out of rebellion, but out of heartbreak—you’re not alone. Feeling weary in ministry doesn’t make you a failure; it makes you human. And even in your weakness, God’s calling on your life remains.
Understanding Galatians 6:9 in Hard Seasons
Paul wrote Galatians 6:9 to believers navigating a church filled with division, correction, and spiritual tension. It was the kind of environment that can wear a soul down—where conflict brews, motives are questioned, and perseverance feels like a daily uphill climb.
Paul doesn’t gloss over the reality of spiritual weariness. The Greek word for “weary” (ekkakeó) means becoming discouraged, losing heart, or feeling emotionally drained. Paul understood that serving God—whether in formal ministry or the quiet acts of obedience in everyday life—would sometimes feel like this.
And yet, Paul pairs the acknowledgment of weariness with a promise: “In due season, we will reap, if we do not give up.” The harvest doesn’t come instantly. God sees every unseen act of faithfulness—every quiet yes, every moment you choose love over resentment, every step forward when you’d rather stop.
When Obedience Feels Small
Obedience doesn’t always look like fiery passion; sometimes it’s a flickering wick barely holding on. Staying faithful doesn’t always mean staying in the same role, but it does mean staying surrendered to God’s direction.
You’re allowed to name your grief. You’re allowed to rest. But don’t let the enemy convince you that leaving the field is the only way to find peace. God isn’t just present at the start of the work—He’s with you in the messy middle. And if He’s asking you to stay, He will provide the strength to keep showing up.
Practical Ways to Persevere When You’re Weary

Anchor yourself in Scripture
Return to passages like Galatians 6:9, Isaiah 40:31, and 2 Corinthians 12:9 that speak life and truth into weary hearts.
Surround yourself with godly encouragement
Isolation feeds discouragement. Lean on trusted believers who will pray with you, speak truth over you, and remind you of God’s faithfulness.
Rest without guilt
Rest isn’t a sign of failure; it’s a command from God. Jesus Himself took time away from the crowds to be alone with the Father.
Refocus on the “why”
Revisit the reason you started serving. Ask God to rekindle a heart for His people and His glory.

A Faith That Says, “I Trust You Anyway”

Even when your emotions whisper quit, your endurance can declare, “I trust You anyway.” That’s faith lived out—not in perfection, but in persistent surrender.

Prayer

Lord, You know how tired I am. You see the moments I’ve wanted to walk away. Thank You for not shaming me in my weakness. Teach me to stay—not in striving, but in surrender. Give me the strength to keep showing up and the grace to believe the harvest is still coming. Amen.