When God’s Calling Feels Like It’s Crushing You
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Hey friends! Welcome back to Avelyn Lane: All Roads Lead Home! I’m so glad you’re tuning in today because we’re diving into something that’s super real—what do you do when God’s calling on your life feels like it’s crushing you? Like, it’s not just a heavy weight, it’s the weight? If you’ve ever been there—doing exactly what you believe God asked you to do, and yet feeling totally overwhelmed—then you are not alone.
Grab your coffee, settle in, and let’s get real about this together.
Segment 1: Ever Thought About Throwing in the Towel? You’re Definitely Not Alone
Okay, let’s be honest for a second—I’ve had those moments. You know, those “God, did you pick the right person for this?” moments. I’m talking about parenting, homeschooling, ministry—heck, even just showing up day after day when you're exhausted. Ever been there?
But guess what? You are not alone in this. Even Paul—yes, the guy who wrote like half of the New Testament—was in the same boat. In 2 Corinthians 1:8-9, he says:
“We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.”
Paul’s basically saying, “This was so hard, I didn’t think I was going to survive it.” Ever felt like that? Well, you're in good company! The key takeaway here: sometimes God lets us feel overwhelmed so we can stop relying on ourselves and start leaning on Him.
Segment 2: God’s Call Is Always Bigger Than You (And That’s a Good Thing)
Let’s talk about this: Have you noticed that God has a knack for calling people who feel totally unqualified? I mean, Moses was like, “I can’t even speak in front of people!” (Exodus 3:11). Jeremiah was all like, “But I’m too young!” (Jeremiah 1:6). And Gideon? He was like, “I’m literally the weakest guy from the weakest tribe!” (Judges 6:15)
And yet—these were the very people God chose to use. So if you’re sitting there thinking, “I don’t have what it takes,” guess what? You’re exactly the kind of person God wants to use. You know why? Because He’s not looking for your strength, your perfect skills, or your credentials. He just wants your willingness.
I’ll be real with you—I felt totally overwhelmed when I started this podcast. I prayed, “God, are you sure you’ve got the right person? I don’t have the strength for this, and my voice… well, let’s just say I’m not winning any awards here!” But I could just feel Him saying, “Exactly. That’s why I called you—because I never intended for you to do this in your own strength.”
Segment 3: Jesus Knows What It Feels Like to Be Overwhelmed
Here’s something we don’t talk about enough—Jesus Himself felt the weight of His calling. Yes, Jesus. The Son of God. Overwhelmed.
In Matthew 26:38, He says:
“My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.”
Let that sink in. Jesus—feeling overwhelmed? If that doesn’t hit you right in the gut, I don’t know what will. But here’s the powerful part—He didn’t stop there. He followed up with, “Yet not my will, but Yours be done.” (Luke 22:42)
If even Jesus felt the weight of His calling and still surrendered to God, why do we think we’ll be exempt? The key is surrendering. Leaning into God’s strength. So, if you’re feeling crushed right now, you’re not failing. You’re not weak. You’re right where God can show His strength through you.
Segment 4: The Crushing Produces Something Beautiful (Hold Tight)
Let’s talk about the hard stuff for a minute. I know it’s tough. But I want to remind you: God doesn’t waste pain. Not a single bit.
Think about this: Olives have to be crushed to make oil. Grapes have to be pressed to become wine. Wheat has to be ground to make bread.
And even Jesus—Isaiah 53:5 says:
“But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed.”
What if the very thing that feels like it’s crushing you right now is actually producing something in you that couldn’t come any other way? I know it doesn’t feel good. I know it’s exhausting. But God is refining you, strengthening you, and preparing you for what’s next. Even if you can’t see it yet.
Segment 5: What Do You Do When You Feel Like You Can’t Keep Going?
Okay, so we’ve all had those moments where we just don’t think we can take another step. What do you do then?
Here are three things that have really helped me when I’m at the end of my rope:
Lean Into Prayer – Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Don’t bottle it up—take it to God. Be honest with Him about your exhaustion, your frustration, and your doubts. He can handle it.
Find Your People – Galatians 6:2 says, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
Who’s helping you carry your load? Life wasn’t meant to be lived alone. If you don’t have people walking with you, pray for them. Ask God to send the right people into your life.
Remember the Purpose – Romans 8:28 reminds us, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”
God doesn’t waste anything—not even the hard stuff. Even the crushing has a purpose.
Final Encouragement: Hold On, Resurrection Comes After the Crushing
Listen, if you’re in a season where you feel like God’s calling is breaking you, I want you to hear this loud and clear: this isn’t the end of your story. The crushing? It’s not forever. Resurrection always comes after the pressing.
I know it’s hard. I know it feels like too much. But here’s the good news: hold on. God is doing something amazing in you right now. And what He’s preparing you for? It’s going to be worth it.
Let’s Pray
"Father, I lift up every person listening who feels overwhelmed, exhausted, or crushed under the weight of their calling. Remind them that they are not alone. Fill them with Your strength. Help them to surrender what they can’t carry and trust that You are at work, even in the hard places. Thank You for being the God who brings beauty from brokenness. In Jesus’ name, Amen."
I’d love to hear from you—have you ever felt like God’s calling was too much? Send me a message or leave a comment, because I’d love to pray for you!
Thank you so much for hanging out with me today on Avelyn Lane: All Roads Lead Home. If you’ve been encouraged by today’s episode, be sure to share it with someone who might need to hear it. And as always, I’m praying for you—whether you’re in a season of crushing or a season of joy. Hold on, because God is doing something beautiful. Come visit me on Instagram @avelynlane