There’s a unique strength that comes when you realize none of your power comes from you. It’s not the kind of strength the world teaches—the kind that says you have to push through no matter what, stay tough, and never let the cracks show. The kind of strength I’m learning about runs deeper. It’s rooted in God’s calling, allowing us to walk in His purpose with confidence, even when we feel weak.
For the longest time, I thought being strong meant handling everything on my own. I thought it meant never breaking down, never showing weakness, and always holding it together. But God has been teaching me something different. He let me crumble, and in that breakdown, I began to understand that His strength is all I ever needed. I’m still learning to let Him be the foundation when everything else falls apart.
Stepping into my vulnerability is something I’m still learning to do. It has allowed me to be real with myself and with God about my struggles. It’s through this openness that I’ve started to receive His love and guidance in ways I hadn’t before. By allowing myself to be vulnerable, I’ve learned that my strength doesn’t come from pretending everything’s okay but from trusting Him. Sharing my journey is part of how He’s helping me understand that I don’t have to carry burdens alone. I’m learning, day by day, that trusting Him with my pain and weakness is shaping my purpose in ways I hadn’t expected.
This past week, I found myself feeling good—comfortable, even—doing the things God placed on my heart. As doubt began to creep in, I turned to 2 Corinthians 5. The reminder that “we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7) hit me hard. It reminded me that even when I don’t have all the answers or can’t see the full picture, I have to trust Him to lead the way.
Suffering has been part of my journey, but I’m realizing that it’s through those struggles that God is revealing my purpose. In the Churchgirl episode of the In Totality podcast, Megan’s message about “suffering well” resonated with me deeply. It reminded me that the pain I’ve experienced isn’t wasted. God uses our suffering to shape our lives for His glory. I’m still figuring out what that looks like in my life, but I’m starting to see how my experiences are preparing me for what God has in store.
In this process of suffering, God has also shown me the importance of community. God’s love has been so clear to me through the people He’s placed in my life. When I feel broken, anxious, and ready to give up, my tribe shows up. They don’t rush me to get over my feelings or tell me to be strong. Instead, they give me space to break down, send me encouragement, and remind me of who I am in Christ.
This community has been an essential part of my journey. They show that I don’t have to go through struggles alone, and that true strength is found in allowing others to walk alongside me. I’m learning how vital it is to surround myself with people who reflect God’s love and remind me that I’m not alone. Their support is helping me see God’s strength in a new light and discover the purpose He has for me.
2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” I’m realizing that I don’t have to rely on my own strength anymore. I’m not the same person who thought I had to keep it all together. Through Christ, I’m becoming a new creation, and with that comes a new way of living—one that depends on His power rather than my ability to hold it all together. I’m still learning to walk in this new identity, trusting that God is shaping me for His purpose.
Strength doesn’t come from trying to prove something to the world. It comes from being rooted in God and trusting Him to guide me, even when the path isn’t clear. In moments of uncertainty, fear, or anxiety, His strength becomes perfect in my weakness.
Each step in this journey has taught me something new about grace, vulnerability, and the power of letting go. I used to think I had to hold it all together, but I’m learning that it’s okay to pause, to give myself grace when I don’t have the answers. In those moments of pause, I’ve learned to give myself grace, recognizing that true growth often comes when I stop trying to control everything and let God take the lead.
I’m discovering that real purpose comes from the lessons God teaches me in moments of vulnerability, and real strength comes from leaning on Him, not on my own abilities.
Suffering is part of the journey, but it no longer defines me; it refines me into who God calls me to be. It’s something I’ve learned to face, not with shame but with the understanding that God is using it to shape me. Vulnerability has opened me up to seeing that real freedom comes from trusting God with the parts of me I once tried to hide.
Another key part of this journey has been letting others in. Community isn’t just about having people around—it’s about having the right people, those who reflect God’s love and remind me that I’m not alone. Letting others walk with me has been part of learning to care for myself in deeper ways. Their support has strengthened me in ways I didn’t expect, reminding me that strength doesn’t always look like doing it all on my own.
So, to anyone who feels like they always have to be strong—know that I’m right there with you, still learning. God’s strength shows up in our vulnerability, and He’s not asking us to have it all figured out. He’s asking us to trust Him, even when we’re still in the process.
As we continue this journey together, remember that your true power lies in God’s purpose for your life. Let go of the pressure to be strong on your own—God’s strength is made perfect in your weakness. Step boldly into the power He’s given you and walk in the purpose He’s already set before you.
Writings on My Heart 