Blog 35: Finding Purpose in a Loud Season

Matthew 28:18-20 "Jesus came and told his disciples, 'I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.  Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

To say there’s a lot happening right now is an understatement.

Globally, nationally, and locally, we’re navigating crisis layered on top of crisis. At the same time, many of us are trying to manage demanding jobs, family responsibilities, community commitments, and volunteer roles. It’s a lot. And when I look around—both in real life and on social media—it seems like everyone is tired. Not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually exhausted.

How did we get here?

Who told us we have to do all the things, all the time? Who decided that being available at every moment was the standard? Who normalized that we have to attend every event, respond to every message immediately, and constantly stay in motion? Somewhere along the way, busyness became a badge of honor, and rest started to feel irresponsible.

I honestly think things have escalated exponentially since the 2020 pandemic and racial uprisings. I don’t think, however, this pace is what we were ever meant to sustain, nor is it what God wants for us. In Matthew 28:18–20, Jesus gives His disciples very clear instructions before He ascends. He tells them that all authority has been given to Him, and then He gives them a simple directive: go and make disciples, teach them, and trust that He will be with them always.

What stands out to me about this passage is not just the command itself, but the clarity of it. Jesus doesn’t overwhelm them with options. He doesn’t outline a hundred different initiatives. He gives them one central focus. Somewhere between then and now, we’ve complicated what was meant to be clear. We’ve learned how to be very busy—especially in church and community spaces—but busyness isn’t the same thing as effectiveness. It’s possible to be involved in everything and still miss the assignment. It’s possible to say yes to good things that slowly pull us away from the best things. 

I’ve spent much of my life thinking about purpose and alignment—especially how my professional work connects to my faith. I’ve always tried to integrate who I am, what I do, and what I believe. Over the years, I’ve served on a number of boards and community initiatives. Some people assume that means I’m doing too much, but for me, each commitment is rooted in a clear value around equity, access, and development.

This clarity didn’t come overnight.

Earlier in my career, I said yes to opportunities simply because I was asked. When you have certain skills, more technical in nature, people will always find ways to use them. Over time, I had to learn that being needed is not the same as being called. Reading The Best Yes by Lysa TerKeurst helped me understand that saying no isn’t a failure of faith; sometimes it’s an act of obedience. What I also learned over the years is that even though saying no may disappoint others, saying yes to God is holy obedience.

Now, before I commit, I pause. I ask myself whether something truly aligns with my values, my capacity, and the season I’m in. There are many worthy causes in the world, but not all of them are mine to carry. That’s where balance begins—not with doing less for the sake of doing less, but with discernment.

Sometimes balance looks like setting boundaries and asking hard questions. Do I really need to attend this event? Does this conversation need to happen right now? Am I taking on concerns that don’t actually belong to me? Even when it comes to civic or community engagement, it’s okay to acknowledge that timing matters. Being involved doesn’t mean being everywhere at once.

And it’s never too late to reassess. We’re allowed to step back, recalibrate, and get off the crazy train.

The Gospels repeatedly show Jesus withdrawing to rest and pray, especially during moments of pressure, grief, and growing demand. He stepped away to pray, to be still, to reset. Rest wasn’t avoidance; it was obedience. If Jesus needed moments of withdrawal to stay aligned with His purpose, we shouldn’t feel guilty for doing the same.

My late pastor, Rev. L.A. Manuel, used to say, “Keep the main thing the main thing.” That phrase comes back to me often when I’m deciding whether to engage, respond, or commit. Because whenever we do show up—at work, in church, or in our communities—we’re showing up as representatives of Christ. The goal isn’t to do everything; it’s to do the right things well.

I still wrestle, at times, with the question of whether I’m doing enough, doing the right things, or even how to let go. But I’m learning to recognize the difference between checking boxes and walking in obedience. Legalism pushes us to strive harder and prove ourselves. Relationship invites us to listen, trust, and follow.

Purpose isn’t about pressure. Calling doesn’t require burnout. And obedience doesn’t require perfection. It requires willingness.

In a season that feels loud, urgent, and overwhelming, I’m choosing to slow down long enough to ask better questions and wait for the answer. I’m choosing to not allow the comfort of being needed to make me disobedient. 

I’m choosing purpose in every engagement and interaction. Because crisis after crisis, whether global, national, or local, can consume our attention, exhaust our capacity and distract us from purpose. Without intention, we end up reacting to everything instead of stewarding our time, energy, and calling well. Clarity, not chaos, is what helps us stay focused on the assignment.

Regardless of where we invest our time and energy, Jesus’ command remains the same. We’re called to represent Him in every space, not to overextend ourselves trying to carry everything and not to lose sight of the assignment.

Know Him. Share Him. Trust Him.

Live Blurred

ZeNai

---

Reflection

• What am I currently spending the most time and energy on—and does it align with what God is calling me to in this season?

• Where might busyness be distracting me from the main thing?

• Are there commitments I’ve held onto out of obligation rather than obedience?

• What is one boundary I need to set or revisit to protect my capacity and my purpose?

• How can I be more intentional about knowing Christ and making Him known in my everyday life—not through big gestures, but through small, consistent actions?

  
  

  Share in the comments or on our website to potentially be featured in the newsletter or the podcast!

Share your story!