There’s a common belief that the Christian journey has to be hard and full of struggle.

I don’t subscribe to this.

I believe much of this comes from the Martyr Complex: a psychological tendency where people derive a sense of purpose and self-worth from enduring suffering and hardship. They believe suffering is necessary for achieving a higher spiritual status, and they can wear it like a badge of honor or nobility.

This is reinforced by sayings like: “God gives His hardest battles to His strongest soldiers,” which can lead many to embrace weary and heavy burdens instead of giving them over.

I believe Jesus meant it when He said, “My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

We’re experiencing this reality of living in a flow of ease and lightness – without the hype.

And the same is true for coaching clients and school members.

Here are 2 messages from 2 new clients just this week:

“I definitely couldn't quite accept or believe that this walk with God is that simple. But y'all testify to it.” – K.T

“I feel like for the first time since coming into my faith I am free in my walk. I always felt like I had to 'hit the mark' and right now I just feel so relieved to shrug all that off and just be me in all my messy, weird, funny ways.” – T.M

This doesn’t mean we never have difficulties or hard times. I‘ve had many.

Rather, Jesus said, “In this world, you will have trouble, but be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world.”

So difficulty is part of a fallen world, but it was never meant to be our focus or expectation in the journey, and neither should it overshadow the peace and ease that Jesus offers.

As long as we believe hardship and struggle is the only way to fulfill our journey, we risk clinging to heaviness and never entering into the flow of His ease and goodness.

He is a good Father, not a hard taskmaster.

He invites us to walk WITH Him, not work FOR Him. He promises that His yoke is easy and light. And even in the inevitable storms of life, He still offers us sleep (peace). But it’s up to us to choose it. I’m convinced that the greatest difficulty we will ever experience in our Christian journey is letting go – specifically letting go of control.

Equally, the single action that will lead to the most growth and fruit is letting go. Let go. Let God. Flow.

Questions for reflection

1. What burdens are you carrying that you can give to Jesus?

2. How can focusing on Jesus' peace and ease change how you handle hard times?

3. What does letting go of control look like for you, and how can it help you experience God's grace?

Scriptures for meditation

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” – Matt 11:28-30 (MSG)

“The blessing of the Lord enriches, and He adds no sorrow with it.” – Prov 10:22

Bless you,

Lee