Presence Over Pressure
"Then Jesus arrived from Nazareth, anointed by God with the Holy Spirit, ready for action. He went through the country helping people and healing everyone who was beaten down by the Devil. He was able to do all this because God was with him." Acts 10:38 (MSG)
There’s a quiet line tucked into this powerful verse that says more than we often realize: “He was able to do all this because God was with Him.”
That one sentence takes the pressure off.
We live in a culture that tells us if you want something to happen, you have to make it happen. Push harder. Work longer. Prove your worth.
But the life of Jesus tells a different story.
Yes, He was active. He healed, helped, and taught. But Peter doesn’t credit Jesus’ work ethic or willpower, he points to His source.
Jesus was able to do everything He did because God was with Him.
That changes things.
It means your impact doesn’t depend on your strength. It depends on your connection.
It means you don’t have to do life, ministry, parenting, or leadership in your own ability.
Being with God always precedes doing for God.
I remember a conversation I had after a long week of back-to-back responsibilities. I had been juggling meetings, preparing messages, leading teams, and trying to be present at home, all while running on fumes. A friend asked, “How are you doing?” and I surprised even myself when I said, “Honestly, I feel like I’m holding everything together with duct tape and prayer.”
Later that night, I sat alone in the quiet and finally admitted to God, “I can’t keep this pace.” And right there, not in a service or a meeting, but in a still moment at home, I sensed His presence in a way I hadn’t in days. It wasn’t dramatic. No lightning bolt. Just peace. And clarity. I felt Him whisper to my heart: You were never supposed to do this without Me.
That phrase has stayed with me ever since: Power flows from presence.
It wasn’t Jesus’ talent, title, or strategy that made the difference.
It was the fact that God was with Him.
And that same promise belongs to us.
You don’t have to carry the pressure to do it all.
You were never meant to. The weight of outcomes, timelines, and expectations can feel overwhelming, especially when you think it’s all up to you. But it’s not. Even Jesus, God in flesh, didn’t walk in His own strength. He depended fully on the Father. So breathe. Let go of the pressure to be everything to everyone.
Here are three reminders to hold onto today when the pressure starts to rise:
1. Release the pressure
You’re not the source, you’re the steward.
God never asked you to do it all. He simply invites you to be faithful with what He’s placed in your hands. The pressure to be perfect or to keep everything together is not from Him. When you release the weight you were never meant to carry, you make space for His strength to step in.
2. Resist the striving
Trust that God’s timing is better than your pace.
Striving whispers, “You’re behind. Do more. Make it happen now.” But Kingdom fruit doesn’t grow in rushed soil. When you abide in Him, you bear lasting fruit. You don’t have to knock down every door, just walk through the ones He opens.
3. Remember His presence
You are not alone, and never will be.
This is the foundation. The fuel. The freedom. The same presence that empowered Jesus is available to you. His Spirit strengthens you, His grace carries you, and His presence equips you. You don’t walk into that meeting, conversation, or crisis by yourself, He’s already there.
So today, as you face whatever’s ahead, remember:
You’re not doing this alone.
You don’t have to.
God is with you and that’s enough.
And if you're feeling the weight today, let this be your prayer:
God, I don’t want to live from pressure, I want to live from presence.
Remind me that You are with me, and that’s what makes the difference.
Help me stay connected to You, to lead from Your strength, and to rest in the truth that I’m not alone. Amen.
Make it Personal:
Where have I been carrying pressure I was never meant to hold?
Am I striving for results instead of trusting God with the outcome?
Do I truly believe His presence is enough for what I’m facing today?
