EquipHer Vol. 11: "Stepping Back: The Most Powerful Step Forward!"نمونہ

Day 1: Doing Less to Achieve More

Have you ever wondered why God invites us to rest so often? Through the life of Jesus, we see how rest was never an option but, instead, an essential practice for living a purposeful life. Yet, in today’s “do more” culture, we have turned it into a luxury, losing sight of its true value.

As women, we’re often masters at multitasking and filling our days with commitments. Adding “one more thing” to our plate can leave us feeling both exhausted and overwhelmed yet satisfied and productive. However, God did not create us to do it all on our own. He is the one who sustains us, carries our burdens, and equips us for what He has called us to do—not only through our strength but through His.

Throughout Jesus’ ministry, He often took moments to withdraw and pray (Luke 5:16). He didn’t do this because He had fewer things to do than we do but because He knew that slowing down was essential to hearing the Father’s voice.

It is almost impossible to hear God’s voice through the noise or frenzy. When the prophet Elijah sought the Lord, he didn’t find Him in the strong wind, or in the earthquake or fire, but in a gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:11-12). Perhaps we need to do the same and make some silent time in our lives in order to hear His whispers.

In order to truly value the process of slowing down, it is important to adjust our perspective and not consider it “inactivity,” but instead, an intentional act of trust saying: “Lord, You are my guide. Speak, for Your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:10). Taking time to stop is an act of faith that reminds us who is truly in charge. When we take the time to listen, we open the door to new perspectives (God’s perspective) and a deeper peace.

Today, try taking a small step back: turn off your phone for an hour, decline a non-essential commitment, or simply stop for a few minutes to breathe. Let that pause be where God speaks to your heart and shows you His priorities for you.

Reflective Questions:

• What distractions are filling my mind today and preventing me from hearing God?
• How can I create space in my schedule to stop and allow God to speak to me?

Prayer: Lord, teach me the value of rest and help me slow down to hear Your whisper amidst the noise of life. Help me make space for You by letting go of what doesn’t matter so I can embrace what’s on Your heart for me. Speak to me today with clarity and bring peace to my spirit as I surrender each step to You. Amen.