Why Performance Based Faith is Draining and How to get Rid of it

 

Why Performance-Based Faith Can Be So Draining (And How to Relinquish It)

My dear friends, imagine for a moment that you are on the treadmill of existence, with every step taken merely to demonstrate your adequacy. This quest for acceptance is akin to reaching for a mirage of grace, always just beyond your grasp.

Consider the lyrics of my song:

I was running on the treadmill of life,

Every step just proving I’m not enough.

Reaching for grace like it’s out of my hands,

Trying to earn what was never mine to grasp.

Does this resonate with your experience? The relentless pursuit of feeling worthy, of feeling sufficient in God's eyes? But let us not forget the sweet promise of Jesus:

"Come to me, all of you who are overburdened and overwhelmed, and I will give you rest." - Matthew 11:28 (GW)

This respite is not discovered in our own exertions, but rather in yielding to Him.

The Whirlwind of Self-Reliance

In the tempest of guilt and fear, we flounder,

Our self-reliance like a ship in a stormy sea that falters.

Perhaps you have felt the crushing weight of guilt, the relentless gale of self-condemnation. You endeavor to be good enough, yet every failure seems to pull you further under. This cycle of effort and defeat is as ancient as the dawn of time.

But be of good cheer! For Jesus strides upon the very waves that threaten to engulf us. When Peter took his eyes off the Savior and onto his own capabilities, he began to sink. Yet, when he called out, "Lord, rescue me!" Jesus did so without delay (Matthew 14:30-31).

Such is grace. It is not a trophy for the most diligent, but a lifeline thrown to those who are lost at sea.

Releasing the Grip of Performance-Based Belief

The truth we must embrace is that grace is not something to be merited. It is not the result of our laborious striving. It is a gift, bestowed upon us freely.

"It is by grace that you are saved, through faith, and not by your own efforts. It is God’s gift, not a reward for your good deeds." - Ephesians 2:8 (GW)

Now, how do we disembark from this endless treadmill? How do we release the burden of performance-based faith?

Recognize your acceptance in Christ -

 Understand that in Him, you are already cherished, pardoned, and selected (Ephesians 1:4-5).

Cease your striving and begin to abide - Instead of toiling to deserve grace, find solace in what Jesus has completed (John 15:4-5).

Exchange guilt for faith - 

When guilt whispers of inadequacy, remember Jesus' all-encompassing sacrifice (Romans 8:1).

Allow grace to reshape you -

 True transformation arises not from the dread of disappointing God but from resting in his love and allowing his spirit to mold you (Philippians 2:13).

Grace: A Lifeline, Not a Reward

The more I exerted, the more I was found wanting,

Sinking like a vessel worn and frail in the deep waters of doubt and fear.

If the weight of performance-based faith has been your burden, it is time to set it down. Step off the treadmill, my friend. Halt the futile effort to earn what has already been given without charge. Instead, dive into the welcoming embrace of grace.

Jesus did not summon us to perform. He summoned us to find refuge in his love.

You need not prove your worthiness. In Christ, it is already established.

I encourage you, if you have grappled with the exhaustion of performance-based faith, to share your reflections in the comments below. Moreover, I invite you to listen to my recent composition, which delves deeper into this transformative journey of releasing our grip on striving and welcoming grace.

Changing Your Victims to Victors

Turn your setbacks into success

We all have trials and adversity at different moments in life. If it is a money problem, if health problems or breakups are your issues- -- such an event will be part of any wake up call we receive. 

The good news is, with God on our side every trial can turn into a triumph!

The Purpose of Trials

James 1:2-4 (GW) states, *"My brothers and sisters, be very happy when you firm faith is tested.

 James 1:4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 

The lessons of these verses are this: our trials aren't simply inconsequential suffering. They are to make us stronger in faith and better people.

Imagine going to the gym. The weights are heavy at what seems like the beginning, and workouts make you cry. 

But as you continue to forge ahead, the more your muscles adapt and develop strength through endurance.

 It is similar with our spiritual muscles. And the more trials we press through, the more our faith grows.

Looking To God For Help

One of the major ways you can go from trials to triumphs is by seeking for strength in God (Psalm 28:6-7). 

Isaiah 40:31 (KJV) but they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They will mount up with wings as eagles. They will walk, and not be weary. They will walk and […]  

our strength does not come from us but comes from the Lord. Through Him, we have the strength and stamina to continue no matter how hard things get.

A Testimony of Triumph

And it made me think of an amazing testimony that was given in our ward. She was sick, really sick for a long time about which the doctors said nothing can be done now. 

But she never lost her faith. She had prayed, and trusted, believing in gods healing. And guess what? God came through! 

Not only was she restored to health, but gave her testimony of what God had done for and in herAvailable on with plenty who were fighting a similar battle.

This testimony is such a great example of how God can turn all things for our good. What seemed like lost cause became a testimony to God's grace and power.

* Get over adversity Step by practical Step

Some practical steps you can take in your trials :

1.) Pray and Seek God: 

Philippians 4:6 (GW), *“

Never worry about anything. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. *

 Ask God to help you through the storm and ask for wisdom and peace.

2. ■ Hold On! — 

Use the Bible as our power and wisdom. Reading and meditating on the word of God helps to keep us grounded, it is that spiritual food we need in order for our spirits not departed from this truth.

3. Be in Community with people who believe in you:

 Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (GW) says, *“Two is better than one because they have a good return for their work. For when his brotha falleth suddenly, he also shall rise up again. However pitiful the one who falls but that they have no helper. 

There isno oneto pick him up. 

Lean on the support, encouragement and prayers of your fellow church family.

4. ** Remember Its Only Temporary: 

Romans 8-18 you are going through fire know that Everything we Experience in This life is only temporary because eternity it will all be over * 

There may be a lot of trial and tribulation now, but the glory in heaven is eternal. The hope to continue is kept alive if we protect our sight on the greater good in life.

Conclusion: 

In Christ we are victorious

Adversity is resulted to be the most challenging part of life, but when we put it across with faith and endurance along with his divine intervention having our back all-the-time — this can lead every burden into a breakthrough.

 Romans 8:37 (GW) tells us, *“In all these cases we are more than conqueror through Christ who loved us.” * With Christ, We are more than conquerors!

Therefore, the next time you are in a storm, remember that God is with whom and He will make everything work together for your good. Believe Him, rest in His and see your trials turn to triumph!

When Life Knocks You Down

You can Still Rise up Again

Life has its way of exposing us to situations that test our preparedness, surprising us. Difficult times do not ease up on you or even warn you. They just break into your life at any time, usually uninvited, testing your strength, resilience, and faith to their limits. 

It is, however, in those very rough times of hardship and strife that our actual character becomes truly molded and defined. 

So, the day life brings you unexpectedly down on your knees, what really counts is not how forceful your fall was but how you get back up again that truly defines who you are.

1. Embrace the Struggle

 While adversity can be encountered by all at different points in their lives, it is indeed an inescapable part of the human experience. On the other hand, it provides a very great opportunity for development and change in personality. 

Instead of despairing and feeling hopeless over the hardships that come your way, it is much more beneficial for your entire being to embrace the struggle you are going through. 

Every obstacle that shows up before you is an opportunity to learn good lessons from life, and it will make you grow as a person. As James 1:2-4 has so beautifully articulated, 

"Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow."

So let it bloom and develop without trying to run or escape from your trials and tribulations. For when your patience is finally at its utmost and in full bloom, then it is that you will be ready for whatever trial may come your way.

In this way you will be fitted with a strong, well-rounded, resilient character, whole and complete in your approach to life's trials.

2. Rely on Your Beliefs and Trust in Something Greater

Faith is such a very powerful and vital fuel that allows us to go through many of the most trying situations in life with strength and hope. 

It is easy, in most cases, to trust and believe in God when things are going well and according to our plans. The storms and adversities we go through in life test real faith. 

When trouble comes your way and challenges ensue, it becomes quite important to draw deeper into your faith. Trust that God has a meaningful and purposeful plan for you, even though, at the moment, you cannot see that plan clearly. 

As Romans 8:28 TLB reminds us, 

"And we know that all that happens to us is working for our good if we love God and are fitting into his plans."

3. Keep Pushing Forward

But the most dangerous that occurs during these times is that insidious urge to just give up the fight and wallow in despair. No matter how difficult and bothersome life can sometimes prove to be, never allow yourself to stop trying to move on with your life in pursuit of a sound purpose. 

Sometimes, progress might be slow, but every little step you make, no matter how seemingly unimportant, is a step closer to victory and success.

The Apostle Paul faced a host of troubles and tribulations all the way along his lifetime. Yet with all these severe hostilities and barriers, he had firmly kept his feet to proceed with a motive and goal. 

In the epistle to the Philippians, precisely in chapter 3, words 13-14, he articulates, 

"No, dear brothers, I am still not all I should be, but I am bringing all my energies to bear on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God is calling us up to heaven because of what Christ Jesus did for us." 

This  underlines the depth and girth of focusing on the future. We advance the vocation God has given us with high encouragement and motivation over the marvelous and precious price of Christ Jesus for him. 

4. Trust the strength from God.

Our individual strength alone is often inadequate for us to successfully overcome the weighty  challenges of life. 

However, when we make the decision to trust and depend on God, we're able to tap into unlimited source of divine strength that empowers us above and beyond our own human limitations. 

Isaiah 41:10 (TLB) contains an encouraging and assuring message that is powerful: 

"Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, you are my God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." 

We are not alone in the fight of life and that God is always present to uplift and empower us through our battles.

5. Remember, This Too Shall Pass

No hardship lasts forever. Even the darkest night eventually gives way to the dawn. 

Hold on to hope and remember that your current situation is temporary. 

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (TLB) puts it beautifully: 

“These troubles and sufferings of ours are, after all, quite small and won’t last very long. Yet this short time of distress will result in God’s richest blessing upon us forever and ever!

Instead of focusing our attention on the challenges and difficulties we can easily see in our current situation, on all the sorts of troubles and hardships that press in upon us daily, we turn our gaze with a sense of hope and expectancy upon the immense and wonderful joys awaiting us in heaven. 

We are assured of great things we have not seen or experienced. The troubles which now burden and crush us will, in a little while, pass away and be forgotten. 

But those deeper joys which are yet to come will abide forever and never depart from us.

Conclusion

This is an entirely and absolutely natural portion of the human experience. But it most assuredly doesn't have to be what defines or directs your person. 

Through those times when life seems to cut you off at the pass, it's time to get back up knowing that you are stronger, wiser, and more resilient than you ever knew you could be. 

Take your trust in God's overall design for your life, laying the foundation of faith even further, and never forget that no adversity is ever too great when you are walking with Him. 

As one struggles through these trials and tribulations, and finally surmounts them, you realize that hardship is not just a downfall for you. Through that trying time, it was possibly one of the finest and the most inspirational comebacks.

Keep it going, keep the faith, and keep raising the bar. The best is yet to happen and the fondest of memories are still to be created!

Scriptures Referenced:

James 1:2-4 TLB 

Romans 8:28 TLB 

Philippians 3:13-14 (TLB) 

Isaiah 41:10 (TLB) 

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (TLB)