Lilly Path with Ifeoma Odisa UGWU

Hi Sister,

Let us talk about something we do not always get right. Rest.

Some of us do not rest at all. We just keep going until we are tired, overwhelmed, frustrated, and then we crash. Others rest by disappearing completely. We stop trying, stop showing up, stop caring. We call it rest, but sometimes it is actually quitting in disguise.

There is a difference between resting and giving up, and learning that difference is part of maturing.

God never asked you to run endlessly without pausing. He also never designed you to abandon your assignment the moment things feel hard.

Even Jesus rested. In Mark 6:31, after a busy period of ministry, He told His disciples, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” That is permission. Holy permission to pause.

But notice something. They rested, and then they returned to the work.

Rest is a pause that refreshes you for the journey. Quitting is an exit because the journey feels uncomfortable.

Sometimes what you really need is rest, not escape.

You may be tired of studying, tired of trying to be disciplined, tired of working on yourself, tired of praying about the same thing. And in that tiredness, you might be tempted to drop everything and say, “I am done.”

Sis, before you make that decision, ask yourself honestly. Do I need to stop, or do I just need to breathe?

Psalm 23:2 says, “He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul.” Notice that God leads you to rest. Rest is not laziness. It is part of His care for you.

But the same Psalm also shows movement. He leads, He guides, He restores, He walks with you through valleys. Rest is a part of the journey, not the end of it.

Here is how to tell the difference.

Rest says, “I will pause so I can come back stronger.”
Quitting says, “This is too hard, I am done trying.”

Rest is intentional. Quitting is emotional.

Rest is planned. Quitting is reactive.

Even God rested after creation. Genesis 2:2 tells us that on the seventh day, He rested from all His work. Not because He was tired, but to establish a rhythm for us. Work and rest. Effort and renewal.

If you never rest, you will burn out. If you always quit when it gets hard, you will never grow.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” There is a time to push, and there is a time to pause. Wisdom is knowing which one you need.

Sometimes resting looks like:
Sleeping earlier instead of scrolling on your phone.
Taking a short break from a project, not abandoning it.
Spending quiet time with God to be refreshed.
Saying no to extra pressure so you can protect your strength.

Jesus also said in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Notice He did not say, “Come to me and quit.” He said He would give you rest.

Rest in God strengthens you. Quitting weakens your confidence and steals your progress.

Galatians 6:9 encourages us again, “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” It does not say you will not feel weary. It says do not give up.

Sis, you are allowed to slow down. You are allowed to take a break. You are allowed to admit that you are tired. What you are not allowed to do is convince yourself that because you are tired, you must walk away from everything God is building in your life.

Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is rest. And sometimes the bravest thing you can do is return after resting.

So, this week, instead of quitting on your goals, your growth, or your walk with God, ask Him to show you how to rest properly. Rest your body. Rest your mind. Rest your heart in His presence.

Then get back up.

Because resting is part of the journey. Quitting is not.

Prayer

Lord, teach me how to rest without giving up. Help me to recognize when I need renewal and when I am simply discouraged. Refresh my soul, restore my strength, and give me grace to continue the work You have placed in my hands. In Jesus name I ask, Amen.

With love and prayers,
Your big sister in Christ