Rest Without Quitting - Enduring Until The End

I first realized I had to learn how to rest — not quit — during my pregnancy in 2019.

At that time, I was lined up for a promotion I’d worked hard for. I was the top candidate, and I just knew this was going to be the moment that changed everything for me and my little one. Then, out of nowhere, someone called in a favor and transferred into the role. Just like that, it was gone.

I was devastated. I felt like my opportunity to provide was snatched from me.

Two weeks later, I was sitting in a doctor’s office because I couldn’t keep any food down. During the ultrasound, I watched the color drain from the tech’s face. An hour later, I was being prepped for an emergency D&C due to a partial molar pregnancy. I was borderline septic.

Two months after that, I was diagnosed with stage three cancer. The hospital had overlooked malignant cells, and they had metastasized to my lungs. I was 27 years old — young, scared, and suddenly face to face with my own mortality.

It felt like everything in my life was out of control. I was exhausted. But even in that chaos, God had already gone before me. The top oncologist for my condition just so happened to be located in my city. I was able to go through chemotherapy surrounded by my chosen family — my church community — people who prayed me through every step.

That was the season where I truly learned the importance of rest. Not because I wanted to, but because I had to. My body was waging war against itself, and for once, I couldn’t just “push through.”

If you know me, you know I’m a workaholic. I used to find my value in how much I could accomplish. But during those days, I couldn’t accomplish much of anything. And somehow, God still called me valuable.

What felt like devastation — losing that promotion — turned out to be divine redirection. In that forced pause, I found peace. I learned skills. I poured back into myself. And most importantly, God clarified the vision He gave me for my life.

In that rest, He showed me that my purpose existed outside of accomplishments. I was able to pour into people and be poured into in ways that made me come alive, even when I felt like I was dying inside. The call upon my life was confirmed in that quiet place.

When everything felt out of my hands, I finally came to know the One whose hands it was in.

What I’ve Learned Since Then

Back then, my typical response to adversity was to identify more with my circumstances than who I was called to be. I’d scramble to get things back under control. I’d force things to happen. I’d try to fix everything myself instead of seeking God first and trusting Him to order my steps.

But when it comes to real life — life or death — you realize quickly there’s not much you can do in your own strength. I had to trust the promises of the Lord. If He said I’d be healed, then I had to believe that.

And I learned that stillness does not equate to stagnation. Resting doesn’t mean I’m lazy. True rest can only be found in Him.

God literally modeled it for us. In Genesis, after He created everything, He rested. Not because He needed to, but to show us what it looks like to pause. Even Jesus withdrew from the crowds to rest, to pray, to be restored by the Father.

We can’t pour from an empty cup — and honestly, we were never meant to.

What Rest Looks Like for Me Now

In business, I’ve learned to stop overexerting myself. I have boundaries. I have working hours — and I actually stick to them. I don’t work on weekends anymore.

In my personal life, I take the first hour or two of the morning for myself before anything else. I read scripture. I journal. I pray over my day. I prepare my spirit before I prepare my to-do list.

And in motherhood, I’ve become more sensitive to my limitations. Now if I push too hard, it doesn’t just affect me — it affects my son.

I don’t want him to grow up thinking that “hustle until you burn out” is normal. I want him to know a life directed by God — one that prioritizes rest, peace, and purpose. Our strength alone will never be enough to carry out the call God has placed on our lives.

We must come to Him when we are weary, because He’s the One who gives true rest.

For the One Who’s Tired

Taking a breath doesn’t make you weak.

Taking a moment to pause, to recalibrate, to take inventory of where you are and what you need — that takes strength and maturity. Sometimes, it’s easier to just keep going than it is to sit still.

Stillness can feel uncomfortable when you’re used to movement. But remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint.

Hebrews 12:1–2 says:

“Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.”

Endurance isn’t built in the rush. It’s built in the pacing.

Even Ecclesiastes reminds us that “the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong.”

Marathon runners pace themselves. They save their strength for the stretch that matters most.

If we don’t learn to rest early on, we’ll grow weary when it counts the most. Pray about how you’re spending your time and energy.

Don’t give up. Don’t lose sight of what God showed you.
Rest when you need to — but keep going.

Because your story isn’t over.
And the promise still stands.