There is a song called “Surface Pressure” from the movie Encanto. In the scene where the song is introduced, Luisa, the middle sister who is gifted with incredible strength, reveals just how much pressure she feels as a part of, not just the family, but the community as well. So many people rely on her and she carries a lot, both physically and, come to find out, emotionally. I think many of us can find ourselves in a similar situation, minus the carrying of extremely heavy loads like this fictional character does. But we, and I speak about myself in this, try to carry so much when a lot of it, we thrust upon ourselves.
I’ll be honest, there isn’t one area of my life where I can’t easily feel bogged down and drained from constant demands and expectations. Whether at home, teaching, running a business, trying make ends meet, don’t get me wrong, I am a very blessed man with a lot of blessings in my life, especially my wife and kids. Bur it all can get very heavy very quickly. Because of this, it is imperative that I know that I don’t have to carry this alone. I would be crushed, like so many are, if I tried to do all of this alone.
“Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.”
Psalm 55:22 ESV
We live in a world that constantly reminds us of our limits. Limited time. Limited energy. Limited patience. Limited strength. Some days we feel capable and confident; other days we feel exhausted, overwhelmed, and unsure how to take the next step.
Yet Scripture points us to a different source of strength—one that does not run dry. True strength is not found in self-reliance or sheer determination. It flows from a living relationship with Jesus Christ. When we walk closely with Him, we discover that our strength is no longer dependent on circumstances or personal ability, but on His unchanging power.
Jesus invites us into a relationship, not a formula. He says:
Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine.”
John 15:4
When we remain in Him, His life flows through us. Our weakness becomes the place where His strength is revealed.
The apostle Paul understood this paradox well. After pleading with God to remove a persistent hardship, he heard the Lord respond:
My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.
2 Corinthians 12:9
God does not wait for us to be strong before He works. He meets us in our weakness. When we acknowledge our need for Him, we make room for His power to move in ways we could never achieve on our own.
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”
1 Peter 5:6-7 ESV
Limitless strength through Jesus does not mean a life free from struggle. It means we are never alone in the struggle. His strength sustains us in parenting, ministry, work, relationships, and seasons of loss or uncertainty.
“All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit. Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”
Proverbs 16:2-3 ESV
A relationship with Jesus is nurtured through daily connection—prayer, Scripture, worship, and obedience. As we spend time with Him, our perspective shifts. Fear gives way to faith. Anxiety gives way to peace. Weariness gives way to endurance.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13
This is not a promise of unlimited success, but of unlimited strength to face whatever comes with Christ at the center.
When we stop striving to manufacture our own strength and instead lean into our relationship with Jesus, we discover a freedom that transforms how we live. His strength is steady. His grace is sufficient. His presence is constant.
No matter how depleted you feel today, the invitation remains open: come to Jesus, and let His strength become yours.
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28
In Him, our strength is never truly limited—because it comes from an infinite and limitless source.
Peace in Christ brothers and sisters.
For Common Ground 