Following Jesus

Following Jesus When It's Hard

Following Jesus is not always easy, and he never pretended it would be. There are seasons of doubt, weariness, suffering, and repeated failure. But here is the good news for the hard days: Jesus does not meet the struggling follower with condemnation. He offers rest to the weary, keeps hold of his own sheep, and is nearer in the valley than anywhere else. When it is hard, you are not failing at following; you are simply following through the hard part, and he is with you in it.

What Jesus said

When you are tired, Jesus does not add weight; he offers rest. And notice: he says his sheep follow, and that he knows them. On the days you can barely hold on, his hold on you does not loosen.

What this looks like

On hard days, following can be as small as one honest prayer: “help.” It can look like coming to him tired instead of waiting until you feel strong. Like leaning on other believers when your own faith is thin. Like reading a few of his words even when they do not immediately lift the weight. Like letting yourself grieve, and doubt, and still take the next step.

Do not read your struggle as rejection. Weariness is not unbelief, and failure is not the end of following. Jesus was gentle with strugglers and hard only on pride that refused to admit need. If you are weary and heavy laden, you are exactly the person he invited. Come, and rest, and keep walking.

Frequently asked questions

What do I do when following Jesus feels too hard?

Come to him tired. Jesus said, 'Take my yoke upon you... and ye shall find rest unto your souls' (Matthew 11:29-30). He offers rest, not condemnation, and often the next step is simply one honest prayer for help.

Does doubt or failure mean I'm not really following Jesus?

No. Weariness is not unbelief and failure is not the end of following. Jesus was gentle with strugglers. His sheep follow imperfectly, and he says he knows them and holds them (John 10:27-28).

Where is God when following him is painful?

Nearer than you may feel. Jesus is 'meek and lowly in heart' and draws close to the weary and broken. The valley is often where his presence is most real, even when the feelings lag behind.