I was a self-described poor swimmer as a child, a label I gave myself despite my parents’ unwavering support in enrolling me in swimming lessons and always with me, particularly in the water. Those early experiences in pools, lakes, and oceans were a mix of fear and determination. While I struggled with swimming, I learned important lessons about navigating deep, turbulent waters.
Burnout felt oddly familiar—like almost drowning on dry land. The waves of unmet expectations crashed around me, both from others and my relentless perfectionism. I often felt I was sinking beneath the weight of my own ambitions, striving to meet expectations in my career, faith, and relationships.
Thankfully, I have not drowned, either literally or figuratively. My dear Dad taught me to tread water and stay afloat should there be a time when I was without anyone or anything to buoy me. This essential skill transformed my relationship with bodies of water and gave me confidence that I can literally keep my head above water.
My heavenly Father also plucked me out of the “water” of burnout with this verse, which is the guiding verse of GMCC:
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16, NIV)
In our time of need, of sinking, of striving, God’s grace and mercy are there to buoy us if we take them and hold on. What do these words really mean? Webster’s defines “grace” as “God-given help or kindness” and “mercy” as “a blessing that is an act of divine favor or compassion”. They are not prizes to be won, but gifts from God to be received.
What is this confidence rooted in? Ourselves? The prior verse points to who. “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses.” (Hebrews 4:15) Jesus—who literally pulled Peter out of the water when he began to sink (Matthew 14:28-31)—empathizes with our weaknesses and offers us His grace and mercy.
This shift in perspective from achieving to receiving and from us to Jesus can change everything. It inspired me to create Grace and Mercy Change Coaching, because God’s grace and mercy changes everything, including burnout! Here I can help you navigate the deep, turbulent waters you find yourself in through God’s transformative love.
Reflection Questions:
- What areas of your life are you trying to earn God’s help and blessing?
- What could it feel like to receive God’s help and blessing?
- What is one small step you can take now to start shifting your confidence from yourself to Jesus?