Last Sunday, after service, my churchmate reached out to me with an invitation. He had organized an event in their company, a bank, and he needed guests to help fill the room. By that time, only half of the seats were confirmed, so he asked if we could come.
I saw it as an opportunity—not just to support him, but to spend time with my small group and my two disciples. We all went together, and during the trip to the hotel where the event was held, we had the sweetest conversations. We talked about our struggles, careers, families, stories, and dreams. Yet, what made me most grateful was how every discussion, no matter the topic, pointed back to God. It was a lovely reminder of how fellowship becomes richer when Christ is at the center.
A New Heart and a New Perspective
The event itself was about financial investments—cash, bonds, equities, and other opportunities. For a moment, I felt like I was stepping into a different world again. After all, I had left the corporate space some time ago and, for the past two months of my sabbatical, I had been immersed in Scripture rather than technical or financial matters. Still, I was grateful for the chance to learn and to support my friend.
But as I sat there, something deeper stirred within me. While listening to the seminar, I realized how much God has changed my heart. Years ago, if I had attended such an event, my mindset would have been different—striving to gain more, to climb higher, to secure my success.
But now, instead of striving, my heart was resting. I found myself thanking God—not just for the opportunity to be there, but for every loss, every heartbreak, every victory, and every provision that had shaped me into who I am today.
“The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”
— Job 1:21 (ESV)
I saw more clearly than ever that true fullness isn’t found in wealth, success, or even carefully laid plans. It is only found in Him.
When Striving Defined My Life
To be honest, I wasn’t always this way. For a long time, my life was marked by striving. I chased achievements, milestones, and material rewards, thinking they would bring joy and stability. And while there’s nothing wrong with working hard or setting goals, my heart back then was restless.
One clear memory was when I bought my first car in the early years of my career. I had worked hard, saved diligently, and finally made that purchase during the pandemic, thinking it would give me security. But just three months later, Typhoon Ulysses flooded it. I felt devastated.
Through the help of churchmates and God’s provisions, the car was eventually restored. But even after that, year after year, it gave me more stress—repairs, broken parts, endless costs. Then 3 years later, the truth was revealed: the car I had bought with cash had fake documents. Legally, the bank owned it, and I had to surrender it.
It would have been easy to feel angry or bitter. My parents encouraged me to file a case, but deep in my heart, I knew I had already surrendered it to the Lord. Strangely enough, on the very same day I let go of that car, I received a call offering me a job interview in Manila. By God’s grace, I was hired, given a higher position, and even received a bonus nearly equal to the value of the car I had lost.
In that moment, I knew: God gives and God takes away. And when He takes something, it’s not because He’s cruel—it’s because He’s preparing something better.
Stop Striving, Start Living
As I reflected during that financial seminar, I realized God has been patiently teaching me a better way: to stop striving and start living.
- Striving is about self-effort, control, and endless pursuit of “more.”
- Living, in God’s definition, is about resting in Him, trusting His timing, and walking in the fullness He provides.
Here are three key lessons I’ve learned on this journey:
1. True Contentment Is Found in God Alone
When I was younger, I thought joy was tied to milestones—graduations, promotions, purchases, and achievements. But each time I reached one, the satisfaction was fleeting. There was always another goal, another thing to chase.
The Bible reminds us:
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.”
— 1 Timothy 6:6–7 (NIV)
Contentment doesn’t mean apathy or “lack of ambition”. It means knowing that no matter what we have—or don’t have—we already possess the greatest treasure: God Himself.
Looking back, even when my car was taken, even when my plans collapsed, God never left. In fact, He used those moments to show me that His presence is enough. Contentment comes not from circumstances, but from Christ dwelling within us.
Practical encouragement: Ask yourself, “What am I chasing right now that I believe will finally make me happy?” Bring that desire to God in prayer, and let Him remind you that your worth and joy are secure in Him.
2. God’s Provision Is Always Enough
When I lost my car, God provided a job. When I surrendered striving, God gave peace. When I felt weak, He strengthened me through community. Over and over again, His provision showed up—not always the way I expected, but always exactly what I needed.
Jesus Himself promised:
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
— Matthew 6:33 (ESV)
Provision is not always about material supply. Sometimes it’s wisdom, relationships, strength, or opportunities. The key is that God’s provision is not random—it is purposeful, designed to shape us and draw us closer to Him.
At that seminar, I realized that even if I never gained another financial investment, I was already rich in Christ. And if He entrusts me with more, it will only be so I can pour it out in service to others.
Practical encouragement: The next time you feel worried about not having enough, pause and recall the ways God has already provided for you in the past. Gratitude turns fear into trust.
3. Surrender Leads to Freedom
The turning point in my journey wasn’t when I worked harder, but when I surrendered. When I let go of the car. When I released the urge to chase after the scammer. When I stopped demanding my way. That’s when peace came in.
Jesus invites us with these words:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
— Matthew 11:28 (NIV)
Striving is exhausting because it’s rooted in self-effort. Surrender may feel scary at first, but it opens the door to freedom. When we trust God fully, we don’t have to carry the weight of outcomes. He holds them.
In surrender, I’ve discovered a new kind of living—not passive, but free.
- Free to love,
- free to serve,
- free to live without the pressure of proving myself.
Practical encouragement: If you’re holding on tightly to something right now—whether it’s a dream, a possession, or a relationship—consider praying: “Lord, I surrender this to You. Do with it as You will. I trust that Your way is better.”
A Life of Living, Not Striving
That day at the seminar, surrounded by talks of investments and financial futures, I realized I was already holding the greatest investment of all—my life hidden in Christ. Everything else is secondary.
Yes, we can plan, learn, and steward our resources wisely. But our worth is not defined by them. True living begins when we stop striving to prove ourselves and start resting in the God who has already called us His own.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
— John 10:10 (ESV)
Friend, maybe you’ve been striving—chasing achievements, security, or recognition. I know how tiring that can be. But today, I want to remind you, Jesus offers something better. He offers:
- rest,
- contentment,
- and fullness in Him.
Take a breath. Let go of the weight. And step into the freedom of living in His grace.
Faithfully,
Yani 💛
Let’s Keep Growing Together
If this reflection encouraged you, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Share your own experiences in the comments, or let me know how God has been teaching you to stop striving and start living.
And if you’d like to journey together in more reflections on faith, rest, and life with God, I encourage you to
- subscribe to my blog,
- like this post,
- and share it with a friend.
Let’s keep reminding each other that life with Christ is not about striving—it’s about living in His fullness. 💛
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