Stop Trying. Start Trusting.

Have you ever felt like you were doing all the right things and still falling short? Like no matter how many devotionals you read, how often you show up at church, or how sincerely you try to follow Jesus—you’re still missing the mark?

You're not alone. Most of us, somewhere along the way, were handed a version of Christianity that quietly whispered: “Do more. Be better. Try harder.”

But here's the scandalous, freeing, too-good-to-be-true news:
Jesus didn’t come to make you better at trying. He came to be your trust.

The Exhaustion of Effort

Religion loves to hand out to-do lists.
Read more. Serve more. Pray harder.
And sure, all of those things have value—but not when they’re fueled by fear or guilt. Not when they’re driven by the belief that you’re not enough yet.

That mindset will burn you out faster than a candle in a hurricane.

But grace says something wildly different:
“It is finished.” (John 19:30)
Not partly done. Not started but needs your help. Finished. Complete. Done.

The Power of Trust

When Jesus cried out “It is finished” from the cross, He wasn’t just talking about His life ending. He was declaring that everything required to make you right with God was now complete. The striving was over. The distance was closed. The work was done.

Now, your job?
Believe it.
Not perform.
Not hustle.
Not pretend.
Just trust.

Living From What’s Already Yours

Grace doesn’t give you a ladder to climb.
It gives you a seat at the table.

You’re not working for righteousness—you’re working from it.
You’re not praying to get closer—you’re already seated with Christ in heavenly places.
You’re not trying to become more forgiven—you already are.

Jesus didn’t just die for you—He died as you.
So stop trying to prove something He’s already declared true.

What Happens When You Stop Trying?

You’ll breathe again.
You’ll love people without needing them to validate you.
You’ll worship without wondering if God is disappointed.
You’ll finally rest—not because life gets easier, but because your soul does.

Grace in Action:

Reflection Prompt:
Where in your life are you still trying to earn what Jesus already gave?

Practical Step:
Every time you feel pressure to perform for God this week, whisper this truth to yourself:
“It is finished. I already have everything I need in Jesus.”

Prayer:

Jesus, I’ve spent too much energy trying to be enough when You already made me whole. Teach me to trust Your finished work more than my efforts. Help me rest in grace, walk in freedom, and live from Your love. Amen.