😣 When You're Feeling Behind in Life Spiritually

Have you ever had that moment where you pause—just for a breath—and suddenly all the thoughts you were pushing aside rush in at once?

💭 Am I behind?

💭 Am I doing enough?

💭 Shouldn’t I be further by now?

💭 Is any of this actually moving forward—or am I just spinning?

If you’re a high-achieving, purpose-driven woman with a tender heart, like me 🙋🏼‍♀️, you know that internal pressure better than most.

You care deeply. You give deeply. You dream deeply. And because of that, you also feel deeply—especially when you’re stretched thin.

And here’s something you may not have heard before:

“I should be further” isn’t a hard truth.

It’s often an old survival response to stress.

It’s your nervous system saying:

“If I don’t outrun failure, I won’t be safe.”

That pressure you feel is often your body remembering old seasons where you had to be strong, responsible, self-sufficient, or “on” for everyone else. And now, when life feels big, your nervous system defaults to old messages:

💭 Hurry.

💭 Catch up.

💭 Do more.

💭 Fix everything.

But God speaks differently.

🌱 A Story for Your Heart: Elijah in the Cave

One of my favorite relatable moments in Scripture is Elijah—strong, powerful, prophetic Elijah—hiding in a cave absolutely spent. 😅

Elijah was burned out, overwhelmed, feeling alone, and crushed under the weight of expectations.

He literally prayed, “I have had enough, Lord.” (1 Kings 19:4)

Boy... does that feel familiar. 😜

And what I absolutely love is God's response.

He didn’t scold him. He didn’t say “try harder” or “you should be further.”

Instead…

God sent rest, nourishment, gentleness, and then clarity.

When God spoke, it wasn’t through the earthquake, fire, or wind. It was in the gentle whisper.

A whisper that communicated, “I am with you. You’re not failing. You’re not alone. And I’m not finished with you yet.”

And after that whisper? God gave Elijah a fresh mission and fresh support. He didn’t push Elijah harder — He strengthened him for the journey ahead.

🌿 Perspective for Your Heart

That same whisper still meets women like you:

🌿 women who feel the weight of purpose

🌿 women who carry responsibility for everyone

🌿 women who love deeply and pour themselves out

🌿 women who feel overwhelmed — not because they’re weak, but because they’re growing

And here’s the part most of us miss:

That “I should be further by now” fear? It’s usually what creates the feeling of being spiritually behind — not the truth of what God sees in you.

Because the overwhelm you feel isn’t evidence of inadequacy.

It's evidence of expansion, calling, and capacity growing.

You’re not “behind.” You’re becoming.

You’re not “failing.” You’re stretching.

You’re not “too much.” You’re carrying and cultivating something sacred.

Your nervous system just needs to learn a new rhythm — one that agrees with God’s peace instead of panic-pressure.

God’s gentle voice still comes close in the cave moments, speaking with gentleness and presence, not pressure or criticism.

Even Elijah had to step toward the entrance of the cave so he could hear God’s whisper more clearly. And maybe… it’s time for you to take one small step closer too.

🌿 Reflection Questions for Your Heart

If you want to explore the “why” behind the pressure you feel—and create some room for God’s peace—read these slowly. Notice what rises, and let compassion stay close:

1. Where did I learn that I must carry everything alone to be valuable—and does God agree with that story?

2. What if “being behind” is just my body’s fear talking? What would God say if I asked Him where I truly stand?

3. Where has God shown me that growth is slow, sometimes hidden, and faithful—and how might that be true for me right now?

4. If I were mentoring a woman exactly like me, how would I speak to her? Am I willing to offer myself the same tone?

5. Is the pressure I feel coming from God’s invitation—or from the fear of disappointing someone?

6. What is my real assignment in this season—and what is simply noise, comparison, or urgency addiction?

7. If I focused on just three things this month that would actually make a difference, what would they be?

8. Where do I need more space for rest, joy, connection, or breathing room so I can hear God more clearly?

9. What rhythms would help my nervous system feel supported instead of stressed?

10. What would I dare to believe if I fully trusted that God is building my future with me, not grading me?

11. What if progress isn’t speed but alignment? How would that shift my expectations today?

Let these soften something in you. Let them interrupt the pressure. And let them invite you back to the gentle voice who loves guiding you, not pushing you.

🌱 A New Way to Relate to Pressure

Pressure doesn’t have to feel like:

❌ anxiety

❌ rushing

❌ spinning

❌ overwhelm

❌ “I’m behind” energy

With God, pressure can turn into:

✨ excitement

✨ passion

✨ clarity

✨ purpose

✨ strength

✨ focus

✨ readiness

This isn’t “doing more.” It’s learning how to feel safe with what God is growing in you, and discovering how to move at a new pace where peace leads.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts..." — Colossians 3:15

You are not meant to outrun your calling—you’re meant to walk with it. And soon... soar in it. 🦸🏻‍♀️

🌱 And If You’re Feeling Stretched…

Sometimes overwhelm is really an invitation to grow with support instead of striving alone... like Elijah.

If you’ve been sensing the need for spiritual clarity, emotional peace, confidence in hearing God, and a clearer sense of direction…

The Revival Life Signature Course was built for women exactly like you.

• who feel the weight of purpose and want to learn how to walk with God without collapsing under it

• who want alignment instead of anxiety, clarity instead of confusion, and peace instead of pressure

• who know they’re being expanded... and want guidance for the next step.

You’re not feeling behind in life spiritually because you’re failing—you’re being formed. Let God show you the difference.

And remember:

The overwhelm you feel is not evidence of inadequacy.

It’s evidence of expansion, calling, and capacity growing.

I’m right here with you, cheering for the next faithful step.

With you and for you!

Kelsi