When Faith Feels Like a Performance: Shifting from Outcomes to Presence

-

I had to ask myself a hard question recently: Is my faith actually in God, or is it in my own ability to "do the right things"?

It’s an easy trap to fall into. We slip into a mindset where we think that if we obey the scriptures  (not even perfectly), follow the right rhythms, and check off enough "good deeds," we will get that prayer request. We start treating our obedience like a down payment for a life of answered prayers and ease.

But here is the hard truth I’ve been sitting with: If my peace is dependent on getting my "desired outcome," then my faith isn't really in God—it’s in my own performance.

Obedience Without the "Contract"

Now, please hear me: realizing your faith has been performance-based doesn't mean you stop obeying the Lord or throw out your disciplines. Obedience is still the goal, but the motive has to change. It’s not about stopping the "good works"; it’s about shifting your focus from your own blueprint for your life to the Lord’s heart for you.

When we align our will with His, our "desired outcome" stops being a specific set of circumstances and starts being more of Him. As the Psalmist says:

"Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart." — Psalm 37:4

When we truly delight in Him first, He reshapes our desires to match His own, and suddenly, the "outcome" we are chasing is no longer a perfect life, but a perfect peace in His presence.

When God Gives Trials, Rather Than Desired Outcomes

Sometimes, God allows trials and undesired outcomes not because you did something wrong, but because He knows you are the one who will bring Him glory through it. He knows He can trust you with the hard thing.

The blind man in the Gospel of John is a powerful reminder of this:

"And his disciples asked Him, saying, 'Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?' Jesus answered, 'Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him.'" — John 9:2-3

The trial wasn't a mistake; it was a platform for His power. God doesn’t always give us the result we want; He gives us the Presence we need.

The Commitment to Praise

Can we praise Him even when the vine feels heavy and the outcome looks different than we planned? True faith says, "Lord, I trust Your heart even when I don't understand Your hand."

It means clinging to the promise in 2 Corinthians 12:9: "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." ---

I hope God's word encourages you as it does me: Psalms 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble."

Finding Order in the Middle of the Trial

In the middle of a trial, I find peace by focusing on the small acts of stewardship He has placed right in front of me. When the big picture feels chaotic, I look at the small things I can manage.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by a season that didn't go as planned, I’ve put together a resource to help. My FREE Kitchen Reset Bundle is a small way to help you find order in the physical so your heart can focus on the eternal.

[Download the Kitchen Reset Bundle Here]

Let’s Connect

Are you in a season where you’re having to trust God with an outcome you didn't choose? You don't have to carry that weight alone.

Let’s pray for each other in the comments below.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

When a Voice Is Silenced: Mourning, Faith, and Eternal Hope

-
Image
This morning (HST), I received the heartbreaking news that Charlie Kirk had been shot. Tragically, I was sent footage of the shooting. I do not recommend looking it up—I was not prepared for what I saw, and the video was deeply disturbing. Immediately, I began to pray with my children. I was glued to my phone, waiting for updated information, until I saw the devastating news that Charlie Kirk had died. Filled with grief and a flood of thoughts, I want to share a few things with you.
Read here»

From Selfish to Selfless: A Journey into Motherhood with God’s Grace

-
Image
Becoming a mother is one of the most sacred transformations a woman can experience. From the very beginning, when that tiny heartbeat becomes part of your own, something shifts deep within. Suddenly, life is no longer just about you—your plans, your preferences, your comfort. It becomes about someone else entirely. Someone God has entrusted to your care. I won’t pretend the change is always easy. There are sleepless nights, tired mornings, and days when you feel like you’ve lost parts of yourself. But here’s the beautiful truth: in that losing, you begin to find something even greater. You find purpose. You find grace. You find strength you didn’t know you had. Motherhood has a way of tenderly stretching your heart, teaching you to serve without expecting anything in return. It transforms selfishness into selflessness—not through guilt or duty, but through love. A love that mirrors Christ’s love for us: patient, forgiving, unwavering. If you’re not a mother yet, know this—your life i...
Read here»

The Grace to Grow: Encouragement for New Moms

-
Image
When I became a mother for the first time, I named my daughter Grace —not fully realizing how fitting that name would become for the journey ahead. Grace was such a gift. She made me a mom, changed my heart, and filled our home with joy. But what I didn’t expect was how much grace I would need to give myself in the process of becoming the mother God was shaping me to be. As a mom of four now, I look back and see how much pressure I put on myself—especially in those early days. We live in a world flooded with information: expert advice, parenting books, influencers, reels, podcasts. And while many of these voices are helpful, they often contradict each other, leaving us wondering: Who do I trust? Am I doing this right? Here’s what I’ve learned: start with prayer. Before diving into another blog post or video, talk to the One who created you—and your child. God is not only the author of life, but the sustainer of your motherhood. He’s ready to give wisdom when you ask. Talk with your...
Read here»