Encouragement for the Weary: Standing Strong in Spiritual Warfare

Let me start with a little honesty—this post is for the weary.

If you’ve been feeling the heat of the spiritual battle lately—if discouragement has come knocking or the weight feels heavier than usual—you’re not alone. I’m right there with you.

It’s Monday, and I’m supposed to be pouring encouragement from a full cup—but this week, my cup has felt a little cracked. Not empty, but definitely leaking. You ever feel that way?

Lately, my mind has been full of logistics, checklists, and deadlines. I’m launching something completely separate from Makin’ Macon—a small cottage bakery that’s been on my heart for a while. I haven’t said much publicly about it because, truthfully, I wanted to build it quietly and faithfully behind the scenes. But now that we’re almost ready to launch, the mental load is intense. I’m juggling new recipes, labeling, packaging, and all the other tasks that come with a new venture. And yet, that’s not the biggest battle right now.

This week, my heart has been heavy. Spiritually heavy.

My husband and I—we’re one, and we’re in the middle of coming out of a long, hard spiritual battle. One that has tested our resolve, pushed our faith, and pressed us on every side. And now, as I sense revival on the cusp—as I feel the Holy Ghost stirring and moving and opening doors—I know with every fiber of my being: the enemy is fighting us hard.

Because the last thing the devil wants is to spend eternity alone.

So if that means fighting the very saints who are doing their best to reach a world full of hurting people—then he’s going to push. And push hard.

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”
1 Peter 5:8 (KJV)

But I’m not going to be devoured. And I’m definitely not going down without a fight.

Encouragement in the Middle of the Mess

Yesterday, my husband was preaching from 1 Peter, and I’ll be honest—I was listening with one ear while the other half of my brain was counting bakery supplies. (Don’t judge me, y’all—we’ve all been there.)

Then the text hit me.

“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”
1 Peter 5:7 (KJV)

Yes, Lord. I remember this one. I’ve written about this one.
(If you haven’t read it, here’s the post: Feeling Overwhelmed? How to Give it All to God)

But this time, my spirit leaned in for what came next.

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”
1 Peter 5:8 (KJV)

“Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.”
1 Peter 5:9

“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.”
1 Peter 5:10

The NIV says in verse 10 that God will restore, and according to Strong’s Concordance, that word means “to complete thoroughly,” or to repair or adjust.

He will secure you—to set fast, to turn resolutely in a certain direction, or to confirm.

He will strengthen you—to confirm and reinforce.

And He will establish you—to lay a basis for, to erect, or consolidate.

That isn’t just comfort—that’s a promise of real, anchored hope.

Called to the Highways: A Weary Heart on Mission

I don’t know who all this post is for, but I know part of it is for the weary saints in ministry. The ones who are trying to reach the lost while holding their own hearts together. The ones who know revival is on the brink but are feeling the heat of the battle more than the warmth of breakthrough.

Lately, I have felt the pull to the mission field in a way I cannot describe. Not necessarily to go overseas, but to go out. To go out into the highways and byways and compel them to come in (Luke 14:23). That verse has never felt more urgent. I want to make an impact. I want to reach that one who thinks no one sees them. I want to walk into dark places with the love of Christ and show someone that they matter.

We talked recently in our Ladies Bible Study about Love God’s Way by Joy Haney, and something that has stuck with me is this:

We only have so much love to give in our own strength. But when Christ fills us with His love, it’s overflowing. So much so that it should pour out of us and fill up the people around us.

I want to love like that. I want to be so filled with His Spirit that others leave a conversation with me and feel lighter—not because of anything I said, but because they encountered Him.

That kind of love leaves no room for discouragement to linger long.

Marching Orders for the Weary

I know you’re busy. I know your mind might be spinning like mine—especially if you’re carrying both spiritual burdens and natural responsibilities. But let this be your reminder:

Take a breath.
Say a prayer.
Resist the enemy.
And remember the God who restores.

He is working even when the war is still raging. He is faithful even when the answers haven’t come yet. And He is building something in you—a testimony, a ministry, a legacy—that the enemy cannot destroy.

Dear Weary One, You’re Not Alone

If you’re in a heavy week like me, let this post be a reminder that you don’t walk this path alone. There are saints all around the world—maybe even across the street—carrying the same burdens, feeling the same pressure, and clinging to the same promises.

“After that ye have suffered a while…”
Just a little while, friend.

Hold tight. Restoration is coming.

Need a boost to your week?
→ Revisit this devotional post that sparked today’s encouragement.
→ Download your free 5-Day Devotional for Women Who Do It All if you haven’t yet.
→ Or sign up for the Stay Rooted email list where I share weekly encouragement like this one—plus the behind-the-scenes of all God is doing.

Let’s walk this out together. 💛

Remember, I’m always praying for you, even if I don’t know who you are!

P.S. Want a peaceful reset in the middle of the week? Grab my New Year Peace Recipe Cards for a calming diffuser blend, roll-on, or bath soak. You’ll be amazed what a few deep breaths can do.