God’s Invitation to Rest for Sisters in Leadership

Sister, for over 25 years, I have embraced leadership roles—whether in my career, church, nonprofit work, or even in marriage. My Type-A personality drove me relentlessly, propelling me toward success. I thrived on achievement, constantly moving, constantly doing. Rest? It was something I scheduled, but never truly embraced. Even spa days and vacations—were filled with strategic thinking, planning, and problem-solving. 

Then, one day, everything changed.

The Wake-Up Call  

I ended up in the ICU recovering from an unexpected triple bypass surgery. Sister,  what was supposed to be a routine procedure for shoulder pain turned into a life-altering realization. My body had been sending out warning signals—gases alerting doctors that something was deeply wrong with my heart. Yet, in my pursuit of success, I had ignored the signs. 

When I woke up days later, I was faced with a new reality: my career was on hold, my body needed time to heal, and I couldn’t dictate the pace of recovery. The heart heals on its own timeline. Stress, sleepless nights, traveling, burning the candle on both ends — none of it could continue. 

Learning to Surrender  

That season, I prayed  for a speedy recovery. After all, there was still so much I needed to do. But God had different plans.“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ”(Jeremiah 29:11)  

Sister, Rest was no longer optional—it was necessary. Yet,  I struggled. Fear gripped me. Disappointment weighed me down. I had to face the truth: my life was going to change. 

Through the discomfort, I learned a lesson I had resisted for years: My life was in God's hands, not mine. I had spent decades striving, believing that if I didn’t keep pushing forward, the world would stop turning. But I learned that surrendering to Him was the only path to true rest.  

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)  

A New Understanding of Rest  

Rest is not just physical—it is spiritual. It is trusting in God's sovereignty instead of relying on my own strength. In my season of recovery, I began to see rest as more than just a pause from activity; it became an act of faith. When I truly surrendered my plans, my goals, and anxieties to Christ, I found peace that I had never known before.

“Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

Before my surgery, I thought rest was something to be earned—a luxury for when the work was done. But I learned that true rest is found in Jesus, who invites us to lay our burdens at His feet. Rest is not about stopping—it is about abiding.

Resting in His Promise

Sister, through this journey, I discovered that the world doesn’t fall apart when I step off the merry-go-round. The things I once considered urgent suddenly seemed secondary to God’s plan for my life.

• Rest is not laziness—it is obedience. When we rest, we acknowledge that God is in control.

• Rest strengthens us for the work ahead. Just as Jesus withdrew from the crowds to pray and rest, we must step away to be renewed. (Mark 6:31)

• Rest allows us to hear His voice. In silence, I found clarity. I felt His presence. I embraced His promises.

  
  

An Invitation to True Rest

If you are a woman in leadership, you may feel the weight of the world on you. You may believe that resting is impossible—that slowing down means falling behind. But God calls us to something better. He doesn’t just suggest rest—He commands it.

• “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” (Exodus 33:14)

• Let this be a reminder that your worth is not in your work, but in who you are in Christ. He is your provider, protector, and sustainer. He sees you, knows you, and invites you into His rest. Will you accept the invitation?

Blessings, 

Glenda