The Lie Of 'Having It All'

The Lie of "Having It All"

The Sacred Shift – Week 1

Somewhere along the way, we were told we could have it all.

Be a present mom.
Build the business.
Keep the house spotless.
Love Jesus deeply.
Support everyone.
Never burn out.

And if you’re anything like me, you’ve tried.
You’ve juggled and balanced and bent yourself in ways you were never meant to bend.

But let’s be honest—"having it all" often leaves us feeling like we’re losing ourselves.

When “Having It All” Comes at a Cost

It doesn’t sound like a lie at first. It sounds empowering.

But the enemy is subtle like that—offering promises of freedom that actually lead to bondage. Telling women, “If you were just more organized… more disciplined… more productive… then you could handle it all.”

The truth?
Even Jesus stepped away from the crowds.
Even Jesus slept.
Even Jesus said “no.”

“What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?”
— Mark 8:36 (NIV)

The world tells us more is better.
Jesus tells us rest is holy.

The world applauds busy.
Jesus invites us to sit at His feet.

The Sacred Shift

There comes a moment—a sacred shift—when we realize that striving isn’t strength. That doing it all isn’t devotion. That productivity isn’t always obedience.

It’s in that moment when we loosen our grip, exhale, and ask God:

“What have I picked up that You never asked me to carry?”

Because the truth is… we were never meant to carry everything.

Anchored in Truth

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

“In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength...”— Isaiah 30:15 (NIV)

God’s not looking for us to impress Him. He’s inviting us to trust Him.

Dear woman who feels like she's falling behind:

You're not failing.

You're just exhausted.

You're not broken.

You're burdened by expectations God never placed on you.

Let this be your permission slip:

You don’t have to do it all.

You just need to do the next right thing in obedience.

And that is more than enough.

“Surrender isn't weakness—it's the doorway to strength.”

— Amber, Sacred Holy Ground

Closing Prayer

Jesus, I’m tired of trying to be everything for everyone. I lay down the lie that says I have to have it all together. Help me choose what’s holy over what looks successful. Help me trade hustle for Your peace. Show me where I’ve picked up burdens You never intended me to carry. I surrender striving. I choose rest. I choose You.

Amen.