Light for the JourneySample

From Stale Bread to Steady Purpose

Lately, I’ve been wrestling with this nagging thought: “Am I doing enough for the Lord?” Honestly, I’ve been feeling a bit…stale. Like a piece of bread that somehow missed its expiration date. Potential was practically shouting, “Do something!” Meanwhile, Clarity was sitting in the corner like, “Sis, not yet.”

The itch to uplift the broken, help the hopeless, and lead people to Christ was biting me harder than a mosquito in summer. I couldn’t shake it. So, overwhelmed and slightly dramatic, I called one of my pastors for help.

I poured my heart out, explaining how I felt stuck and unsure of what to do next. Pastor Sara let me vent, then hit me with some wisdom that slapped harder than I expected:

“Shyann, standing in position isn’t the same as doing nothing. Sometimes, staying on the wall is exactly what God has called you to do.”

Cue my jaw-dropping.

Her words hit me like that a-ha moment when you realize you’ve been overthinking for no reason. I immediately remembered something the Lord told me almost two years ago when I was obsessively asking, “What’s my purpose, God?” (Let’s be honest, we’ve all had those moments where we act like God will text us a detailed to-do list.)

He said, “Your purpose is to stand in the gap for My people, staying on the wall, covering them in prayer.” Translation: Your job isn’t to create fireworks; it’s to hold steady and keep the lights on.

And guess what? I had forgotten that! I’d let society’s obsession with busyness trick me into thinking I wasn't doing enough if I wasn’t running at 100 mph. But God doesn’t measure impact by our speed. He measures it by our obedience.

Here’s the truth: activity doesn’t equal progress. You can run laps around your calling and still be out of position. You don’t have to hold a microphone or stand behind a pulpit to be impactful. Sometimes, your most powerful work is done in the quiet, praying, interceding, and standing in faith when no one else sees.

Romans 12:6-8 (NIV) lays it out perfectly:

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”

I’ve learned that we’re not all called to the same lane. Some of us are on the wall, some in the field, and some holding the map. But every role is essential.

So, let me remind you (and myself): Stay in position. Don’t bolt ahead of God’s timing just because you feel restless. Consult Him. Let him confirm your steps. And most importantly, trust that even when you feel as stale as week-old bread, God still uses you in ways you can’t imagine.

Because in His kingdom, purpose isn’t about hustle but obedience.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for reminding me that obedience matters more than activity. Please help me rest in your assigned role, even when it feels quiet or hidden. Teach me to value your timing over my ambition and to recognize that standing in the gap is holy work. Strengthen my spirit when I grow restless, anchor me in the truth that You see, and honor my faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Reflection

1. In what ways have you been measuring your purpose by productivity instead of obedience?

2. Where is God calling you to “stay on the wall” this season, even if it doesn’t feel glamorous or seen?