Have you ever found yourself feeling overwhelmed by helping people? You want to make a difference, but the needs never stop. You’re tired, maybe even grieving, and still—people are showing up needing something from you. If that’s where you are, you’re not alone. Ministry—which is just the Greek word for “serving”—is often where success and suffering meet.

Jesus felt it, too.

In Matthew 14:5–13, we find Jesus grieving the brutal, senseless death of John the Baptist—his cousin, ministry partner, and friend. And yet, in the middle of that grief, the crowds kept coming. Scripture says, “Jesus left in a boat to be alone,”but when the people found out where He was, they followed Him. And He didn’t send them away. He welcomed them (Luke 9:11).

Ministry Feels Heavy Sometimes

Ministry will stretch you emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Jesus’ own disciples returned from their preaching tour excited, celebrating wins, while Jesus was carrying deep personal loss (Luke 9:10–11). It’s a tension we all face: moments of joy and celebration colliding with pain, pressure, and loss. But this is also where Jesus does His most powerful work.

Miracles Happen When We Keep Serving

In Luke 9:13, the disciples saw the massive need and told Jesus, “Send the crowd away.” But Jesus responded, “You give them something to eat.” They felt the pressure. They were tired. And they were completely aware they didn’t have enough to offer. Sound familiar?

Yet in their hands, a miracle happened.

Jesus blessed what little they had—five loaves and two fish—and it became more than enough. Over 5,000 were fed, and the leftovers filled twelve baskets—one for each disciple (Luke 9:16–17). Serving didn’t drain them. It filled them. Not first, but afterward.

If you’ve ever felt like doing something for Jesus is an ask for more than you have to give, remember this: God doesn’t need your abundance—He just asks for your obedience. Your “not enough” becomes “more than enough” in His hands.

Stay in It—There’s Joy on the Other Side

This is the joy of serving others. You might feel unseen, tired, or like you're pouring out with nothing left—but ministry is where God multiplies. It’s where He meets need with grace. And yes, it's where miracles still happen.

So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by helping people—don’t quit. Stay faithful. Stay available. You are not alone, and you are not empty. God is with you in the grief, in the grind, and in the giving. The bread will multiply. The baskets will come. The miracle might just happen in your hands.

Looking to step into ministry or find your place to serve?

Joining a team isn’t about filling a role—it’s about stepping into purpose. Because where there is ministry, there are miracles… and one of them might be yours. Check out The Courageous Life to connect to church community.