From a young age, I found myself stepping into leadership roles, even when I wasn't the oldest or the most experienced. Whether it was managing family responsibilities, dealing with financial struggles, or bearing the weight of emotional pain, I often felt like I was carrying more than what seemed fair. I became used to the feeling of being the one everyone depended on, but when I needed support, it was hard to find.

Perhaps you've been there too—feeling as though you're the one who always carries the weight for others, and when it's your turn to be supported, there's no one in sight. The sense of burden can feel overwhelming, and it's easy to believe that this is just part of your lot in life. I thought the same way for a long time, thinking that leadership was about handling everything by myself, until God lovingly reminded me of a truth I needed to hear:

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

In this moment, I realised that I had misunderstood leadership. It wasn't about bearing all the weight on my own shoulders; it was about trusting God with the burdens and allowing Him to refresh and sustain me. Leadership, when viewed through the lens of God's design, becomes a calling—an opportunity to serve with His strength, not a constant struggle to keep everything together on our own.

Leading Without Burning Out

One of the greatest leaders in history, Moses, faced a similar struggle. He was leading the Israelites through the wilderness, managing their complaints, their fears, and their constant needs. In his zeal to care for everyone, Moses was doing everything by himself, which left him physically and emotionally exhausted. That's when his father-in-law, Jethro, stepped in to offer some wisdom:

"What you are doing is not good... You will only wear yourself out." — Exodus 18:17-18

Jethro recognised that Moses was trying to carry the weight of leadership alone, and that wasn't healthy or sustainable. In this crucial moment, Jethro reminded Moses that leadership isn't about doing everything yourself; it's about sharing the load and allowing others to step in. In fact, God's plan for leadership involves both relying on Him and trusting others to help carry the burden.

Even Jesus, the ultimate leader, didn't carry everything alone. He had His disciples with Him, and He often withdrew to spend time with His Father in prayer to renew His strength. Leadership, when done rightly, is not about self-sufficiency; it's about recognising that we need God and others to help us lead effectively.

How to Release the Burden

As leaders, it's easy to get caught up in the mindset that we must carry every responsibility, every task, and every weight on our own. But there's freedom in releasing that burden and trusting God with the things that are too much for us to carry. Here are three ways to help you release the burden of leadership:

1. Recognise that Leadership is a Calling, Not a Punishment

God has chosen you for a reason. Leadership can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when it seems like the weight is more than you can handle. But God doesn't place burdens on us to break us; He gives us leadership roles to grow us and shape us into the people He has called us to be. In 1 Peter 5:2-3, we are encouraged:

"Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock."

Leadership is a privilege and a responsibility, but it's not meant to break you. God equips and strengthens those He calls. Trust that He has a purpose for you in your leadership, and know that He will walk with you every step of the way. 

2. Stop Trying to Do Everything Alone

One of the biggest lessons I've had to learn is that leadership is never meant to be a solo endeavor. It's easy to get trapped in the mindset that no one can do it as well as you or that asking for help is a sign of weakness. But in truth, leadership is about collaboration, humility, and strength in numbers. Jesus Himself modeled this in His ministry, as He sent out His disciples in pairs (Luke 10:1).

Don't be afraid to delegate tasks, share responsibilities, and lean on others. Whether it's through a support system of friends, family, or colleagues, God has placed people in your life to help carry the load. You don't have to do it all on your own, and trying to do so will only lead to burnout. Trust in the community God has given you and allow them to step in.

3. Rest in God's Provision

God promises to provide all that we need, including the strength to lead. In Philippians 4:19, we're assured:

"And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." 

When we rest in God's provision, we acknowledge that we are not in control of everything. We must allow ourselves to rest and recharge, both physically and spiritually. Taking time to pray, meditate on God's Word, and rest in His presence is crucial for maintaining our energy and focus as leaders. Leadership, like life itself, is a marathon, not a sprint. Allow God to refill you so you can continue to lead effectively without running yourself dry.

Reflection: Are you carrying things that God never asked you to? Are you trying to lead without allowing others to share the load? Take a moment to surrender your burdens to God, trust in His provision, and lean on the community He's placed in your life. Leadership is not about carrying everything on your own; it's about trusting God and those He's called to walk alongside you.

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Devotional: The Burden of Leadership