a thousand little cuts
Staying Connected to the Vine
When we begin ministry, our hearts burn with passion to serve God and impact lives for His glory. Yet, over time, ministry can bring what some call “a thousand little cuts” — not the dramatic crises, but the small, unseen wounds that slowly drain our joy and strength.
These “cuts” come from carrying others’ burdens, enduring criticism, facing isolation, or feeling pressured to perform rather than abide. Each one, left unchecked, can quietly pull us away from the true source of life — Jesus, the Vine (John 15).
Individually, these moments seem small. But together, they can lead to exhaustion, numbness, and even questioning our calling. The remedy is not to work harder but to stay connected to Christ, who alone restores our joy, renews our purpose, and enables lasting fruitfulness.
Renewal starts with being connected to the Vine — Jesus Christ — who restores our hearts and makes our ministry fruitful.
As Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches… apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5
Keep Lookin’ Up!
Johnny Mac
Click here to read the full article to learn how to recognize and heal from these 'little cuts."
