“Lord, I’m trying to be a five-talent person in a two-talent body. I can’t do it anymore.” In her book Speak Up with Confidence, Carol Kent shared this prayer she cried out when she felt overwhelmed by all there was to do.
“For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey.”
Matthew 25:14-15 (NKJV)
I’ve faced more than my share of overwhelming moments when I thought, I can’t do it anymore. Her prayer caused me to consider the talents God distributes as it relates to capacity.
As I read Carol’s bio—author of over 20 books, international speaker, the founder and director of the Speak Up Conference, wife, mom, and more—I would have said that’s a five-talent woman.
“… each according to his own ability …”
Do I have a two-talent body? Maybe. I can get overwhelmed by all the things. But I also have a five-talent burden.
So how does Carol do all that she does when she sees herself as someone with a smaller capacity? She shares in her book that she’s learned to live by the words of Dr. Alan Redpath, “Say yes to the burden that God puts on your heart and say no to everything else.”
I can overcome overwhelm by answering one question: What is the burden God has placed on my heart?
Then say yes to what God has called me to do. And say no to all the rest.
Say yes to what God has called you to do. And say no to all the rest.In order to say yes to the things God has called me to do, I have to recognize three truths:
Truth 1: It’s not all mine to do.
Truth 2: Adding something new means I have to subtract something from what I do.
Truth 3: Every yes response means a no to somewhere else.
So where will you say no so you can say a greater yes?
Let’s be women who say yes to doing only what God has called us to do. Yes to peace as we say no to everything else. Yes to not feeling overwhelmed by all there is to do.
Reminder for the heart: Say yes to what God has called you to do. And say no to all the rest.
Related resource to encourage your heart: How to Quiet the Voices of What You Think You Should Do, What Is God’s Best for You in This Season? and 3 Benefits of Prioritizing Your Life
What’s on your heart? What burden has God placed on your heart? What is one thing you can say no to so you can say a greater yes?
MORE FOR YOU: Are you overwhelmed? Weary? Experience heart rest today with my new devotional Be Still: 5 Days to Heart Rest.
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I’m getting encouragement for my heart as we seek God’s heart with my friend Crystal Storms.
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Sweet blessings,
Just before coming to this post, I literally prayed, “I can’t do everything. Please help me know what to work on.” It’s not always easy to know, when the options all seem to be good and necessary. But He invites us to ask for wisdom, and I trust He’ll guide and direct.
A prayer I pray often, Barbara. So true about all the options being good. We need God to lead us to His best for us.
I struggle most with the wise math that subtracts before adding. I am asking for wisdom and strength to do better.
A struggle of mine too, Michele. But such a necessary choice. There are things on my heart I want to do so I’m praying about what to let go.
I love Carol Kent and that definitely sounds like a book I need to read.
It is packed with good info for communicators, Lauren. Enjoy! I read the ebook but added the paperback to my Amazon list.
I love this so much! Carol Kent is such a great speaker, and you have shared her words wisely and well, friend!
Thank you, Rebecca! I haven’t heard Carol speak (need to fix that), but I loved her book.
Crystal, very encouraging post! I needed these words today, as I unfortunately am my own worst enemy in the department of overwhelm. Thank you for encouraging me to be a woman who says “no” that she might say a greater “yes” to what God has for me to do!!
Me too, Donna! Thank you! A reminder I need to say no to lesser things so I can yes to all God calls me to do.
Trying to be a five person talent in a two talent body! I so relate. This past year my work load has increased, but not my talents or time. Trying to say no, which is hard for me to do.
I struggle with verbalizing those two letters too, Theresa. Praying for God’s strength to allow us to release what isn’t ours to carry.
Truth 1 is what I need to pay most attention to. I often feel overwhelmed, but it’s a burden that I alone place on myself. Thanks for the encouragement, Crystal!
Me too, Lisa. Most of the burdens I carry are the ones I chose. Praying God enables us to choose His best and release the rest. Thank you!
Such wisdom in this, I rally appreciated the concept and encouragement to say yes to God and no to everything else. Thank you!
Thank you, Bethany! A reminder my heart needs.
Crystal, I love your synopsis of Carol Kent’s Speak Up with Confidence. I love the three truths to remember, those resonated with me today. Thank you for sharing these words and encouragement today. Blessings.
Thank you, Paula! I only shared a small snippet of Carol’s book. It is packed full of wisdom and practical tips for communicators.