The Power of Rest: Why Faith-Driven Leaders Need to Step Away to Step Up

In a world that celebrates hustle and glorifies busyness, it’s easy to believe that productivity is the result of grinding harder, working longer hours, and pushing past exhaustion. But faith-driven leadership calls us to a different standard—one that recognizes the power of rest as a vital part of success.

In Entrepreneurship God’s Way, I talk about how God designed us for rhythms of work and rest. If even the Creator of the universe took time to step back and declare His work “good” (Genesis 2:2-3), why do we struggle with taking breaks ourselves?

Rest is a Command, Not a Suggestion

God didn’t just encourage rest; He commanded it. The fourth commandment tells us:

“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God.” – Exodus 20:8-10

Sabbath isn’t just about attending church; it’s about stepping away to realign our hearts, refresh our minds, and recognize that success ultimately comes from God, not just our effort. True faith-driven leadership means trusting that God can accomplish more in six surrendered days than we can in seven stressed-out ones.

The Leadership Benefits of Rest

Taking intentional breaks—whether a daily walk outside, unplugging on Sundays or simply pausing for prayer—actually enhances productivity rather than diminishing it. Here’s how:

1️⃣ Renewed Clarity – Stepping away from work allows fresh ideas and God-given insight to emerge. Some of my best decisions have come not from grinding at a desk but from quiet moments in nature or deep reflection in prayer.

2️⃣ Better Decision-Making – Studies show that mental fatigue leads to poor judgment. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us that leaning on God’s wisdom rather than our own understanding leads to straighter paths.

3️⃣ Stronger Influence – Leaders who prioritize balance inspire their teams to do the same. Jesus often withdrew to pray (Luke 5:16), setting an example that effective leadership includes intentional solitude.

How to Step Away Without Falling Behind

Resting doesn’t mean being unproductive; it means recharging with purpose. Here are a few ways to incorporate faith-based rest into your leadership:

Start Your Day with God – Before the emails and meetings begin, spend time in prayer and Scripture. Let God’s wisdom guide your decisions rather than stress.

Take Breaks in Nature – A 15-minute walk outside can do wonders for creativity and focus. God’s creation reminds us of His presence and peace.

 Unplug Weekly – Set aside a time each week to step away from work, silence notifications, and focus on family, faith, and renewal.

Trust God with the Outcome – Rest is an act of faith. It acknowledges that God is in control and that our work is not the source of our identity—He is.

Final Thoughts: Leading by Example

Leadership isn’t just about how we work—it’s about how we model a sustainable, faith-filled life. When we rest, we aren’t stepping back; we’re stepping up to lead with wisdom, balance, and trust in God’s provision.

So, here’s my challenge: What’s one way you can step away this week to step up as a leader? Let me know in the comments or on social media—I’d love to hear how you’re incorporating faith-based rest into your leadership journey!

About Lee Miller

Lee Miller is an entrepreneur, author, and leadership coach who helps faith-driven leaders integrate biblical principles into business success. His book, Entrepreneurship God’s Way: Building Faith-Driven Success in Business, provides strategies for balancing faith, work, and leadership.

 Get your copy: https://msgresources.com/books-resources/

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