Pressure Is a Privilege: A Word for the One Who's Still Showing Up

Today, I woke up feeling overwhelmed and disappointed at the same time. I looked at my business—and it’s not where I want it to be.

I’ve been here before: doing meaningful, even God-ordained work… But still, spending more time doing things that don’t bring checks. It’s purpose-filled, but the profit feels far behind.

And the thing I’m most passionate about? It keeps getting pushed to the back burner because… Life has been life-ing.

In the middle of processing it all, a new friend called. He could tell something was off just by the tone of my voice. Before we hung up, he said:

“Pressure is a privilege.”

Whew. That hit me hard.

He went on to say:

“It could be the other way around—where you have nothing or no one in your life that brings this kind of pressure. That means you’re trusted. You’re needed.”

And that unlocked something in me.

I realized—so much of the pressure I feel is self-imposed. It’s the weight of caring deeply. It’s the tension between passion and provision. It’s the ache of wanting to show up fully—for my calling, for my family—and feeling like I keep coming up short.

But what I needed was not a fix. I needed a perspective shift.

This weekend is my twins’ 16th birthday. For years, we talked about getting them a car when this day came. And I’m not in position to do that right now. That’s been eating me alive.

When I looked at the debt I’ve accumulated through past decisions… It triggered a downward spiral of shame, lack, and regret.

But here’s the truth: My kids are understanding. Sure, they may feel some disappointment—but they also see us trying. They see that we care. They’re okay.

And now, I have to learn to be okay, too.

Because underneath the pressure is this powerful reminder:

God trusts me. Life trusts me. My family trusts me. And this pressure I’m feeling? It means I’m still in the game. I’m still showing up. That’s a privilege. That’s a joy. That’s a sign of purpose.

I’m still over not being able to move and do what I want to for my family because of $$$… And I’m allowed to feel that.

But today, I’m reclaiming my breath. I’m honoring the pressure. I’m shifting my posture.

Because pressure… can also be a pleasure. It means there’s still something valuable in me. And what’s in me is worth the wait.

Shout out to Shawn Armorer for the reminder today!

If you're navigating the tension between purpose and provision, you're not alone. And you're not behind. You're becoming.

Blessings,

Christian F Johnson