Striving vs. Stretching: Knowing the Season You're In

Stress is real. If both striving and stretching require effort and energy, how do you know the difference between the good kind of exertion in life and the not-so-good exertion? Both are hard work. Both create similar stress. Both require doing something new.
How do you know if you are pushing yourself too hard or if you just need to be stretched to move the needle in your life?
In today’s podcast, I walk you through how you can know if you are in a season of striving or stretching. I do believe you can know the difference! I also believe you need to be intentional about setting yourself up to pay attention and know what season you're in. On today’s episode, I dig into what it means to hear from God, trust your "knower", and seek opportunities to serve.
Whatever you are experiencing right now in your life, I want to help you learn how to assess the season of life you are in. You can resist the urge to strive, while also embracing opportunities to stretch and strengthen.
Today’s episode will help you know the difference.
SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST - Be sure and subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss out on any of the awesome interviews coming up soon! You can listen on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or on the blog at www.chrystaleva...
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Discerning the Voice of God: How to Recognize When God Speaks by Priscilla Shirer - amzn.to/3lemIb5
Secrets of the Secret Place - Bob Sorge - amzn.to/3ju5G8p
Spiritual Disciplines of the Christian Life - Donald Whitney - amzn.to/3X6UH2u
The Sister Circle Retreat!: chrystalevansh...
The Power of Intuition: • The Power Of Intuition
When Seasons Change - • When Seasons Change
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[@DaughteroftheLight]

I’m so sad that women like you are older than me. I struggle to find friendships at 32 going on to 33 of women who are Christians, decide to put their family first and homeschool or stay at home, don’t try to “have it all” and wait until the window opens up to follow our passions responsibly not selfishly. I wish so much, that I would have friends like you, I don’t care if they’re older( better for me) because I can learn from them. I’m often the wisest friend in my groups and that doesn’t allow me to grow because when I have questions no one can answer them. 😢 This was a great talk.

[@ashleyluna1735]

Can relate.

[@whitneyross2754]

I definitely can relate. Would love prayer in this area as well!

[@ericaphilogene2455]

I definitely am in the same boat

[@Trulyirene]

You took the word out of my mouth! Can definitely relate .

[@BrittneyDijon]

Hey Friend ! I wanted to watch this before I replied. I’m 34 years old I grew up thinking I had to be surrounded by friends and I was, until after High school when I dedicated my life to Christ, I looked back and noticed all of the friends (most) were distractions and never truly knew the true me. They knew the broken disobedient me and they were content with that me, I wasn’t. I let go of those friendships that were harmful and toxic. I appreciated the ones who weren’t bad but I realized we were only meant to be distant friends/ acquaintances. And as I grew closer to God I held on to the words “Show your self friendly” and you will find good friends. I have them now. Another word of wisdom from my Grandfather, is “In life you only need about 1 or 2 GOOD friends). God knows you have this desire. Trust him with it. Thank him in advance for your new friends. 🎉🙌🏾

[@TheFaithful24]

This year I made it a goal my Read one chapter a day in my Bible and I am learning so much i am always willing to learning NEW THINGS

[@PatriceWilson-go3el]

This blessed me, thank you! I'm being stretched...but strengthened. Gave up striving two weeks ago, when I resigned from my job without having another one in place. "Faith without works is dead." I am ready to serve!

[@CHRYSTAL.EVANS.HURST.]

Thanks for your comment , What'sap me with the number showing above for prayer and counseling. Remain blessed 🙏.

[@rosafootman5666]

Interestingly, I recently saw the word striving and seemed offended....I changed to I'm doing, I'm getting things done, and acknowledging that I'm learning as I go, it's so amazing. I believe I can hear the Heavenly host more...it's like a whisper. I'm laying thinking what can I do to continue to grow even more.....and I'm dreaming big.

[@j.gilmore275]

Thank you, "Aunty" Chrystal. I thank God for leading me to this message today!

[@nicolepayne9855]

What did it look like when my kids were smaller? Hiding in the bathroom. 🙌🏾😅 Yup! Or the bedroom closet! AND, it's your chuckles [after you say something]. for me 😊

[@adryanbillups3409]

You are authentic, relatable, lovable. Your words cause me to stop and listen. love your honesty at the end. May the Lord keep using you. I know your mom is proud. ❤

[@ChrystalHurst]

THANK YOU!

[@oilinmylamp]

I have listened to this message intently. Paused it several times to take notes. Now to apply it to my life. I have been struggling for months now. I had journaled last night to the Lord, "Holy Spirit, I ask You to refill me and grow me in the Lord." I think I have listened to this message before, because the title spoke to me. BUT THIS MORNING, it has been LIFE to me; DIRECTION. After I wrote it all down, I took a deep breath. Wow.... I needed this wisdom and direction to "course correct". Now it is the walking it out and applying it. I had been doing some of it, so I was hearing Him and He was leading me. *But this helps me to put it all together.* Halleujah and Amen!

[@ChrystalHurst]

So glad this was encouraging to you!

[@anselmadebisarran4363]

You definitely blessed me all the way from Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean Islands. Love you Sis...

[@Maha1J]

❤ oh you blessed me my amazing sister I agree, I don’t want waist more time & God is leading me to stop striving and trust Him and His presence that He loves me even in the silence and the wait He is working on freeing me & I’m happier 😊by His Grace I saw a difference today while I was was with my mom and sister I was happy and positive loving God confessing Him and loving them and helping God took me so far just in this year! Hw is jumping me with mercy and Grace more than ever and His hands blessings everything & I was doing what you said exploring and to know myself 🙏 Thank you & God bless you ❤

[@tierra_nicole3334]

This blessed me. I know I will have to watch it again. Thank you. May God continue to bless your ministry.

[@ScarYola28]

So grateful to my God who speaks to me personally, loves me completely, and sends help to WHENEVER I need it.

[@ShakiraKGardner]

This was so good..striving sounds like a “good” word but it will leave you empty and tired. Thanks for this🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@celesterobinson4950]

You are definitely your father’s child. Great word!

[@ChrystalHurst]

☺

[@lateishaclement]

That's good! I've been striving for a while, trying to figure things out! But God is strengthening me. I feel like God is stretching me now and always been trying to do so. I'm just finally open to it now. I'm being stretched!

[@tawnab6059]

This was a good word at a great time. I have not heard you before but a friend sent this and I listened. I knew when I saw you had that good water on your table you had wisdom 😂😂! Thanks for a word that I can apply. I will be sharing with friends as well.

[@monetdavis3378]

Chrystal, this was so good, I've listened to it twice in 24 hours and I'd heard it Monday before it was edited! Such wisdom and practicality! Thanks again! Monet

[@Dobbie890]

I can hear you now! Good morning Daughter of The Most High God! Thanks for all you do! 🙌🏽 God loves you for it and so do I! ♥

[@beth4095w]

Thank you for sharing your wisdom I was just thinking today how do we know if we are doing it in our own strength and God sent me this video!

[@MadeWellByFaith]

This entire message came for my life and future lol God is so good. Your definitely a big sister. We appreciate you Chrystal ♥️ This is what I learned and applied today : Practicing solitude to hear from the Lord. I gave myself space to lessen competing distractions around me to write today about my experience with grief. Through multiple tears fell, something actually came out🙏. Im actually surprised and fell so much better. God Bless you Sister. Thank you for your time and energy in supporting us sisters♥️

[@soaringbeauticlothing77]

This blessed me and gave me different prospective on where I am in my life. Thank you

[@tabishella7766]

Thank you holy spirit hw u lead me into this word.thks for sharing this beautiful word more grace and wisdom.

[@CHRYSTAL.EVANS.HURST.]

Thanks for your comment , What'sap me with the number showing above for prayer and counseling. Remain blessed 🙏.

[@WortheyCreative]

Mrs. Hurst, you don't know how this freed me. It's like God was confirming what I have felt he has been telling me. I have lots of fear about if I am hearing God correctly or not. Thank you!

[@CHRYSTAL.EVANS.HURST.]

Thanks for your comment , What'sap me with the number showing above for prayer and counseling. Remain blessed 🙏.

[@murielle9095]

I asked I want to know the meaning of what I do. I don't want to let a day go in vain. Strengthening or stretching in His will! That was it for me! Thank you & God bless you. And to think I clicked "randomly". There was meaning!

[@rhondasmith8775]

Thank you so much. I needed this.

[@CHRYSTAL.EVANS.HURST.]

Thanks for your comment , What'sap me with the number showing above for prayer and counseling. Remain blessed 🙏.

[@sherylgregg3586]

This is an invigorating message!! You have started my Saturday morning focused on your evaluation. TY

[@ChrystalHurst]

Amazing!

[@sharyonlowery]

Beautiful video it really blessed me, and right on time 🤗. It's amazing how GOD use his children for his children for his will for their lives ❣️. Thank you so much 💓, I truly appreciate it 🌻.

[@kaarenwhitley1957]

The message cleared up some things for me. I work more diligently in those quiet times to hear from God. I want to be stretched.

[@Adivinemakeoverforwomen]

That blessed me Crystal🎯💯🔥

[@muthoniwaweru2260]

Loved this so much! When the whole world is screaming "You're not striving enough!!" It actually is being stretched and not out of capacity but in God's will and purpose for you. I love this so much! Thank you Chrystal

[@Africanviol3ts]

Thank you for this message. I had to watch twice, 1st time I listened, the 2nd time I listened and took notes. I needed to hear this. May God continue to use you as His vessel.

[@estherbyoona1572]

Just watched this...thank you so so much loved this sharing..."know your creator who knew what you were to become"absolutely beautiful...less striving more stretching...

[@jasminburnette294]

Today was my first time watching and I may say this blessed. My kids joined and says your voice is so soothing. Thank you for this GOD Bless you

[@vvisionofdivisonn]

Thank you so much 😢I need it that.

[@robinw.2796]

Praise God, just what I needed on my lunch. Striving or stretching...I felt that I was striving and when I became overwhelmed, I pulled up the breaks and said, something has to change. Now I'm working moving towards stretching, letting go of things that I don't need to strive for. Thank you so much dear for being a source of encouragement and enlightenment.

[@CHRYSTAL.EVANS.HURST.]

Thanks for your comment , What'sap me with the number showing above for prayer and counseling. Remain blessed 🙏.

[@natashajohn5290]

Listening to you talk about spin after taking my first class this week... and the pressure in the hinny is real. Now I know I gotta go back.

[@sherryrivera3070]

This is my first time hearing this and love it finding solace. Man I was doing it all wrong and I needed to hear this. Thanks

[@CHRYSTAL.EVANS.HURST.]

Thanks for your comment , What'sap me with the number showing above for prayer and counseling. Remain blessed 🙏.

[@jessical1235]

I’m starting to watch your shows. You and your sister are helping me grow in God he’s truly using you all as vessels. Thank you! I’m going to put the info in this video to work. Thank you again

[@glenisbaptiste9213]

Thank you so much for sharing! This was an on time Word. Because that's what I've been asking God to reveal to me, especially as my circumstances have not changed yet.

[@forAME11]

Thank you for this encouragement.

[@donnajohnson6809]

Ty ❤

[@leahakre9382]

Omg girl, thank you. I needed this today

[@KristojayPaul]

So good Chrystal. Thank you. That part about meditation...God has been teaching me about meditation for the past year and has given me content to create for the body of Christ. Stretching. Amen

[@marie-noellegueu4617]

Thank you so much for this beautiful message, I think this is another confirmation from God in the actual season I am

[@sebrinamuhammad3460]

This message blessed me. God led me here and used you to deliver a profound message to your listeners. Thanks Chrystal! ❤🙏🏽😊🌸

[@sherylgregg3586]

Striving is negative. Stretching and Serving are positive. They are not mutually inckusive. Like wheat we can sepaate striving out of abundance of stretching.

[@user-lv6kz6pc8s]

Wow the best video this needs to go viral

[@sheilawiggins80]

Praise God!! This Word gave me the clarity I have been seeking!! Thank God and thank you!!!! 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@april-reneeyoung2201]

Getting away is soooooooo needed.

[@Gina_Michel]

Beautiful words, Chrystal! Thank you! Very instructive! ❤️

[@TXforever]

Chrystal, I recently attended “ABIDE” and discovered YOU! My husband and I admire and follow your father, Tony Evans, and I just had no idea that you were out there teaching the same great lessons! A friend and I are planning on going to Waxahachie to see you in September. I love your advice I love your life strategy. Thank you so much for all of your wisdom.

[@rlgrlg1672]

Seek to serve....

[@sebrinamuhammad3460]

I want to go on the retreat! Make it happen Chrystal!! Yay!!

[@joyh.729]

What great wisdom and insight! Thank you Chrystal! Also, the groovy, new music is a plus 🎶🎵

[@ChrystalHurst]

Thanks! I like changing it up every now and again...

[@atee6331]

#MakeADecision •Trust Your Knower. •Just Go On and Do the Thang! •Seek to Serve! •Let the Peace of God Surpass All Understanding! Thank you! I enjoy listening to you ~ you are so very relatable and through your authenticity, you provide reassurance in the spirit! Praying continued Blessings on you!🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@irishernandez8899]

Good Morning Lady Chrystal, Thank you for Sharing words of Wisdom. I listened, intently to this podcast message and it resonated in my spirit. Keep up the Good work, All the best, Peace And Blessing 🙏

[@CHRYSTAL.EVANS.HURST.]

Thanks for your comment , What'sap me with the number showing above for prayer and counseling. Remain blessed 🙏.

[@VictoryBates]

This was right on time. I've been working too hard striving. I just couldn't put my finger on it! God bless you!

[@VernettaRFreeney]

Whew.....I watched this and then had to run it back immediately. This message blessed my whole heart. I am coming out of my striving season and entering my stretching season. Thank you for breaking this down for me 🔥🔥🔥

[@BBChris8]

This is great my notes are endlesss I needed this

[@sheilarichard4610]

Thank you Chrystal for your words of wisdom in giving us something to think about and not just think about but to put into action. 💛

[@CHRYSTAL.EVANS.HURST.]

Thanks for your comment , What'sap me with the number showing above for prayer and counseling. Remain blessed 🙏.

[@GodGotMe762]

Great encouragement

[@rosalynwashington7408]

A good and timely word, Sis!

[@CHRYSTAL.EVANS.HURST.]

Thanks for your comment , What'sap me with the number showing above for prayer and counseling. Remain blessed 🙏.

[@anacarr4795]

Thanks sister. You’re a blessing to me. Love you ❤❤❤❤❤

[@CHRYSTAL.EVANS.HURST.]

Thanks for your comment , What'sap me with the number showing above for prayer and counseling. Remain blessed 🙏.

[@emmafarrell1768]

Thank you for this❤❤❤❤

[@WilsonLeeInteriorsMidlothian]

I've been striving... a lot. Thank you!

[@CHRYSTAL.EVANS.HURST.]

Thanks for your comment , What'sap me with the number showing above for prayer and counseling. Remain blessed 🙏.

[@ardratownsend8572]

Thanks Crystal, this was good! I love the way you us everyday situations and examples paired with biblical know how!

[@Jesura1]

Thank You, Crystal today I heard so many answers, to my thoughts. God Bless You and yes , I feel my calling is to serve. Amen 🙏🏽

[@CHRYSTAL.EVANS.HURST.]

Thanks for your comment , What'sap me with the number showing above for prayer and counseling. Remain blessed 🙏.

[@inspiredbycharae]

Crystal! This video is amazing. One of my coaching clients shared it with me, and I’m glad she did! It’s one that I’ll watch over and over. I can’t wait to watch your video on intuition. Hopefully I’ll see you in October for the retreat!

[@ChrystalHurst]

Did you save your spot for the retreat?

[@ChrystalHurst]

chrystalevanshurst.com/tscretreat/

[@inspiredbycharae]

@@ChrystalHurst Yes I did! I’m looking forward to it!

[@Fa1th-d1s]

On time word! 🙌🏽🙏🏽❤️

[@CHRYSTAL.EVANS.HURST.]

Thanks for your comment , What'sap me with the number showing above for prayer and counseling. Remain blessed 🙏.

[@londonjoe5156]

You definitely got a new follower, I need this thank you💕

[@ChrystalHurst]

Glad you're here!

[@tanyascott5524]

Thank you for this advice. I needed it.

[@CHRYSTAL.EVANS.HURST.]

Thanks for your comment , What'sap me with the number showing above for prayer and counseling. Remain blessed 🙏.

[@lenfantcheri159]

Hi Chrystal..have you and your family done a talk on how to make end of life decisions from a Christian perspective. If so pls can you share a link to the talk. If not, can you pls consider doing one. I've read Divine Disruption book but could use a deeper dive on this specific area..thx much

[@dikeleditlou2763]

wow!!!! you just told me what time it is???

[@lishu9362]

Wow what a lesson 👏 thank you sis

[@wandabooker1394]

This was so for me this morning. Thank you for your authenticity! 🙌🏽

[@r.kerindongo9012]

Thank you for this revelation!

[@yemio1005]

Such a blessing, thank you ❤

[@CHRYSTAL.EVANS.HURST.]

Thanks for your comment , What'sap me with the number showing above for prayer and counseling. Remain blessed 🙏.

[@leahakre9382]

Yesssss sista!!!!

[@mikaylagraham1537]

What an amazing video

[@CHRYSTAL.EVANS.HURST.]

Thanks for your comment , What'sap me with the number showing above for prayer and counseling. Remain blessed 🙏.

[@leslieannbrathwaite596]

Ok getting the sound now.

[@CHRYSTAL.EVANS.HURST.]

Thanks for your comment , What'sap me with the number showing above for prayer and counseling. Remain blessed 🙏.

[@gabrielleveray1]

This was great! You just gained a new subscriber. I needed to hear this today.

[@ChrystalHurst]

Glad you're here :)

[@MsBdoll87]

I love your hair beautiful lady!!

[@ChrystalHurst]

Thanks! Every now and again, I straighten it up!

[@truebelieverinthelord7823]

God bless you! Thank you for this message!🙏🏾💕

[@nishaammandrea]

Great reminder of the fundamentals. Thank you sis!

[@tiathamesfrancis8587]

Good sound message. 🙏🏼

[@CHRYSTAL.EVANS.HURST.]

Thanks for your comment , What'sap me with the number showing above for prayer and counseling. Remain blessed 🙏.

[@marcenesanders7456]

Soooo good!! Thank you!

[@ChristinaExplainsItAll]

I love this word! I have a ministry and I love spin! We would be friends lbvs! This was so helpful thank you 😊

[@winniemwanzi866]

Good stuff Chrissy...some of us are lost in between there not sure...but now I know... Thank you sis for encouraging us every other time...God bless you...!!!

[@PerfectlyPayla]

Amazing

[@CHRYSTAL.EVANS.HURST.]

Thanks for your comment , What'sap me with the number showing above for prayer and counseling. Remain blessed 🙏.

[@ct580]

Im on it😁

[@jeanwatson74]

On today

[@marshamccuin8696]

😊❤❤

[@leslieannbrathwaite596]

Can't hear you.

[@leslieannbrathwaite596]

I'm not getting any sound.

[@CHRYSTAL.EVANS.HURST.]

Thanks for your comment , What'sap me with the number showing above for prayer and counseling. Remain blessed 🙏.

[@kerlingeldred1314]

Can you please send out the link for the retreat?

[@ChrystalHurst]

chrystalevanshurst.com/tscretreat

[@ehammi]

2:20 20:10

[@gloriawhite1078]

No sound

[@CHRYSTAL.EVANS.HURST.]

Thanks for your comment , What'sap me with the number showing above for prayer and counseling. Remain blessed 🙏.

[@shellylawrence3314]

Can't hear you

[@CHRYSTAL.EVANS.HURST.]

Thanks for your comment , What'sap me with the number showing above for prayer and counseling. Remain blessed 🙏.

[@jdfodio]

Jesus didn't (doesn't) charge money to be a member of His "inner circle." Those who do charge for that are like Judas (who robbed Jesus and the other disciples as the treasurer).

[@ChrystalHurst]

I hear you. But don't forget that in addition to sharing the gospel and discipling His "inner circle", Jesus was a carpenter. In other words, He did have a way of earning a living. So did Paul (tentmaker) who is considered the most prolific writer of the New Testament. The gospel is free. Producing video content is not. The Inner Circle I speak of in the video is not the only one I have, however it is the only one I charge for. I assure you that the gospel is engaged and discipleship is experienced in those circles, particularly in the circle of people I walk with, minister to, or personally know and disciple. Questions are welcome here. Accusations are not. Blessings to you.

[@40sameman]

I hide in my closet.

[@jeanwatson74]

Great words of encouragement Chrystal trying reach out to you on telegram but can't find

[@ChrystalHurst]

not there :)