In this heartfelt episode, host Keri Kitchen sits down with Pastor Aaron Rayburn for a deep, encouraging conversation about what it really means to rest in Jesus and take on His easy yoke. Drawing from personal experiences as pastor's kids, Aaron and Keri talk openly about the pressures of ministry, family, and daily life—and how easy it is to slip into striving to do it all on our own strength. Aaron shares how God is teaching him, especially in this season, to find identity in Christ instead of performance, surrendering all burdens and expectations at His feet.

Together, they explore the powerful invitation found in Matthew 11:28-30 to come to Jesus for soul-level rest, unpacking what it means to live in alignment with Him instead of battling burnout and anxiety. From the influence of culture on our sense of control, to the beauty of submission and learning directly from Christ, this conversation is filled with practical wisdom, biblical encouragement, and honest personal stories.

Key Points

• Ministry and Family Heritage: Growing up in a pastor's family shapes both Aaron and Keri's outlook, but each has to learn their own way of leading, loving, and resting in God.

• The Weight of Expectations: Both church culture and society can make us feel that success or failure is all on our shoulders, fueling anxiety and overwork.

• True Rest in Christ: Jesus offers us a rest that is deeper than physical relaxation—He offers rest for our souls, inviting us to cease striving and walk step-by-step with Him.

• Performance vs. Surrender: Learning to let go of performance-based faith and choosing to trust God's timing, methods, and outcome brings freedom from heaviness.

• The Power of Submission: It's countercultural and hard to yield control, but aligning ourselves with Jesus—being "yoked" with Him—brings peace, growth, and maturity.

• Staying in Alignment: When we are yoked to Jesus, we not only share the load but also walk in alignment with Him, allowing His steady pace and wisdom to lead.

• Journaling Like David: Pouring out your heart honestly to God, then choosing to focus on His truth and faithfulness, strengthens faith during hard times.

• God in the Hard Seasons: Difficulties become places of learning and transformation when we remain focused on God's presence and reflect back on His faithfulness.

10 Journal Prompts Inspired by This Episode

1. In what areas of your life are you carrying burdens alone rather than inviting Jesus to share the load?

2. How has your upbringing or family background shaped the way you view ministry, leadership, or faith in general?

3. Describe a time when you tried to "prove yourself" to God or others. What was the result?

4. What does "rest" mean to you personally? How is it different from simply relaxing or taking a break?

5. Are you currently facing any expectations (your own or others) that feel heavy or relentless? What might it look like to surrender those to Jesus?

6. Reflect on a situation where you saw God working through your weakness or limitations rather than your strengths.

7. Is there an area in your life where you struggle to submit or let go of control? Write a prayer of surrender for that area.

8. How do you respond to anxiety or stress? What would it look like to choose trust over control?

9. When have you noticed God's faithfulness in the middle of difficulty? Journal about a specific instance and what you learned from it.

10. Using Psalm 71 or a favorite Scripture, write your own honest "lament and praise"—pour out your burdens, then declare God's truth over your situation.

More About Our Guest

Aaron Rayburn is a pastor, high school science teacher, and the host of the Together for the Mountains Podcast, a movement in Eastern Kentucky dedicated to church revitalization, economic development, and encouraging pastors and entrepreneurs across Appalachia. You can find more content, interviews, and stories of God moving in the mountains on all major podcast platforms and on YouTube. Learn more at togetherforthemountains.com.

Call to Action

If you were encouraged by this conversation, don't keep it to yourself! Share this episode with a friend who needs the reminder that Jesus' yoke is easy and His burden is light. Ready to go deeper? Grab your journal, pick a prompt, and invite the Holy Spirit to meet you in the process. And remember—true royalty in Christ comes not from what you do, but from resting in whose you are. Stay connected and stay encouraged!

To join the mailing list and receive the FREE "Finding Spiritual Breakthrough" Prayer guide, visit https://breakthrough.everydayincredible.net You are royalty—rest in that truth today!