5 Tips to Partner with God: Stop Doing Things for Him and Start Doing Things With Him

Have you ever felt like you're constantly striving to do things for God but still end up feeling exhausted or stuck? Trust me, you’re not alone. The truth is, God never called us to carry the weight of doing it all on our own. Instead, He invites us into a partnership—a life of doing things with Him, not for Him. Matthew 11:28-30 paints a beautiful picture of this: a shared yoke where He walks beside us, offering rest and guidance. In this post, I’ll share five practical tips to help you embrace this partnership, so you can stop striving and start thriving in step with Him. Let’s make this journey lighter, together.

     1. Understand What It Means to Partner with God

When I think about what it truly means to partner with God, one thing becomes crystal clear: it’s not about grinding harder or creating a flawless to-do list to please Him. It’s about surrendering what we think we should do for Him and learning to move in step with Him. This partnership redefines how we go about every day, lightens our load, and fills us with peace. The concept shared in Matthew 11:28-30 couldn’t be more beautiful—Jesus invites us to take on His yoke, promising rest and ease because we’re walking together. Let’s unpack how to make this a reality.

Surrender Your Own Plans

This is where it starts. We’ve been taught from a young age to chart our own path, make things happen, and hustle like it’s all up to us. But here’s the truth: holding onto our own plans too tightly never aligns us with God’s purpose. Partnering with Him requires stepping back and surrendering control. Think about it—how can you hold His hand for guidance if your fists are clenched around your own agenda?

Surrender doesn’t mean giving up or failing; it’s about trusting Him enough to say, “I don’t have to do this by myself.” When Jesus asks us to take on His yoke in Matthew 11:29, it’s a reminder that we’re not carrying the weight alone. Picture two oxen yoked together. If one insists on going its own way, things get chaotic. But when they move together, the work is smoother and easier. That’s what it means to surrender and align with God’s bigger picture.

So, how do we do it? Start your day with a simple prayer: “Lord, not my will, but Yours. Show me Your way today.” Regularly check in with yourself and ask, “Am I striving here, or am I trusting?” It’s these small moments of surrender that open our hearts to His leading.

Recognize His Guidance in Your Daily Life

Partnering with God also means tuning in to His voice and recognizing how He guides us every single day. He’s already speaking—it’s just a matter of whether we’re paying attention. And let’s be honest, life is noisy. Between the endless scroll on social media and our packed schedules, it’s easy to miss His direction.

The best way to stay connected is by prioritizing time with Him. Think of it like a GPS. If you’re driving without listening to the turn-by-turn directions, you’re bound to get lost. In the same way, prayer, scripture, and worship keep us aligned with the path He’s calling us to walk.

• Read His Word: Scripture is like God’s roadmap. It not only shows where to go but also reassures us when we feel stuck or unsure. Start with Matthew 11:28-30 and ask God to speak to you through it.
• Pray Consistently: Prayer doesn’t have to be fancy or formal. Just talk to Him throughout your day. Got a tough decision? Ask for wisdom. Feeling overwhelmed? Hand it over and watch how He responds.
• Worship Often: Worship shifts our focus from ourselves to His greatness. Whether you’re singing loudly in the car or reflecting quietly, worship gives space for His voice to come through.

Here’s a pro tip: God’s guidance isn’t always a booming voice or a dramatic moment. Sometimes it’s a gentle nudge, a coincidence that’s just too perfect, or a peace that doesn’t make sense. Stay open to these moments—they’re often Him!

Through daily surrender and intentional focus, we start recognizing His rhythm in our lives. It’s amazing how much lighter things feel when we stop doing things for Him and start doing things with Him.

    2. Cultivate a Life of Prayer and Communication

If we want to stop doing things for God and start doing things with Him, it starts with real, open communication—just like any healthy partnership. Prayer isn’t just a one-sided list of demands or worries; it’s a two-way street, a conversation where we speak and also listen. When we make prayer and intentional communication with God a daily rhythm, it deepens our connection and helps us stay aligned with His plans. Let’s explore how to make this a regular part of your life.

Pray with Expectation

When you approach prayer, do you genuinely expect to hear from God? Or does it feel more like a duty you’re obligated to check off your list? Here’s the truth: God wants to speak to you—and He absolutely will. But we have to come with hearts ready to receive what He’s saying.

Think about how you’d walk into a coffee date with your best friend. You don’t just talk the whole time, right? You listen, ask questions, and value their input. Prayer is no different. It’s not just about talking to God but also listening with expectation. When Jesus says in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest,” He’s inviting you to a conversation. Psalm 46:10 also reminds us, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Translation? Stop filling the air with all your words and sit with Him for a moment.

Here’s a simple way to start praying with expectation:

• Ask Specific Questions: Instead of vague prayers, try something like, “God, what’s the next right step for me today?”
• Quiet Your Mind: Silence distractions. Maybe step outside or sit alone in a cozy corner, ready to hear Him in your heart.
• Write It Down: Keep a journal nearby. When you sense God speaking—whether it’s a thought, a scripture, or even a sense of peace—write it down. It helps you remember and trust His guidance.

Praying with expectation is less about having the perfect setup and more about believing that God is already leaning in, waiting to connect.

Seek His Insight Before Making Decisions

How often do we charge ahead with a plan, only to realize later we forgot to include God? It’s like trying to assemble furniture without the instruction manual—you waste time, energy, and let’s be real, sometimes you just break the thing. Seeking God’s insight before making decisions, no matter how small or big, can save you from unnecessary stress and missteps.

So how do you do this? Start by pausing. Before reacting, planning, or even daydreaming, take a moment to pray. Jesus’ invitation in Matthew 11:30 reminds us that His yoke is easy and His burden is light. When you partner with Him, you’re not dragging life’s decisions alone. He’s there to guide every step—if you let Him.

Here are some practical steps to involve God in your decision-making:

• Pray First: Before you jump into “fix-it” mode, take a breath and say, “Lord, should I even be doing this?” Watch how He shifts your priorities.
• Check His Word: The Bible might not tell you whether to accept that job, but it’s packed with wisdom that often clarifies what aligns with His will.
• Ask for Confirmation: Feeling stuck? Ask God to confirm your direction through scripture, wise counsel, or even a sense of peace.
• Be Patient: God isn’t slow, but our timing and His often don’t match. If there isn’t clarity, don’t force an answer—trust that waiting can be part of His plan too.

When you invite God into your decisions, big and small, you’re partnering with Him in real-time. It’s like having a trusted mentor who always knows the right answer. Why go it alone when He’s offering to help?

By cultivating a life of prayer and communication, you create intentional space for this divine partnership to flourish. Remember, God’s not expecting perfection; He’s just asking you to show up and trust Him—one prayer, one decision at a time.

    3. Embrace Rest in God's Leadership

Have you ever noticed how heavy life starts to feel when you’re doing all the things but still coming up short? It’s so easy to get caught up in the grind, trying to serve God with everything we’ve got, only to end up feeling burned out and distant from Him. Here’s the thing: God never asked us to hustle for His love or callings. Instead, He’s given us the gift of rest—a deep soul-level peace that comes when we learn to partner with Him. Let’s talk about what that looks like in your life.

Learn to Trust His Yoke

When Jesus said, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me... For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:29-30), He wasn’t tossing out pretty words. He was giving us a roadmap for peace. But what does this really mean?

Picture a yoke—a wooden beam that pairs two animals, like oxen, to share the load. The animals work together, moving in step to make the work manageable. That’s the image Jesus uses to invite us into partnership with Him. The beauty here is that Jesus isn’t asking us to carry the weight alone; He’s asking us to let Him shoulder it with us.

When life feels overwhelming or the to-do list never ends, it’s easy to think we’re failing because we’re not “doing enough.” But God’s leadership was never designed to crush us. Trusting His yoke means letting go of the idea that everything depends on us. It means leaning into God’s perfect pace and allowing Him to lead.

Here’s an example: busy seasons don’t have to equal burnout seasons. Even when your calendar feels maxed out, partnering with God can help you prioritize what truly matters. He’ll guide you to focus on the assignments that align with His plan, while leaving the unnecessary noise behind. Start each day asking, “Lord, what’s on your agenda for me today?” That small question can shift everything.

Stop Striving and Start Thriving

If we’re being honest, it’s exhausting to live in “strive mode.” You know what I mean—when you’re pushing, hustling, and trying with all your might to make things happen. We’ve all been there, thinking our worth is tied to how much we get done or how “perfect” our efforts are. But striving like that only creates stress, not the thriving life God wants for us.

God’s plan isn’t about us grinding away in our own strength. It’s about flowing in His grace. Think about it: rhythm feels so much better than chaos, right? Just like your heartbeat or the flow of waves in an ocean, God’s grace works in rhythms. When we sync up with Him, life naturally becomes lighter and more fruitful.

Here are some ways to shift from striving to thriving:

• Let go of perfectionism: God isn’t looking for you to tick every box. His focus is on your heart, not your performance.
• Slow down: Take breaks, rest, and don’t feel guilty about it. Even Jesus went off to quiet places to recharge.
• Ask for help: Whether it’s delegating tasks at home or seeking spiritual mentorship, you’re not meant to do this life solo.

Thriving with God starts with surrender. Instead of holding your plans in a death grip, open your hands and say, “Lord, show me what You want for me.” He’ll not only direct your steps but also renew your energy in ways you didn’t know were possible.

It’s time to breathe, trust, and take small steps in His rhythm. Life with God isn’t meant to feel like a race to the finish line; it’s a daily walk of grace. He’s got you—rest in that.

    4. Invest in a Spirit-Led Community

Partnering with God isn’t meant to be a solo journey. Sure, personal time with Him is essential, but we weren’t created to walk this path alone. A spirit-led community can offer encouragement, accountability, and inspiration as you seek to align your steps with God. The right community will not only lift you up but can also remind you of God’s presence when life feels heavy.

Join She Meets Mentorship

If you’ve ever wished you had a supportive group of women to walk this faith journey with, let me introduce you to She Meets Mentorship. This is where faith gets practical, and personal spiritual growth takes on a whole new level. Imagine being part of a group that’s not only rooting for you but praying with you, challenging you to grow, and helping you stay aligned with God’s plans.

She Meets Mentorship is designed for women ready to deepen their relationship with God while doing it in community. You’ll find mentorship, guided resources, and discussions that meet you exactly where you are. Need clarity on hearing God’s voice? Struggling to surrender your plans to Him? Wondering how to navigate daily life with a Christ-centered mindset? This community walks through it all with you.

One of the best parts? You’re not just learning from a leader; you’re growing alongside like-minded women who get it. They’ve been there, felt the confusion, carried the burdens, and learned to let go of striving. Being part of a mentorship like this reminds you that partnering with God isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress.

If you’re serious about stopping the hustle and starting your true partnership with God, She Meets Mentorship is a fantastic way to get practical tools and connect with other women on the same journey.

    5. Stay Rooted in Scripture

When life gets messy and we’re trying to figure out how to partner with God, scripture is like a lifeline. It’s not just a collection of ancient writings—it’s a guidebook, full of wisdom and reminders of who God is and how He wants to walk alongside us. Staying rooted in His Word helps us keep the focus on Him, rather than falling back into a “do it all for God” mindset. Let’s dig into two simple but powerful ways to make scripture part of your daily life.

Memorize Key Verses for Guidance

Have you ever felt stuck, trying to remember what God says about your struggles? That’s where having specific verses tucked in your heart can make all the difference. Memorizing scripture isn’t just for Sunday school kids—it’s a way to keep God’s promises front and center when life throws curveballs.

Here are a few verses that can serve as anchors:

• Matthew 11:28-30: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." This one reminds me that God doesn’t expect me to struggle alone. It’s like He’s handing me an oxygen mask when I’m gasping for air.
• Psalm 119:105: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Sometimes life feels like wandering through darkness, and this verse reminds me that God is lighting the way, one step at a time.
• Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." This is the ultimate verse for letting go of control and trusting Him to lead.

How do you start memorizing? Write these verses on sticky notes and place them on your mirror, desk, or even the fridge. Repeating them daily turns God’s truths into instinct, so when tough moments come, you already have His promises at the ready. It’s like having a little tool belt of spiritual support.

Apply God’s Word to Daily Actions

Reading scripture is powerful, but the game-changer is putting it into practice. Think of it this way: you can read all the workout instructions in the world, but unless you pick up a weight, nothing changes. God’s Word gives us direction, but it’s up to us to integrate it into our everyday lives.

Here are some practical ways to weave scripture into your actions:

• Start Your Day With Scripture
  Instead of reaching for your phone the moment you wake up, open your Bible or a devotional app. Even five minutes can shift your mindset and help you set a focus for the day.
• Use Scripture When Making Decisions
  Before saying “yes” or committing to something, pause and reflect on what scripture says about it. For example, if you’re feeling pulled in too many directions, remember Matthew 11:28-30 and ask if this aligns with His rest for you.
• Speak Words of Life
  Take a cue from James 1:19: "Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger." Whether it’s with family or coworkers, check your words and actions—are they reflecting the love of God or just your own frustration?
• Pray Scripture Over Your Day
  Find a verse that resonates with your current season and pray it back to God. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, something as simple as repeating Matthew 11:28—“Lord, give me rest as I partner with You today”—can shift your perspective.
• Show Grace Like Jesus Would
  When someone cuts you off in traffic or snaps at you, pause and remind yourself of Ephesians 4:2: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Partnering with God means responding in ways that reflect His grace, even when it’s hard.

The more we apply God’s Word in our day-to-day life, the more naturally we start walking in rhythm with Him. It’s not about ticking off a checklist—it’s about letting Him transform our hearts and actions from the inside out. The partnership begins when we choose Him, moment by moment, in the practical, messy parts of life.

Conclusion

Partnering with God isn't about piling on more tasks or striving endlessly to please Him. It’s about walking step by step with Him, exchanging your burdens for His grace, and finding true rest. Matthew 11:28-30 reminds us that His yoke is easy and His burden is light—when He’s pulling alongside you, everything changes.

Don’t just let these five tips be words on a page. Reflect on them, pray over them, and take action today. Start small: surrender your plans, listen for His voice, build daily communication, and seek His rest. It’s in those moments of trust and surrender that you begin to thrive, not just survive.

If you’re ready to dive deeper into this partnership with God, the She Meets Mentorship community is an incredible place to start. Surround yourself with women who understand this journey and are here to walk with you. Together, you’ll discover the joy and freedom that comes from doing life with God, not for Him.

So, what’s one step you can take today? Pause. Pray. Let Him lead. That’s where the partnership begins. Let’s stop striving and start thriving—God is ready to walk this out with you.