Dealing with Difficulties – Burnout
Burnout is a term often used today. It is described as a state of complete mental, physical and emotional exhaustion. When someone is in this state, their relationship with God suffers, they become complacent and uncaring, often they feel discouraged and lethargic.
Below is a testimony from one of our ministry friends:-
"I suffered from burnout, and I almost spiraled into a pity party and depression. I was in a state of severe melancholy, and I just didn't care. Looking back on that time I questioned God. Why was I feeling the way I was? Was I being punished? As far as I knew I was very dutiful, I diligently served him in as many areas as I could. I was a youth leader, I vacuumed before and after services, I took responsibility of organizing communion, I made and edited video's, I painted, I went to every service, I went to bible college, yet I was burnt out. It had me confused.
And for a long time, my walk with God suffered. It just didn't make sense.
Deciding that I no longer wanted to wallow in this self-pity, I cut back on all of my duties at church and decided that I needed to get back into the Word of God, and into prayer. The two things I really didn't feel like doing. The enemy was trying to keep me away from the power of God and the solution to my problem.
So I stopped doing my works and started getting fed. As I did this I slowly started to come out of this malaise and my enthusiasm and zest, and my heart for God suddenly sprang back to life. I felt I was ready to serve again, and help other young leaders and servants in the church overcome their burnout.
And it was in helping others that I started to piece the whole puzzle together. I came to understand that I was doing it in my own strength.
This reminded me of the story of Mary and Martha. Mary sat at Jesus' feet, while Martha busied herself with much serving. In the end Martha got quite upset with Mary and rebuked her. Jesus told her that she is worried about many things, but Mary only with one. And that one thing was a good thing. Being near the Lord. (Luke 10:38 -42) [My Paraphrasing]
Burnout often happens when we do things to please God or others. Whether we know it or not, we have fallen into thinking that we can please God, and fellow man with the amount that we are doing. But our works don't please God. The Word makes this quite clear, but this doesn't mean all our efforts are futile.
We just need to come to the realization that God couldn't love us any more or less than He already does. He's already pleased with you. He doesn't need you to do tasks for His approval. He wants you to serve Him out of that love you have for Him. He wants you to surrender your life completely over to Him and serve Him in His strength. That is the only way we can ever truly avoid burnout."
Matthew 11 verses 28 to 30 Message Bible "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to Me. Get away with Me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with Me and work with me – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with Me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly".
Grace and peace in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Kath
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