Burnout

“Burnout” used to be a phrase that I feared. I kept hearing about others in Christian ministry who were “burning out” because they took on too much. I kept wondering how this could happen, and there still are times when there are a lot of demands in my life of ministering to others that cause me to be concerned whether I will thrive or even survive!

There are 4 “alls” in this verse and 1 “every” that promise everything that I could possibly need to avoid burnout:

God is able to make all grace abound to you: God wants to give me more grace, if I will just let him. What does that look like? The first step is accepting the fact that I don’t have what it takes to get the job done myself. I need God’s grace every day of my life!

So that: the reason that he is giving me his abundant grace is that he wants me to do something with it.

In all things: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Phil. 4:13) When God calls me to do something, no matter how difficult, I can do it as long as I rely on his strength and not just my own.

At all times: the offer for more grace is always there! Like filling up my car with gas, I just need to stop long enough to be refueled by his Spirit! Often this happens in the morning, as I wait on God before I start my day.

Having all that you need: If I have everything that I need, I won’t burn out. I might get tired, even exhausted, but all I have to do is to go back to Jesus for more grace!

You will abound in every good work: God gives me grace so that I can do good things for others in his name (not so I can just kick back and live the “good life” for myself). God has a good work for me to do that is specific to his call and gifting.

Father God, thank you that you keep on giving, and never run out of grace! Please fill me up today, so that I can do all that you have called me to do, in your name. I give you all of the burdens that I am carrying in exchange for your abundant grace! Amen.

Throughout the Day: If you, like me, sometimes feel like life is draining you dry, listen to this hymn written by Annie Flint: it is such a great reminder that God has more to give us!