Burnout

Burnout

How can I avoid burnout?

God’s Response

As he was sleeping, an angel touched him and told him, “Get up and eat!” . . . So he ate and drank and lay down again. Then the angel of the LORD came again and touched him and said, “Get up and eat some more, for there is a long journey ahead of you.” So he got up and ate and drank. 1 Kings 19:5-8

Work for six days, and rest on the seventh. . . . It will . . . allow the people of your household . . . to be refreshed. Exodus 23:12

Elijah’s experience suggests three steps to beating burnout. (1) Take care of your body. A healthy diet and regular exercise are essential. (2) Connect with other people. Elijah thought he was the only person in Israel still faithful to God, but there were actually 7,000 of them! When you isolate yourself or start thinking, I’m the only one who cares about this cause, you’re in trouble. (3) Do God’s work today. God gave Elijah specific steps that the prophet could achieve. Work at the tasks God has set before you and leave the results to God. Realize it’s not up to you to do everything.

God’s Promise

Even youths will become exhausted, and young men will give up. But those who wait on the LORD will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:30-31