Why are leaders in danger of burnout?

1 Kings 19:3-4Elijah was afraid and fled for his life. He went to Beersheba, a town in Judah, and he left his servant there. Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died.”

Leaders burn out when they make unhealthy choices under duress. Elijah not only ran away from his trouble, but he also cut himself off from help. Fortunately, God still had plans for Elijah. He still has plans for you.

2 Corinthians 4:7We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.

Leaders are human. They get tired, frustrated, discouraged, and confused. They also fail and sin time and again. Yet by God’s grace, our humanity does not disqualify us from serving God in all that we do. In fact, our weakness becomes the means for God to reveal his power and mercy.