Exhausted

2/9/2020

Isaiah 40:28 “The everlasting God…fainteth not, neither is weary.”

Today’s study addresses spiritual exhaustion. I have to say, I have definitely experienced this in two ways. First, when we were younger, my husband and I were very busy in various ministries. We were at church a lot, and filling many different roles. I guess we were a part of that typical 10% group, you know, the small group of people that usually keep a church’s programming going. This over-committed life we were living was certainly exhausting both spiritually and physically, and caused severe burnout after a while. We were both going and going, thinking we were serving God, and we were to a degree. Mostly though, we were filling in the holes and acting as the warm bodies in the room. Yes, exhaustion set in, and then often retreat. We just couldn’t keep up the pace. It was amazing to me when, at a new church we started attending, a deacon said they didn’t want us to serve if we felt like it was not where God would have us. This church actually discouraged people from overextending themselves. They would have rather had less programming done in – and with – the right spirit, than many programs done by exhausted, albeit well-intentioned, people. Wow! At this new church we severed, grew in our faith, worshiped, and had wonderful fellowship. The best part is that we could give our best for God by doing less, because our energy went into what God was calling us to do. A lesson that needed to be learned.

My second experience is more intimate. It is an exhaustion through sharing my testimony and the power of the gospel with others, and it is glorious! For some time now, I have been reading both God’s Word and My Utmost for His Highest, journaling, and spending extended time in prayer daily. I am so thankful to God for providing me time to do these things, and to be able to spend precious extended periods with Him. This is what fills my tank, and enables me to go a little further down the path God has placed me on. I have been blessed to be able to walk alongside people who are struggling and searching, who want to grow in their walk with the Lord, or who are in need of prayer. I am humbled and so very grateful to God; for I am weak but He is strong. This pouring out has been a huge blessing in my life, and I welcome the exhaustion. To God be the glory.

So, one time of exhaustion was largely due to approaching ministry in my own strength, and out of a self-imposed obligation to programming. Sadly, this only produced a weak ministry and burnout. My second time of exhaustion is from trying to faithfully do my best for God, no matter where I am or who I am with. I am no longer doing my work for God under my own steam, but with Holy Spirit power. I can honestly say, when the Holy Spirit fills a room, there is NOTHING in this world more overwhelming beautiful!

Chambers says, ‘You have no right to say- ‘Oh Lord, I am so exhausted.’ He saved and sanctified you in order to exhaust you. Be exhausted for God, but remember that your supply comes from Him. ‘All my fresh springs shall be in Thee’ Psalm 87:7“