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Devotional
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September 14, 2022

Hope for Burnout

September 14, 2022 by HEIDI J. SMITH BURNOUT Balancing ministry, family, & life Burn out Rest Self-care
Hope for Burnout
“Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
Isaiah 40:28-31

Have you ever been burned out?


You want to keep going, but you feel exhausted. Serving in ministry, caring for your family, and learning a new language drain you. 


I experienced burnout during furlough. My family and I were excited to see everyone, but no one prepared us for the intense schedule of visiting churches and continuous activities.


When we weren’t meeting with supporters, we were homeschooling, scheduling doctor appointments, and reconnecting with family. 


Maybe this was my fault for not scheduling more “free days,” but I love people and wanted to cram it all in before we returned. 


The jam-packed schedule caused friction in our family.


How could I have handled this situation differently? 


“He doesn’t not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.


Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:28b-31


I need to realize God’s power and relinquish my control.


Creator God scoops the waters into his hands, weighs the mountains, and calls each star by name. He isn’t a man-made idol but has always existed. His plans succeed with or without me.


When I control, my responsibilities monopolize my thoughts and depend on me rather than acknowledge God’s complete control. My busyness pleases people rather than God, causing my healthy boundaries to fly out the window.


Waiting on Him gives Him control because it requires stopping and shifting my priorities to their proper place. Trusting that God’s timing and answer are the best. It gives me the freedom to say no and not feel guilty. 


I haven’t mastered this, but I am working on setting boundaries and renewing my strength in the Lord. Waiting on God is easy to say, but hard to practice because it requires giving God complete control and pleasing Him and not others.

Closing Prayer
Dear Lord, Thank you that you don’t faint or grow weary. Your power is unmatched and nothing is too hard for you. Thank you for being in complete control. Please help me to give you control in my life and strive to please you and not others. Help me to wait on you. It is hard because I want to keep rushing ahead to complete my to-do list, but help me to trust in your perfect timing. Help me to rest and set proper boundaries. I love you. Amen.
Resources
Book: The Best Yes: Making Wise Decisions in the Midst of Endless Demand by Lysa Terkeurst This book is helpful because it helps you priorities your responsibilities. Some tasks may be good but not the best for you.
Song: While I’m Waiting by John Waller This song encourages me because waiting takes trust. I can’t always complete something quickly, especially if I’m waiting for an answer to prayer. I need to not get discouraged but keep waiting on God’s timing and leaning on his strength.
Scripture: Isaiah 40 This chapter challenged me so much. It shows God’s unlimited power compared to people’s finite abilities. He is the only source of strength.
Question for Reflection

When have you experienced burnout?

Comments
Heidi J. Smith
September 14, 2022

I experienced burnout during furlough. I have also experienced burnout as a mom. I have three teenagers and a younger son. Our house is busy, and I struggle with trying to control different situations rather than praying about it and trusting God. The more I try to control, the more exhausted I become. I can’t do everything even for my kids. Learning to wait on the Lord is a constant process that I’m learning.