Re: Called? Burned Out? Info needed -- UCMI Message Exchange

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Date Posted: 08:22:35 09/06/10 Mon
Author: Rev. Mark McManus
Author Host/IP: 72.175.69.44
Subject: Re: Called? Burned Out? Info needed
In reply to: Rev. Dr. Scott P. Baker 's message, "Called? Burned Out? Info needed" on 09:36:33 08/26/10 Thu

Dear Brother Scott,

What you are experiencing is "not" uncommon. Take heart, take a deep breath.

1. It sounds like you are being way to hard on yourself. Some times WE can be the victims of our own religious abuse.

2. God is a God of order, priority and of peace, even in the midst of challenges. In other words, balance IS important, as a Father, a Chaplain, and simply as human being. The problem is that we can throw ourselves under the religious bus for even thinking about such things as, "self care".

I have had friends in ministy hit this same wall, and frankly I have hit this wall myself in the past. But what can happen is, when we feel this fatigue, or burnout, combined with the conflict of a passion for our calling, and the guilt feelings of wanting to just shut down.

We can not only fall into a distressed state of mind and body, but the enemy whose purpose is only...to steal kill and destroy, will try to convince you that your calling is not real, you don't really, have what it takes, and that what you do is pretty much, insignificant any way.. and of course hits the other areas that may be in need of care, such as being a father, husband, etc. etc. etc. Is this sounding at all familliar?

As far as "feeling God's presence" as being a marker for God's presence being there, let me encourage you. God "never" leaves or forsakes his people. On a very practical level. If you are burning yourself out, you are probably not feeling a lot of anything.. i.e. a lot of joy, a lot of, peace, alot of serenity.

a. God does not repent of his gifts, not is He double minded on His calling. Don't listen to the lies of the enemy.
b. Even JESUS took time in the wilderness. This was not only time to comune with the Father, but to rest, to be still. You may need a short season of rest..getting your house in order with your home, your boys,etc. THAT'S OK TO DO THAT! :)

c. During that time YOU may need to be ministered to, and I;m not talking about just sitting in a Sunday service (doing your religious duty) I am talking about being around those who love the Lord, who love you, and will give you the grace to be where you are at right now.

d. NUTRITION. Are you eating ok? One of the things that happens under stress etc. is that we stop caring for our physical bodies.

e. Rest. BOUNDARIES!!! You may need to do some prayerful boundary setting. The heart of many a Shepherd is to care for the sheep, but if you are so spread out that you are just short of non functional..no one benefits. (except the enemy) IT IS OK TO SAY...NO

f. God does not live in a building. So many times people connect their level of relationship with the Lord based on the check of sheet of attendance at a church service. Do not forsake the assembling of the saints together the Lord says, not...make sure you make 52 sessions and 345 E. Meadow street church lest ye be unworthy. Seek loving biblical, fellowship with those who will pray FOR you and WITH you.

Everything...every season has a purpose...allow the Lord to minister to you during this season, which sounds like Autumn..(A time to rest, and a time to let some things go)

Stop being so hard on yourself. You may need some rest time, play time, prayer time. Rest in the Lord, Wait on Him, Check out how many plates you having spinning right now and consider trimming some back, but don't buy the lie of the enemy regarding your calling.

YOU ARE WORTHY! Jesus accomplished that for us.

God bless you brother.

Rest in the Lord...

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Replies:

Re: Called? Burned Out? Info needed -- Sandi Stevens, 08:55:14 09/13/10 Mon