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Why do Christians burn out?
Carve out some sacred space and some holy time!
I am not surprised that when Jesus saw the weariness of his apostles, the Lord not only told them to go away to a quiet place, but he also called them to be with him. Getting away wasn't enough. Resting and being alone, far away from the crowd, wouldn't rekindle the holy fire they needed to minister. No matter how restful retreat from the maddening rush may seem at the time, getting away by itself will not restore what is spent. Only the presence of the Lord can renew, restore, revitalize, reinvigorate, and re-establish our spirits. Only the Spirit of God, the breath of heaven, can make dry bones rise again (Ezekiel 37:1-13).
we have both pulled away from the "busyness" in our lives to be with the Lord ... in prayer ... in reading the Gospels ... in asking for his wisdom and guidance ... in trying to hear his voice ... in letting him have our priorities ... in seeking to learn how to better lead, equip, and empower others for ministry. Most of all, we have withdrawn to quiet places just to BE with the Lord. And when we return home to the hectic pace of ministry, jobs, friendships, and families, we will need to carve
out some sacred space and some holy time to renew our acquaintance with our Savior and get away to spend some time each day with him.
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him. Psalm 37:7
Be still, and know that I am God Psalm 46:10
He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters,
he restores my soul. Psalm 23:2-3
Elijah's example of rest and refreshment after his exhaustion is a good one. Food and rest were not enough for Elijah to be renewed (1 Kings 19:1-7), although they were part of his healing. What Elijah needed most, however, was to be in the presence of God. He needed to have God minister to him and speak directly to his heart (1 Kings 19:8-18). God spoke to Elijah in a gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:12) and called Elijah back into service, reminding him there were others out there still serving the LORD God (1 Kings 19:18). One of these in particular needed Elijah to prepare him to lead God's people (1 Kings 19:15-17).
BY
JAISON D JOSEPH (TBA)
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