Used Up

Over the last couple weeks we have been looking at the Apostle Pauls’ life as an example of someone who poured out his life in service to the Lord. As he approached the end of his life, he could confidently say, “But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you” (Phil. 2:17). Paul understood that the most important thing we can do with our lives is to not waste the limited amount of time we have on things that hold no eternal significance. 

Now that his death was near, Paul was confident he had not wasted his life on trivial things. He had poured out for Christ and His Kingdom. He had run the race to the end! 

If we want to be able to join Paul in running the race to the end, we’re going to have to learn to deal with a painful reality. Sometimes when our perspective goes south, instead of pouring out our lives, we just feel burned out and used up. What should we do as believers when we feel this sort of burnout coming on? 

The Scriptures leave us with a powerful example. Elijah struggled with stress and burnout. but God helped him recover by shifting his focus back to Him and His unlimited resources. When we reach the point of burnout we need to hold onto a powerful truth: God not only cares for us, He knows exactly what is needed to heal the hearts of His people in every generation. There’s no battle too big for your Savior!