Whether you’re experiencing this now or have in the past, when burnout threatens your life, you’ll know. It’s that feeling of complete exhaustion, extreme pressure, and downright overload all wrapped into one as you press to do what needs to be done. It’s like you’re driving 100 miles per hour in the fast lane, knowing that if you don’t slow down you’re going to crash and probably hurt other people in the process! So I caution you…don’t burn yourself out!
I’ve been near burnout before. So I know what it feels like. It’s like you know you have things to do, roles to fill, places to go, deadlines to meet, and you’re pressing to do it all, but your body and mind is screaming, “SYSTEM OVERLOAD!”
No doubt, it’s great to want to fulfill your day-to-day roles, workload, and live out your passions and destiny, but NOT at the expense of a crash. Who can you help if you crash and burn? Let me answer that question for you. NO ONE. In the midst of doing it all sis, wisdom is needed.
Slow down enough to talk to God and ask, “Lord, what should I be doing in this season of my life? What can I actually do? What do I need to release?” Because if you’re not careful and sensitive to your body and the Spirit of God, you could very well get knocked down in this race as you’re pressing towards the finish line. It’s true. Many who have experienced full blown burnout have literally given up on their families, friends, jobs, and even ministry. It really does happen. So I caution you again…don’t burnout!
Ecclesiastes 9:11 says, “The fastest runner doesn’t always win the race and the strongest warrior doesn’t always win the battle.” So slow down, pause and consider, and ask God to help you. Your responsibility is to recognize where you are before burnout totally manifests itself completely in your life and wrecks everything that’s important to you.
Again, I would know. I’ve been there where my schedule was in overload. I was headed for burnout and the Lord knew it. But He heard my plea for help. I believe with all my heart that He knew deep down inside that I was doing too much, that I was growing weary, and that I needed to slow down enough to refresh. But He knew that I wasn’t going to be able to do that on my own. So He had to supernaturally intervene.
That’s love.
Jesus knew that I needed rest. He said through Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light.” AMEN! Thank you Jesus!
He can do the same for you…in His own way. Meaning, give you supernatural rest. But you have to do what He says. Go to Him. Don’t wait for a nervous breakdown or a crash to wake up and realize that you’re doing too much. There are seasons and times for everything. So seek Him in prayer and ask for wisdom. Tell the Lord where you are and let Him lead and guide you and give you rest in due time. In the meantime, hold onto this verse in Zechariah 4:6 which says, “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, says the Lord of hosts.”He will do it! He will complete the work that He has started in you. It’s not solely on you. I had to learn that from experience. Sometimes it takes slowing down to realize that. So take God at His Word that says, “He who began the good work within us, will continue his work until it is finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again.” (Philippians 1:6-NLT) Believe it and hold on my sister! He’s got you! Just don’t burn yourself out!
Remember, Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s be ready from the Inside Out!
