WARNING LABELS: Do Not Overload; Refer to Maximum Load Chart; or Not for Continuous Use. Before entering Bible College, I worked for a business where we used hand drills constantly, often for projects beyond their capacity. The supply room stocked drills because life expectancy was short before their motor burned out. Through the years of ministry, I’ve wondered if we should place similar WARNING LABELS on Christians. Many pastors will teach their staff, “If you want something done, find a busy person.” Problem with this thinking is that in around 18 months that busy person wears out. They either stop doing everything or cannot do anything effectively.
No student ever went through my courses, regardless of the subject, without hearing the most important word they would learn is ‘no’. Saying no doesn’t mean we refuse to do everything. People can use it as a copout when they don’t want to get involved. Yet, Christians can develop a subtle belief it is a sin to tell a leader no even knowing they are already overloaded or outside their abilities. Recently, I heard a pastor tell his congregation, “if staff ask you to do something, don’t say ‘it is not my gifting’ or ‘I don’t have time’, you must do it.” Ministering for the Lord doesn’t mean we never get tired or stretched beyond our comfort zone. Spiritual growth can be demanding, and the Holy Spirit will always lead us into new areas of the gifts He has given us. The key for a strong and balanced Christian life depends on knowing and living within our boundaries and limits.
In the 1970s a psychologist coined the term “burnout” to describe a state of emotional, physical, social, and spiritual exhaustion. A person loses interest in normal activities and even life. Moms can be overcome with raising her family; dads can be consumed with earning a living, many times more than needed. Before the term burnout, people referred to this state of exhaustion as ‘a nervous breakdown’. Regardless of what we call it, I’ve been there, done that, and got the tee shirt and almost earned a second one. It is no fun. I’ve known believers who have reached this point but praise the Lord, most have healed. But I know several who never recovered. They attend church but merely occupy a pew; a close friend has lived in a half-way house for the last forty years.
Next to overload, a second cause comes from running out of fuel. At the 1984 Daytona 500 auto race Donnie Allison driving a $250,000 car unexpectedly rolled to a stop. The crew found no mechanical problem or health related issue with Allison. In their scramble to make everything perfect someone forgot to put gas in the tank. The car ran out of fuel. Believers must guard again getting so busy that they do not stop and refuel, recharge, or re-energize. Refueling comes from devoting time to the Word, to prayer, and fellowship with trusted believers. When we are low on fuel and can’t continue the pace, we feel like we are failing God.
Elijah’s life shows the best biblical example of running out of fuel. From warring with the enemy, he ended up physically worn out, mentally overwhelmed, and believing he was all alone. Before his meltdown, Elijah had prophesied three-and-a-half-year drought, ministered to the widow of Zarephath, challenged the 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets Asherah to a face-off at Mount Carmel. The challenge ended with God raining down fire on Elijah’s altar consuming the offering, the wet wood, and the stones of the altar. The people seized the prophets of Baal . . . Elijah led them down to the Kishon Valley and executed them there (1 Kings 18:40). The power of the Lord came upon Elijah . . . he ran ahead of Ahab [in his chariot] all the way to Jezreel (v46)—25 miles. All this left him physically exhausted. One preacher described Elijah as fatigued, frazzled and frantic. Then when Jezebel threatened him, he became afraid. He went a day’s journey into the wilderness sat down under a shrub and asked the Lord to take his life: “I’ve had enough! Now, O Lord, take my life (19:4).
First step in recovery was physical rest. He went to sleep, and an angel brought food and drink. He ate and drank and then slept some more (19:4). After more food and drink, God led him to a cave at Mount Horeb where He instructed Elijah, not through wind, an earthquake, or a fire but through a still small voice, a gentle and quiet whisper, or a gentle blowing. God may not bring your spiritual recovery through something spectacular but a gentle quiet leading. Simply put, He told Elijah, “I’m not done with you yet. Get up and go back the way you came, I have an assignment for you.” Elijah continued having a powerful ministry.
Some reading this may not have learned to say no or how to pace yourself. Now you are overload, out of fuel, depressed, or even praying to die. God didn’t answer Elijah’s prayer but led him through recovery of his physical, emotional, and spiritual plight. He’ll do the same for you.
Sustaining Word for the Week: Learn to say no when you are overloaded, running out of fuel, or struggling outside your Spiritual gifts. Let the Holy Spirit lead you through recovery; He’s not done with you yet.