Don't QuitSample

When you want to quit because you’re…burned out

Elijah’s story in the Old Testament (1 Kings 17-19) is one of the highest of highs and lowest of lows. It is a reminder that the spiritual mountaintop experiences can be fleeting and the valleys can be deep, but significant places to experience the presence, provision, and power of God.

Elijah saw a great victory over the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel through extraordinary acts of God. In the midst of it, Elijah exuded great confidence—even cockiness in his taunts of Ahab and the prophets.

And then, all it took was one threat from Jezebel to send him running into the desert, exhausted, hiding, questioning, feeling defeated, and all alone.

When we experience the mountaintop, we know there is a valley that is coming. You can’t live forever on the mountaintop. And the depth of the valley is often dependent upon how closely we are keeping our eyes on Jesus and how well we are caring for ourselves. The valley is real. But the valley isn’t the place to quit.

The valley is the place to trust.

If you are burned out emotionally, spiritually, physically, or mentally, take a lesson from Elijah and God’s care for him: get some rest, eat some food, and take a step towards the destination God has sent you to. (1 Kings 19:5-8)

Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is take a nap and eat a good meal.

Beware of the discouragement of burnout undermining your steadfast endurance.

Keep Going. Don’t Quit.

Questions to Consider

• How are you doing…really? Is it primarily physical (not taking care of your body), emotional (not paying attention to your emotional fuel tank), mental (not recognizing the stress you are under), or spiritual (not getting your spiritual sustenance from God)?
• What are two things you can do today to bring some renewal to your life?

Actions to Take

• Get some sleep. Eat a good meal. Write down your purpose.
• Tell a friend where you are and be as honest as you possibly can.

Prayer to Make

Lord, Psalm 23 says you are my shepherd, and when I follow you, you will provide everything I need so that I won’t be empty. I submit to you to follow you into the quiet valley and to rest beside the still waters. Lead me, Spirit, to the people and places of renewal. Amen.