The Right Kind of Fatigue...
Wednesday, October 24, 2012 at 10:54AM 
Happy Wednesday, Friends!
And to those visiting, I say welcome! I post most Wednesdays and my sole purpose is to nourish your soul along the way.
This week I’ll give away a copy of my book, ‘Balance That Works When Life Doesn’t’ AND a $10.00 gift card to someone who posts on my blog. I want to know your thoughts and insights on this week’s post.
Now, on to my topic...
Many years ago, I went through a burnout stage that was so bad, it actually scared me. I had been committed to so many good things, I - like many others - had lost sight of the BEST thing God had for me, which was to live and breathe in sync with His heartbeat for me.
The Lord was gentle and wonderful during my recovery season. Step by step He led me through a time of soul-searching, rest, reflection, and repentance. I understood, on a deeper level, how much He loves me, how important my time is to Him, and how I only have this one life to offer HIM. And I can't give to Him something I've already given away to somebody else.
Out of that season I learned to 'put the big rocks in first' as some are known to say. Certain things in my life had to be immovable commitments if I ever hoped to bear the kind of fruit God had in mind for me from the beginning of time.
And the same is true for you.
In the Gospel of John (chapter 15) Jesus tells us that we have a divine appointment to bear MUCH fruit, and that it's to His Father's great glory when we do. It blesses His heart so much when we live by faith, abide in the Vine, and live in response to His love.
As Christians, we don't produce more by doing more; we produce more by being more with Christ.
But here's something very important about the fruit-bearing life: We are going to get downright exhausted sometimes, and that's normal.
In those early years after my burnout, when I would only take careful steps into commitment, and still have the occasional day of absolute exhaustion, that wretched enemy would come in like the bully he is and accuse me for being 'back in that place' of burn out; of never learning to say no, etc., etc. blah, blah, blah.
And I just took it because I agreed with him. But then one day, the Lord whispered to my heart and said, "You are most definitely NOT back in that place! You have a little fatigue today and you need some rest; tomorrow is a new day. When you were burned out, you were tired every day; you had lost your margin and your joy. That's not you now. You are in a NEW place and learning to work within the ebb and flow of life." That insight was a healing revelation to me.
I also read the work of pastors and ministers who do large-scale ministry, and every one of them admitted that although they KNEW they were walking in God's will for them, they still had days when they dropped in bed in exhaustion. It's simply true: walking out the things God has for us - though wonderful and exhilarating - can still make us tired from time to time.
Maybe this is obvious to everyone but me. But when I figured this out, and refused the enemy’s accusations, the accuser slithered away. Now, instead of being tired for a month (something I'd never allow in my life again), I might be tired for a day or two. And as soon as I notice twinges of fatigue that carry over, I make some immediate changes.
What about you?
Are you flirting with burnout? Have you been joyless and tired for a long time? Maybe you need a time of recovery and rest.
Or maybe you're just a little tired and just need a little break. Give yourself one.
More than anything, I pray that if you're tired, it's from working through and walking out God's highest and best will for you. And, that you'll make time for much-needed rest, which is an act of faith in itself. But if you’re heading toward burnout, do not come under shame or condemnation. Just put the breaks on now and make some immediate life changes!
Life is too short and precious to run a rat race that God never assigned to you!
May the Lord fill you up and make you strong! May you hear His voice and follow His lead.
I'd love to send one of you a free copy of my book, Balance That Works When Life Doesn't along with a $10.00 Starbucks gift card (Nothing like a good cup of coffee and a soul-nourishing book!).
What have you learned about balance, rest, and living out God’s highest and best purposes for you? I am excited to hear from you!
Leave a comment and I'll announce a winner next week.
Blessings upon you this week~
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly” (Matthew 11:28-30 msg).
Reader Comments (31)
I'd love the opportunity to read your work.
Thanks
I love The Message translation of that scripture reference.
So poetic, yet so real !
Thank you for a great blog.
Resting is the one thing that I struggle with the most in my spiritual walk.
One thing God has spoke to me clearly as I live for him, is that when I take on more than He has called me to, I rob someone else of the joy and calling of God on their life. I used to think I had to step in and fill the need because no one else was. The truth was I never gave anyone else the chance. By saying "yes" to every request, instead of "let's pray to see who God would have fill that need", I was essentially placing my service to God ahead of others service to God. This was not done with the intention of service hogging, but of a true desire to serve my Lord with everything I had, everyday. Now that I have stepped back to wait before stepping forward, I have been so blessed to see others experience the joy and growth that come from stepping out in faith when God calls. This has not been easy, for me...nor have I mastered it. I still fall prey to my own fleshly default to try earn God's favor, but by His grace and through His Spirit, I hope to struggle with this less, and rest more.
I am entering a period of rest after a very stressful year. On October 6 my son-in-law passed away following a year long battle with brain cancer. He leaves behind his wife (my daughter) with four young children. He bravely followed doctor's orders for chemo and radiation, however suffered terrible side effects, seizures, strokes, etc. His quality of life was drastically reduced the last six months. Both him and my daughter have a strong faith and relied on church, family and friends to help them through. I tried to be there for them as much as I could. Now my daughter is a widow and she is trying to rebuild her life. My prayer is that God will continue to carry her and that I will find the right balance on how much to help her and when to let her handle things on her own. The kids are 9, 8, 4 and 10 months.
I wonder what God has in mind next for me. If I take too long a rest will he give me another task. I believe we go through struggles to prepare us for what lies ahead may I find a way to be a blessing to someone else and return the great blessing he has bestowed on me to get through this.
Hi, Susie. I know i'm supposed to be working, but i wanted to share my new concept that i have learned. Welcome each day as a fresh new beginning. What this message is trying to convey is that every day is new. Forget about Yesterday because yesterday is in the past. Live for today because you never know what will happen the next day.
Speaking of days, i heard the song "If today was your last day" by Nickelback. It made me wonder about what i would do if today was my last day. I would donate everything i own to be with God because the possessions on Earth don't last forever and that heaven is a much better place than Earth. I'm sure that if i had my last day to live, i would give everything i own because i don't want to go to a place where is misery and isolation from God. If i don't win a Starbucks gift card, it's OK because i truly do not want to end up in a place where there is isolation from God. God wants me to be with him because he loves me more and that he would always watch over me.
I hope that this post will inspire you. Have a nice day.
Joy..it's where I want to be. But yes burnout is knocking on the door. Would love to read the book. I have done "uncommen woman" with the ladies at my church.
susie,really enjoyed reading your blog today. i like the verse you put at the very end.
Perfect message for today! What a gift to be able to share with my facebook friends. Grace and peace to you in abundance, Susie!
Diane- I am so sorry. That sounds so overwhelming and hard! I'll be lifting your daughter, her children, and you up in prayer.
Susie- that is 'funny', I JUST ordered your book on balance this morning. It is something I really need. I have three little kiddos; 7,3, and 5 months. I love them dearly but it is exhausting. Plus I am dealing with the downturn in postpartum thyroditis, the hypo period. I am trusting God for my healing (I keep hearing Kari Jobes 'Healer' song just about every day!) and energy to take good care of my family. I know He is working this all out for my good! Even on the toughest, most exhausted days I feel His wonderful presence. Every single day has meaning, joy, and beauty.
Thank you so much for walking out this narrow path and sharing the lessons you have learned along the way. I am so aware and thankful that I am building my own faith on the faith of godly women who have walked this path before me.
God Bless!
The title of your book has intrigued me since the first time I saw it at Hearts-at-Home. I so enjoyed your workshop at the North Central Conference a few years back. Zephaniah 3:17! Thank you for your ministry.
Susie, thank you for your words of truth about rest. For me, being obedient to the Lord's call to rest has been a journey of deeper faith, trust and hope in Him and learning what He created me to be. Matthew 11:28
Some days, it's just difficult. I work for a Christian magazine so I'm surrounded by inspiring, thought- provoking and even life-changing material. Yet, in the midst of all that, I can get discouraged. How can that be? Those are the moments when the words and even the ministry become a blur on the screen. Those are the times when I have to remind myself of what our mission is and who we are truly serving. Those are the days when I have to set aside the laptop and pick up God's word to get back on track and oh, dear friend, what a difference His "word" makes!
Having just recently "retired" from a 7 year job in spiritual care at a hospital, I can relate to "burnout"....I have been amazingly refreshed and find that I minister everyday wherever I am...God continues to use me (all refreshed and working for HIM). Thank you for your beautiful message! God Bless you and your ministry
For such a time as this hey Susie,
Wow your blog really speaks to me today
I am out of balance, out of step with the most precious one there is
the lord.
My father has had cancer for 14 mths and I wanted to honor the lord by
honoring my dad. He wants to be at home so we have tried to honor that.
My problem was I didnt stick to the lord like glue or even asked the lord what
he wanted me to do. I just did What I thought I should, which seemed to be the
right thing after all this is my daddy were talking about. I love him and wanted
to care for him. I think my issue is doing things without first praying and asking God
so when things need to be done I go in his blessing and in his strength not mine.
So even when it seems the right thing seeking God in everything is what is needed more
than anything. Things are very complicated in my family sitiation, I needed to seek God
for this long and heavy journey. I can do nothing, nothing apart from him. I am realizing
ithis and now know that what ever I do I better consult God amd LISTEN before I do anything
because I want his will, his way so his life will be glorified in me. After all isnt that that point.
I hope I remember all this because the devil is busy and I am tired. I just want to stick to the
lord like glue, its exausting messing things up, getting in God's way and then getting back to where
you should have been in the first place, at his feet. I have to go take a nap now, still trying to rest in him. Pray for my daddy would you.
love ya Susie, God Bless
Excellent word, Susie! This was so encouraging to me...keep on being an irresistible vessel for Him to use to give good gifts to His kids! :)
This is a timely post, as it has been on my heart lately as well. To serve Him, but to not serve Him in ways He never intented...I am a woman who has been blessed with a great number of gifts and talents, and I have a servants heart. I want to help everyone, all the time! But God is really training me in this area so that I seek what He wants me to do and what opportunity will best serve that purpose. I am also mindful to not give so much away that my precious family is left with the dregs of what I have remaining. It is a slow process, but I am learning and growing. Some days I am tired, but not the bone aching weariness that came when I served all but Him...now I am tired, but joyful...sleepy, but not weary. There truly is a difference.
Thanks for the timely word today. I'm in a new leadership position and feeling overwhelmed and exhausted at times, which causes me to doubt my calling and be more susceptible to the enemy's lies. Love that line tha "As Christians, we don't produce more by doing more; we produce more by being more with Christ." You are a great encouragement! Thank you.
Thank you again, Susie, for speaking truth! You have blessed me richly today, and given me food for thought. The KEY remains, stay connected. Stay connected. Stay connected. Striving is my nature, resting is not.
Thank you.
Faith
Susie, i can't thank you enough for your continual transparency! i know that God treasures that, since He made the streets of Heaven as clear golden glass... i, too, have struggled with burnout fatigue from being too consumed with the work of ministries because i wasn't giving myself the margin of time for the focus of ministry: Christ Himself. ~ Bless you, my friend, for all you share; i look forward to this book's release and my upcoming read of it! :-) Thanks again, sister! ~
Susie, As usual, your blog post was great. God wants us to rest and not have burnout. God certainly uses your words through books to speak to others and I am sure your new book will be an awesome story to read. I loved Uncommon Woman. God Bless
Dear Susie,
Thank you so much for your commitment to nourish those who read... you do! I have struggled so much all my life with the voices that say that business makes me important. I look around me and the message from the world seems so clear: The busier and more exhausted you are, the more important you must be. I struggle with resting and plain being. I struggle with wanting to perform for the Lord and in that bribe Him to love me more. How silly.
It is difficult in this busyness driven culture to truly rest in Him, His promises, and His unconditional love for me.
Thank you for the reminder and for keeping on!
Heidi <><
I am in a season of trying to find balance. I think the hardest thing is when there are so many opportunities that come along that I have the giftings to accomplish AND the projects sound fun to me. I constantly have to check myself to make sure that it is something that helps me and not hinders me from my commitments to the most important relationships in my life. I make mistakes with this all the time and it shows in my attitude and my capacity to love. I am looking forward to reading your new book. Your writing inspires me and encourages me! I am so thankful to have your teaching in my life!
Celebrating with you as God continues to redeem and bring beauty from the ashes! And praising God for your willingness to endure, listen, and share your journey for us. Been waiting for this one. THANK YOU.
How timely this is Susie and needed!!! BTW I would be very honored to have a copy of that book I do not have it and coffee in the AM with the Bible and any other great read are my favorite past times.
We live in a culture where the philosopsy of busy is better seems to be very admired. I have to watch it too.
I just got liberated from years of unpredictable mood swings and depression. What freed me was being in God's Word on a daily basis and attending a neighborhood Bible study. Nope it did not come form meds, as, at one time I was on three antidepressants, an antipsycotic, colonopin which is an antianxiety drug oh, and a sleeping pill as well!! It did not help me I was still a mess.
Now that I am free from all that, I want to serve God in everything I do. I feel so liberated that I feel I can not do enough for Him, Well, that is dangerous too. How many great Christians have fallen prey to the thought that Jesus wants them serving Him to the extent of collapse when His Word tells us "he leads me beside the still waters. Be still and know that I am God!"
I am starting to be more aware of over comitting my time but still need some prompting to be careful. God will always find someone to do His work for Him and we are less effective when we are tired and drained.
Thankyou Susie, I need that book to help me for sure!!!
Love and Hugs from Dakota land,
Betty Marschner
I've been reminded over and over again in life that Sabbath is soooo much more than going to church. It's about a regular day, and even time each day throughout my week, where I "exist" differently, in the direction of "remaining in Him", as John 15:5 says.