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)
Susie, I have often heard that when God is trying to get your attention, HE keeps trying until you've heard HIM! Well, my devotions were about rest just this morning. I am new to your blog (as of today) and the 1st thing I see is about rest! I read your book, "The Uncommon Woman" a few years ago while going through some hurts and it was such a blessing. Thank you for saying "YES" to the best things in life while serving God!
Thanks for sharing your heart. You are a blessing.
Susie, I have come to love and look forward to your Start the Day and End the Day blessings! They are so inspiring and as I share them with friends, they love them also. I would love to read your book!!
May God continue to bless you and the awesome work you are doing for His Kingdom! Ginny
Good to read your blog on burnout since of late I had been worried about you trying to do too much with the stresses of your mother-in-law's death, your son's wedding, your book promotion, your speaking engagements and of course being a wife and mother. Of course with your daily radio committment and trying to maintain a close relationship with the Lord as the key to your dynamic Christian witness, I wondered, how is she able to do all this without crashing. You certainly reassured me that the Lord has given you the wisdom and insight to avoid the horrors of burnout. I'm sure the enemy is doing his best to devour you since you are such a dynamic and vital witness to the power of the Lord in one's life. My daily prayers for you that you continue to be a burning and shining light for Him that will not be extinguished as long as He gives you life.
It's 10:30am and I'm in my pj's and propped up in bed. I was just thinking I should get up and unpack my bags, clean my house, contact some people, etc. when what I really want to do is rest as my body is getting over jet lag. Thanks for reminding us that there is a season for everything, good work and rest balance together in life. I'll unpack my suite case tomorrow! Today I'm laying low and listening as Jesus helps my heart understand what I've experienced in Serbia for the last week and how he wants me to continue to work for him on behalf of those he loves.
A dear friend gave me your name and I'm so glad she did. I am dealing with chronic illness and sometimes I feel like giving up. Reading this post lifted my spirits and I am going to be buying some of your books.
God bless you!