Hebraic Musing - Have You Ever Felt like Just Giving Up?

Hebraic Musing - Have You Ever Felt like Just Giving Up?

I think we have all felt ‘burn-out’ at times, and more so when working for the Kingdom of God.  Ever feel frustration at seeming lack of progress?  Pastors (and church leaders) from time to time say they are ready to give up, tired, frustrated, questioning whether they’ve failed God, failed their congregation and/or failed their family.  Rick Warren claims “It’s not a sin to get discouraged—it happens to all of us. Discouragement is a byproduct of spiritual warfare. It also happens when our expectations need to be readjusted.”

Maybe discouragement is just a form of the “suffering servanthood” we were promised in 1 Peter 4:12 when Peter consoled us  with “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;…”  NKJV

So when (not if) those feelings of discouragement come over you, consider these six remedies:

1.   Remember how much God loves you.  When you feel discouraged, why not “preach God’s love” to yourself for a change, like you preach it to others?  You can’t feel the love of God and feel discouraged at the same time.   Remind yourself “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.  God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.” 1 John 4:16  NIV

2.   Refuse to “fake it.”  This is tough for those of us in leadership roles.  We feel our lives are on display.  If people really know me can I still be effective in church ministry?  Actually, the opposite is true.  Others are attracted to transparency, and that helps their openness to the Gospel.  Of course, you need to be wise about what you share.  When sharing one’s three part salvation testimony, the first part exposes who you were; and that helps others to know you and relate to you.  Even God wants you to know who you really are.  “But the Lord God called to the man, ‘Where are you?’" Gen 3:9

3.   Focus on “others”, not on yourself.  Christian ministry is all about “others”.  Preaching that message years ago I explained that there are 7 billion “others” in the world.  My pastor corrected me in front of the whole church and said “No Joe, there are 7 billion minus one!”  He’s right; there’s more to life than just you. IT’S NOT ABOUT YOU!   Nine times our Bible says to “love your neighbor as yourself”.  Discouragement will vanish as we broaden our perspectives to include “others”.

4.   Be realistic about your limitations. Ministry leaders are not going to solve all the problems in the world.  We are regular people “blooming where we are planted”.  We can’t bloom everywhere.  So let’s recognize:
 - We can’t keep everyone happy
 - We aren’t going to hit a home run with every message, sermon or outreach
 - We won’t successfully handle every conflict
Paul knew this.  “That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinth 12:10 

5.   Take time for renewal.  We all need diversions and ways to recharge daily, weekly and annually.  Take a Daily walk; Honor or “Keep the Sabbath” (pick your 7th day if necessary); take your annual Vacation trip.

6.   Stay focused on eternity.  We’re all caught in the struggle between the urgent and the important.  Remember the Goal – “And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.” 1 Peter 5:4

Points to ponder

How many lives have you already touched?  Why stop now?!?!

How did you feel when first hearing God calling you to a leadership role?

♫ Make a joyful noise, sing unto the Lord, Tell Him of His love, and dance before Him. ♫

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                          July 31, 2019

Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”   Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

Note – Inspired and excerpted from Pastor Rick Warren’s “What to Do When You Want to Give Up” July 23, 2019