A pastor once said to me that starting out in ministry was the easy part. Keeping going – loving people over the years through thick and thin, and remaining passionate about the work – was much harder.
You could say this about almost anything in life. It’s exciting to embark on a new adventure – whether it’s marriage, parenting, or a new course or career.
But once the ‘honeymoon period’ is over and we realise the complexity and demands of the role, we can feel like giving up.
Staying the path is hard.
Committing to things and people in the long term isn’t always a bed of roses.
But we were never promised life, or work, would be easy.
Each season includes a set of circumstances that challenge us.
Each life stage poses fresh dilemmas and quandaries – and sometimes there are tremendous heartbreaks.
So how do we avoid burn-out when we’re feeling like we’ve had enough?
Sometimes we need to know when to play our last hand – and other times we need help in sticking it out.
As Christians we have a counsellor, the Holy Spirit, who can help us decide our next steps.
God can help us get to the heart of what’s troubling us and set us right again with his love and wisdom.
He’s the best listener there is – and a teacher like no other.
He will help you persevere, or know when to move in another direction as you stay close to him and his word.
Trust the tour guide. The driver of your life. He will show you the way forward as you come to him in prayer.
“Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder.”
Romans 12:12 MSG
It's a God thing... 
The hardest thing is to know if you should play your last hand or persist … that’s been my recent journey. Thank you
Yes. Definitely a hard one. Praying you’d know which way to go as you seek God’s wisdom.
Great reminder! I am always glad to see mention of God’s Holy Spirit and what a miracle we have been given! Seems like our overall church body does not devote enough time teaching and praising God’s Holy Spirit. Friday blessings!
True, we are truly blessed to have the Holy Spirit guiding, counselling, and encouraging us.
Thanks for your encouragement too! God bless.
Wonderful post! Our world shouts that when it’s no longer “fun” or “excilerating”, it’s time to move on, whether it be a job, ministry, or spouse. I’m so glad Jesus didn’t do that as he faced harassing Pharisees, misunderstanding crowds, unloyal followers, and finally a cross – all for us. Paul even states in Romans 5 that he did it for us while we were his enemies. I have a lot of growing to do!
So true. He persevered through all of it, even though it was extremely hard and discouraging. What an example!
This is so where I am at haha!!!! I’m just not listening or too afraid to actually ask what to do!
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I can relate to that! So often I put off asking God what to do because I’m afraid of his answer!! Good to remember he won’t ask the impossible though. He goes before us and will help us. x