... On the Bedpost Overnight?

This is the second post entitled, "Does your chewing gum lose its flavor on the bedpost overnight", dealing with ministry burnout.

The initial epiphany of ministry burnout (namely, that we should still do it even if it seems like no one cares) is followed by the subsequent, but no less powerful, revelation that we need to let God be God.

We need to pause in our planning and agendas and work schedules and endless strategies and give God room to work. If we are getting burned out, it might mean to we have come to rely too heavily on our power. It means that we came to believe that we are solely responsible for the success (or failure) of our ministry.

That is a lie. The true thrust of ministry is that we allow God to work. Sure, He uses people and the unique gifts He gave us; but ultimately, God is the one who works through us to will and to move according to His good pleasure (Philippians 2:12-13).

That was a huge weight off my chest, once I realized that all I am responsible for is my calling. Anything beyond that (like reaching the youth and saving them) will be God's work. I simply just need to be obedient and God will be able to work through me to complete His purpose.

What greater comfort is there? So, the next time ministry burnout strikes, stay obedient, but relax. Pray, study, contemplate, worship, whatever you want to do; just remember that it is God who works through you. As a matter of fact, let the ministry sit on the bedpost overnight, for once, and see what God does now that He has room to move. You might be surprised.