Stages of Being Burnt Out in Ministry

This is not a sprint, it is a marathon!

I heard this a long time ago and talking to a friend, she reminded me of it.  It is so true, we are here to stay for a while and not to kill ourselves on a the first attempt. 

I personally have experienced this process a few times.  In one of the instances I experienced the whole process, in others I recognize it coming and become proactive in seeing the end of it.  

This is the purpose of this article.  So we recognize the signs and go to God for help before it turns into a bigger disappointing experience. 

     1)    STAGE 1: Exciting News!!!

Something exciting happens: an open door from God, a change of job, etc.

In my experience every process has started with a new opportunity of ministry, a change of a job acquiring more responsibilities, etc.  It has always being something good. 

     2)    STAGE 2:  Exciting work!!!

Get my hands on the blessing and start working hard to see is happening or keep it happening.

I love new challenges and to rise to the occasion.  This is good but it can become harmful when out of control.  Being a dreamer and never ceasing to create new possibilities can also intensify this situation.  I love to be busy doing good things.  I love to look at my agenda and see I am going somewhere, I am meeting people, I have a purpose.  

My weakness is, many times, to dream my own dreams and find my own purpose for my life.  That is why I cannot reinforce enough how our relationship with God is important, so our hearts can beat as one with His heart and we can look at things and oportunities with His eyes. 

     3)    STAGE 3:  God needs my help!!

I add a few nice and personal touches to God’s blessing.   I start taking it over … 

It is not good over bad, but good over best.

25/30% our agenda open for unexpected things God will bring our way.

Our prayer time seeking His guidance is a priority.

My tendency again is to look at my agenda with human eyes, being busy is a good thing.  It is not!  God wants a relationship with us, all the other things are secondary.  Putting other things before God, even being busy in "His" work is wrong and lead us to distress.  

Galatians 1:10

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁰ Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.

     4)    STAGE 4:  I must be busy all the time!!

Work creates more work … stress brings more stress, when it is out of control.

One moment of disconnect with God can lead us to a snow bowling situation of stress.  Things will go out of control. 

     5)    STAGE 5:  This is not what I expected!

Change of feelings: excitement turns into resentment … opportunities turn into problems, other’s needs turn into interruptions.

One of the signs I see in my life is that people who were my object of service become problems and interruptions in my life.   I resent not having time for my family and for myself. 

    6)   STAGE 6:  I want to be out of here!

Feeling down, unmotivated, depressed  … different reactions in different people, the different stages of life (middle life crises, a lost, etc)

I had some of these signs in stress times and it became intensified.  Things such as disappointment with other people, kids age, the loss of trust, the loss of a friendship, etc Those feelings plus the amount of work of expectations of others have lead me to want to go away from my circumstance.

Psalm 143:7-8

New International Version (NIV)

⁷ Answer me quickly, Lord;
    my spirit fails. 
Do not hide your face from me
    or I will be like those who go down to the pit.
⁸ Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, 
    for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go,
    for to you I entrust my life.

     7)    STAGE 7:  HELP!!!

Because my experiences in this area, I know more of God.  He is bigger than before in my perception of Him.  I learned more about His care, His wisdom, His guidance.  Some times He may give you a desert experience, but this experience will only bless your walk with Him.  It will turn the problem into a blessing.  It may take time, He needs time to perfect His work.

Job 23:10

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁰ But he knows the way that I take; 
    when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.

 

Psalm 66:10

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁰ For you, God, tested us;  you refined us like silver.

Psalm 66:12

New International Version (NIV)

¹² You let people ride over our heads; 
    we went through fire and water,
    but you brought us to a place of abundance.

A broken vessel

I have been struggling with low energy, low self-confidence and low desire to serve.  I have detected this, and recognized it from past experiences.  RED FLAG!!

Life's circumstances, family problems, attacks, personal conflicts ... all have a part in it. Yes, it does happen in the lives of missionaries as well!

I prayed, God will you fill me?  I am empty, I need to give and have nothing to give.  

Then, this morning a thought came to my mind:  what if I am at my "broken stage" ... what if there is something to be changed and God is using this time "to break me and make me again".  A broken vase cannot carry anything... 

That lead me to think that that are phases in life that we need to give ourselves some time.  Time to "rest" in Him, time to pick up the pieces, time to reinforce our trust in our Maker.  

So, here I am  ... waiting and resting in Him.  Life goes on, but my focus is in restoration and not pouring myself in others.  I must be whole again and then I will be ready to be filled and give what is freely given to me. 

I am broken, but I am not alone.  He is molding me and making me better for His service.  

My advice:  learn to hear your heart, and recognize the seasons of your life.  Saying "no" to some things does not mean being disobedient to Him.  It may mean to choose the best over the good; it may mean to give yourself time!

This reading blessed my heart this morning.  I hope you enjoy as well ... it is from this blog:   A Time to Laugh 

The Master's Vessel

Psalms

This year I will be studying the book of Psalms.  I hope to get some nourishment and will pass on what the Lord speaks to me.  

Psalm 1: 

 ¹ Blessed is the man 
   who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked 
or stand in the way of sinners 
   or sit in the seat of mockers. 
² But his delight is in the law of the LORD, 
   and on his law he meditates day and night.

I am following a study that asks me to write these instructions to fit my own reality.  Am I not called to live amongst the the wicked, sinners and mockers?

At first it may seem to be a contradiction in God's word. 

After a little thinking and praying for wisdom in how to bring this to my reality I think the waters got clearer. 

God has called me to be among these people but my presence should bring the wisdom, respect and dignity to them.  I find that when I first meet a person, they do not know anything about me.  They take the liberty to say and do things that really fit well on those categories above.  BUT I have found that after they know me and where I stand, they are selective in what they say, the jokes they tell, etc.  

These verses become reality in my life as I bring those values to the relationships I have.  They become aware of the sin in their lives because of my testimony.   I may not say a word, but they know. 

That brings me to another thought.  How do I go about introducing those values to my relationships?  I think that most of the time love and patience are needed. But in many cases, love should be accompanied by admonition.  I should be able to speak the truth in love and introduce the fear of God in their lives. Still, love should be the base of any action. 

ALSO, it is important for us to have people who can speak in our lives, people who knows the Lord and can bless us with counsel and good company. 

Praying that I will be able to witness God in a way to bring Biblical values to people's life even before them Know God personally.   May this be the first step to get closer to Jesus.