Stop Right Now

Tired of the same old thing?

Wondering why everyone else isn't working as hard as you?

Walls seem to be squeezing in on you?

The people you serve starting to really get on your nerves?

Then STOP. Stop what you're doing. Hold on every initiative. Quit striving. Cease the planning and the strategizing. These are serious questions. If you are answering "yes" to most of them, you are on a train bound for disaster. These are signs of burnout. These are signs of overkill. You were not meant for this. You did not sign up for this.

Jesus is our great Model, right? Jesus is our great Example, right? Here's a bit of what He told us:

"I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father." (John 14.12)

"Apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15.5)

Our burnout is directly linked to our self sufficiency. We were designed for great things - not of our own strength, but through our brokenness and dependency on Christ alone. When we slowly creep back on the throne which was designed just for Him, we are in the danger zone.

So stop. Now.

Wait for the strength He has promised you. 

Start serving strong.

photo credit

Comments

[AC]

"When we slowly creep back on the throne which was designed just for Him, we are in the danger zone." That's a great line, and so true. And I like the idea of learning to lead from yr brokenness, and thus letting Christ take the lead. Well put.

[Scott Couchenour]

Thank you AC. It's something I have had to learn (and relearn, and relearn) over the years. I'm convinced of the power that flows out of a broken vessel. Have a great week!

[Stephen Webb]

So true Scott I find things get done quicker and more efficent and more effectively when I ask for help.

[Donna]

So are there any ways, alongside prayer, to get better at releasing the "silo" complex and asking others for help?

[Scott Couchenour]

Thanks for stopping by Stephen. Yeah, I'd like to build my asking muscle too. I'm so guilty of self-sufficiency so often, though. I'm working on it.

[Scott Couchenour]

Donna - Excellent question. Try this thought progression and let me know what you think:

1) Identify all the tasks you have going on
2) Select the tasks that only you can/should be doing (you may need help with this one)
3) Look at the tasks that remain - what kind of person does it take to do those things?
4) Take a look around you - who is around you that you can invest your time and energy in?
5) Start delegating (Google the word "delegate" for more insight)