BuRn OuT - UNNECESSARY

Matthew 11:28-30

The Message (MSG)

^28-30 “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

I would be lying if I told you that every day has been amazing lately.  I've honestly been just 'feeling' beat up by life.  There have been some changes to our schedule and responsibilities and it required different things of me. Although the changes are great and part of God's plan for our life I've been carrying them in my own strength. God never asked that of me. And honestly parenting has just been taking a lot out of me. 

So often I have found that when I begin to feel burned out (and I'm doing what God said to) its because I have taken my focus off of Him.  Why we would ever take our focus off of God and onto all the STUFF I don't understand, but at times it seems like an easy place to fall into.  Maybe its because the circumstances are often in our face screaming and God isn't like that, but whatever the reason I have to purpose my heart on Him.  It's a constant effort at first, but eventually it becomes like second nature to us. 

Matthew 11: 28-29 Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls" 

He has all that we need for anything we are going to face EVER!  So I encourage you to stay focused on Him and rest in His promises.  Its like when you watch a movie and as the story unfolds you find yourself getting concerned.  'Will this person make it?', 'will they end up together?', or 'how are they going to get themselves out of this one?'; the questions can race through our minds and often even affect us physically. Have you ever watched a movie like that and then watched it again with someone who has never seen it?  Isn't it so much easier to sit through the movie with them and remain calm, because you KNOW the ending.  You are completely confident that its all going to work out.  God knows the end from the beginning!!!

Isaiah 46:10 I make know the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, 'My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.'

The great news is that God has shared the ending with us.  His word reveals all that we need for life and godliness.  So if you feel anxious about a situation look in His word to see what it says your outcome will be.  Find a promise and stand and when you've done all keep standing.  

Ephesians 6:13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 

I think sometimes as a society we are too quick to give up. How would our world be different if Jesus had given up?  What if he got through the beatings, got through being nailed to the cross and then just decided I have obeyed close enough. So many times our 'breakthrough' or 'deliverance' is right around the corner and we just stop. We stop being consistent with our kids because it doesn't seem like its working, we give up on our diet because the results are not fast enough.  We stop because be are not confident in His promise. Keep reviewing the promise till it becomes more real than the situation. That is not denial, its acknowledging that God knows better and that He and His Word are always right.
Think back to the movie, how many times are there twists and turns and it just looks like its not going to work. A perfect show for twist and turns is 24, I always think Jack is going to die!  And I can get way to interested in that show; Ry and I will be watching it and I just keep thinking He's not going to make it this situation is just too bad. Thankfully, I have Ry with me and he always reminds me 'Faythe, there is another season; Jack can't die!'.    

Enjoy your week!  And remember when you start to feel the pressures of this world either in regards to parenting or finances or whatever, JUST STOP and focus on the One whose got this all set!! Give that child an extra hug and pray with them, they won't be hiding dirty clothes under their beds, or eating snots forever =)  Eventually all that you have put into them will bear fruit.