Speaker: Ben Sigman

Theme: Dealing with Burnout

Weekend Music links on iTunes: Let the Praises Ring by Lincoln Brewster; No Not One by Christy Nockels; Love Came Down by Ben Cantelon; Healer by Kari Jobe.

Read:  Proverbs 3:4-6; 2 Corinthians 10:4-5; Philipians 1:20-24

Think:  I find myself humbled and amazed at witnessing the grace and courage shown by people in my life as they accept The Hand They are Dealt.  It may be a severe, even terminal illness, the loss of a job or a relationship, or the grief associated with losing a loved one.  Those that deal with it best seem to exhibit the opposite characteristics of individuals who are experiencing burnout:

• They embrace people and don’t shut them out
• They focus on the positive and not the negative
• They see God’s grace and goodness in the midst of their trials not forgetting God

Each of us I am sure have been witness to people in extraordinary circumstances who find the energy and courage to not let the Hand They are Dealt separate them from God’s goodness and love.   The common linkage I have seen is the surety that these warriors have in their eternal life and relationship with Jesus Christ.   In the words of cultural icon Alfred E Neuman (tongue firmly in cheek) their “Why me worry” attitude is grounded in their certainty of eternal life, and trust in God’s plans and outcomes.   That trust and certainty often exudes joy in the midst of tragedy. 

I recently witnessed my Mother-In-Law travel an unexpected trail for three years battling cancer.  Eternally optimistic, exuding the surety of God’s plan for her, she lost her earthly battle this past February.  What amazed and humbled my wife and I were the number of people she touched and witnessed to during her illness.  God used her in extraordinary ways; her trust and obedience to Him allowed others to see His goodness and grace.  She was firmly planted in Christ.

If I am honest with myself,  life can seem exceptionally ordinary sometimes, and it is during these seasons we can lose enthusiasm and passion for going about God’s work.  What can I learn from those around me that are living through anything but ordinary circumstances?  How can my ordinary life be transformed? 

Maybe I can start with being thankful for the season, whatever that season might be; ordinary or extraordinary God can certainly use us. 

Do:  Look at the principles shown above.   How can you take steps to move closer to the people God has placed on your path?  Write down the positives that are happening in your life.  Take a step back and look for God’s grace and goodness – maybe take a walk at the lake or at the beach on these warm days.  See His creation and marvel at the wonder.

Pray:  Heavenly Father may you always be exalted in my life and in my body.  Whatever my circumstances I ask that you use me for your Kingdom. Thank you for the life and days you have given me; may I use them well to honor You.  In Jesus name I pray.  

The eDevotional is written each week by a team of volunteers from Timberlake Church.

4505 236th Ave. NE • Redmond, WA 98053 • 425-869-4400 • info@timberlakeonline.org