Getting through Burn Out

Opener: Do you have a story of when you ran out something? or maybe there was shortage of something?

It’s happened to all of us - we get busy running errands or we are on a road trip somewhere and then you look down at the dash board of your car and you realize that you are on empty..

that you put in the make of your car and it will calculate the distance you car will

Depending on who you are --- that could be considered something normal…of for other panic sets in… and we start seeking for the next exit or nearest gas station…

other maybe panic sets in… and we start seeking for the nearest gas station...

.But I discovered that there is a website you can visit.. You can go to TANK-ON-EMPTY.COM. and input into the website the make and model of your car and it will give you the amount of miles your car has until empty… Our Volvo is around 79 miles… from the time the light goes on.. here is the bad news it could be as low as 50 miles… take your pick.

I found out this week that there is a website you can visit.. TANK-ON-EMPTY.COM. All you have to do is type in the make and model of your car and it will give you how many miles your car has until empty… Our Volvo has around 79 miles… until empty.. Thankfully these car manufactures know something about human nature --- sometime we are forgetful, sometimes we are just unaware.... then some times we just ignore the warning signs.

Now, you might consider a public announcement....But I discovered that there is actually a website that you can visit… that can help you if you find yourelf in that predicament.... TANK-ON-EMPTY.COM. You input the make and middle of your can and it will give you a range of miles your have till empty… Our volvo is around 79 miles… Have you ever wonder why we wait to get on the reserve tank?

Have you ever wonder why we wait to get on the reserve tank? Manufactures of these cars know our human nature and our tendancy to ignore early warning signs.

Manufactures of our cars know some human nature and our tendancy to ignore early warning signs.

This doesn’t only happen to drivers .. The nation Transportation Safety Board says that pilots run out of gas with surprising frequency. In the past 5 years fuel exhaustion has been a contributing factor to 238 small plane crashes...

Everyone who knew Frank — knew him as the most cautious and safe pilot they ever knew. This story is more common than you might think.. The nation Transportation Safety Board says that pilots run out of gas with surprising frequency. In the past 5 years fuel exhaustion has been a contributing factor to 238 small plane crashes...

Apparently there is a group of pilots who will think that they can make the last couple of miles to the airport and unfortunately have come up short…

This morning we are continuing in our series - How to get through what you are going through… and we are looking at how to get through “burn out…” “Burn out is certainly not a new issue…

The issue is certainly not a new issue… is common that people hit a wall in their lives where they face Emotional burn out or relationship burn out… Burn out can happen in the work place, happen in out homes... and it can seem that comes from nowhere without warning...

Sometimes it just seems like we have lost energy and momentum and we struggling to find joy… it is like we are running out of gas...

It can happen in the work place, happen in out homes...

What is burn out?

It is common that we hit walls in our lives - we can face Emotional burn out - intrapersonal conflict within us --- or relationship burn out… Some us might be a little closer to burn out than others…but … this is one of those sermons that we should jot down some of the reference… One is and the other is … two very helpful chapters we are going get into..

where we can face Emotional burn out or relationship burn out…

Now this may not be where you are right now… this is one of those sermons that you need to remember… because at some point you are going to need this..

Sometimes it just seems like we have lost energy and momentum and we struggling to find joy…

One of the difficulties of going through troubles and storms is that we simply get tired and we ware out… our batteries go flat and we simply get tired… We can find that both our physical and spiritual resources run low....

One of the difficulties of going through troubles and storms is that we simply get tired and we ware out… our batteries go flat and we simply get tired… We can find that both our physical and spiritual resources run low....How do you keep on going when you have given so much?

What is burn out?

and sometime it can seem that comes from nowhere without warning...

What is burn out?

Burnout is a state of chronic stress that leads to:

One of the difficulties of going through troubles and storms is that we simply get tired and we ware out… our batteries go flat and we simply get tired… We can find that both our physical and spiritual resources run low....How do you keep on going when you have given so much?

physical and emotional exhaustion cynicism and detachmentfeelings of ineffectiveness and lack of accomplishment

Ray Johnson says we need to identify the things that Charge us the things that are draining us…There are things that we are doing regularly that continue to drain our energy…

There are things that we are doing regularly that continue to drain our energy...

What do we mean by burn out?

“Burnout is that emotion of feeling alienated or exhaustion that can be caused by chronic stress or dissatisfaction.”

high-achievers are often so passionate about what they do, they tend to ignore the fact that they're working exceptionally long hours, taking on exceedingly heavy work loads, and putting enormous pressure on themselves to excel—all of which make them ripe for burnout.

Psychologists talk about the Yerkes-Dobson law with holds that there is an optimum level of environmental stimulation - And they apply to the work place where below a certain point workers get bored and their performance declines… or on the hand if there is too much work load and person gets overwhelmed..

below that point workers get bored and performance declines…and above that point workers get overly stressed and performance declines.... Here is the things.... we may not even realize that we are going into burn out…

Burnout often happen to high-achievers they can be so passionate about what they do, they tend to ignore the fact that they're working exceptionally long hours, taking on exceedingly heavy work loads, and putting enormous pressure on themselves to excel—all of which make them ripe for burnout.

One of the dangers of burnout is that we might not recognize that is happening... You don't wake up one morning and all of a sudden "have burnout. "What are the indicators of burn out...”

When Moses delivered Israel out of the wilderness --- Moses found himself doing way too much… He spent his days judging over the nation of Israel and dealing with disputes....He worked from morning to evening… keeping things going… Moses was so busy doing that he failed to see that he was spreading himself too thin…and his physical body wouldn’t keep up with that pace.. It was only when his wise and godly Father in law comes to visit him and He challenges Moses…

What are the indicators of burn out...

Short Clip… David Murry…

In your notes are boxes of symptoms of success… If you are in full out “burn out” — your are experiencing Fatigue - insomnia… chronic stress… What we are talking about is prevention more than cure…

Here is the thing is that we can get so busy doing that we fail to see it coming… When Moses delivered Israel out of the wilderness --- Moses found himself doing way too much… He spent his days judging over the nation of Israel and dealing with disputes.... He was spreading himself thin...

T/S How do you Get through burnout…

A. Moses Exhaustion

When Moses delivered Israel out of the wilderness --- Moses found himself doing way too much… basically waring himself out.

Ill never forget when I was child at the back of my Dad’s store was this huge Barrel filled with Kerosene --- it was the fuel that Africans would use to cook food in their homes… and dad sold it in his shop… One day just just before closing the shop some friends and I were goofing off in the back of the store and I opened the facet on the Barrel and nothing happened.... so I assumed that the Drum was empty --- well that night the whole container slowly leaked out and literally poured down into the drain…

It was just just before closing and I was goofing off with my friends and I opened the tap on the Barrel and nothing happened.... so I assumed it was empty --- well that night this huge container slowly leaked out and went down the drain..

Its nature is much more insidious, creeping up on us over time like a slow leak, which makes it much harder to recognize....

Here is the thing about “Burn out” it doesn’t just happen… the nature of burn out is much more insidious, creeping up on us over time like a slow leak, which makes it much harder to recognize.... because we often don’t have a moment… we maybe ignore a few things and just run out of gas..

Burnout is that emotion of feeling alienated or exhaustion that can be caused by excessive stress or dissatisfaction. When it comes to burn out at work Psychologists talk about the Yerkes-Dobson law with holds that there is an optimum level of environmental stimulation - below that point workers get bored and performance declines…and above that point workers get overly stressed and performance declines..

This happened to Moses after he delivered Israel out of Egypt --- There was much to be excited about… they were free — they were camped close to Mt Horeb — a significant place for Israel… place where God gives the law.. they have water near by… so on the surface things looked great… In fact life never been better for Israel…they had freedom, food and water.... And life actually was returning to normalcy with rhythms and routines

Moses found himself doing way too much… He spent his days judging over the nation of Israel and dealing with disputes....He worked long hours from morning to evening… keeping things going…

Psychologists talk about the Yerkes-Dobson law with holds that there is an optimum level of

Moses found himself doing way too much… He spent his days judging over the nation of Israel and dealing with disputes....He worked from morning to evening… keeping things going… Moses was so busy doing that he failed to see that he was spreading himself too thin…and his physical body wouldn’t keep up with that pace.. It was only when his wise and godly Father in law comes to visit him and He challenges Moses…

Moses was doing way too much… He spent his days judging over the nation of Israel and dealing with disputes....He worked long hours from morning to evening… keeping things going… Part of me thinks that Moses actually enjoyed what he is doing....

Burn out doesn’t always mean things have gone south… In fact life had not been better for Israel… the problem is that Moses was doing way too much… He spent his days judging over the nation of Israel and dealing with disputes....He worked long hours from morning to evening… keeping things going… Part of me thinks that Moses actually enjoyed what he is doing....

Moses was so busy doing that he failed to see that he was spreading himself too thin…and his physical body wouldn’t keep up with that pace.. It was only when his wise and godly Father in law Jethro comes to visit him and He challenges Moses…that when things change.... Suddenly Moses realizes that he was heading for a possible breakdown… unless he slowed down..

Baker Encyclopedia of Psychology and Counseling Stress

Burnout is an emotional alienation and exhaustion often attributed to job-related stress or dissatisfaction

Moses was so busy doing that he failed to see that he was spreading himself too thin…and his physical body wouldn’t keep up with that pace.. It was only when his wise and godly Father in law Jethro comes to visit him and He challenges Moses…that when things change.... Suddenly Moses realizes that he was heading for a possible breakdown… unless he slowed down..

do we see that Moses realizes that he was heading for a breakdown,

Exodus 18:14 ESV

When Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, he said, “What is this that you are doing for the people? Why do you sit alone, and all the people stand around you from morning till evening?”

Baker Encyclopedia of Psychology and Counseling Stress

which holds that there is an optimum level of environmental stimulation: below that point, workers get bored and performance declines, and above that point, workers get overly stressed and performance declines.

He was spreading himself thin...

Read Moses judged the people from morning till evening, he thought that he was spending his time wisely. Jethro pointed out that it was not good use of his time for himself or the people.... How might wrong priorities cause stress in our lives? How do you distinguish what is good and harmful in your schedule? Do you see room for balance in your schedule?

Do you think it is possible to do the exact same thing w?

Jethro is just amazing godly man… He doesn’t tell Moses what to do… He just throws out a really good question.... What is this that you are doing for the people? Why do you sit alone, and all the people stand around you from morning till evening?”

He just throws out a really good question.... What is this that you are doing for the people? Why do you sit alone, and all the people stand around you from morning till evening?”

What a blessing to have godly people in our lives… Jethro is just amazing godly man… He doesn’t tell Moses what to do… (which never works) He just throws out a really good question.... What is this that you are doing for the people? Why do you sit alone, and all the people stand around you from morning till evening?”

He makes Moses think about what he is doing to himself and those around him… First he justifies..Moses responds when the people need to hear from God… I help them them… they need me… Moses thought that he was doing the people a favor by serving them…and helping them. Jethro makes Moses think… Do you think you are helping or Harming yourself and the people you are serving --- You have Isolated yourself… you are putting a burden on the people..

Jethro makes Moses think about what he is doing to himself and those around him….. In other word take time for reflection on your life… don’t keep on doing the same things over and over… and getting the same results.. I heard this accuranum that like… STOP.. THINK… OBSERVE… PLAN...

STOP THINK OBSERVE PLAN...

Moses did not see it --- but he was making himself in disposable…He believed that the people needed him… they need an authoritative voice to give the word of God and to give wisdom and good advise…

Exodus 1

He had to function at a high level for the benefit of those he served..

He might be wanting to be the best mom… or provider… or leader....

Today it might be job security… in order to keep my current position… I have to out perform everyone else in the office… it could be motivated to come the best mom… you know the one that does everything so perfectly… house perfect… kids are involved in everything… we don’t want to be the lame parent. or to be that provider… or leader.... What ever that thing is that makes you feel like you measure up.... you met the standard. Moses made himself in disposable … the people need me… if your work has to be with caring or helping people --- huge the need to be needed...

it could be come the best mom… you know the one that does everything so perfectly… or to be that provider… or leader....

or provider… or leader....

Moses responds when the people need to hear from God… I help them them… they need me… Jethro called this one out --- Moses thought that he was doing the people a favor by serving them…and helping them. Jethro says the very people you think you are helping --- you are actually harming! You have Isolated yourself… you are putting a burden on the people..

or to be that provider… or leader.... What ever that thing is that makes you feel like you measure up.... you met the standard. Mose made himself … the people need me...

Moses thought that he was doing the people a favor by serving them…and helping them. Jethro makes Moses think about what he was doing.… Do you think you are helping or Harming yourself and the people you are serving? You have Isolated yourself… you are putting a burden on the people.. He makes him think and then he gives Moses the answer.

people need to hear from God… I help them them… they need me… Moses thought that he was doing the people a favor by serving them…and helping them. Jethro makes Moses think… Do you think you are helping or Harming yourself and the people you are serving --- You have Isolated yourself… you are putting a burden on the people..

Exodus 18:18 ESV

You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone.

300 Quotations for Preachers Depression Often Follows a Great Victory

When at last a long-cherished desire is fulfilled, when God has been glorified greatly by our means, and a great triumph achieved, then we are apt to faint.

The New American Commentary: Exodus 12. Jethro Advises Implementing a Hierarchical Court System (18:13–27)

Jethro did not suggest that Moses discontinue judging, or that he stop serving as a representative of the people’s problems to God, or that he leave off being God’s spokesperson to teach the people God’s decrees and laws.

1. When we are doing too much...

What was lacking for Moses was Balance! People get burnt out in ministry --- or in life and they want to stop all together… I am seen this happen.... Here is the thing - Jethro did not suggest that Moses discontinue judging, or that he stop serving as a representative of the people’s problems to God, or that he leave off being God’s spokesperson to teach the people God’s decrees and laws… The answer to fatigue and burnout is not to stop living… but Rather be balanced --- and ask the hard question.

Jethro did not suggest that Moses discontinue judging, or that he stop serving as a representative of the people’s problems to God, or that he leave off being God’s spokesperson to teach the people God’s decrees and laws.

Here is the thing - Jethro did not suggest that Moses discontinue judging, or that he stop serving as a representative of the people’s problems to God, or that he leave off being God’s spokesperson to teach the people God’s decrees and laws… The answer to fatigue and burnout is not to stop living…

Take time for Personal Reflection

- Then there is stuff around the house, work, bills, family and then you add into that church activities.. eventually something has to give way. ...when we crowd things into our lives we also push things out..

Exodus 18:13–17 ESV

The next day Moses sat to judge the people, and the people stood around Moses from morning till evening. When Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, he said, “What is this that you are doing for the people? Why do you sit alone, and all the people stand around you from morning till evening?” And Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God; when they have a dispute, they come to me and I decide between one person and another, and I make them know the statutes of God and his laws.” Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “What you are doing is not good.

Ex. 18:

Exodus 18:1 ESV

Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses’ father-in-law, heard of all that God had done for Moses and for Israel his people, how the Lord had brought Israel out of Egypt.

Good house keeping put out this article this past July (2017) that says that the Average Mom Reportedly Works the Equivalent of 2 Full-Time Jobs Per Week

The study was commissioned by Welch's Grape Fruit Juice revealed that if you add up the time the average working mom spends at her paid position and her duty at home, it totals to 98 hours per week, Working Mother reports. That's equal to, if not more than, the weekly hours dedicated to two full-time positions. Two!

The Average Mom Reportedly Works the Equivalent of 2 Full-Time Jobs Per Week

The study reportedly consisted of 2,000 American women with children ranging from ages 5 to 12. Results found that the average mom starts her busy day around 6:23 a.m. and doesn't finish with job or family-related duties until about 8:31 p.m. That's a whopping 14-hour shift.

So, these women are never really "off the clock" — they're perpetually on call. (And to be honest, what mom isn't ?)

(http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/parenting/news/a45318/average-mom-clocks-two-full-time-jobs/)

I think what often happen in life is that our view of life is too short… we are caught up in the urgent .. .....we looking too these mountain top experiences…

Part of me is amazed at the kind of schedules that we have… but the problem is things can easily get out of balance…

When we look at our schedules we should ask the question: What is driving us?

Ray Johnson a number years ago at Thrive said it like this… We need to know the things in our life that Charge us and the things that are draining us….

The prophet Elijah is mightily used by God do win a spiritual battle at Mt. Carmel. Why do you think that after experiencing success or expending energy…that we might be susceptible to burnout? Why might basing your life upon Mountain top experiences be unhealthy?

One of the great prophets in the Bible.. Elijah --- experienced burn out… He was mightly used in the miraculous gift —- he had extreme

Elijah is one of the prominent prophets in the Old Testament - God raises him up as a prophet to the Northern Kingdom of Israel during the reign of King Ahab and queen Jezebel… It was the dark ages in the History of Israel… Northern Kingdom of Israel was caught in a cycle of apostate Kings… and then for 22 years Ahab and Jezebel were commited to making Israel a pagan nation devoted to the worship of Baal and Asherah… these were the Cananite gods.. god of rain and the god of fertility.. Ahab and Jezebel were just as commited to their pagan worship as Elijah was… The stakes are High....

2. Elijah Depression

Elijah is one of the prominent prophets in the Old Testament - God raises him up as a prophet to the Northern Kingdom of Israel during the reign of King Ahab and queen Jezebel… It was the dark ages in the History of Israel… Northern Kingdom of Israel was caught in a cycle of apostate Kings… and then for 22 years Ahab and Jezebel were commited to making Israel a pagan nation devoted to the worship of Baal and Asherah… these were the Cananite gods.. god of rain and the god of fertility.. Ahab and Jezebel were just as commited to their pagan worship as Elijah was…

Talk about Spiritual battle … this was a major battle...an Epic Battle of light and darkness...

And what you have is an Epic Battle of light and darkness... the same battle that has been waging from the beginning.

Elijah had become known as a trouble maker for King Ahab - Elijah had proclaimed that the drought that Israel was experiencing would only come to an end when he gave the word… Think about the kind of courage it took to stand up to the most powerful political figures in the land.. He would have been in constant danger and under constant threat… .The prophetic message was an upfront to Ahab and Jezebel… because the god who they worshipped Baal was the rain god… Elijah’s was poking holes in the power of their Deity… For three years Ahab and his servant searched everywhere for Elijah but could not find him… God took care of his servant in the lean years..

God didn’t abandon Israel and they still had a prophetic voice to the Nation in the form of Elijah…

God still had a prophetic voice to the Nation in the form of Elijah…

Elijah became known as the trouble maker for King Ahab - the reason is he had proclaimed the the drought would only come to an end when he gave the word… Think about the courage that it took for this one man to stand up to the most powerful political figures in the land.. He would have been in constant danger and under constant threat…

Ahab and Jezebel blamed Elijah for the Drought..The prophetic message was an upfront to Ahab and Jezebel… because the god who they worshipped Baal was the rain god… Elijah’s was poking holes in the power of their Deity… For three years Ahab and his servant searched everywhere for Elijah but could not find him… God took care of his servant in the lean years..

showing that the LORD was the true God in Israel… For three years Ahab and his servant searched everywhere for Elijah but could not find him...

Which direct opposition to Baal the rain god… showing that the LORD was the true God in Israel… For three years Ahab and his servant searched everywhere for Elijah but could not find him...

Northern Kingdom of Israel was apostate… and for 22 years Ahab and Jezebel were commited to making Israel a pagan nation devoted to the worship of Baal and Asherah..

but then one day Elijah and the servant of Ahab - Obadiah bump into each other on the Road… (Divine appointment)And Elijah proposes a contest between the God of Israel and the gods of the Canaanites… to do a final show down… and reveal who who truly was the God of Israel.... The rules were simple - they would each prepare a sacrifice and whoever God consumed the sacrifice with fire was the true God.

to learn who truly ruled Israel the Baals of Ahab and jezebel or the Lord God of Israel.... The rules were simple - they would each prepare a sacrifice and whoever God consumed the sacrifice with fire was the true God.

“It was on---” They meet on Mt Carmel on one side you have the 450 priest of baal prepared their sacrifice and cry out to Baal and nothing happens… and by the afternoon they are getting ecstatic and in a frenzy they cut themselves to draw the attention of the gods and nothing happens.. That evening it’s Elijah’s turn he prepares the sacrifice… He rebuild the altar of the Lord… What a moment… He calls on the true God of Israel,

1 Kings 18:36–39 ESV

And at the time of the offering of the oblation, Elijah the prophet came near and said, “O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel, and that I am your servant, and that I have done all these things at your word. Answer me, O Lord, answer me, that this people may know that you, O Lord, are God, and that you have turned their hearts back.” Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt offering and the wood and the stones and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces and said, “The Lord, he is God; the Lord, he is God.”

1 kings 18:36

THE people turn on the prophets of baal and destroy them… The drought ends and it begins to Rain. This is major victory and impact on the Spiritual life of the Nation of Israel…

What Elijah thought was that he had reached the goal the purpose or His ministry...

THE people turn on the prophets of baal and destroy them… The drought ends and it begins to Rain. This is major victory and impact on the Spiritual life of the Nation of Israel… What Elijah thought was that he had reached the goal the purpose…. the mission was completed at Carmel…

Acts 3:19–20 ESV

Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus,

We do the same thing thing in the church…We have this belief that that we need is revival… We need another great Awakening… God has made this provision that when his people repent and turn to Him… What follows is blessing — renewal… since

God sends rain… This is major victory and impact on the Spiritual life of the Nation of Israel… What Elijah thought was that he had reached the goal the purpose…. the mission was completed at Carmel…

that we are repent and t

Bible tells in

Acts 3:19–20 ESV

Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus,

that we are repent and t

… but here is the thing --- Revival is not the End Goal… Revival is just the beginning… You may remember the Toronto revival - people from all of the world were flying there....and what happen is eventually man gets in the way because just want keep it going…

What about discipleship?… If revival was the goal we wouldn’t have to read much further than Acts Chapter 2… They had the pinnacle experience… talk about a baptism of fire… but that’s not what happens… you have believes meeting together

and I think that is true… but here is the thing --- Revival is not the Goal… Revival is just the beginning… what about discipleship… If revival was the goal we wouldn’t have to read much further than Acts Chapter 2… They had the pinnicle experience..

Acts 2:42 ESV

And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

what about discipleship… If revival was the goal we wouldn’t have to read much further than Acts Chapter 2… They had the pinnicle experience..

This is what happened to Elijah… the Mountain top was actually not the purpose --- It was amazing victory…

What is amazing is that this moment is short lived… because Jezebel sends a message to Elijah that is going to shake him to this core..

There are several

When you see them in your life you know you’re headed in the wrong direction.

The term “burnout” was coined in the ’70s by Dr. Herbert Freudenberger. He is the author of a book entitle Burn-Out: The High Cost of Achievement.

The term was taken from an analogy of a burned-out house:Dr. Herbert Freudenberger is the author of a book entitle Burn-Out: The High Cost of Achievement.

Dr. Herbert Freudenberger is the author of a book entitle Burn-Out: The High Cost of Achievement.

The book opens with these word.... “If you have ever seen a building that has been burned out, you know it’s a devastating sight. What had once been a throbbing, vital structure is now deserted. Where there had once been activity, there are now only crumbling reminders of energy and life. Some bricks or concrete may be left; some outline of windows. Indeed, the outer shell may seem almost intact. Only if you venture inside will you be struck by the full force of the desolation.”

Dr. Freudenberger explained his use of the metaphor by noting that people who burnout under the stress of living in a demanding world are very much like a burned out building. Although on the outside they may look the same, “their inner resources are consumed as if by fire, leaving a great emptiness inside.”

When at last a long-cherished desire is fulfilled, when God has been glorified greatly by our means, and a great triumph achieved, then we are apt to faint.

When we look at Elijah in Chapter 17 we see someone who has it all together that is taking Charge… We see the outer building looks like it all together --- He is a “super prophet” .... He is calling the shots.... then in chapter 18 we see emptiness in the heart of Elijah .... this Gives us hope… because if Mount Carmel was the end of the story… everything would have to be a spiritual standard… Everyone of us has brokenness..

then in chapter 18 we see emptiness in the heart of Elijah .... this Gives us hope… because if Mount Carmel was the end of the story… everything would have to be a spiritual high…

one thing about the Bible is that it tells you the Truth… Gives us hope… because if Mount Carmel was the end of the story… everything would have to be a spiritual high… The reality for each of us --- is that there are valleys and Mountain peaks...

The reality for each of us --- is that there are valleys and Mountain peaks… We need to understand that there are going to be both of these in our lives… But we also need to recongnize the danger of burn out...

Galatians 6:9 ESV

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

gal

When you see them in your life you know you’re headed in the wrong direction…

1 Kings 19:1–4 ESV

Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So may the gods do to me and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by this time tomorrow.” Then he was afraid, and he arose and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there. But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.”

Whats going on? You have this amazing victory.. this doesn’t look like much of a celebration party… This is a classic example of burnout. After every mountaintop there is a valley. After every high there is a low. With success comes stress… life is a combination of these juxtapositions… Charles Spurgeon the prince of preachers said it like this..

1 Kings 19:1–8 ESV

Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So may the gods do to me and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by this time tomorrow.” Then he was afraid, and he arose and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there. But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, “Arise and eat.” And he looked, and behold, there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. And he ate and drank and lay down again. And the angel of the Lord came again a second time and touched him and said, “Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you.” And he arose and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mount of God.

This is a classic example of burnout. After every mountaintop there is a valley. After every high there is a low. With success comes stress.

When at last a long-cherished desire is fulfilled, when God has been glorified greatly by our means, and a great triumph achieved, then we are apt to faint.

In three short verses - Victory has been transformed into defeat, the brave prophet into now cowering as a refugee, and the victory over death and Baal into an opportunity for death to reassert itself through Jezebel’s oath to take Elijah’s life.

In three short verses - Victory has been transformed into defeat, the brave prophet into a cowering refugee, and the victory over death and Baal into an opportunity for death to reassert itself through Jezebel’s oath to take Elijah’s life.

T/S We see some classic signs of Burnout

Elijah heads from the Mt. Carmel to the Valley… He leaves his servant behind. Why might disengaging from others be a sign of burn out? Have your recognized this in yourself or in others? (don’t give names)

Ahab tells the evil queen Jezebel what Elijah had done to the prophets of Baal, that he had destroyed them by the sword. So, Jezebel reacts by sending a threat to Elijah… “by this time tomorrow, I am going to do the same to you”… Elijah who stood up to Ahab and Jezebel now crumbles under the pressure...

In three short verses - Victory has been transformed into defeat, the brave prophet into a cowering refugee, and the victory over death and Baal into an opportunity for death to reassert itself through Jezebel’s oath to take Elijah’s life.

Just a few days after this enormous miracle where the whole nation turns back to God, Elijah runs for his life across the desert, hides in a cave. He’s in fear saying, "God, please kill me!" After “a day’s journey into the desert,” an exhausted Elijah says he wants to die, which, ironically, is the opposite desire to what he expressed by fleeing into the desert in the first place

“If you have ever seen a building that has been burned out, you know it’s a devastating sight. What had once been a throbbing, vital structure is now deserted. Where there had once been activity, there are now only crumbling reminders of energy and life. Some bricks or concrete may be left; some outline of windows. Indeed, the outer shell may seem almost intact. Only if you venture inside will you be struck by the full force of the desolation.”

This is the opening of the 1980 book,

Dr. Freudenberger explained his use of the metaphor by noting that people who burnout under the stress of living in a demanding world are very much like a burned out building. Although on the outside they may look the same, “their inner resources are consumed as if by fire, leaving a great emptiness inside.

Ahab tells the evil queen Jezebel what Elijah had done to the prophets of Baal, that he had destroyed them by the sword. So, Jezebel reacts by sending a threat to Elijah… “by this time tomorrow, I am going to do the same to you”… Elijah who stood up to Ahab and Jezebel now crumbles under the pressure...

Something that has come up a number of times in this series is the place from where we lead our lives… God desires us to live by Faith — based upon the facts of the word --- feelings follow the facts… Whenever, we lead from our emotions we going to make mistakes… lead from Faith not feelings… Elijah leads his life from the emotion of fear and that going to take him to a bad place....

There is Psychological warfare going on in this verse… mind games going on… Jezebel could have just sent men to take care of Elijah immediately… rather she sends a message… by this time tomorrow, I am going to do the same to you… The enemy is schemer… He has a plan to sift --- he has a plan to keep you down… often the battle is in your mind… Elijah is Afraid!~ He arose and He ran for His life…

He gets up and runs for his life.. Elijah travels from the lush mountain region of Carmel and descends into the desert region of Beersheba…… He literally goes from the Mountain of victory to the valley of defeat.

Elijah travels from the lush mountain region of Carmel and descends into the desert region of Beersheba…… He literally goes from the Mountain of victory to the valley of defeat.

The Word commentary tells us that when Elijah left his servant behind he was in fact leaving his ministry and calling… Often people that are heading to burn out is that they begin to isolate themselves… they isolate from community friendships…

Elijah saw the threats of Jezabel as the end of His ministry… We need to remember these were still just words… but it causes him to go into the classic flight and flee mode… that causes so much problems and anxiety today..

Elijah travels from the lush mountain region of Carmel and descends into the desert region of Beersheba… Word commentary tells us that when Elijah left his servant behind he was in fact leaving his ministry and calling.. This is the classic sign of burn out…

Word commentary tells us that when Elijah left his servant behind he was in fact leaving his ministry and calling… Often people that are heading to burn out is that they begin to isolate themselves… they isolate from community friendships…

We see them in Elijah’s life. When you see them in your life you know you’re headed in the wrong direction.

Disengages from Life -

What are the signs of burnout? We see them in Elijah’s life. When you see them in your life you know you’re headed in the wrong direction.

Elijah saw the threats of Jezabel as the end of His ministry… We need to remember these were still just words… but it causes him to go into the classic flight and flee mode… that causes so much problems and anxiety today..

We overemphasize what’s wrong in our lives and we ignore God’s blessing in our lives. We always focus on the negative rather than the positive.

We see the cup as half empty not as half full. If you are always focusing on the negative in your life, if that’s all you ever look at, if you’re always putting yourself down (you’ve got that tape going on), and you’re always seeing everything negative, you’re setting yourself up for burnout.

Have you noticed that when you are stressed that the problem always looks bigger? How do we manage those feelings?

This is what happened with Elijah. v. 10b "I’m the only one left and they’re trying to kill me." Can you hear the pity party he’s having here? "God, I’m the only person in the whole world who lives for You and loves You and they’re trying to kill me, too." (Rick Warren)

Just a few days earlier they’d had this great miracle where Elijah prayed, the fire came from heaven. It was a big miracle. The whole nation saw it and the whole nation came to God in one day. That kind of thing will wear you out emotionally. Positive things or negative things will wear you out emotionally.

When we are heading towards burnout we put ourselves down mentally. ..

It plays over and over in your mind. When you start doing that, you know you’re headed for burnout.

1 Kings 19:4 ESV

But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.”

1 Kings 19:4–5 ESV

But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, “Arise and eat.”

"I’m a nobody. My life doesn’t matter. I’m insignificant. I don’t count. I have no value."

1 Kings 19:4, "Elijah came to a broom tree, sat down under it, and prayed, `Take my life. I’m no better than my ancestors.’" Circle "I’m no better." He’s comparing himself to his ancestors and saying, "I’m no better than those guys!"

He moves towards Isolation..

He’s comparing himself to his ancestors and saying, "I’m no better than those guys!"

There’s a little tape going on in your mind that says over and over. It plays over and over in your mind. When you start doing that, you know you’re headed for burnout.He’s comparing himself to his ancestors and saying, "I’m no better than those guys!"

1 Kings 19:4, "Elijah came to a broom tree, sat down under it, and prayed, `Take my life. I’m no better than my ancestors.’" Circle "I’m no better." He’s comparing himself to his ancestors and saying, "I’m no better than those guys!"

It plays over and over in your mind. When you start doing that, you know you’re headed for burnout.He’s comparing himself to his ancestors and saying, "I’m no better than those guys!"

When you start comparing yourself to somebody else, you’re setting yourself up for emotional burnout. What you tend to do is compare your life with the accomplishments of other people: "I’m not doing enough." You compare your problems and your trials with the relatively easy lifestyle you think somebody else is having. They’re just hiding their problems. You compare your talents and your gifts and think how meager they are compared to the super star quality of the person next door, the other guy or woman in the office.When we depreciate our Worth we are running in our own Power… Elijah was mighty used of God… for three years God used him to feed Zepora the widow… God used Elijah to raise the her son from the dead… Elijah went from trusting God to trying to do it in his own strength.... He runs until --- he can’t go any further… He finds his own bit of shade a broom tree.. This is desert shrub because it was a kind of shrub that was burn out at the root…and was used for charcoal… He literally stops at a burnt out shrub… Totally Defeated and begs God to take his life..

He went to Beersheba -

When we depreciate our Worth we are running in our own Power… Elijah was mighty used of God… for three years God used him to feed Zepora the widow… God used Elijah to raise the her son from the dead… Elijah went from trusting God to trying to do it in his own strength.... He runs until --- he can’t go any further… He finds his own bit of shade a broom tree.. This is desert shrub because it was a kind of shrub that was burn out at the root…and was used for charcoal… He literally stops at a burnt out shrub… Totally Defeated and begs God to take his life..

When you start comparing yourself to somebody else, you’re setting yourself up for emotional burnout. What you tend to do is compare your life with the accomplishments of other people: "I’m not doing enough." You compare your problems and your trials with the relatively easy lifestyle you think somebody else is having. They’re just hiding their problems. You compare your talents and your gifts and think how meager they are compared to the super star quality of the person next door, the other guy or woman in the office.When we depreciate our Worth we are running in our own Power… Elijah was mighty used of God… for three years God used him to feed Zepora the widow… God used Elijah to raise the her son from the dead… Elijah went from trusting God to trying to do it in his own strength.... He runs until --- he can’t go any further… He finds his own bit of shade a broom tree.. This is desert shrub because it was a kind of shrub that was burn out at the root…and was used for charcoal… He literally stops at a burnt out shrub… Totally Defeated and begs God to take his life..

finds a broom tree.. This is interesting desert shrub because it was a kind of shrub that was burn out at the root…and was used for charcoal… He literally stops at a burnt out shrub… How often once we have expended energy that we have a sense of burn out..

and he leaves his servant behind and he

power and strength and finds a broom tree.. This is interesting desert shrub because it was a kind of shrub that was burn out at the root…and was used for charcoal… He literally stops at a burnt out shrub… How often once we have expended energy that we have a sense of burn out..

charcoal… He literally stops at a burnt out shrub…

When at last a long-cherished desire is fulfilled, when God has been glorified greatly by our means, and a great triumph achieved, then we are apt to faint.

All that Elijah felt like doing is giving up… He begs the Lord to take his life…and he gives a reason…

far enough and he then says --- Okay Lord take my life away… and he lay down and goes to sleep.

1 Kings 19:4–5 ESV

But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, “Arise and eat.”

continues another day into the wilderness… He is a fugitive on the Run… Eventually he is gone far enough and he then says --- Okay Lord take my life away… and he lay down and goes to sleep.

Part of the Cure for burn out is physical - Rest, Food, Exercise and spiritual health. How does one add these into the rhythms of your life?

Burnout is not a terminal condition. But it’s also not a condition that gets better by being ignored… We find in our story God’s cure to burn out..

1 Kings 19:5–8 ESV

And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, “Arise and eat.” And he looked, and behold, there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. And he ate and drank and lay down again. And the angel of the Lord came again a second time and touched him and said, “Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you.” And he arose and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mount of God.

REST

We have a tendency to do the opposite when the pressure is on we tend to try and do more... some of us are addicted to pressure and deadlines. Have you ever found yourself saying, "I work better under pressure." Here is the problem with working constantly under pressure - there is a tipping point where we begin to under-perform and our efforts (what we) do becomes counter productive.

According to psychologist Tim Pychy "The idea that people perform better under pressure is a myth" People under temporal pressure have been shown time and time again to make more errors of omission (not doing or including something they should have) and commission (doing something, but doing it wrong or poorly) than people working on a more protracted time scale

What is interesting in this verse is the MESSENGER of the Lord does not wake him up immediately but allows Elijah to sleep… The Lord could of woken Elijah up and given him a lecture - told himWhy he shouldn’t have run from Jezebel… pull yourself together and get grip… The angel touched him

Sometimes the best answer to your stress is simply sleep… We can get so tired that we don’t think straight… no rebuke just sleep… God has built sleep into the natural rhythms of life…simple rest…

The second thing is the angel of the Lord provides food…

2. Food

\

The second thing is the angel of the Lord provides food…

The answer to your and my Fatigue is spirtual food… We need to be eating and sleeping and diet… but we need miraculous.

One of the things that can happen when we are burned out is that we loose our appetite… The second thing is the angel of the Lord provides food…

- Just like God provided for Israel in the wilderness - An angel provides for Elijah — cake and water… One of my favorite smell is fresh baked bread… growing up we would go to a local bakery and the bread was still hot out of the oven… there is nothing like eating fresh bread… Jesus tells us he is the bread of life…

The answer to your and my Fatigue is spirtual food… We need to be eating and sleeping and diet… but we need miraculous.

Rest...

God refreshes Elijah — The Lord strengthens Elijah… but Elijah turns over and goes back to sleep.. And the angel comes a second time and feeds him this time arise and eat…

We need the word and we need the power of the Holy Spirit -

Ray Johnson has this objective lesson that I love. You have two cans coke Zero and they look the same but there is a significant difference between the two. If you put pressure on this can it is going to crumble because their is nothing in the can.. When we expend ourselves and don’t take time out for renewal - to might he increases strength.

We know this is miraculous because this food and drink strenghened him for forty days and forty nights! The Lord leads Him to the Mountain… from the mountain to the valley then back to the Mountain… restoring the relationship…

The Lord leads Him to the Mountain… from the mountain to the valley then back to the Mountain… restoring the relationship…

3. Presence

Elijah is still feeling very alone… God tells him to stand on the ledge… and a great wind rose up… it tore into the side of the mountain and broke pieces of the rocks … The Lord was not in the Wind… And then an earthquake shook the ground that Elijah stood upon and the Lord was not in the earthquake.. and then their was a fire and Lord was not in the fire.... But then there was a low wisper… or a thin silence… It was enough to get Elijahs attention

When at last a long-cherished desire is fulfilled, when God has been glorified greatly by our means, and a great triumph achieved, then we are apt to faint. Spurgeon

3. Refocus on God

1 Kings 19:11–12 ESV

And he said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper.

3. God’s Invitation

Jesus Invitation to come to Him and He will give us Rest..

How do we deal with the demands and pressure of life?

According to psychologist Tim Pychy "The idea that people perform better under pressure is a myth" People under temporal pressure have been shown time and time again to make more errors of omission (not doing or including something they should have) and commission (doing something, but doing it wrong or poorly) than people working on a more protracted time scale

So 2000 years ago Jesus was Teaching his disciples healthy patterns of ministry - so that they didn't work out of pressure but out of rest. Each one of us need to create a sacred space in our lives where we can recharge our batteries.

(ESV)

29 He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.

30 Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; 31 but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

What can happen is we find that

God’s #1 purpose in your life is to make you more Like the Son

Romans 8:29 ESV

For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

(LB)

“God wants us to grow up ... like Christ in everything.”

Ephesians 4:15 ESV

Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,

(Mes)

“We look at the Son and see God’s original purpose in everything created.”

Colossians 1:15 ESV

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.

“Then God said, ‘Let us make human beings in our image and likeness.’”

WHAT GOD USES TO MAKE YOU LIKE JESUS

God uses _Troubles ___________________________

2 Corinthians 4:8–18 ESV

We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you. Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we also believe, and so we also speak, knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

God uses ____________________________

“We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed and broken. We are perplexed, but we don't give up and quit. We are hunted down, but God never abandons us. We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going...

Through suffering, these bodies of ours constantly share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen us...

Proverbs 16:2 ESV

All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit.

That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are quite small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever! So we don't look at the troubles we can see right now; rather, we look forward to what we have not yet seen. For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever.” (NLT)

Understand What is happening in the Trial

“Don't be bewildered or surprised when you go through the fiery trials ahead, for this is no strange, unusual thing that is going to happen to you.”

1 Peter 4:12 ESV

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.

Psalm 34:18 ESV

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

dvance, and he chose them to become like his Son...”

Romans 8:28–29 ESV

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

Romans 5:3–4 ESV

Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,

“We go through exactly what Christ goes through. If we go through the hard times with him, then we're certainly going to go through the good times with him.” (Mes)

HOW SHOULD I RESPOND?

1. ___________________________________________

“Our present troubles are quite small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever!”

2. ___________________________________________

“Give thanks IN all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in

Christ Jesus.” “Rejoice in the Lord always.”

3. ___________________________________________

“... let the process go on until your endurance is fully developed, and you will find that you have become men of mature character...with no weak spots.”

Galatians 6:9 ESV

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

Conclusion

On day six of the ill-fated mission of Apollo 13, the astronauts needed to make a critical course correction. If they failed, they might never return to Earth.

To conserve power, they shut down the onboard computer that steered the craft. Yet the astronauts needed to conduct a thirty-nine-second burn of the main engines. How to steer? Astronaut Jim Lovell determined that if they could keep a fixed point in space in view through their tiny window, they could steer the craft manually. That focal point turned out to be their destination--Earth.

As shown in 1995's hit movie, Apollo 13, for thirty-nine agonizing seconds, Lovell focused on keeping the earth in view. By not losing sight of that reference point, the three astronauts avoided disaster.

Last week we look at the wonderful word ABIDE… The word ABIDE is Key to Christian walk… it’s the idea of remaining and resting in Christ… We sometimes treat fruit like a manufacturing plant… where we have to produce something… You never walk into an Orchard and hear fruit straining to bare fruit… there is no straining in the Orchard… The branch is Connect to the stem which is giving life to the rest of the tree… and in due time there is harvest.... What does fruitfulness look like for a Christian? It’s the fruit of the spirit… more of love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, faithfulness and self-control… When we are growing in these areas we are being more Christlike…

Scripture reminds us that to finish your life mission successfully, "Fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith" ().

Galatians 6:9 ESV

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

Gak=k

Getting through Burn Out

1. Take time for Personal Reflection

2. What is the thing that is most important to me?

2. Ask where you Expend your Energy.

]The Average Mom Reportedly Works the Equivalent of 2 Full-Time Jobs Per Week

3. Recognize Signs of Burnout.

A. Disengages from Others (Isolation)

b. Exaggerates the Problems

c. Depreciates our worth.

4. THE CURE FOR BURN OUT.