The Same God

Introduction

Discerning Fatigue

I have sensed in my own life as well as in the life of many others that we may be experiencing spiritual fatigue.

We have gone through the last two years experiencing was been called “Covid Fatigue”.

It has also been a season of dramatic shifts in how the church gathers for worship, fellowship, and equipping.

The cultural battles have also made us weary because they've demanded we take sides and defend our positions.

We could say this is just how things are, and that we are simply “in a season”.

The Real Problem

The real problem is if we stay too long in this season it becomes too familiar and we begin to accept it as normal.

What's wrong with spiritual fatigue and why do we need to be renewed?

The Danger of Spiritual Fatigue

1. Spiritual Fatigue leads to spiritual drift.

We find ourselves not spending time with the Lord, studying scripture, praying, and fellowshipping with other believers.

2. Spiritual Fatigue leads to doubt.

Because we're no longer seeking God for his promises, provision, and presence we simply don't see God working in ways that we'd expect.

This then plays out in us beginning to doubt.

The danger in this is the scripture tells us that our whole life in Christ is to be by faith.

3. Spiritual Fatigue leads to an inordinate love of other things.

We have forgotten our first love.

It's not that we cannot enjoy the blessings of God because “every good and perfect gift comes from above”.

The problem is we turn to these things all too often and all too quickly to compensate for the lack we are experiencing because of our "spiritual drift”.

4. Spiritual Fatigue leads to abandoning mission.

When we are weary in well-doing we simply do not think or consider others as we should.

We abandon and forsake the mandate to make the disciples, proclaim the gospel, and advance the kingdom.

5. Spiritual Fatigue leads to giving up before the harvest.

The scripture says “be not weary in well-doing for in due season we shall reap if we faint not”.

Too many times we “faint” way before the harvest is to come.

We have to recognize that God's time line is not ours and his purposes are not our own.

The Christian life is to be one of patience, endurance, and persistence.

We are called to finish well.

What is the Harvest?

I believe we experience the “Harvest” in three areas.

God's Provision

This is when we experienced God's miraculous working as well as his generosity and being faithful to his promises.

God's Providence

This is simply how God arranges the affairs of the world in our lives for our good and for his greater glory.

If we are experiencing spiritual fatigue neglecting the areas of seeking God and reading his word we may miss what God is doing around us.

If we're not “tuned in to heaven” we could fail to recognize the doors that God has opened and the opportunities that He's granted us.

God's Presence

Of the three areas I believe this is most important.

God's presence brings us peace, comfort, assurance, and joy.

Regardless of our external circumstances will we reap a harvest of God's presence because we are pushing beyond our spiritual fatigue this is the most bountiful harvest we could experience.

The Way Forward

So what is the way forward?

Emphasis–I believe we need to be reminded of who God is.

And then we need to be assured that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Do you remember when “God's Provision” was miraculous, where you received supernaturally provision in response to our prayers and faith?

Do you remember when “God's Providence” was most recognizable in your life as he was directing your affairs , ordering your steps and you stood in amazement at what God was doing?

Do you remember when you encountered “God's Presence” in such a way that it moved you to tears? When you were so overwhelmed with his presence it shook you to your very soul? Or maybe you experienced the “peace that passes understanding” when the world around you was in turmoil and chaos.

Emphasis–If we remember these things, we need to be reminded that he is the same God!

Has he moved in these areas in our lives in times past, he will move in these areas today.

We must overcome spiritual fatigue.

We cannot be so overcome with fear to fatigue that we are accepting the status quo.

We are called to be people of purpose then people of promise.

Same God

You moved in power then God move in power now You are the same God You are the same God You were a healer then You are a healer now You are the same God You are the same God You were a Savior then You are a Savior now You are the same God You are the same God

You freed the captives then You're freeing hearts right now You are the same God You are the same God You touched the lepers then I feel Your touch right now You are the same God You are the same God

I'm calling on the Holy Spirit Almighty river come and fill me again