Burn out? Definitely! Many days and endless nights, along with three different churches. I never knew it was OK to say no. Study this, now study this, you really should do this Bible study. Can you teach this class on Wednesday night? You will just be the helper. Precious children in His sight. Right? Within three weeks you now are the teacher in charge. Great job, great job, you are doing an awesome job. You even pat yourself on the back. Hey, Easter Sunday is coming soon. Can you help with stuffing 5000 eggs please! Sure. VBS is coming soon will you sign up. Sure. We need a teacher for Sunday school would you be able to help? I would be happy to. That was always my answer. Oh we are going to have a ladies retreat won’t you help out? Of course I can. I could go on for hours but that would not be right either. I am called to be a child of God, not a wimp and certainly not a complainer. I love my Lord Jesus Christ very much. In fact, with all my heart and I want to serve every day of my life. Please don’t take me wrong but maybe I’m suffering from burnout. But wait, today while I was praying I heard God say, “What about me? When will you stop being so busy? Please!! Take time with me.” See, my whole heart was not serving Him. I was giving out, and giving out, but I forgot to take the extra time to fill myself back up again. You may have been in ministry for just one year or could have been for many years. Either way you are 
and God loves you very much. God is looking for a relationship with you!! Won’t you take time to renew yourself, to get closer to Him, to purify your heart (1 John 3:3)?
As you spend time with God, He will share with you the special things on His heart. Seek God daily and allow only Him to direct your path. Many people you meet today will tell you they are busy. Busy with what I ask? Take time for the most precious relationship you have. Your relationship with Jesus.
~ Ann Gilmore
Elijah’s Tree: If you know someone in ministry who is facing stress and burnout, please give us a call or send us an email. We provide 4 day, 3 night retreats so you can hear from God. If you are not signed up for our newsletter, do so quickly as our May addition is coming out soon! As always ~ To GOD be the Glory!