1 Corinthians 10:11-13 | Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
• The OT chronicles the lives, struggles, failures, and successes of a number of people, including people who were seeking God and not seeking God, those devoted to good and devoted to evil, and all who made a significant contribution to our understanding of the plan of God and His promise to bring the Messiah.
• Nevertheless, the verse there in 1 Corinthians 10 does inform our reading of the OT. We are meant to study encounters that God had with people and glean from them truths that will guide us and help us.
What is burnout?
• Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It occurs when an individual feels overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands. As the stress continues, they begin to lose the interest and motivation that led them to take on a certain role in the first place. Burnout reduces productivity and saps energy, leaving individuals feeling increasingly helpless, hopeless, cynical, and resentful. Eventually, the person may feel like they have nothing more to give. The most common signs of burnout include physical and emotional exhaustion, cynicism and detachment, feelings of ineffectiveness, and lack of accomplishment.
• The physiological signals sent by stress get our attention, but for what? God may use stress to strengthen our faith, discipline us, draw us to Himself, or help us rediscover our priorities.
• God has designed for us to live with stress, but we, as much as possible, we should not live with distress. Stress is manageable, but distress occurs when demands placed on an individual exceed their resources and ability to cope.
• Burnout can occur in ministry. Why?
// Misalignment with roles and gifts
// Lack of proper training and support
// Overcommitment and insufficient rest
// Insufficient spiritual nourishment from leadership
Stress and Burnout: A Case Study from 1 Kings 19:1-18
• God’s remedy to Elijah’s condition:
// Sabbath (vv. 1-8) >> Sleep, Eat, Repeat
// Worship in the presence of the Lord (vv. 9-14)
// Find someone to partner with and mentor (vv. 15-17)
// Consider the providential provision of God (v. 18)