30 Days of Prayer: Burn Out

“We live in such a way that no one will stumble because of us, and no one will find fault with our ministry. In everything we do, we show that we are true ministers of God. We patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind. We have been beaten, been put in prison, faced angry mobs, worked to exhaustion, endured sleepless nights, and gone without food. We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love. We faithfully preach the truth. God’s power is working in us. We use the weapons of righteousness in the right hand for attack and the left hand for defense.” 2 Corinthians 6:3-7

How amazing is it that we live in an era where we can literally be connected to anyone, anywhere, anytime, digitally? We can FaceTime, Facebook, Zoom… the list goes on. Kids are learning online, people relocating their jobs to work from home, and our churches are having to learn what it looks like to reach people near and far from Jesus without being physically present. For some of us the constant creating and trying and failing at ways to replace what we had can burn us out. We can feel like it’s all for nothing. That nothing can replace a live sermon, or laying hands on someone to pray for them, or being able to worship with fellow believers. We feel alone in our homes.

But the Church is not a building! Ministry isn’t restricted! Jesus doesn’t call us to get it perfect every time; He calls us to stay faithful and never give up! We have a huge opportunity to reach more people than could ever fit inside of Pathway’s walls. Don’t stop creating. Don’t stop reaching out to people online. Don’t stop praying for those in need. People need us to show them love now more than ever.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, I ask that you give strength to those learning how to serve your people online. That you give them wisdom, guidance, and comfort knowing that You are right by their side, supporting them and holding onto them every step of the way. Let us be a light to those online and help us be servants to Your will. Amen.

For Reflection:

• Listen and reflect on the words of Cody Carne’s song, Nothing Else.
• When all is stripped back, when life’s distractions are removed, when we can’t meet inside a building together, is Jesus enough?
• What in life has made it hard to let Jesus be enough for us?

By Ethan Dize