Worn Out

 

Worn Out

Romans 9: ³⁰ So we say that the Gentiles, who were not trying to put themselves right with God, were put right with him through faith; ³¹ while God's people, who were seeking a law that would put them right with God, did not find it. ³² And why not? Because they did not depend on faith but on what they did. And so they stumbled over the “stumbling stone” ³³ that the scripture speaks of:

 

“Look, I place in Zion a stone
    that will make people stumble,
    a rock that will make them fall.
But whoever believes in him will not be disappointed.”

 

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Desiring to move up, I applied for position after position. I did not get each them. I decided that my problem was possibly my work ethic. One day, I stayed at work overnight. I worked for 36 straight hours trying to help the company keep a contract that was slipping away. The company did not get the contract and I still did not get promoted.

 

• There have been times when I worked very hard and got nothing.
• There have been times when I depended on my strength and could not make it happen.
• There have been times when I tried to do everything right, but it was not enough.

 

Paul writes about something very peculiar. He mentions that the Gentiles, who were not even trying, were put right with GOD though faith. Meanwhile, the people GOD chose to be born through decided JESUS was not enough and they wanted people to focus on the law, wearing themselves out. They stumbled over the ROCK.

 

• GOD wants me to have total faith in HIM.
• GOD wants me to watch HIM work things out.
• GOD wants me to believe in JESUS who is the cornerstone that makes people stumble.

 

Belief in JESUS is all that is needed. It seems so simple. In fact, it seems too simple. “What’s the catch?” I ask. I mean, don’t I have to try hard to win GOD’s love? No! GOD loved me so much that HE gave HIS one and only SON to die in my place and when I believed in HIS resurrection, I will no longer perish but have everlasting life.

 

Trying to win GOD over by showing up to weekly gatherings and giving some money and following the rules diminishes what GOD did. HE saved the world! HE said, “It is finished” meaning, there is nothing more to do.

 

The harder I try, the more I don’t rely. HE simply wants me to believe and be so excited that I will tell others and they will believe. HE is the one who controls all circumstances. I place my trust in JESUS and I have never been disappointed.

 

• Are you worn out?
• Do you feel you need to try harder to win GOD’s love?
• Are you looking at your circumstance, thinking GOD must not love you?
• Will you place your faith in JESUS and keep trusting that HE is the one who loves you will not disappoint you.

Time for deliverance!

2 Kings 19: ²⁹ “This will be the sign for you, Hezekiah:

“This year you will eat what grows by itself,
    and the second year what springs from that.
But in the third year sow and reap,
    plant vineyards and eat their fruit.
³⁰ Once more a remnant of the kingdom of Judah
    will take root below and bear fruit above.
³¹ For out of Jerusalem will come a remnant,
    and out of Mount Zion a band of survivors.

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After what seemed to be an extremely long rough patch, I got news that my school loan had been paid off. Then at the same time I got another letter. I had taken out a loan for a car and that was not paid off. For the first time in years, I deposited a whole paycheck into the bank. What was I going to do with the extra cash?

• Outside of the storm GOD does bring peace.
• Outside of the trial GOD does show me still waters.
• Outside of the pain GOD does provide comfort.

At that time I was focused on money and living day to day. I had no concept of generously giving or living my life with a purpose. I would make bills and pay bills off. I mean that’s what life is about right? GOD says something different.

• GOD says “Sow sparingly, reap sparingly.”
• GOD says “Go make disciples, teach, baptize.”
• GOD says “Bear fruit.”

So many times I forget that I am part of GOD’s kingdom and HE is the owner of everything. HE delivers me in HIS time and in HIS way. What looks like a mess to me, IS GOD’s deliverance. HE wants me to recognize HIS grace and be ready to sow in plentiful fashion through generosity, actions and words.

• Are you in trouble?
• Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired?
• Can you see “this year” is GOD’s deliverance?
• Won’t you open your eyes to see GOD’s power?

Victory may come with defeat

Judges 20: ²⁶ Then all the Israelites, the whole army, went up to Bethel, and there they sat weeping before the Lord. They fasted that day until evening and presented burnt offerings and fellowship offerings to the Lord. ²⁷ And the Israelites inquired of the Lord. (In those days the ark of the covenant of God was there, ²⁸ with Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, ministering before it.) They asked, “Shall we go up again to fight against the Benjamites, our fellow Israelites, or not?”

The Lord responded, “Go, for tomorrow I will give them into your hands.”

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After being passed over for a number of positions I wondered what was going on.  I prayed and it seemed like GOD was saying “keep going.” Finally the company asked me to interview for CIO of one of their recently purchased companies. “Wow, look at GOD” I said. When it was all said and done, I didn’t get the job.

I pouted and questioned GOD. “Why did you put me up to this?” I said in a tiff.  Little did I know HE had something much greater in store for me.

• When I get defeated I think I can’t move forward.
• When I lose the battle I think I can’t fight anymore.
• When I don’t get my way I think GOD has forgotten me.

The Israelites went to GOD, not once but twice and prayed to HIM asking if they should fight and the LORD said “Yes” and they lost both times. In fact they were humiliated in their defeat. They went back one more time and GOD gave them victory.

• GOD’s plan is wonderful for me but it has included painful growth.
• GOD’s plan for me is great but I have had to fail in order to accomplish HIS goal.
• GOD’s plan is absolutely marvelous for me but I have had to fall in a few holes to realize I need HIM.

Just because I am defeated on one battle or even two doesn’t mean I shouldn’t keep fighting. GOD wants me to be strong as I move forward. The weak will observe my defeat as total failure, BUT GOD sees it as an opportunity to strengthen me and grow me. HE is the one who raises me and places me in the position HE desires.

• Are you defeated?
• Are you tired of the fight?
• Can you open your eyes and ask GOD to fight for you?
• Won’t you “keep going” like GOD told you to?

A place of rest

Joshua 19: ⁴⁹ When they had finished dividing the land into its allotted portions, the Israelites gave Joshua son of Nun an inheritance among them, ⁵⁰ as the Lord had commanded. They gave him the town he asked for—Timnath Serah in the hill country of Ephraim. And he built up the town and settled there.

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Job number three got off to a rocky start. My boss was a jerk and I wasn’t enjoying the work. Will I ever find the perfect job?  I took a leadership class and the one statement that still sticks out in my mind is “Make the place where you are at the best place and it will become the best place.”

When I finally stopped complaining, the job became the best job of my career. I found my place.

• When I think I’m in the wrong place I can’t get past the problems that arise.
• When I fester over how terrible I’m being treated I can’t see what’s right.
• When I critique every action in a place, I can’t contribute to making things right.

It seems like I get extremely restless when I think I’m in the wrong place. I dream up what it would be like if I were somewhere else and that gives me no rest. In fact my mind goes to war with my surroundings and I quickly fill my mouth with complaints. BUT GOD wants something different.

• GOD keeps HIS promises and takes me into the Promised Land in spite of me.
• GOD allows me to see HE is the one I should be looking at rather than the place I’m in.
• GOD leads me to a place of rest once I put my mind on HIM rather than looking at the place.

When I am nervous, scared, anxious, worried, doubtful, depressed, or lonely GOD says, “Come unto ME with your tired, heavy laden heart and I will give you rest. Take MY yoke upon you and learn of ME for I am meek and lowly at heart and you will find rest unto your soul. For MY yoke is easy burden is light.

• Are you in a place of turmoil?
• Do you think it is your attitude rather than the place?
• Can you seek GOD for rest instead of trying to rest in the place you are in?
• Won’t you give GOD your burden and let HIM carry your problems?

It takes work

Joshua 17: ¹⁷ But Joshua said to the tribes of Joseph—to Ephraim and Manasseh—“You are numerous and very powerful. You will have not only one allotment ¹⁸ but the forested hill country as well. Clear it, and its farthest limits will be yours; though the Canaanites have chariots fitted with iron and though they are strong, you can drive them out.”

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Sitting around moping that I didn’t get the job I stared at my work on my old job. It seemed even harder to do my job because I was on the brink of something new and didn’t get it. I really thought this job was going to be the pinnacle of my career. 

I got mad at GOD wondering why HE had me go through all of this waiting and juggling. My boss said, “I’m sorry you didn’t get the position, but you have a job to do here.” You mean I still have to work hard and perform?

• I sometimes make the mistake of thinking GOD is a genie who will grant me wishes instantly.
• I sometimes make the mistake of thinking GOD will make me successful without a painful process.
• I sometimes make the mistake of thinking GOD doesn’t care for me when I have to work hard to be successful.

Call it spoiled but can’t GOD just drop a pile of money in my lap and give me a life of ease? Yes, but HE doesn’t work like that in my life.  I have to work hard following HIS way.

• GOD says to me “Work will be hard on this cursed earth.”
• GOD says to me “If I don’t work I don’t eat.”
• GOD says to me “Come to ME heavy laden and I will give you rest.”

It would be naïve for me to think life will be easy. GOD’s plan includes obstacles for me to face and opposition to HIS kingdom. HE doesn’t want me to shrink into the corner, fearful of shadows rather HE wants me to get up each day ready to face what HE has in store for me. When I get tired HE provides me rest.

• Are you tired?
• Are you sick?
• Can you rest for a while and recharge in order to get back out there?
• Won’t you pace yourself to continue instead of burning out and being no good to anyone?

Released from a promise

Numbers 30: ³ “Suppose a young woman is still living in her father’s house. She makes a special promise to the Lord. Or she takes an oath and agrees to do something

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⁴ “Suppose her father hears about her promise or oath. And he doesn’t say anything to her about it. Then she must keep her promise. She must do what she agreed to do.

⁵ “But suppose her father doesn’t allow her to keep her promises when he hears about them. Then she doesn’t have to do what she promised or agreed to do. The Lord will set her free. He’ll do it because her father hasn’t allowed her to keep her promises.

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Since GOD takes promises and authority very seriously HE allows times when promises can be broken.  HE recognizes situations where I haven’t thought through my promise because of my lack of exposure at the time.

• GOD knows there may be situations for releasing me from a promise but getting tired isn’t one of them.
• GOD recognizes I may have promised in haste and I may not be able to keep my promise so I need to learn not to promise something I can’t keep.
• GOD sees when I should step up and make a promise and it will be up to me to seize the opportunity to take a harder road and remain disciplined to HIS way.

I have taken some difficult promises over the years that proved quite overwhelming.  “Not complaining about anything or being sarcastic for 30 days” proved to be eye-opening to say the least. Some promises are easy some seem to grow temptation to its paramount.

GOD says “take promises seriously but make promises to ME.” I may only make a few promises to the LORD in my life but the ones I make I need to keep.

• Are you afraid to make a promise?
• Are you willing to sacrifice something or follow through with something GOD is moving you to do?
• Won’t you make a promise without thinking “GOD will understand if I don’t keep this promise?”
• If you have been kept from fulfilling your promise can you understand GOD has released you?

GOD not me, send someone else!

Exodus 4: ¹⁰ Moses said to the Lord, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.”

¹¹ The Lord said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? ¹² Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”

¹³ But Moses said, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.”

¹⁴ Then the Lord’s anger burned against Moses and he said, “What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well. He is already on his way to meet you, and he will be glad to see you. 

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“Why doesn’t this church have a good choir?” was the thought that ran through my mind. Then another thought popped in my head, “why don’t they have a program that reaches out ‘this’ group of people?” Then another thought came to mind, “wow this building is old, they should fix it up.”

Then the pastor asked for volunteers to help with “something” but I wasn’t listening. I mean they are always begging for money or volunteers. I’m sure someone else will step up.

• Sometimes when there is a need I make excuses.
• Sometimes I can’t see people in need because I have my head down doing my thing.
• Sometimes I ignore the needy because it just seems like it would take so much work to help them and I don’t have the time, resources or energy to assist.

GOD speaks to me all the time; I just choose to not listen to HIM.  HE shows me people in need during what seems like the most inopportune times.  Whether tired or worn down or busy, it seems like something will pop up when I’m at my worst. “Can’t you send someone else?” I ask.

• GOD has a special purpose for me that only I can do.
• GOD has a plan for me that does not always include my plans.
• GOD wants me to see HIS plan as a benefit, not an inconvenience.

Quite honestly if it were my plan, I and everyone I know would be wealthy, retired and on constant vacation. BUT GOD wants something different. HE wants me to prepare the way for HIS SON’s return. This will be met with anguish, fights and challenges. I choose to accept HIS plan.

• Are you avoiding people in need because you are in need?
• Do you feel you have nothing left to give?
• Can you look to GOD and ask HIM what HE wants you to do?
• Won’t you reach out and help someone today?

Your problem is finished!

John 19: ²⁸ Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” ²⁹ A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. ³⁰ When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

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Tears flowed from my eyes, I could hardly drive. I had to make it because my kids were in the car and there was no other driver. Another sharp pain shot through my head which seemed like a bolt of lightning striking my face. After making it home I made a futile attempt at relief from some over the counter medications. My tooth was definitely infected!

• When I am going through problems, I can’t seem to see anything outside of the problem.
• When I am going through problems, I want relief NOW!
• When I am going through problems, I try to fix them and I am not always successful.

My toothache required a dentist and my problems in life require GOD. My worries and distress are like the shooting pains of a toothache. I can’t seem to get my mind off of them. GOD has a plan for my worries.

• When JESUS said “It is finished” HE meant HE had fulfilled every requirement it would take to become perfection.
• When JESUS said “It is finished” HE meant HE had taken care of all of my mistakes, issues and problems.
• When JESUS said “It is finished” HE meant He was and is worthy of planning great things in my life and no “one” or no “thing” can stand in HIS way.

HE knows every problem, every pain. HE knows every doubt, every fear. HE reaches the depths of my soul and sees something great in me that no one else can see. When HE says “it is finished” I can believe it!

• What are you going through?
• Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired?
• Can you take a moment in the middle of your pain to praise GOD for taking care of your situation even before it’s done?
• What greatness is GOD preparing you for?

Tired? Give it to GOD.

Matthew 11:    ²⁸ “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

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There are times that I get tired of the whole “good” versus “evil” thing. I mean it seems like I come up wrong most of the time and my efforts seem to go unrewarded. When I try to serve people they blow it off, troubles seem to still come my way and those I have been praying for don’t seem to be getting better (at least from where I see it).

• The reason I get tired is I am trying to do things my way, not GOD’s way.
• The reason I get tired is I think “I” have the answer when it is really up to GOD.
• The reason I get tired is I try to manipulate GOD and change HIS direction rather than going with HIM.

GOD told me to “Come to HIM” which means I have to stop running away scared of the consequence HE has for me because of my sin. HE then told me to “learn from HIM” which means I have to drop my know it all ways and trust HIS plan.

HE also told me that HE is “gentle” “humble in heart” and that HE would “give me rest.” GOD took on the burden of sin and HE gave me an easy job. All HE wants me to do is be at peace with HIM and tell others why I am peaceful.

• Rest comes when I see things GOD’s way.
• Rest comes when I learn from GOD and I understand how gentle HE truly is with me.
• Rest comes when I can finally give up the fight I have with GOD trying to get my way.

I have noticed I rest better when I trust GOD to do HIS thing. I get nervous when I am trying to do something and GOD’s answer may be “no.” Learning from GOD and doing HIS tasks are easy when I truly ask HIM “LORD what do YOU want?”

• Are you tired?
• What battle are you fighting?
• Are you trying to get “your way” or have you asked GOD “what do YOU want?”
• Can you say to GOD “YOU will be done” today?