Avoid Burnout…Get Re-Ignited for your Ministry as a Woman of God
Avoid Burnout…Get Re-Ignited for your Ministry as a Woman of God
There is so much going on in our world and so much to do that it’s easy to get burnt-out. Depression can set in when we don’t take time to see our Kingdom worth and let ourselves sit at the feet of the Lord regularly. Whenever I am feeling myself sinking into the ashes of burnout I re-ignite my ministry as a woman of God by remembering the following:
REACH BEYOND THE TASKS
See beyond the grocery list, laundry pile, school commitments and daily routine to the hearts you are called to reach. The tasks we do each day are important but only as tools to reach the hearts God has placed in your path.
ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER
Find friends who are women of God to be your closest friends. Seek to create a family team that works together to reach God’s goals. Be a unified ministry team by making encouraging each other a regular practice.
INVITE JESUS INTO DAILY MOMENTS
When your child is scared or a neighbor has a concern offer to pray with them right then and there. Just saying you will pray can sometimes sound like a hollow promise and doesn’t have the power of calling on the Lord right now.
GROW YOUR SKILLS
Look for resources to help you in your ministry as a mom, woman, wife, sister, neighbor, friend, and leader. Be a life long learner. Having a teachable spirit allows you to see what God has to offer you through others.
NURTURE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS
In order to keep pouring yourself into the lives of others, you need to keep filling yourself up with Jesus. Seek Him daily and build a solid devotional life.
IDENTIFY YOUR CALLING
Realize that the God of the Universe called you to introduce Him to very specific people. He has given you your family to be your first ministry. He has placed you in the community you are in for a specific purpose. He has arranged for you to work at your place of employment for His glory. You are called to His service wherever He has placed you.
TAKE TIME FOR JOY
Seek the joy in all circumstances. Children are the best at spreading love and laughter. If you are a mom, you are surrounded by children often. Rejoice and grab your share. Decide to be a joy bringer and let others see you embrace the positives in life instead of focusing on the negatives.
EMBRACE THE IMPORTANCE OF YOUR MINISTRY
The world can be a real downer. If satan can cause you to believe that you have no impact than he wins. Believe you are important in God’s kingdom and that everything you do can bring Him honor and glory. Matching clean socks, sweeping the front porch, baking bread, holding a crying child, standing by the side of your husband, caring for an aging parent…this is true ministry. Ministry that changes the world. Don’t underestimate the impact you have.
DEEPEN YOUR KNOWLEDGE GOD AND THE NEEDS OF HIS PEOPLE.
There are changes in our culture, but needs of people are still the same. They communicate these needs differently and their lives may be much busier but they will always need Jesus. Know Jesus intimately so you can reflect Him to the people around you.
Do you feel the flicker of passion coming back? Fan that spark, so that it can be a huge flame that warms others and spreads the love of Christ.
March 20th, 2009 at 2:45 am
This is a lovely post, Barb. Thanks
March 20th, 2009 at 6:59 am
Thanks Glenys. Most of what bubbles out of me to write is what God knows I need myself.
March 20th, 2009 at 10:25 am
What a fantastic post, Barb!
March 28th, 2009 at 11:43 am
Barb these are great things to remember. It’s so difficult to see “beyond the tasks” sometimes and to remember our high and holy calling. We spend so much time trying to work through our “to do” lists that we miss the many blessings we are experiencing along the way. Burn-out is a constant threat for a busy woman and I appreciate your counsel.
March 28th, 2009 at 2:36 pm
Thanks for your kind words Terri. Keep your ministry flame burning bright!