It’s easy to get discouraged by thinking, “What difference does it make that I teach Sunday School or come out for a work day at church or take a meal to a family going through hardship or share Christ with my neighbor?” If we think that way, we’re more likely to burn out than if we see the importance of God’s work. Burnout is often the result of self-reliance. The self-reliant take upon themselves the role of savior rather than trusting God to accomplish His own will. They begin to see every need as their call, rather than asking for God’s wisdom and direction. This can play out in a ministry setting when a pastor attempts to do the work of the entire Body of Christ, in a business setting when someone forces a certain plan or project, in a family setting when a parent takes responsibility for the success and happiness of a child, and in numerous other settings. Chandler, D. (2010). The impact of pastors’ spiritual practices on burnout. Journal of Pastoral Care and Counseling, 64(2), 1–9.

Among therapists, burnout or compassion fatigue is a critical concern. As the name suggests, compassion fatigue results in a diminished ability to have empathy for one’s clients (McCollum 2015). This limit one’s effectiveness in providing a healing, therapeutic relationship. McCollum theorizes that compassion fatigue results in emotional dissonance. Due to the demands of providing services to many people during one’s work day, one’s emotional experiences override from one client to the next. Emotional dissonance occurs when there is a mismatch between one’s feeling state and one’s expression, or a carrying of sentiments from one session to the next. Therapists may end up faking interest or compassion. In this way, emotional dissonance results in increased emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. These culminate in decreased personal accomplishment. As a business owner, burnout is the biggest problem I must deal with. Struggling to turn the mind off and neglecting physical and emotional health when life gets ‘busy’ is a massive hinderance to daily performance. The Burnout Bible has become a truly valuable tool I turn to when my health starts to breakdown. The recipes are all amazing and the team have all benefitted from the guidance around managing chronic stress. Sam Higgins, CEO and Founder, Nu Mind Wellness Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master cheerfully expectant. Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality.’

Have you not heard? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.’ Abide in Jesus with eyes focused on Him by the power of the Holy Spirit. We can run the race, persevere, endure and do all that He asks of us. Spencer, J. L., Winston, B. E., & Bocarnea, M. C. (2012). Predicting the level of pastors’ risk of termination/exit from the church. Pastoral Psychology, 61, 85–98. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11089-011-0410-3.

There are two ways to work for God. One is “by might and by power” (4:6). This refers to human energy and effort. G. Campbell Morgan paraphrases it, “Not by resources, not by resoluteness” ( The Westminster Pulpit, Vol. VI, p. 53). This vital truth is seen both in the symbolism of the olive trees and in the direct word of the Lord to Zerubbabel (4:6), “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit.” Jesus Christ (pictured by the two anointed ones, 4:14) mediates His Spirit to His people so that they will burn brightly for Him. Three observations: A. We must ask God to open us to the supply of His Spirit.How “together” must we be (as earthen vessels) to display God’s glory? Is there a difference between imperfection and clinging to known sin?