Word: Are You Burning Out ?

Are You Burning Out ?

Many once used to have a greater passion for the things of God; many used to go places for the sake of the gospel; many used to be called names because of your zeal for God; many used be on fire for the lord.

Are You Burning Out?

{ Losing the Fire that Once you have }

"And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time.And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beer-sheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there.But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat.And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again.And the angel of the Lord came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee.And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God.And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah?"

Prophet Elijah displayed the Power of God and Triumphed to almost 450 false prophets of Baal by burning the sacrifice through the Fire fell from heaven after he prayed to God. All the prophets were put to death and Jezebel, the wife of King Ahab burst into anger and proclaimed to kill Elijah at the same time.

What Is Burn Out?

Ø When you lost the Zealousness and Fire you have once.

Ø When you are worn out doing the work you once love.

Ø When you lose the passion.

Causes of Burn Out?

1.   FEARFULNESS – Prophet Elijah forgot that he has a POWERFUL GOD instead he MAGNIFY his FEAR. In this case of Elijah, he saw the power of Jezebel to kill him and missed to see that God is able to protect him.

2.   WEARINESS – When we are tired physically, we need to dwell in the presence of God and find some refreshing touch from God. In the presence of God, there is peace and there is joy, there is restoration. There is power.

3.   RESTLESSNESS – When we are fearful and weary, we become restless; we have no direction at all. We move, we work, we do things without a purpose, without a direction. We will be heading to the wrong way and trapped our self.

Results of Burn Out

1.    LOST OF DIRECTION / PURPOSE. – Elijah lost himself in the desert.

2.   LOST OF PASSION / ZEAL. – He wanted to end his life.

3.   LOST OF CONFIDENCE (to God and Self) – low self – esteem and lost his trust in God.

Dealing with Burn Out

1.    REST - Find a place to rest.

2.   SLEEP - Sleeping rejuvenates, refresh and restores our mind and body.

3.   EAT - Lack of food at times causes of poor decision.

4.   SOLITUDE - heart to heart, one-on-one dealing with God for spiritual retreat.

5.   KILL DISTRACTION – Avoid distractions like telephone, internet and the likes.

Conclusion

Elijah was back on track with new passion, new direction and new strength from God.

Sermon shared by Dennise Ogalesco