Never burn out.

and stop burning the candle at both ends.

I recently attended a conference designed to connect people, rejuvenate workers in fields of service to vulnerable kids and families, and celebrate the DECADE of DIFFERENCE we've all contributed to. I was excited to go. I was looking forward to coming home with renewed passion and creative new solutions. Thats not exactly what happened. I SPENT a lot of energy leading breakouts on a Community Building (which I am passionate about). and therefore, SPENT a lot of energy, not wanting to miss a single "catch up" or introduction (did I mention how much I love community). And then I left the conference early because I needed to get home and help my best friend with her dad's funeral. And on top of it all- my legs gave out, again... and I've been stuck in my chair with an icepack for days. (for those of you who don't know about the legs, I'll write a separate post and link that HERE).

Here's the bottom line. I'm tired... And this is the guiding scripture the CarePortal Prayer Circle is praying through this month.

"Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." ~Romans 12:11-12 NIV

I had to look that up in several translations so I'd be sure to get the fullest meaning I could.

"Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying."~Romans 12:11-12 NLT

"Do not slack in your faithfulness and hard work. Let your spirit be on fire, bubbling up and boiling over, as you serve the Lord.  Do not forget to rejoice, for hope is always just around the corner. Hold up through the hard times that are coming, and devote yourselves to prayer." ~Romans 12:11-12 The Voice

"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."~Romans 12:11-12 MSG

Listen, if I’ve ever been close to burn out- it's right now. I'm experiencing a deep sense of exhaustion... and I’m looking side eyed at this scripture as I read, "NEVER let your zeal cool. NEVER be lazy. Don't SLACK OFF! Don't burn out." My spirit stands up with in me in agreement to shout "OK! LET'S DO THIS!!!!" while my tired mind and body question, "how?".

The Holy Spirit is quick with an answer to my weariness. I read on and find "Be faithful in prayer. KEEP PRAYING. Devote yourself to prayer. PRAY ALL THE HARDER".

If I want to keep my passion, my zeal, my FLAME from burning out- I double down on, lean into and seek endurance from my connection with the author, originator and perfector of my faith! The source and supply of all energetic, creative, dynamic force in the universe is within earshot! I just have to keep asking.

Lord, you are our strength and our rest! You give us grace, you grant us breath, and you hold us up. Help us to see you, be empowered by you, and to thrill in your presence. Remind us to only use the energy you gave us for today, trusting that you have stores for our tomorrows. Build in your people the stamina needed for the calling and shield us from the distractions that drain us... so that our JOY, and ENTHUSIASM and LIFE energy can bubble up and boil over for others and to your glory. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, and you want to answer the Lord's call to serve your neighbors... JOIN our response team or shoot me an email so I can help you get started. renae.denbow@careportal.org