Battle Fatigue

Don't be afraid! Don't be paralyzed by this mighty army!

For the battle is not yours, but God's!

II Chronicles 20:15-16 TLB

 “I’m too tired to go to church this morning.  In fact, I may never go to church again.  I’m taken for granted, unappreciated, and just plain burned out.  I quit!”

“But, honey,” the man’s wife replied, “you’re the pastor.”

We can chuckle, but we’ve all been there to some degree or another.  Being in the ministry is like being in the thick of the battle 24/7.  Sometimes we come out with battle fatigue, waving the white flag, and looking for a place to hide, rest, and regroup.

The truth is, we are in a battle, but the key to winning is in knowing the final outcome is not up to us. The battle belongs to the Lord. When we know Who’s in charge and what we’re fighting for, we can rest in the knowledge that God will strengthen us, give us His wisdom and direction, and we will come out victorious in the end—no matter what.

When it comes right down to it, every believer is in the ministry, from the pastor to the parking lot attendant. Your job might be leading evangelistic crusades or making copies for a Sunday school class.  Even if you never go overseas on a mission trip, you can witness to your neighbor, share the love of Jesus with a cashier or co-worker, and pray for friends, family, and all who are in authority.

We all have a job to do. We all have a part to play in God’s Kingdom as long as we draw breath, and we must never throw in the towel and quit. The Bible tells us to never become weary in doing what is right. Why?  Because the rewards and benefits are well worth the sacrifice.

If the heat of the battle is pressing in on you and you are tempted to go AWOL, hang in there.  Call on the One who gives strength, speaks peace, and provides all the spiritual weapons we need to win.

Just remember … the battle is not yours, but God’s.

(Photo courtesy of freeimages.com.)