Why Weariness in Ministry Is Not (Necessarily) a Sign You Should Stop

If you’ve experienced weariness in ministry, you’re not alone. Yet weariness can be deceptive. It can masquerade as a sign that we need to stop, when in fact it may be a sign of something else altogether. God knew we would grow weary. We see evidence of this in Paul’s words to the early Galatian church. “And let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up,” (Galatians 6:9 ESV). When we feel weary, how do we know if we should go on, or move on?

I’ve been in that pivotal moment. I’ve wanted so much to quit and feel the relief of passing the baton to someone else. And I’ve discovered why weariness in ministry may not be a sign we should stop.

Here are four things to consider when you grow weary before making decisions about serving:

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“Do you not know? 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,” (Isaiah 40:28-29 NIV).

We’d been through one battle after another. On top of that, we’d experienced tragic loss. Grief zapped me of my strength, but I kept going. The problem was that I fueled all that striving with my own strength, even when I had none left. I realized I was drawing on my depleted supply, instead of God’s endless provision.

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We may grow tired, but God never will. So when we consider our options in ministry, we need to ask ourselves this question: “Am I doing things in my own strength?” The answer has been a resounding “yes” for me so many times. If this is true for you too, consider allowing your weariness to draw you deeper into dependence on God for your strength. The verse above (Isaiah 40:28-29) promises He will freely give power when we feel weak, and that power is exactly what we need to carry on with purpose and revived stamina.

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I’ve never been good at asking for help. In fact, I even feel guilty asking, like I’m pressuring others into serving. The people-pleaser in me doesn’t want to burden anyone else, so I’ve been known to just do it myself rather than enlist help. I discovered this compulsion to do everything on my own when the physical fatigue became more than I could handle.

When weariness ensues, it’s vital we prayerfully consider why we are feeling that way. Is the ministry growing? Is the workload increasing? If the answer to these questions is “yes,” praise God! The amount of work involved with the ministry will grow, but God will provide the workers needed to fulfill the vision. So instead of letting weariness overwhelm us, we can see it as an opportunity to seek others who will add their gifts and enthusiasm to the team.

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Not only can enlisting help bring much-needed relief in our time of weariness, but it will also provide others the chance to share in the joy of serving. A wise friend once shared a hard truth with me. She told me that my inability to let go of control kept others from using their gifts to serve God’s people. Ouch. The truth hurt but taught me a valuable lesson. God’s design does not include one person doing it all.

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My husband and I have a place we go when the responsibilities of life leave us feeling worn out. A place where we can breathe in tranquility and enjoy the peace of God’s creation. Even a short weekend away from jobs, cell phones, and technology works wonders for an aching soul.

Weariness often begins in our bodies, as we push ourselves beyond limits to get things done. Soon, that exhaustion we feel in our muscles affects our thoughts. Then before we know it, the weariness that took over mind and body begins to work deep into our soul. This is when we know we need soul-rest.

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“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls,” (Matthew 11:28-29 NIV).

Jesus knew the battles we would face in ministry. He understood the burdens we would feel, which is why He gave us this precious promise in Matthew. He compels us to bring our weary souls to Him and find rest. If we question whether or not to continue in our current ministry, let’s consider whether we need to stop, or just pause.

The comforting words of Jesus will draw us into a place where our souls can rest in His love. When we are weary, Jesus offers rest for our souls. And we don’t necessarily need a weekend getaway to accept His offer. 

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I’ll admit; I like things my way. In the past, I’ve even not-so-gently dismissed others’ opinions because they were not like my own. This ‘my way or the highway’ mantra not only hindered the work God was doing through me, but it also kept me from learning to step out in faith and appreciate new, exciting ways to show Christ’s love to everyone.

God is gracious to us, even when we get set in our ways. He will teach us to trust in His ways, “leaning not on our own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5) 

Is it time to try a new approach? Involve the ideas of others? Maybe God wants to move the ministry in a new direction, and we need to let go of old ways to prayerfully embrace something new. As we get the soul-rest we need, we may discover a renewed passion for where God has us.

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Whether my ministry is in the home, on the job, or in my local church, I cannot allow weariness to dictate my decisions about serving my Savior. As I wait on the Lord and turn my thoughts toward Him, I will remember where to place my hope. We will overcome weariness when we put our hope in the Lord. “...but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint,” (Isaiah 40:31 NIV).

Kristine Brown is a communicator at heart, sharing insight with her readers in a relatable way. Her life experiences serve as a backdrop for her lessons that highlight God’s powerful Word and redemptive grace. She is the author of the book, Over It. Conquering Comparison to Live Out God’s Plan, and founder of the non-profit organization, More Than Yourself, Inc. Read Kristine’s weekly devotions atkristinebrown.net or connect with her on Facebook and Twitter.

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