When You Feel Worn Out

I was so tired. I felt so empty.

Ministering had worn me out.

We’re all ministering to someone: toddlers, teens, parents, friends, co-workers, and the list goes on. On this day I was traveling to teach a group of women in another state, wondering if I had anything left to give.

Have you ever felt that way? Like you were scraping the bottom of the emotional bucket, wondering if you could go on, wondering if God was finished with you, wondering if your best days were behind you?

I fumbled my way into the hotel room with taunting whispers in my head. “You don’t have anything left. You’re all used up. Just give up and go home.”

As I went to the sink to splash cold water on my face, I noticed a tattered, used-to-be-white washcloth folded neatly on the counter. “Perfect,” I sighed. “Like me, even the washcloth is worn out.” But then I noticed a note propped beside this threadbare cloth. It was a note from “The Rag”:

I’m nothing but a rag.
I am old, tattered, and torn, but clean.
             WAIT!
I can still be put to work.
I can still be used to clean your shoes, remove your makeup, clean your car.
I am worn, but clean; ready to be used in place of a fluffy white towel.
When I’m grimy and beyond your use, throw me on the floor to be cleaned and reused.
Thank you,
THE RAG

Immediately, my mind went to all the men and women in the Bible who felt worn out at one time or another. Elijah, Moses, David, the Samaritan woman at the well. Even Jesus got tired (John 4:1-6).

The prophet Isaiah wrote: He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.  Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 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. (40:29-31 NIV)

Yes, we will grow tired and weary! We might need to take a break and rest like Elijah did, like David did, like Jesus did.  But, even in our weariest and weakest moments, God can give us the strength to keep moving forward. No matter how physically worn, emotionally rung out, or spiritually tattered and torn, God has a purpose and a plan for your life. And He’s not finished yet!

With a smile on my face, I thanked God and The Rag for reminding me that even when I feel worn out and used up, He still has work for me to do. He is right there to lift me up, fill me up, and give me strength. And He’ll do the same for you!

Lord, no matter how tired I become as I minister to the people in my life, help me remember to hope in You, rest in You, find my strength to carry on in You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Digging Deeper
Do you ever feel stuck in your faith. Maybe weariness has caused your excitement for life to wane. If so, Take Hold of the Faith You Long For: Let God, Move Forward, Live Bold might be just what you need to get going again! I always say, “If you’re not dead, God’s not done!” As long as we walk this earth, God has a purpose and a plan for our lives! Break free from all that holds you back, move forward with all that God promises, and live the adventurous faith of bold believing! God’s not done with you yet!

P.S. This book includes a Bible Study Guide in the back which is perfect for small groups!