It was one of those weeks…I
know that we’ve all had them…when our efforts seemed to be two steps forward
and one step backwards.
In fact I would submit to
each of you reading that this is true for anyone who works in ministry or in
direct care of people. We all have times when we’ve had enough and want to say
to anyone who will listen; “Enough is enough!”
Sometimes it comes out as
frustration as people we are caring for or counseling CHOOSE to go back to an
old habit or lifestyle.
Sometimes it comes as a phone
call on New Year’s Day from someone who sounds hung-over from CHOOSING to not
go to a sober party a few hours earlier but CHOSE to drink the night away…and
now wants to whine about how they wished they hadn’t…
And even though “momma told
me there would be days like this”; they still can drain the life out of those
who are caregivers or ministers.
In fact, most of us left great
paying jobs to work for half of what we used to because we actually (at some
point) believed that we could make a difference for this life and for eternity.
You and I know that neither
of us can save them all, we can’t even save one-tenth of all who come across
our path in an average week. In fact, even if you and I work all day, sometimes
it feels as though all of our efforts don’t seem to make any difference at all.
Instead we find ourselves burned out at the end of a long week.
To you who find yourself
today in this position I say; “Stop. Take a deep breath. And let me pour some
perspective deep into your soul.
You, my friend, are called to
save starfishes; and you make a difference even though you can’t see it through
the tears that fill your eyes wondering if anyone knows just how tired you are.
There is a story that goes
something like this: A young man is walking along the ocean and sees a beach on
which thousands and thousands of starfish have washed ashore. Further along he
sees an old man, walking slowly and stooping often, picking up one starfish
after another and tossing each one gently into the ocean. “Why are you throwing
starfish into the ocean?” he asks.
“Because the sun is up and
the tide is going out and if I don’t throw them further in they will die.”
“But, old man, don’t you
realize there are miles and miles of beach and starfish all along it! You can’t
possibly save them all, you can’t even save one-tenth of them. In fact, even if
you work all day, your efforts won’t make any difference at all.”
The old man listened calmly
and then bent down to pick up another starfish and threw it into the sea. “It
made a difference to that one.”
That is what we are called to
do; save starfishes one at a time.
Let me
remind you that this week you did make a difference, even if you don’t believe
and are utterly convinced that you didn’t. To each and every starfish that we
stopped and poured into; I’m promising you that it made a difference to that one.
And I want you to know that I understand just how
tired and depleted and ready you are to quit your job or ministry; I really do.
I know what it is like to be tired and worn out like you are.
So I come to you today with no simple fixes and no simple
answers to calm your heart that is vexed from shots taken at you this week. I
have no simple ointments to sooth your wounds.
And even though it feels as
though sometimes like we are all alone in our pain, there is One who
understands and KNOWS what we are going through. His Name is Jesus and He too
came to save starfishes.
Jesus KNEW what is was like
to be so drained that at some of the greatest outpourings of healing and
deliverances He needed to get away and be refreshed. And you do too.
Jesus said; “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have
peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome
the world.” (John 16:33)
To us who are tired and worn
out from giving; Jesus is saying:
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come
to Me. Get away with Me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take
a real rest. Walk with Me and work with Me—watch how I do it. Learn the
unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.
Keep company with Me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew
11:28-30 MSG)
My friend, Jesus came to save
starfish like you and I; so let’s let Him rescue us.
“Our mission is to create places of grace where unconvinced people
can come to know and wholeheartedly follow Jesus Christ.” This includes those who walk
with Him as well as those who haven’t yet met Him so that each may know the Hope
of His Calling.
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