The Prayer Of Burnout.

Once again, a few things rattled around regarding today's #seniorPastorMonday post.

Until I heard part of a message from Dr. David Jeremiah. He was talking about the humble beginnings of the church he and his wife started in the early days of their ministry. Humble days. As many, if not all, pastors have experienced. And like all, there were days he wanted to call it quits. The struggle is real. The battle is hard. The road is rough.

Yet, someone reminded him of a prayer that always stuck with him and when he said it, it resonated.

"Lord, use what's left."

It continues to amaze, the nature and character of God. He does not waste anything. He does not waste a life. He does not waste an experience. He does not waste an opportunity in which He could be glorified.

While that's a comforting sentiment, it's also one that is hard to swallow. Think of how many times someone has told you there's nothing left to give, and you keep pushing them for more. To challenge and grow; to press in and to press onward. Then God says, I'm not done...there's more.

And we fight it; as other's have done with us.

However, I can't help but ask how many miracles are being held in the power of such a simple prayer... use what's left, God.

On this #seniorPastorMonday, pray that even if the midst of difficulty, frustration and burnout; may pastors retain the humble posture that would allow God to use what is left. May God strengthen and quicken them when the feel as though there is little left for God to use. May He work the miraculous, as with the loaves and fish. What is of little effect in our eyes, may we commit it to God's care and service to accomplish exponentially more than we could ever fathom.

Clay vessels are we,
Broken and spilled out
For God's plan
And His glory.

- PNC