Daily Devotional: Thursday, July 8

Speaker: Ben Sigman

Theme: Dealing with Burnout

Read:  Proverbs 3:4-6; 2 Corinthians 10:4-5; Philipians 1:20-24

Think:  I find myself humbled and amazed at witnessing the grace and courage shown by people in my life as they accept The Hand They are Dealt.  It may be a severe, even terminal illness, the loss of a job or a relationship, or the grief associated with losing a loved one.  Those that deal with it best seem to exhibit the opposite characteristics of individuals who are experiencing burnout:

• They embrace people and don’t shut them out
• They focus on the positive and not the negative
• They see God’s grace and goodness in the midst of their trials not forgetting God

Each of us I am sure have been witness to people in extraordinary circumstances who find the energy and courage to not let the Hand They are Dealt separate them from God’s goodness and love.   The common linkage I have seen is the surety that these warriors have in their eternal life and relationship with Jesus Christ.   In the words of cultural icon Alfred E Neuman (tongue firmly in cheek) their “Why me worry” attitude is grounded in their certainty of eternal life, and trust in God’s plans and outcomes.   That trust and certainty often exudes joy in the midst of tragedy. 

I recently witnessed my Mother-In-Law travel an unexpected trail for three years battling cancer.  Eternally optimistic, exuding the surety of God’s plan for her, she lost her earthly battle this past February.  What amazed and humbled my wife and I were the number of people she touched and witnessed to during her illness.  God used her in extraordinary ways; her trust and obedience to Him allowed others to see His goodness and grace.  She was firmly planted in Christ.

If I am honest with myself,  life can seem exceptionally ordinary sometimes, and it is during these seasons we can lose enthusiasm and passion for going about God’s work.  What can I learn from those around me that are living through anything but ordinary circumstances?  How can my ordinary life be transformed? 

Maybe I can start with being thankful for the season, whatever that season might be; ordinary or extraordinary God can certainly use us. 

Do:  Look at the principles shown above.   How can you take steps to move closer to the people God has placed on your path?  Write down the positives that are happening in your life.  Take a step back and look for God’s grace and goodness – maybe take a walk at the lake or at the beach on these warm days.  See His creation and marvel at the wonder.

Pray:  Heavenly Father may you always be exalted in my life and in my body.  Whatever my circumstances I ask that you use me for your Kingdom. Thank you for the life and days you have given me; may I use them well to honor You.  In Jesus name I pray.  

Daily Devotional: Wednesday, July 7

Speaker: Ben Sigman

Theme: Dealing with Burnout

Read: Psalm 46:10, Psalm 81:11-14; Luke 2:28-30

Think:  How do I know God is speaking to me?  Simple question right. While we sometimes might wish for a big megaphone in the sky blaring directly in our ears,  my experience is God’s way of transmitting his message is much more subtle, much deeper, and much more effective than a broadcast from the skies. 

I remember Pastor Ben this past weekend asked God to speak to us between and above the words within his sermon.  I loved the image this provided.  A God that can take our words and transform them by injecting them with His wisdom, His timing, and His love. I also love the image of asking for and expecting God’s supernatural help, acknowledging His authority, and His ability to overcome our limitations.  So if God is capable of speaking between and above Pastor Ben’s words this weekend…..how do you hear Him?

In the words of the poet and monk Thomas Merton, "Silence is the first language of God; all else is a poor translation."   There is also a current song popular on Christian radio which says something to the effect that “I am so busy talking, I can’t hear you speaking to me” (my paraphrase,  but you get the point).   This song has touched me several times while driving because it is so clear that I often dominate my conversation’s with God, leaving little room for Him to speak into my life.  When we start to turn off our constant dialog,  God’s transmission to our hearts can become much clearer.  And even despite my dialog He has managed to speak to my heart often.

So silence is a good start!!  Secondly is the peace offered by the Lord.  Nothing else can provide you the peace you desire in your heart, than the Lord Himself.  He will grant you a peace that no one else can deliver.  It is often written about,  but it is worth repeating,  that God speaks to us in a still, small voice.  That quiet voice that is not audible to others, but clearly audible to each of us individually.  I heard a testimony this week from a man who said he heard that still, small voice speak to him and say “this is between you and me”, he paused and looked around and realized that no one present was speaking to him, and it was repeated “this is between you and me”;  he stepped forward that day and turned his life over to the author of that still small voice, Jesus Christ,  and found the peace he was searching for. 

Do:  Take time today to be quiet, be still.  Look and listen for God in your life.  Look for His hand in yours and others lives.  Acknowledge Him, Thank Him,  Praise Him.  

Pray: Father I am so thankful that you do speak to me.  I am thankful that you speak in gentle truthful ways.  I am thankful that you provide to each of us a spirit of truth.  Help me to turn off the noise in my life so I can hear your beautiful melody. In Jesus name I pray.  Amen.