Ever felt like quitting? If I may be honest, I have...
at least a time or two. Or several. I'm sure somewhere along your
ministry or leadership, you have too. There's no shame in feeling this
way. It's human nature. There are times that we simply lose the wind in
our sails and we question our purpose. In my experience, these moments
come out of nowhere. One day our vision is crystal clear, our tank full
of vigor, and we’re ready to slay giants. The next day, our drive is
stalled, the volume on our moxie is muted, and our get-up-and-go
seemingly got-up-and-went. There's no other way to put it, these moments
stink. But they happen.
What do we do when we feel this way? Here are a few ways I've learned to combat these feelings and stay in the fight:
- When you feel like quitting, think about why you started. Oftentimes,
when our vision starts fading, it's because we've forgotten the "why"
of what we're doing. Reignite your passion by revisiting the reasons you
began the ministry or vocation God called you into. Tony Robbins once said, “Do
what you did in the beginning of a relationship and there will be no
end.” What did God stir inside of you when you began this journey? It
may be time to revisit ground zero.
- Take a break. I
don't mean a lengthy sabbatical (unless, of course, that's necessary).
I'm talking about hitting the pause button momentarily. Quitting and
pausing are two different things. The feelings of "throwing in the
towel" are often the result of being intensely involved. Sometimes we
need to take a vacation, a long bike ride, or even a coffee break to
break out of that debilitating mental tail-spin.
- Encourage someone. As
counterintuitive as it may feel, get up and do something to bless
someone else. While our flesh tempts us to give in, the Spirit of God
empowers us to give out. It is remarkable how quickly a spell of
discouragement can lift when we begin to pour out. Think of someone to
text, email, or call and just let them know you’re thinking of them and
believing in them.
- Turn to someone. I
know of some pastors and leaders that feel the need to project an image
of invincibility. In fact, sometimes I've found myself pretending to be
Superman. But discouragement is powerful and loves to live in the dark.
Sharing your struggle with a trusted friend or another pastor exposes
the matter to the light, which then diminishes the darkness we feel.
- Remember that God is still in control. Things
don't have to be flowing perfectly in order for God to be perfectly in
control. Even in our darkest moments, The Lord remains king of our
universe, orchestrating every detail and every season for our good
according to his purpose. If nothing else, just trust in that.
As we cross over the midway point of 2014, I
just want to encourage you - leaders, pastors, parents - to not give up. When those moments of despair or
exhaustion hit you, know that you are not alone. We’ve all been there.
More importantly, God knows exactly where you are and He is with you. He
has called you for such a time as this! So stay the course, my friend.
Do not, do not, do not GIVE UP! The world needs you! The Kingdom needs you!
1 John 5:4
For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.
