Rat Race have you exhausted?
It’s my best guess that all of us,
including you, have felt exhausted for various times in your life and for
various reasons. Being a long-distance runner myself, there has been more
than one race where I felt completely wiped out at the finish line. Despite
all the electrolytes and energy bars, exhaustion was still a consequence of
energy well spent over the miles of running.
But if it’s not running that exhausts us, it’s usually something else.
Exhaustion can be a result of too many tasks to do, or a result of stress at
home or at work. Emotional exhaustion can easily set in if we find ourselves
expending our emotional resources. We all know that that feels like too!
The facts of life’s “rat race” is that it’s exhausting! There is no easy way
around the challenges and stresses of life. Life can simply wear us out on
all sides of life. Like a chain reaction, when exhaustion sets in, whether
it be physical or emotional, it triggers other experiences in our lives,
such as fatigue, depression, and even a sense of hopelessness.
Well, there’s good news to help us counter the rat races of life. The answer
lies in discovering the strength that only God can give. The best news of
all is that God even gives us His strength when life’s challenges exhaust us
spiritually as well. Ironically, it’s in those times of feeling exhausted
spiritually that we need God the most!
Not only does God offer us His strength when we seemingly find ourselves in
“survival” mode, but he offers us His grace as well. I see God’s strength
and grace as cousins to each other as well as God’s gifts to the weary. The
Word of God says, “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that
in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in
every good work.” (II Cor. 9:8).
The Bible also says that we can find strength in God’s hope that he freely
offers as well. Listen to this, “We have this hope as an anchor for the
soul, firm and secure.” (Hebrews 6:19). God shares this promise with us, “Do
not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I
will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Is. 41:10). God’s anchor of
strength and hope is what keeps us from drifting away in life’s stormy
situations!
Perhaps Jesus Himself said it best, “Come to me, all you who are weary and
burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28). There’s a whole
reservoir of hope, encouragement, and rest for each of us who call upon God
for help and strength!
Do you find yourself on the exhausting treadmill of life? If you do, know
that God is only a prayer away. Know that you can “cast your cares of life
upon God, because He cares for you (I Peter 5:7).” Know that you don’t
simply need to be a “survivor” but rather one who thrives on claiming God’s
strength in all walks of life.
Feel free to email me (button below) or call (412-486-7778) if you need help
finding God’s strength. I hope you will.
Pastor John
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