And if you're like most of us, you feel guilty when that happens. The short message of today's blog is: Don't!
It's not selfish to refuel ... in fact, it's essential for effective ministry. The Apostle Paul - whom no one would accuse of being self-focused - endured struggles in his ministry.
There were times he was afraid, and God spoke to him not to fear. Without condemnation, the Lord reminded Paul of His promises:
Acts 18:9-11 And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.” And he stayed a year and six months, teaching the Word of God among them.
Acts 27:23-24 For this very night there stood before me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship, and he said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.’
There were times Paul was abandoned by his companions and needed comfort from God. Near his death, he even explicitly asked for assistance from his friends.
2 Tim. 4:16-17 At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth.
2 Tim. 4:11-13 Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry. Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments.
So what's the point? Simply that God doesn't expect you to do what you do, year in and year out, pouring yourself out for others, without ever filling the vessel. Sure, prayer and worship is a great way to do that - but so is crying out to God about your emptiness, about your need. He may stand beside you, as He did with Paul at times, or He may send a Luke to stay with you, or a Timothy who can bring you what you need. The important thing to see is that if your heart is to have an effective ministry, there are times you are going to need encouragement. I know I've begged God to encourage me ... and He has.
As I close I list the words to this song by Dennis Jernigan. If you're not familiar with him, I urge you to check out some of his music (www.dennisjernigan.com, also check www.godtube.com). He has a gift of ministry that has encouraged me more than once. I came across this particular song at a time in my life when I was pouring out for someone who did not want what I had to offer. I felt rejected and unable to give any more. I spent about an hour at home alone one Saturday afternoon putting up groceries while listening to this song on a CD player set to "Repeat". By the end of the hour, I had cried out to God, just bawled in His arms really, and felt the ability to give, just a little more. After that this song became His tool to strengthen me on more than one occasion. May it bless you today.
A Shoulder to Cry On
Lord, sometimes I give all I have left to give
Sometimes I run dry so that others might live
Sometimes I think You have left me alone
Sometimes I wish You would just call me home.
At times I grow tired, yet I want to obey
Sometimes I can't hear all you're trying to say.
But I'll go where You lead, do what You say to do
And when I run dry I will cry out to You.
Chorus:
O Lord, I need a shoulder to cry on
A heart to share the pain.
A hand to hold, a friend to rely on
A cool refreshing rain.
My God to bear the cross that I die on;
To cleanse what can't remain
A Father's precious shoulder to cry on
A love that can sustain an endless rain.
An endless rain.
I would have given up quite a long time ago
If not for the grace and the love You have shown.
Yesterday's gone, tomorrow I cannot know,
So I'll live for today in the light that You show.
Lord sing Your song,
In the night lead me through
And morning will come, bringing joy like the dew
Your voice like the dawn, is a warm welcome view
Making life worth the darkness for it drives me to You.
Oh I will press on toward the goal for the prize
Of my life's highest calling - my Lord Jesus Christ!
I will fix my eyes on You, stay close to Your side,
For in the desert You're water, and in the darkness You're light!
Chorus:
O Lord, I need a shoulder to cry on
A heart to share the pain.
A hand to hold, a friend to rely on
A cool refreshing rain.
My God to bear the cross that I die on;
To cleanse what can't remain
A Father's precious shoulder to cry on
A love that can sustain an endless rain.
An endless rain.
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