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Avoiding Burnout

“Moses' father-in-law replied, "What you are doing is not good. You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone.”
Exodus 18:17-18

Burnout is not a modern malady. As they wandered in the wilderness the Israelites were like any community. They had disputes, arguments, concerns and questions. In Exodus we read that Moses had set himself up as the only one the people could come to for answers. Talk about micromanaging!!

His father-in-law Jethro arrives for a visit and finds Moses burned out and the people frustrated. When he asks Moses ‘what is this you’re doing for the people?’ here’s what he’s told, "… the people come to me to seek God's will. Whenever they have a dispute, it is brought to me, and I decide between the parties and inform them of God's decrees and laws."

Do you hear the faulty thinking? Moses had convinced himself that he was the only one who could do what he was doing. God called me and the people come to me. It’s obvious to Jethro there’s a problem. Here’s what he says, "What you are doing is not good. You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone.”

So, what about you? Have you convinced yourself there are things only you can do? Are you doing things you’re really not good at? Are you saying ‘yes’ to too many things out of fear someone else won’t do it the way you would (and of course that would be the wrong way!)? Are you wearing yourself out and the people around you, as well? Take a few minutes today to hear the words of Jethro…What you are doing is not good. Take the advice that Moses took and appoint others to do the tasks they are capable of doing and only do those few things that no one else but you can do. And that’s a much smaller list than you think so be honest with yourself.

Prayer
Father, you have created me to do great things but not to do everything. Grant me wisdom to know what I should be doing and what I should trust others to do. Guard me against burning out and becoming useless to anyone. In Jesus’ Name, Amen