“Whereunto I also labour, striving according to His working, which worketh in me mightily.” (Colossians 1:29)
Do you ever simply feel worn out, weary, or exhausted? Not only physically exhausted but also emotionally or spiritually worn out? Everybody experiences moments when it feels impossible to move forward, answer a call, impart a lesson, or wipe a nose. A risk of "burning out" exists as long as we are giving of ourselves as God has called us to. But there is a defense against the all-too-commonly stressed and exhausted Christian existence.
The Apostle Paul put in possibly the greatest effort to complete his mission on earth. He detailed his extensive efforts to advance the gospel of Christ in his letter to the Colossian believers. But he also said that he did not act in accordance with his own strength but rather with all God's strength, which so powerfully works in me (Colossians 1:29). Paul appears to be a super-Christian, a rare breed of missionary that God specially equipped in some mysterious way, when we consider all that he accomplished as recorded in the Bible. However, Paul revealed the key to his superhuman stamina: it was God's vitality that drove and sustained him.
Think of a wind-up toy. If you wind it up, it will run for a short period of time, but you will need to wind it up again to keep it running. It cannot run forever on an initial wind-up, nor can it wind itself up continuously. The toy needs to be played with constantly. In a much deeper sense, the same is true of us. It is not from ourselves that the energy to "go" comes. Without His power, which is exerted inside us by the Holy Spirit, we are unable to continue. We will eventually become useless, worn out, and give up if we do not stay connected to God, who is our power source.
Paul must have understood this truth because look at how he prayed for his brothers and sisters: "That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness." (Colossians 1:10, 11).
Do you struggle with using your own power and strength, or are you relying on God's energy? You will always need to rely on God in the life He has planned for you. You can't do it alone, and if you try, you'll end up exhausted and miserable.
Prayer: Almighty God, As I live for You today, please help me to rely on Your strength. I acknowledge my reliance on You and my need for You. In the name of Jesus, Amen
