Daily Devotional

When I started out in ministry I was a 22-year old, wet-behind-the-ears, fresh out of Bible college, Pastor. I thought I knew it all. I thought I could do it all. Every opportunity for ministry that came along, I said “Yes” to.

I received my call to vocational pastoral ministry when I was sixteen years old. I had been serving as a volunteer in my church for many years. My call was affirmed by the pastors working closest with me as they observed me, coached me, and encouraged me every step of the way. I knew God wanted me to be a Senior Pastor in the church someday, but my first ministry opportunity, as with most pastors, was in Youth Ministry.

I was in a 2,000 member EV-Free Church, so the Youth Ministry was large. There were high expectations, not just working with the teenagers, but with their parents and families. And if I was going to be effective in discipling all these kids, I also had to recruit a large number of adults to work with me.

But, as I was managing all the details of a large youth ministry, I never forgot my call to be a Senior Pastor. So, I was saying yes to every opportunity to do ‘Adult Pastor’ things. An opportunity to do a funeral, I took it. An opportunity to do a wedding, I took it. An opportunity to do premarital counseling, I took it. An opportunity to teach an adult Sunday School class, I took it. An opportunity to play piano and sing in the Sunday morning worship band, I took it (I was a music major in college). I was trying to earn my way into ministry and in the process thought it would help me get into the ‘good graces’ of God.

I was thrilled with all the Pastors willing to trust me to help with various aspects of their ministry, so I just kept saying Yes. And before long I was busy every night of the week, and all day Saturday and Sunday. At first, I loved it. But after a while, I started to get tired.

One day, my mentor, Pastor Jim Rosene, pulled me aside and said, “Brian, how many nights of the week are you here at church?” I thought about it and said proudly, “Every night.” He said, “That’s not good. As your mentor, I have done you a disservice by not seeing this sooner.” He said, “I need you to pull out of all ministries that don’t directly apply to your job description here at church.” I said, “But Jim, I love ministry. I am trying to get experience in the adult world to be a Senior Pastor”. He said, “I understand that, Brian, but in the process you are setting yourself up for burn out.” He said, “I’ve taught you a lot about ministry, and given you many opportunities to use your gifts, but one lesson I haven’t taught you yet is how to rest.” Then he quoted this verse.

Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

He told me that Jesus was speaking to people who labor and carry heavy loads. That was me. He challenges us to stop striving. Stop trying to earn your worth through performance. Jesus Christ promises us rest. It is a gift He gives us. A yoke was used to connect two oxen so the stronger ox can carry the heavier part. And Jesus invites you to connect with Him in a close relationship where He carries the heavier part. And Christ is gentle and humble, not like the harsh world around us.

So how can you rest?

1. Surrender your life to Jesus Christ daily. Give your worries to Him. Let Him carry the load with you. Don’t try to handle things alone.
2. Learn His pace. Not the frantic pace of being busy every night of the week doing unnecessary tasks. Instead walk with Him at a steady and constant pace.
3. Take His light burden. Following Jesus should be a joy, not a chore. When you are relying on Him every day, immersed in His love. Life becomes easier.

So take time to rest. Have at least one week night home with your family each week. Take a nap once in a while. And make sure you’re in the Word and pray every single day. When you do these things, God will bless you and you won’t burn out. Rest.

New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved.