We’ve all encountered those moments in ministry and life when we feel spent, empty, with nothing else to give.
Maybe lived on exhaust one gasp too long. Maybe burning the candle on both ends and in the middle wasn’t such a great idea. Maybe a series of sleepless nights got the best of us.
Whatever the cause, we have nothing left to give and for just a few more hours—whether it’s a Sunday service, a Wednesday night gathering, or the conference that still has a day to wrap up—we must hang on.
But to what?
I’ve encountered this scenario all too often, and despite multiple attempts to schedule more downtime, be more intentional about rest, carve out time with Jesus every day, and live a healthy-paced life, there are still times that things outside of our control push us to the point of exhaustion.
[Tweet “How do we walk with grace when we have no grace?”]
1.Take a Deep Breath.
Sometimes a few deep breaths and a moment of prayer behind a closed door or even a closet door can make a huge difference.
2. Cling to the Scripture.
Whether it’s the reminder that “I can do all things through Christ who strengths me” or “Fear not for I have redeemed you,” the Word of God can empower us when our energy level is at its lowest.
3. Grab Caffeine Cautiously.
I used to opt for the latte whenever I felt exhaustion settling in and all too often upgraded to the grande. The problem is that while the extra boost helped get me through the moment it often lasted longer than I needed it—sometimes interrupting that night’s sleep. Now if I reach for a latte, I order the smallest size and try to only drink half.
4. Know and “No” Your Limits.
When I’m tired, sometimes I’ll get roped into saying “yes” to things that I would never have committed to any other time. Other times I’ll find myself roped into long involved conversations where I’m only half-listening. Slowly, I’m learning to know my limits and be more honest with people. I’ll let them know that I’m exhausted and would love to continue the conversation at a later time when I can give the other person the attention they deserve. Other times I’ll just ask for time to think about whatever they’re asking rather than offering a kneejerk response.
5. Don’t Be Afraid to Vote Yourself Off the Island.
Sometimes you may feel you really need to be at a gathering or event (and you probably should be!), but your actual presence is more of a detriment than asset. That’s why it’s important to know when you need to vote yourself off the island and excuse yourself. A loving support staff and community will guard and protect you so you can give and serve out of a full tank rather than an empty one. In excusing yourself, you may end up empowering others to do the same and the depth and impact of all your team does may increase as a result.
***
This week, were giving away 3 copies of The God of YES by Jud Wilhite.
Jud is a New York Times bestselling author, speaker, and the senior pastor of Central Christian Church, a church founded in Las Vegas with campuses in multiple states. Central is recognized as one of the largest and fastest growing churches in America with more than 20,000 attendees. With eight physical locations and a growing online campus, Central innovated the launching of multi-site church campuses inside prisons in several states with God Behind Bars. Wilhite is the author of several books including Pursued, Torn, Throw It Down, and Uncensored Grace. He and his wife Lori have two kids and live in the Las Vegas area.
The Christian life is often defined as “no.” What starts with a desire to reject destructive things morphs into a “no” to people, enjoyment, laughter, pleasure, success, and ultimately life itself. Before we know it, we’ve reduced the Christian faith to a huge rejection of just about everything God has created. Is it any wonder why many in our culture think of Christianity and “no” comes to mind?
(RSS Subscribers: Click here to view the video).
To win, leave a comment on the original blog post at MargaretFeinberg.com. The three winners will be selected and announced on Friday.
Congratulations to the winners: Tracey, Nicole Bryan, Peggy
What are some other ways you can find grace when you have no grace?
I so needed the reminder that God’s grace is enough today Margaret! Nothing major just a totally sleepless night and a hectic Friday ahead. Deep breaths, prayers and grace…
Hugs!
This is a wonderful post with great tips. All too often life becomes overwhelming but shutting down just isn’t an option. Thank you for this helpful post!
I have been thinking upon grace for a bit. How to become a conduit of grace and a grace extender. Thank you for these practical tips to help one choose grace even on empty!
I have never felt more like an empty fuel tank than I do at the moment. Drained, empty, frustratred, confused are just a few of the words I could use to describe my present situation. I have said over and over that I need a sabbatical but that is easier said than done when you have so many obligations. Guilt would keep me from doing what I need to for myself. Thank you for this article. It was not just on time but very needed. Thank you for all that you do and sacrifice so that we can be refilled and refreshed. I know God smiles at the thought of you. Have a blessed day. 🙂
My tank reads E right now. I am taking this summer off from serving so much and just resting and enjoying my son and husband. Started weaning down the caffeine yesterday so I can save some money too while I haave this small sabbatical from grad school.
Finishing up Wonder Struck and I’m ready to do the study all over again, Margaret! <3
I was thinking about you this morning. 🙂 then I read this timely post <3
I love the “excuse yourself from the island” word picture!
A wise person once told me, learn to differentiate between the urgent or the important in your daily decisions. For example, a clean kitchen may be urgent and but spending time with your family is important.
Oh goodness, I read “grab caffeine continuously”. I think we all needed this advice. Thank you.
I was running on empty earlier this week and felt none other than an overwhelming feeling to give up. However, experience has taught me that it’s in those moments that we really need to seek God… even if it’s just to breathe and say a three word prayer (I got that from your Wonderstruck study Margaret and it’s helped me so much).
These are wonderful reminders and so encouraging.
Thank you and God bless you.
Wishing you a beautiful weekend filled with joy and blessings.
xoxo
I needed this today. Thanks.
Margaret,
Love this teaching!! Thanks for investing in the lives of others through your words and love for Jesus!
Praying for you,
Donna B
I appreciate your wisdom. Sometimes it’s in an article like this that people find permission “to vote themselves off”. Sometimes it is the permission that you really need. Thank you.
Huge hug to you, Tara.
Praying for you, Nicole.
Love that, Tedi!
Ha! Sometimes that is all you can do to get you through. 🙂
Much needed today….running on empty and pulled from every side. Thank you for your practical help.
Exactly what I needed to hear this morning! Thank you.
Thank you for today’s message. I work at a busy Christian university and I’ve had 4 days of juggling events and responsibilities. I love my job, but I’m exhausted. I too battled breast cancer as well (2 years ago) and so my energy level is never quite “a full tank.” Love my ministry, but so needed your fresh perspective today. I’m breathing deep, praying, and analyzing where I can say, “sorry, but no” – God bless you Margaret. Holding you in prayer! Oh, forgot to add, my Wed.night women’s group is doing your Wonderstruck study – it is “WONDER-ful” 🙂
Boy did I need to hear this as I’m drinking my 3rd cup of coffee this morning trying to get going! My mantra today will be I can do ALL things through Christ who strenthens me and it’s time to get the water bottle out!
Thanks for the great suggestions, Margaret! We Christians are not always very good “self-care” advocates! A helpful reminder!
I live in Gilbert, AZ and there is a Central Christian Church not too far from where I live. I don’t attend it, though. It’s huge and maybe too huge for me. I get claustrophobic when I am in a mega church and feel swallowed by it. God has me at a different church with a smaller congregation. But I see a lot of vehicles with stickers on the back windows that are from CCC.
Funny that the name of the book is Yes to God. I just read Ann Voskamp’s post with a guest writer, Kristen Welch, who started Mercy House Kenya. Her book, Rhinestone Jesus, is about her saying Yes to God and thus founding Mercy House. Hmmmm….It makes me wonder what God has up His sleeve for me because, as we all well know, there are NO coincidences with God.
I have loved reading Judd Wilhite’s books. Thank you for the opportunity!
This is a week that I needed to vote myself off the island. On May 21st my mother will have been passed away for a year so we have celebrated our first mothers day without her and her birthday which was today. Its been a hard week of leaning on God and good friends!
Okay — and I’m entering again for the win…with this: I first saw you on James and Betty Robison’s Life Today program and knew that I was led to watch that particular program — by divine direction. 😉
I am tired of saying no and want to say yes to what God wants from me.
You have such a gift with words so this, as always, was perfect!!!
Great words. I just came off a sabbatical with more focus and peace knowing God is in charge. I don’t “have” to do it all.
Thx so much for all you do.
Blessings
Janis
Thanks, Margaret! I needed to read that. Taking a deep breath and voting myself off the island…. 🙂
Thank Margaret. Needed that!
Thank you Margaret! Needed that !!
Very insightful tips, as always. I hope to remember these in the moments I need to. I certainly desire to say Yest to God always.
Love this post! Thanks for posting! “Know and “No” Your Limits” is a much needed reminder!!! Hope I win the giveaway as well 😉
Thanks Margaret! Getting ready to hit the purchase key for summer bible study of Echos. I am really looking forward to this study with you, Leslie and God. My friend is from michigan and I from Alabama are going to go through your study together via face time on our iPhones. I pray it works – I am buying DVD set and she will just have the books any suggestions? We are not letting logistics get in the way we will figure this out 🙂 we are not techy. Lol!
I hope you have a wonderful day! Thanks for your words today……loved the “vote yourself off the island”
Congratulations, Nicole! You’ve been selected as a winner! Please send your mailing address to carrie@margaretfeinberg.com.
Congratulations, Tracey! You’ve been selected as a winner! Please send your mailing address to carrie@margaretfeinberg.com.
Congratulations, Peggy! You’ve been selected as a winner! Please send your mailing address to carrie@margaretfeinberg.com.
Thanks! She has emailed me and I have replied. Truly appreciated.
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