“I’m exhausted.” has been the most common line for many, in the year 2020, and it continues as we enter into 2021.
Not only did the responsibilities increase in our own personal lives but the demands everywhere have doubled and become louder.

As a follower of Christ, we are called to win souls and to make disciples.

“Now wherever you go, make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. And teach them to faithfully follow all that I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:18-20 TPT

The great commission has become the great exhaustion. Why does it feel like another burden and thing “to do” on our checklist? What are we doing wrong?

The enemy’s goal is to weaken the “yes” of those who professed to give their life to building the kingdom of God.

The enemy has a strategy against the believers, to take us out of the “game.” The enemy wants us to see that building the kingdom of God is a religious duty, not a privilege to serve alongside our incredible Savior.

“Are you weary, carrying a heavy burden? Then come to me. I will refresh your life, for I am your oasis. Simply doing your life with mine. Learn my ways and you’ll discover that I’m gentle, humble, easy to please. You will find refreshment and rest in me. For all that I require of you will be pleasant and easy to bear.” Matthew 11:28-30 TPT

Wow, what a beautiful promise from Jesus. If what He speaks of is Truth, then our feeling of exhaustion, obligation, and “it’s too much of a burden to bear” is wrong. We are doing something wrong, and we have to ask ourselves, “how do I get out of this exhaustion state?”

I want to list a few key elements that Jesus unlocks for us, through this scripture, that will bring refreshment and rest to our soul.

1. Come to Me

Havilah Cunnington said, “if you become God, there is no need of God.” How true is that? Have you and I become the god of our lives and the lives of those we serve? Are we the source of help? Or did we forget that our duty was to point people to the source? I think if we simply just get out of the way first, we may not feel such a burden, to begin with, him.

As our church is finishing up the 21 day fast, something is being awakened in all of us. To come to Him, to our first love. To put Jesus back into the equation. For Him to be the source of our own lives. If we accomplish that first, then we won’t duplicate being “god” in the lives of those we disciple. So maybe, Jesus really knew what He was talking about that all He requires of us, will be pleasant and it is easy to bear.

Come back to prayer, come back to fasting, come back to your first love. Dine with Him first. Forget the “to do,” Martha, and come back to sitting at the feet of Jesus, Mary, and worship Him.

If you do this, I genuinely believe, He will refresh your life, for He is our oasis. Join your life with His.

Do you hear Him calling? (Reference Matt. 11:28, 29)

Pray with me: Holy Spirit, forgive me that I took your place. You are our helper, help me to get out of the way and direct people back to you. Help me personally to come back to my first love. Rekindle my passion, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

2. Learn My Ways

I do want to warn you, the transition is difficult. You have to understand that we taught others to rely on us, we became babysitters of people’s walk with Christ. They may be disappointed when you are no longer there for their every need but reminding them of their responsibility to pursue the Lord. Don’t be discouraged, the Lord will give you wisdom as you put Him back in the picture of those you disciple, including yourself.

But how?

1. Acknowledge Him.

Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the Lord completely, and do not rely on your own opinions. With all your heart rely on him to guide you, and he will lead you in every decision you make. Become intimate with him in whatever you do, and he will lead you wherever you go.”

Involve Jesus as you disciple, as you teach and equip others to fulfill the great commission. Simply ask Him for guidance, and wisdom will be right there. You will discover and learn His ways. (Matt 11:29)

2. Jesus is in Resources

You can discover wisdom not only by involving Him but through those that already involved Him. Ask your tribe leader, read books on this subject, listen to a podcast, watch and observe, and go deeper into the word of God. We are surrounded by knowledge and resources. Let’s take advantage of it. Who said this journey has to be done alone? Let’s stop guessing what to do, and learn from others how it needs to be done. Do it right so no one has to end up babysitting you.

Pray with me: Jesus I acknowledge you in my exhaustion. I come to you, refresh my life, Lord. I join my life with yours. Help me to learn from you and discover that your yoke is easy and your burden is light. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

I believe by acknowledging your exhaustion has revealed that we are unfortunately the problem. Once we put Jesus back into the picture, and come back to seeking Him, we will draw from His wisdom and guidance, then the promise of refreshment and rest will be present.

I believe 2021 will have you saying “it was truly pleasant and easy to bear.”

Blog by Mariana Parkhotyuk
Instagram: @mariana_parkhotyuk