I seem to have lost something

You are not alone...

 

Die to yourSELF .......so that others may see Jesus in you. Sometimes we plant seeds, other times we water, and sometimes we reap.

 

Just something to consider:


We lose site of the plight of the lost because we forget where we came from. Sometimes we travel to far from the implications of sin on our lives and the reality of the just what it means that Jesus had to sacrifice His life on our behalf. We forget just how terrible and disgusting sin is on any level. Take yourself back to the foot of the cross in remembrance of where you came from.

 

Some people will disagree with me on this, but I think there are times when we need to separate ourselves from others, including various ministries. Sometimes we need to get alone with God for awhile just to pray and study without outside influences. We may need to take a few hours or we may need to take a few months. Sometimes we get bogged down with the "work" and the expectation of others to the exclusion of our intimate times with God.
Jesus left the crowds and His work frequently to be alone with God and refresh Himself. If Jesus needed to do this, surely we need to do it as well.


Just my thoughts. :saint:

 

Great advice offered thus far... to which I will add my own.

I can speak to the sense of "burden" and "urgency" in my own life, both having it and then not. What I have learned from those experiences and from the Word is that having a burden for the lost and being propelled with urgency to get in the game is directly linked to our love for the lost and maybe to a degree for the Lord.

I am NOT saying you do not love Jesus or lost folks! What I am attempting to communicate centers on the issue of motivation. Lots of believers do great things, but for all the wrong reasons and often that will bring us to a place of despondency and burn out.

It wasn't until I truly grasped the meaning of the Great Commandments that I found a burning passion that has never gone out. Loving God supremely, and Loving others sacrificially is at the core of not only all I do but also is at the core of my identity as a Christ-Follower.

Two final thoughts... as you persevere through this season intentionally seek the face of God in what He desires for you to gain in this. Without a doubt the Lord has something for you in this. Even the dryest desert will have refreshment, you just need to be shone the way to it. Second, do not allow guilt to rule your heart. The simple fact that you are burdened by this is a good thing and it reveals that you are still sensitive to the things of God and His Spirit.

I am grateful for your honesty and the blessing you have shared with us here at BB. You have my prayers and love.

 

I agree with you Amy, reflect and pray, rest and be refreshed. May you be refreshed, Servent and continue in Gods strength once again.

 

Maybe this will help - and it's intended to shock you into a new way of thinking:

GOD DOES NOT NEED YOU TO SAVE THE WORLD FOR HIM.

Do what God has called you to do - nothing more, nothing less. You need to burn but not burn out. Don't be afraid to let dry, rational purpose be your motivation when emotions fail you, and like Amy said, don't be afraid to take a break to get refreshed.

 

I heard someone say, "'Id rather burn out for God than rust out." Well, either way, you're out!

Rest. Reflect. Refresh. That's a good idea.

 

Danny, let me approach this from another direction. I notice that you still witness and still do mission work. That sounds like obedience to the Great Commission to me.

Maybe we have the wrong idea about having a burden for the lost. I'm not sure it's something we can work up. I doubt very seriously if you can get up from your bed and say, "well, I think I'll get a burden for the lost today." This burden is given to us, seems to me. If God calls you to preach, he'll give you the desire to preach.

Jesus didn't say, "as soon as you get a burden, go make disciples." He simply said "As you're going, make disciples."

I have a friend who got discouraged because his witnessing didn't produce conversions. Only when he came to understand that he's not responsible for the results did that discouragement go away. He said that realization was quite liberating for him.

 

Danny,

Danny...

There are "seasons" to our christian lives. Jesus Christ is alive in each one of us, and He wants to deal with us as He wishes in many different ways.

Ecclesiastes speaks of a time to reap and a time to sow. A time to laugh and a time to cry. A time to gain, a time to lose. A time to keep silence, a time to speak, etc etc.

You may be in a season now where God wants you to be quiet, and be still, and let Him teach you some things He wants to teach you, or maybe He just wants you to spend some time worshipping Him and learning to rest.

God has millions and millions and millions of people at his disposal ready to witness to people.

If he wants you to rest for a season, He will have someone ellse witnessing in your place.

Be at peace. God is in control.


:godisgood:

 

Here is what I caught from your post, Danny. You look back to the time you were first saved. Most Christians I've spoken with have had the same experience. When you are first saved, you are on fire for ministry and the Word. God gives you reassurance through small miracles and builds you up until you don't need the "feeling" as much, but are walking by faith in obedience. I can relate to what you are experiencing, but maybe God is leading you in new directions or, like another poster said, you may need a rest - take time to be still and know He's God.

All the advice is good. Yes, there are seasons to our walk. Just keep persevering in your love for Him. Ultimately, it's about sitting at His feet - not puttering in the kitchen.