Is It Time to Throw in the Towel?

Where does a pastor go to resign? Where does a minister go to throw in that infamous towel?

Does a missionary need God’s permission to call it quits? What about your own personal ministry?

The answer is a very simple one, and it is the same answer for all four heart-wrenching questions.

There is an answer … you must go to the feet of Jesus.

When a person is worn out, run down and weary in well-doing … it’s time for a long drink of cool and refreshing water from that beloved and restorative fountain that never runs dry.

The water of surrender is the most powerful sip of sustenance one will ever partake of while he or she is in the service of the King. If a sabbatical is long overdue, perhaps your time of recovery will be found when you open the Bible, turn on some worship music and forget everyone else but you and Jesus.

When I just can’t go on, I always go to Him. When I can’t take another step, I walk in His direction. When I can’t take another breath, I breathe in Him. When I don’t know what to say, I speak His Words and not my own.

When I have absolutely nothing left to give, I still have Him. And I have found that He is all I need to make it through another draining day. I have joyfully discovered that resignation is not the answer that will solve any of my ministry issues. The single activity that renews, restores and refreshes is a good dose of splashing in His rejuvenating wine of the Holy Spirit!

So rather than choosing to give in … why don’t you try giving up all that you are to all that He is?

Next time that you are tempted to throw up your hands in frustration … why don’t you throw up your arms in worship instead?

Every person involved in ministry certainly deserves time off and extended days away from the never-ending requirements of people, problems and demands. But there is indeed a place of quiet rest that cannot be found in Hawaii! There is a dining experience that happens not at a 4-star restaurant but at a table where only bread and wine are served. Don’t ignore the exciting fact that time spent in the Son is more rejuvenating than time spent in the sun.

So if you are tempted to turn in your resignation today … think again. Perhaps it would be wiser to take a deep breath and look into the face of the One Who loves you most and knows you best.

Remind yourself that He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it. Remember that He is the One who has called you, and He will also strengthen, establish and confirm you.

Rather than throwing in that towel … why don’t you just cast all your cares upon Him, knowing that He cares for you? {eoa}

Carol McLeod is an author and popular speaker at women’s conferences and retreats, where she teaches the Word of God with great joy and enthusiasm. Carol encourages and empowers women with passionate and practical biblical messages mixed with her own special brand of hope and humor. She has written five books, including No More Ordinary, Holy Estrogen!, The Rooms of a Woman’s Heart and Defiant Joy! Her most recent book, Refined: Finding Joy in the Midst of the Fire, was released last August. Her teaching DVD The Rooms of a Woman’s Heart won the Telly Award, a prestigious industry award for excellence in religious programming. You can also listen to Carol’s “A Jolt of Joy” program daily on the Charisma Podcast Network. Connect with Carol or inquire about her speaking to your group at justjoyministries.com.