At Home – by Rudy Gray

The late evangelist Vance Havner used to tell ministers, “If you do not come apart (get away for some rest and renewal), you will just come apart (break down or burn out).” That is as true today as when he spoke it many years ago.

Rudy Gray

Jesus often got away from the enormous crowds that followed him. It was a pattern in his life. For example, Luke 22:39 says, “And He came out and proceeded as was His custom to the Mount of Olives?-?.” Jesus did not withdraw because he was afraid. It is certainly possible that his body became tired. However, Jesus was not running from anything but to something: the will of his Father. He sought to honor the Father in everything he did.

His servants also need to withdraw from time to time. We need it more than Jesus, because we are needier than Jesus.

Withdrawing gives us a chance to refocus our minds, renew our hearts and replenish our energy. When people burn out, they actually stop caring. Too many servants of Christ are running on fumes today. Many of us need time away from the work for a season. The withdrawal should be purposeful and planned. It should not be an escape, but an exercise in emotional, physical and spiritual refreshment.

I have never enjoyed a sabbatical, but I know it can be a very rewarding experience for a minister. Recently, my wife and I did get away for a few days to the Billy Graham Training Center at the Cove near Asheville, N.C. It was a blessed time, and we left there renewed.

It is easier to burn out in ministry than most of us realize. The temptation – and even tendency – is to become fatigued, frazzled and even discouraged. The stress and tension we feel may be one indicator we need to withdraw for a season.

God’s servants cannot labor in ministry effectively if we do not draw on the power of God’s Spirit. Our work is not simply about work, but about a relationship with our Lord. We need him even more than we need to serve him. Our Savior himself has left us with a wonderful example of getting away. In order to best serve him, we should do the same. It may just be that in the getting away from the work, we may come to know the Master better, and if that happens we will serve him more faithfully.