The Exhaustion of an Open Door

I remember as a child hearing the choir sing,

I've been running for Jesus, and I'm not tired yet.

Yeah... that is not my testimony right now.

Anybody rested up from the drain of quarantine? Have time to process or adjust to the world's grand opening? As the world has opened up, so have the floodgates of our schedules, our agendas, our minds, and for many of us - opportunities. Are you feeling strong enough mentally, emotionally, physically to take on a new venture? Let me ask you...

Are you tired yet?

Doesn't matter. Greater is still coming. That's right, tired or not, greater is still coming. Sounds harsh, I know, but you can prepare for the future and still something (even a good thing) can make you feel like you've been pushed ten steps back.

God, I'm grateful for my open doors. I just didn't know exhaustion would be the doorkeeper.

These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. ~Revelations 3:7-9 NIV

In this text, Christ is speaking to a people overwhelmed by their efforts to stay true to the living God. As a gateway to the east, this overburdened church in the city of Philadelphia (meaning brotherly love) had the responsibility of fighting against false prophecy but still loving false people. Their geographical location positioned them to do great things for the kingdom, and yet it was that same positioning that wore them out.

I used to wonder why God would give us opportunities, and then let us be too wiped out to really enjoy them. Aren't blessings supposed to feel good?

Too much blessing, and we might feel we deserve it. Too much burden, and we might feel God is not near. Trying to balance both forces us to be humble enough to keep God close and keep our focus on His glory, not ours.

It is HE - the one who holds the key of David - who opens the door. But don't forget, he also sees your deeds. He knows how tired you are trying to do right. So as you move into open spaces of opportunity, keep these three things in mind:

Never expect from God what you're not willing to give to God.

If you want opportunity, give him opportunities with you. You need time, give him time. Stay in position to steward what's coming, even if think you're too tired to enjoy it.