Leading Through FatigueSample

Even Jesus Got Tired

Leaders can get tired. Youth leaders can get really tired. They oversee group sleepovers, high-energy youth events, and of course, the occasional but inevitable all-nighter. The fatigue you feel from your leadership role might go beyond physical exhaustion though, and a nap and a few large iced coffees won’t cure it. Your soul is tired. You’re wondering if what you’re doing is making a difference, and that question ushers in discouragement. You’re fighting burnout and on some days, giving up sounds like a very viable option. 

Leading youth can be hard; we aren’t going to sugarcoat it. And there will be times and seasons when you will feel the full weight of it. But let us encourage you: Your weariness doesn’t make you weak. Even Jesus got weary! 

We forget sometimes that in being fully God, Jesus was also fully human. He knew what exhaustion felt like. In John 4:6, it says that when Jesus got tired, he sat down. Not only did he sit down, but he positioned himself by a well — somewhere he could renew his spirit and his physical body. 

 As leaders, especially youth leaders, we can convince ourselves that to be good leaders, we need to be constantly moving. But if Jesus took the time to rest and take care of himself, shouldn’t you? 

You serve a Savior who understands and you’re surrounded by a team who is cheering you on!  Take some time today to just sit with Jesus and catch your breath. Over the next few days, we’ll be giving you some tools that we pray will encourage and renew your spirit.  So don’t give up!

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.