Every person has great strength and with every great strength comes a great weakness. When you have the heart to serve the Lord, often the enemy will not be able to get you to fall into sin, but he can get you to burn out, doing, rather than taking care of yourself.
"Take heed to yourself...." 1 Timothy 4:16
Paul wrote this to young Pastor Timothy, the pastor of the largest church in the world at that time. Timothy was faithful, loving, and caring for all the people and situations that he could at that time, to the exclusion of taking care of himself.
When we are gifted in some area, it is easy to go headlong into that area without looking out for our own spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical well-being. The word that we translate "take heed" actually means to "grab onto with all your might." Paul is saying, it is so easy to get caught up in doing for God, using your gifts and talents, that you forget to rest in God and keep your focus on Him.
When you are gifted by God, use those gifts to their fullest but remember who gave you your gifts and why He gave them to you. Remember God is not a demanding taskmaster but a friend, Father, the one who loves you the most. He blesses, strengthens and encourages. He also gives His beloved rest!
Always hold onto Him. Keep your service to Him, by using your gifts, a joy! Burn out, frustration, and aggravation are not part of the fruit of the Spirit!
Whatever your gift or gifts are, remember when you use them you are serving the Lord and honoring Him. He will not drive you so don't allow the devil or your own needs drive you to burn out either.
(I gave you this picture to help you get over the winter doldrums...summer is coming:)
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