by the Rev. Brian Pape

Let’s be real—burnout is a we problem, not just a me problem. Whether you’re a pastor, parent, business owner, teacher, caregiver, burnout doesn’t discriminate. The weight of relentless demands can wear down even the strongest among us. But here’s the good news: God sees, God cares, and God provides a way through.

Elijah: A Case Study in Burnout

Elijah, one of the Bible’s boldest prophets, had just come off a massive spiritual victory. But soon after, he found himself exhausted, afraid, and alone—so much so that he asked God to take his life (1 Kings 19:4). If Elijah, a man who had seen fire fall from heaven, could burn out, what makes us think we’re immune?

The Warning Signs

Burnout sneaks up on us, often disguised as overwork, hurry, isolation, and feeling stuck.

• Overwork – You push beyond your limits, believing rest is a luxury.
• Hurry – The never-ending to-do list keeps you in a constant state of stress.
• Isolation – You withdraw from life-giving relationships, believing no one understands.
• Stuck – You feel like you’re choosing between exhaustion and guilt, with no way out.

Does any of this sound familiar? If so, you’re not alone. And the solution isn’t to just “try harder.”

God’s Prescription for Burnout

In 1 Kings 19, God meets Elijah in his exhaustion—not with judgment, but with three gifts:

1. Rest & Refreshment – Before anything else, Elijah sleeps and eats. Sometimes, the holiest thing you can do is take a nap and eat a decent meal.
2. Tender Loving Communication – God doesn’t scold Elijah; He asks, “What are you doing here?” not because He doesn’t know, but because He wants Elijah to process what’s really going on. God invites us to do the same—honest, vulnerable conversations with Him and others.
3. Renewed Perspective & Purpose – After rest and reflection, God reorients Elijah’s vision. He reminds him that he’s not alone and that his calling isn’t over. Burnout makes us lose sight of the bigger picture, but God gently brings us back.

Leaders like Bishop-Elect Phil Ashey and Fr. Geoff Chapman have shared these antidotes with many of us, reminding us that rest, honest relationships, and a renewed sense of calling aren’t luxuries—they’re lifelines. We don’t have to figure this out on our own; we can lean on the wisdom of those who have walked this path before us.

The Way Forward

Burnout isn’t a badge of honor; it’s a warning sign. And Jesus Himself showed us a different way—one of rest, deep relationships, and clear boundaries. If He took time to withdraw and be with the Father, why do we think we can run on empty?

So, take a breath. Eat, sleep, talk to God and a trusted friend, and let Him restore your soul. Burnout doesn’t have to be the end of the story—God’s got more for you.