The Surprising Truth About Burnout – Part II

by James Allen, M.A.

In Part 1 of this article, it was pointed out that, as paradoxical as it may sound, embracing suffering is actually key to preventing burnout. So what does it mean to embrace suffering, and can you do it without developing some kind of a martyr complex? Yes, you can! In fact, especially if you are a Christian, you can suffer with grace, hope and even joy because you have another (Christ) living in you who will bear your sufferings if you will allow him to.

Tips for Successful Suffering
1. Expect to have to undergo suffering as you pursue your God-given dream, and try to see it as a positive thing. James 1:2-3 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Hebrews 12:7a says, “Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children.” These passages remind us that when we are going through pain and suffering we are probably closer to God than we may think! Much the same way, when we endure the pain of physical exercise, we are closer to improving our health than we would be if we just stayed on the couch.

2. Don’t be surprised if the suffering brings up deeply personal issues. People who are wanting to do great things for God can easily feel ashamed of themselves as struggles, insecurities and immaturities that they thought they had already dealt with resurface again in a new context. We need to realize that the work God calls us to is as much about him changing and transforming us as it is about us being used to change and transform others.  The fact that personal issues are resurfacing does not necessarily mean that you haven’t made any progress with them. In fact, quite the opposite is likely true. Also, depending on the nature of the issue, you may even need to learn to accept it as a “thorn in the flesh” that you will take with you to your grave. However, it does not need to define you and you can actually make progress in overcoming it with each step of obedience toward the call of God. His power is indeed perfected in our weakness!

3. Beware of prevailing ideologies which very subtly yet forcefully send the message that you are entitled to have things your way and should not have to suffer. Messages emphasizing personal fulfilment and improving oneself are so prevalent in our world today. It’s not that these things in and of themselves are necessarily wrong or bad, but they have become idols in today’s society. Especially beware of what kind and how much media you are consuming as much of it is designed to reinforce a self-centred, “me first” mindset.

4. Groaning is good! In fact, the Bible states that we, “who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship…” (Rom. 8:23). This kind of groaning is good and helps us to “birth” whatever it is that God is bringing forth through our lives. We see this kind of groaning expressed especially throughout the Psalms where the psalmists are brutally honest with God. God can handle our honesty and when we tell him where it really hurts, we are in a better position to actually witness him meeting us in that place. And it’s ok to groan with a trusted friend or confidant. This is how we allow others to help bear our burden. Of course, in that process, we must be careful to own our thoughts and feelings and not cross the line into complaining, blaming others or taking on a victim mentality. These kinds of things will not be helpful or productive, but it is ok to say, in effect, “This really hurts!” God can meet us in that place of honesty and humility.


There is so much more that could be said about the causes of and remedies for burnout, but from my experience, the perspective given here is not often shared, perhaps because it’s a hard one to accept. The paradox, however, is that if we do not learn to accept it (i.e. – the reality of suffering and hardship), we really cannot experience the power that is available in Christ to overcome it. Jesus himself said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33b NIV). May we all lay hold of this truth in our lives!  

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