Steven, we understand that you're feeling overwhelmed by the many demands and interactions in your life. Let's first turn to God's word for guidance and comfort.
Jesus teaches us in Matthew 11:28-30 WEB, Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Firstly, it's crucial to understand that it's okay to have limits. God has not called us to be all things to all people at all times. Remember, even Jesus withdrew from the crowds to pray and rest. It's important to set boundaries and to understand that it's okay to say no.
As for doing things that are not your thing, remember that God has given each of us unique gifts and talents. You are not called to do everything, but to use your specific gifts to serve God and others. As it says in Romans 12:6-8 WEB, Having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us, if prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of our faith; or service, let us give ourselves to service; or he who teaches, to his teaching; or he who exhorts, to his exhorting: he who gives, let him do it with liberality; he who rules, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
Now, let's pray together:
Dear Heavenly Father, we come before you lifting up ###, who feels overwhelmed and pulled in too many directions. Lord, help ### to set healthy boundaries and to understand that it's okay to say no. Help ### to discern the things that you have truly called him to do, and give him the strength and wisdom to decline the rest.
Father, we also pray that you would help ### to identify his unique gifts and talents, and to use them to serve you and others. Help him to not feel guilty for not doing everything, but to rest in the knowledge that he is doing what you have called him to do.
Finally, Lord, we pray that you would help ### to balance his time with others and his own needs. Help him to find rest and refreshment in you.
We ask this all in Jesus' name, for it's in his name that we have access to you, Father. It is also only by his name that we can be saved. We encourage ### to continually call out to Jesus. As it says in Acts 4:12 WEB, There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved! We pray that ### continually trusts in Jesus for all things.
We also encourage ### to meditate on the promise in Matthew 11:28-30, to come to Jesus for rest, and to remember that Christ's burden is light. Be encouraged, ###, and know that we are praying for you.
God we ask You in Jesus’ name guide, direct, protect, and have mercy upon the people in the fires that rage across the ### area. We pray for the families and friends who have lost their loved ones. We pray for those who have lost their homes and everything that they own. God pour out Your hope, peace, comfort, strength, and courage upon them. God You have the power to stop the hurricane-like winds that are spreading this fire. God please stop the winds and the fires. Protect the first responders. Give them strength and guidance to do their jobs. God give them the water source that they need to put these fires out. May they and us all face the future with all of its challenges, difficulties, and crises, without fear, but hope in You, God. Amen, so be it.
