Dana shares his thoughts on the challenges faced by long-time Christians, particularly focusing on the concept of "veteran burnout." He reflects on his own experiences and the importance of perseverance in faith, emphasizing that many who start strong may falter over time. He uses the biblical figure Elijah as an example, illustrating how even great prophets can experience despair and exhaustion after significant victories. Dana highlights the need for encouragement and support within the Christian community, urging believers to remain connected and to seek restoration when feeling overwhelmed. He discusses the dangers of cynicism and misanthropy that can develop in veterans, warning against losing sight of the potential in others and the importance of maintaining a humble, open heart. Dana concludes with a call to prayer for those who are struggling, emphasizing the need for community and the shepherding love of God to revive and restore those who feel burnt out or isolated in their faith journey.
4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
1 And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword. 2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time. 3 And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there. 4 But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers. 5 And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat. 6 And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again. 7 And the angel of the LORD came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee. 8 And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God.
13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
9 He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.
4 And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way. 5 And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread.