Roma Waterman writes:

This year, I have heard so many people say how tired they are, burnt out, and exhausted. I’ve heard many people say, “And it’s only the beginning of the year”. It’s as if the pressures of life are hitting harder than normal.

After a really busy day, I started saying it without thinking, and the Lord abruptly interrupted me. With a stern voice, He said, “YOUR EXHAUSTION IS A DECEPTION”.

I was so taken aback, I stopped what I was doing and tuned my ear to what He was saying. “Lord how can you say that? What do you mean?” I replied.

And this is what He said to me:

“Your exhaustion is a trick. The enemy is trying to make you think that you can’t take much more. That you are more tired than normal. It’s a strategy to make you think you don’t have what it takes to complete the mission I have given you this year. Don’t believe it and don’t partner with His lies!”

Immediately, after hearing His voice, the tiredness lifted.

I believe the enemy is trying to pause, halt and restrict the call on your life (and mine). If he can’t make you give it up, he will deceive you into thinking you can’t physically carry it. Honestly the way I’m seeing people abort their mission for 2024 is unprecedented at the moment.

And I hear the Lord giving us a warning: DO NOT BELIEVE THE LIES – your exhaustion is a deception.

If He called you – that means He will equip you!

I asked the Lord for practical solutions and this is what he said:

PULL BACK NOT OUT

People are not burnt out- they just need a rest. This means pulling back and not pulling out, doing away with that which is not necessary to make room for the important. There’s a lot of things you will think are important but they are not. Make room so you can breathe.

PLAN REST NOT RESIGNATION

Plan rest – not resignation. Just like you plan a calendar, daily moments of breathing time, even if it’s two minutes or half an hour will be life changing and reset the schedule.

YOU DON’T HAVE TO SAY YES

You don’t have to say yes to everything that is good and holy, you must only say yes to what the Father is saying.

DRINK DEEP

Drink deeply from my word- memorise scripture, play it using the Bible app, write it on cards and carry them around or put them on your mirror or fridge- knowing the word is a key that unlocks the door of refreshing.

RETREAT

Retreat to the secret place often. Don’t only do it when there is an emergency. If you do not have time in your day for regular retreat in prayer and solitude – you’re too busy. Get up early, go to bed later, go to the bathroom in a break and pray – it will be medicine for your soul!

Pray this with me today:

Father we turn our eyes and our hearts to your voice. We reject the lie that we are burnt out, exhausted, and more tired than normal. I ask right now that you would fill us with refreshing and your resurrection life. We thank you that your burden is easy and your yoke is light! We rest in you!