AVOIDING FALSE FATIGUE: STAYING IN GOD’S WILL By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: Isaiah 40:31 - "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
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Introduction
Many believers find themselves worn out and spiritually exhausted, not because they have been faithfully serving God, but because they have been lured into meaningless battles. These battles arise from pride, external influences, and obedience to false commanders rather than the Holy Spirit. God does not intend for His people to live in a state of constant fatigue and discouragement. Instead, He desires that His people remain under His divine covering, drawing strength from Him.
Jesus Himself experienced physical weariness but never spiritual exhaustion. His ability to stay on course was rooted in His unwavering obedience to the Father. In contrast, many Christians today suffer from false fatigue due to engaging in unnecessary conflicts, disputes, and self-imposed struggles. This teaching will explore the dangers of false fatigue, how to recognize its sources, and the divine strategies to overcome it.
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1. The Danger of Engaging in Meaningless Battles
2 Timothy 2:23 - "But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes."
One of the major causes of false fatigue is engaging in battles that God never intended for His people. Many believers are tricked by the enemy into arguments, disputes, and confrontations that drain their energy and shift their focus away from God’s purpose. These distractions often come in the form of pride, the need to prove oneself, or responding to unnecessary provocations.
When believers engage in such fights, they end up feeling spiritually and emotionally exhausted, unable to focus on their divine calling. God warns against being drawn into conflicts that do not serve His kingdom, as these only lead to weariness and discouragement.
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2. False Commanders: Obeying the Wrong Voices
Galatians 1:10 - "For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ."
Many believers become spiritually fatigued because they are following the commands of men rather than God. False commanders—friends, family members, and even religious leaders—can lead people into exhausting and fruitless pursuits. Jesus Himself refused to bow to the pressures of religious leaders or even His own family when their will contradicted the will of the Father.
God desires that His people be led by the Holy Spirit rather than the opinions and pressures of others. Those who consistently obey human directives over divine instructions will find themselves spiritually drained and disconnected from their purpose.
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3. The Cost of Going AWOL (Absent Without Leave) from God’s Army
Luke 9:62 - "And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God."
Many believers go AWOL in their faith because they become distracted by unnecessary burdens and conflicts. Instead of staying in alignment with God’s calling, they deviate to pursue personal interests, unnecessary battles, or societal expectations. This spiritual desertion leads to fatigue, discouragement, and ultimately, separation from God’s purpose.
Remaining faithful requires perseverance and a firm commitment to God’s will. True strength comes from staying in alignment with His calling rather than chasing after distractions.
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4. Staying Under God’s Covering for Strength and Renewal
Psalm 91:1 - "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty."
God never intended for His people to live in a state of weariness. He provides a place of refuge, rest, and renewal for those who remain under His covering. Just as Jesus took time to rest, pray, and seek the Father, believers must learn to draw strength from God rather than constantly running on empty.
Those who stay in God’s presence will experience divine renewal. The Holy Spirit refreshes those who abide in Him, allowing them to continue their journey without collapsing under the weight of unnecessary burdens.
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Summary
False fatigue is the result of engaging in battles that God never intended, following the commands of men instead of God, and deserting one's divine calling. Jesus demonstrated how to stay refreshed by remaining in God’s will, avoiding unnecessary conflicts, and drawing strength from the Father. Believers must resist distractions and remain under God’s covering to experience true renewal.
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Conclusion
Spiritual weariness is not God’s will for His people. He provides strength, guidance, and renewal for those who obey Him. The key to avoiding false fatigue is staying aligned with God’s purpose, resisting distractions, and remaining in His presence.
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The Call to Action
1. Examine your life and identify any unnecessary battles you are engaging in.
2. Seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit before responding to challenges.
3. Stay under God’s covering by spending time in His Word and presence.
4. Avoid following false commanders who lead you away from God’s will.
5. Trust in God’s ability to renew your strength and refresh your spirit.
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Final Word of Encouragement
Matthew 11:28 - "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
God is calling His people to a place of rest and renewal. If you have been feeling spiritually fatigued, know that He desires to refresh you. Wait upon the Lord, trust in His guidance, and allow Him to renew your strength.
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Salvation Prayer
If you have not yet given your life to Christ or if you need to rededicate your life to Him, pray this prayer:
"Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I have sinned and have gone my own way. I ask for Your forgiveness and cleansing. I believe that You died for my sins and rose again for my salvation. Today, I surrender my life to You. Be my Lord and Savior. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and help me to walk in obedience to Your will. Thank You for saving me. Amen."
