Weekly Roundup: Sunday, June 22, 2025
We say it on our commute from work. We say it when we crawl back into bed after another sleepless night. We say it in hospital rooms, to our therapist, or when alone staring into a void.
We say it out loud. We whisper it to ourselves. Some of you are saying it right now.
"I can't do this anymore."
A divorce or breakup can make us say, "I can't do this anymore," or hold on to a strained marriage. Being betrayed by a friend or estranged from an adult child can make us say, "I can't do this anymore." Being emotionally exhausted after being a caretaker for someone and watching a person continue to decline or a parent of a small child who hasn't slept in weeks can leave us saying, "I can't do this anymore."
Being a perfectionist, trying to be everything for everyone, constantly comparing yourself to someone else, or carrying around a secret shame can force someone in a position to say, "I can't do this anymore."
Someone working multiple jobs to make ends meet, a teacher in a difficult classroom, a healthcare professional working eighty hours, or a student living under the unrealistic demands of a parent have all said, "I can't do this anymore."
Maybe you've said it recently. Perhaps you've said it in your heart this week: "I can't do this anymore." Whatever the reason or the season, this moment is for you.
In 1 Kings 18, Elijah is on the mountaintop. He calls down fire from heaven and defeats 450 prophets of Baal. He is fearless, bold, and unstoppable. If Elijah were alive today, we'd be reading his leadership books, watching his YouTube channel, and flocking to his mega-church auditorium.
But now, in 1 Kings 19, Queen Jezebel sends a threat: "So may the gods do to me and more also, if I do not make your life like the life of one of them by this time tomorrow" (1 Kings 19:2). In other words, "Tomorrow, I want you dead."
And suddenly, Elijah unravels. He flees into the wilderness, lays down under a broom tree, and prays, "It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life" (1 Kings 19:4). He's done. He's exhausted. He's depressed. He's ready to die.
Maybe you've never called down fire from heaven, but maybe you've had a moment where you felt like your life was finally going somewhere, only for it to all come crashing down.
Pay attention to God's response. God doesn't say, "Where is your faith, Elijah?" Or tell him to man up? God responds with care, not criticism. God sends an angel who cooks him a meal and tells him to rest. Elijah gets a snack and a nap.
Friends, if you're burned out, you don't need to perform for God; you need to receive from God. Jesus echoes this when he says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).
Pastor Jamey
(Click Here to Watch the Worship Service from Gainesville First United Methodist Church, Gainesville, Georgia)
Weekend Prayer
God of compassion, I'm tired. I don't need a lecture. I need Your presence. I don't need to prove anything. I need to be held. Remind me that I am not alone and that Your grace is enough for this moment. Give me rest for my body, peace for my mind, and hope for my heart. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Wisdom Nugget: The inner voice that says “I should be over this by now” doesn’t heal us, it burdens us. God's voice speaks grace into our weakness.
A Question to Consider: How can you create room for stillness this week?
Meme of the week
Dad Jokes
Why did the sun go to school? To get a little brighter!
Why do bananas use sunscreen in the summer? Because they peel!
Leadership Reflection:
If you lead from a place of wholeness, not from survival, then you must stay grounded. We stay grounded by:
Staying Rooted in Identity, Not Results. Your worth is not based on your success, how your team performs, or how many people applaud your achievements. Your identity is found in being a beloved child of God.
Be Honest About Your Limits. Staying grounded means acknowledging when you’re not okay and getting help. Vulnerability is not the enemy of leadership. It is the foundation for it.
Embrace Rhythms of Rest. Sabbath is a gift. You were not made to work without stopping. God wired us for rhythm: work and rest, output and renewal. When you ignore rest, you slowly unground yourself.
Grounded leaders don’t lead with hype but with depth, humility, and peace. The invitation is not to “power through” but to pause and be filled, to rest, to recover, and to reconnect with the One who sustains you not just so you can lead others but because your soul matters to God.
Pastor Jamey
Photo Taken By Me
Podcast Worth Listening to
What I Am Reading This Week
What It Means to Be Protestant: The Case for an Always-Reforming Church by Gavin Ortlund
Found Interesting on Social Media
Articles that caught my eye (I haven’t read many articles this past week. If you ever come across one that you find interesting, send it my way)
North Georgia Nonprofit Highlight
Happening at Gainesville First United Methodist Church, Gainesville, Georgia
Sunday, June 29 / 4pm / Sanctuary
The 11th Annual GFUMC Patriotic Celebration is a stirring tribute to our nation’s heritage, freedom, and culture. The Chancel Choir and Believers Concert Band join forces to present a multi-media musical program honoring our nation’s military, first responders, and civic leaders. Included in this year’s concert is a tribute to the motion picture industry. Join us in the sanctuary at 4 p.m. Sunday, June 29th as we celebrate America. Admission is free.
Weekly Blessing and/or Quotes
"You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them." — Maya Angelou
When the noise of life is loud, may you hear the whisper of God’s love calling your name. Amen.
