Introduction

We begin a new series for January 2023. Our series title is “Valid – Jesus knows, Jesus understands”. Through this series we want you to see that Jesus gets us. He knows and understands what we are going through. In other words, our feelings and experiences are valid. We begin this series by talking about exhaustion. After the holiday season, with all its busyness, and now comes January, it’s easy for us to feel exhausted. Now, this is valid. But we can learn something important in our exhaustion. Let’s pay attention to Jesus, for He knows and understands what we are going through.

Passage: John 4:1-26

Three reminders when we are exhausted

1. Our exhaustion may be a symptom of a deeper problem. (v.7-10) – Sometimes, like Jesus, our exhaustion is simply the result of tiredness. But there are times when the real problem is deeper. We may not be aware of it. But Jesus allows us to experience exhaustion to call our attention.
2. Our solutions may not be enough to solve the real problem. (v.11-18) – When we are experiencing exhaustion, we may try to alleviate it through various false solutions. Unfortunately, they never work or, if they do work, only temporarily. Our exhaustion never really disappears because we are addressing only the symptoms.
3. Our transformation may only come from an encounter with Jesus. (v.19-26) – When we truly encounter Jesus and experience His presence, power, and purpose working in our lives, as we walk with Him, we will experience true rest. This is what we desire and need. Unless we surrender our self-sufficiency, we will never find that rest.

Conclusion

1. Central Idea: “Our exhaustion can be the doorway to our transformation.”
2. Pay attention to your exhaustion. Don’t deny it or use false solutions.
3. The Lord knows and understands. But He also wants to give you true rest.

Discussion

1. When have you felt truly exhausted lately?
2. What have you realized about your exhaustion after hearing this sermon?
3. What are you going to do now that you have realized this? What actions will you take?