Questions and Answers
How Can I Endure to the End When I Feel Burned-Out?
I was putting so much effort into life, and I felt like I wasn’t getting many blessings in return.
Have you ever put so much faith and hard work into something, hoping for blessings or miracles, only to find yourself waiting much longer than you expected?
I feel like young adulthood often puts us in this situation. Whether it’s waiting for a job, a scholarship, a friend, an eternal companion, or simply an answer, sometimes it can feel frustrating when we are giving our all and can’t see the blessings of discipleship. I’ve felt the frustration of doing everything I can to follow Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and not seeing much in return. How can I be expected to endure to the end when I feel so empty and tired?
I’d like to share an experience that changed my perspective on trusting that our efforts are not in vain.
Feeling Stuck
When I got home from my mission, I struggled to keep up with my spiritual habits. Eventually, I felt spiritually weak. I was trying to figure out a lot of things in my life. I was dealing with loneliness and facing the challenge of learning a new language after moving from Hong Kong to the United States. Life was expensive, and I was so busy with work and school that I didn’t have any time to spare.
I only focused on my trials and challenges. I didn’t count my blessings or focus on the bigger picture.
I was so tired of working hard—I couldn’t really see the payoff for anything I was doing. Deep down, I wanted my circumstances to change and my life to be in order without having to do all the work to meet those goals. I felt stuck.
The Power of Commitment
Around this time, my wife and I got sealed in the temple. As I listened to the temple sealer, he reminded me of the words of Genesis 3:19: “In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread.” In that moment, I realized something about the principle of hard work and commitment.
I thought about how much hard work influences our families, the world around us, and our own lives. I thought about the sacrifices my ancestors and parents made to give me a good life. I didn’t want to take their hard work for granted, and I realized how the work I put in now—toward the gospel, my marriage, and everything else I’m striving for—will affect my own future family.
It finally hit me that life is going to require effort and work on our part, just like God taught Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:19. But that’s part of God’s plan! And the best part is that we don’t have to do this work alone.
Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ sacrificed to help me—and all of us—succeed. Heavenly Father gave His Only Begotten Son, and Jesus Christ laid down His life for each of us to have that chance.
Elder Patrick Kearon of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles reminded us of this truth:
“The Father’s plan is not about roadblocks. It never was; it never will be. …
“… The Father’s design, His plan, His purpose, His intent, His wish, and His hope are all to heal you, all to give you peace, all to bring you, and those you love, home.”
I’ve realized that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are eternally committed to helping me on my journey through mortality. In return, I have committed and covenanted to always strive to follow Them, even if it takes hard work.
As Sister J. Anette Dennis, First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency, taught, “Through a covenant relationship with God, our own lives can become a living symbol of our commitment to and deep love for our Father in Heaven … and our desire to progress and eventually become like our Savior, being prepared to one day enter Their presence.”
This truth renews my motivation to keep my covenants and to keep working toward my goals.
Christ Is on Our Side
I know that sometimes it can be hard to know that we are going to be blessed for our efforts. As we fulfill callings, pay tithing, offer service, follow the commandments, and keep our covenants, we can trust that we are receiving blessings of growth, joy, and peace each day—even if the blessings we long for aren’t always tangible and instantaneous.
Life isn’t meant to be easy, and neither is discipleship. But because we have Jesus Christ on our side, we can keep inviting miracles into our lives.
As President Russell M. Nelson said: “Entering into a covenant relationship with God binds us to Him in a way that makes everything about life easier. Please do not misunderstand me: I did not say that making covenants makes life easy. In fact, expect opposition, because the adversary does not want you to discover the power of Jesus Christ. But yoking yourself with the Savior means you have access to His strength and redeeming power.”
So when I’m feeling tired and impatient, I try to pray with faith and pour my heart out to Heavenly Father, trusting that He will hear me and answer me in His time.
When I’m facing challenges, I rely on Him to change my perspective and see the many blessings in my life that I’m overlooking.
When I feel like the demands of life are too hard, I remember the sacrifices Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have made for me.
I know that hard work is part of mortality for a reason, and even if we feel tired at times, we can remember that the Savior offers us relief, rest, and the endurance we need to succeed.
With Him, we are more resilient and capable than we know.