One of the hardest things I have had to endure as a Pastor is to watch people with a huge calling on their life flame out because they can’t get their mental health in check. • Moses, considered one of history's most outstanding leaders, experienced periods of depression during his leadership of the Israelites. His struggles with self-pity and anger, particularly evident in his prayer in Numbers 11:10-15, where he asked God to end his life, contributed to his depressive state. Lessons When Life Seems Like Too Much Numbers 11:10-11 1. A Big Calling Comes With A Heavy Weight • Moses' depression was likely exacerbated by the constant complaints of the people he led, especially regarding their monotonous diet in the wilderness. This situation caused Moses to feel overwhelmed by the burden of leadership, leading to self-doubt and a sense of helplessness. Many people want to be in charge until they find out the weight of what it takes to be a leader. With a high calling comes a heavy weight. › God will not elevate you to heights you cannot handle, but you will not be able to stay the same; you will have to grow. Numbers 11:12-15 2. People Will Let You Down • Moses expected to lead a triumphant army into the promised land. Instead, the people were acting like spiritual babies. Moses felt it was too much for him to bear the responsibility of all the needs and complaints. • When it feels like our life is spinning out of control, we feel like the whole world is on our shoulders, and we can become depressed like Moses because life is not going as we planned. Moses hoped the people would listen to him, but they wanted to return to their old lives as slaves. Most people are unwilling to do the work it takes to grow, so you may outgrow people in your life as you grow. › People will always let us down, but God will never. Numbers 11:16-17 3. God Gives Us The People We Need To Carry The Burden • So God took the Spirit on Moses and put it on the seventy elders to help him in spiritual leadership. Thus, Moses knew that by the Spirit’s power, he could face the challenges of any task that God called him to. Then he knew he did not have to bear the burdens in his strength. • Despite these challenges, Moses' depression did not prevent God from continuing to use him, illustrating that depression need not be spiritually or physically fatal if one repents and trusts in God. I know God has ALWAYS given me the right people for the right season. I have sweated when we have lost some people, but God always comes through right in time. › You can do a lot with hard work. Still, you can do so much more when you build a team. 4. Final Warning • However, Moses' struggle with depression and anger ultimately contributed to his disobedience to God, which kept him from entering the Promised Land. This example serves as a cautionary tale for leaders, highlighting the importance of managing one's mental health while dealing with difficult people and impossible demands. I have seen many people flame out in their calling because their dark side became too much to bear. › Learn from Moses and do not let your darkest hours keep you from experiencing the Promised Land. What are our transformational moments? 1. Are you feeling the weight of your calling? 2. Have people let you down? 3. Do you need God to send the people in your life to take you to the next level? Health Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8MPMH9B