Running On Empty: Three Things Every Overachiever Should Know
“It is our best work that God wants, not the dregs of our exhaustion. I think he must prefer quality to quantity.”
Two Kinds of People
There are two kinds of people in the world: those who fill up when they reach a half tank of fuel, and those who wait for the low fuel light to turn red.
You might be surprised which category I fall into—but let’s just say I have run a car out of gas and I’ve coasted into a gas station on fumes more than once. In my mind, the fewer times I fuel up, the more efficient I am.
I nearly did it again this past week on my way home from Nebraska. Leaving my rural destination with a quarter of a tank, I felt confident I’d make it to my next scheduled stop just fine, and if I didn’t, there were other gas stations along the way, or so I thought.
When I realized I’d missed my chance and I was nearing empty, I became anxious. When the low fuel indicator light turned on, I began praying I’d make it to the next fuel station that was—you guessed it—over 20 miles away.
Somewhere along that empty stretch of highway, I asked God, “Why do I do this? Why do I always push it to the edge when it could so easily be avoided?” In that stressful moment, I received an answer I didn’t like: You want to test your control.
Admittedly, this is a pattern in my life. I don’t do anything halfway, and I resist setting things down—even when I should. Even when I’m about to run out of gas—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally, I push the limit.
Can you relate? Do you test beyond your limit? Do you strive, even when you know it’s unnecessary?
Here are the three themes God has placed on my heart to share with my overachieving counterparts:
1. You Were Made for More
God created each of us for a specific purpose, and with that comes the responsibility to fulfill our call. However, just because you are driven to create more doesn’t mean He intends for you to do more than He’s called you to do. Overachievers tend to overcommit, overwork, and go above and beyond the call. We mistake busyness for productivity, over-commitment as added value, and exhaustion as a badge of honor. None of this aligns with God’s word. None of it is divine. As Ecclesiastes 4:6 states:
“One hand full of rest is better than two fists full of labor and striving after wind.”
When I think about the call I’ve been given, God has told me repeatedly: “Do not strive. I will do this.” He’s asking me to give up control. To be obedient. To trust Him, and his timing.
Is there a situation in your life where He’s asking you to do the same? Are you trusting Him?
"Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act." —Psalm 37:5 (ESV)
2. First Things First
We all say our priorities begin with faith and family—but do they? Do your daily activities reflect that order, or do work and other demands come first?
Ecclesiastes 2:26 says:
“For to the one who pleases him God has given wisdom and knowledge and joy, but to the sinner he has given the business of gathering and collecting, only to give to one who pleases God. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.”
“What are you striving for? Recognition? Wealth? Or the salvation of your soul? When I pause and look around, it’s clear what most of us are chasing. Let’s be intentional. Let’s remember what matters at the end of it all. Let’s put first things first.
3. Mind My Commandments
Most of us would agree it’s wise to avoid murder, adultery, stealing, etc. Although, when it comes to God’s commandments, why do we act like we can pick and choose?
Overachievers often ignore the fourth commandment—and then wonder why they are running on empty. Exodus 20:8-11 clearly outlines God’s expectation:
“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
Six days you shall labor and do all your work,
but the seventh day is a sabbath to the LORD your God.
On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter,
nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns.
For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them,
but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.”
If the Lord of the universe rested, why do we think we can successfully skip?
The problem for most of us is that even if we like the idea of a day off, we feel guilty if we rest. Somehow, we are falling behind if we don’t maximize all the days of the week. This is not from God. This is the enemy distracting you and stealing your rest.
In the End
If you’ve been hustling and striving to control your outcomes—only to come up short—maybe it’s time to take a new approach. Don’t wait until you’re flying down the highway at 80 mph with the low fuel light flashing. Instead, ease off the gas and ask God what direction He wants you to go, and at what pace. Ask Him if it’s time to stop and refuel. When you slow down and reevaluate your priorities, you may be surprised at how far and how quickly God will take you.
In the end, no one will care about the wealth you created or the accolades you earned. What they will remember are your values, how you made them feel, and the memories you created together. Make the most of it.
Godspeed, my friend.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
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