LDS Freedom Forum

I’m so exhausted. Trying to help people has left me sick, tired, run down, and somewhat despondent (in a Captain Moroni kind of way).

How did Jesus manage? It must have been so exhausting to do what he did for those three years or so of His ministry.

What do you guys think? How do YOU do it? I’m at the end of my rope. It all feels very futile… people seem hell bent on destroying themselves and each other, and seem indifferent to our even glory in their ignorance. I’m finding I have no patience to teach anymore… not a good thing.

Jesus was something of a hybrid between God and man. I don't think we're supposed to negatively compare ourselves with him. He was endowed from on high to do what he did. That doesn't mean it wasn't hard but there won't be another like him.

endlessismyname wrote: ↑March 16th, 2022, 12:57 pm I’m so exhausted. Trying to help people has left me sick, tired, run down, and somewhat despondent (in a Captain Moroni kind of way).

How did Jesus manage? It must have been so exhausting to do what he did for those three years or so of His ministry.

What do you guys think? How do YOU do it? I’m at the end of my rope. It all feels very futile… people seem hell bent on destroying themselves and each other, and seem indifferent to our even glory in their ignorance. I’m finding I have no patience to teach anymore… not a good thing.

You mean you feel like this?:

…despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief…

I think you just have to walk away from it once and a while like Enoch, Elijah and Jesus all did.

There comes a point when you have to just stop and place everything in God's hands. You have planted the seeds, now it is time for the Lord to nourish and grow them. Remember, He loves them even more than you do.

People are spiritually blind and deaf. It can actually be a kind of protection by the Lord, sometimes. The less people understand, the less accountable they are for their sins and transgressions.

You have made your case. There is no reason to keep on saying the same thing over and over. This will wear you out. It is now up to the Lord to help them in His own time.

Pray for strength and focus on people who haven't heard your message yet. Speak it unto them and then move on to the next person. This is far less tiring, IMO. It's the banging your head against the stubborn walls that wears us out the most.

Sometimes, all we can really do is pray for people. Speak your truth, then give them over to the Lord and pray for them that their eyes and ears may be opened. In the end, He is probably the only one who can change their hearts and minds anyway.

endlessismyname wrote: ↑March 16th, 2022, 12:57 pm I’m so exhausted. Trying to help people has left me sick, tired, run down, and somewhat despondent (in a Captain Moroni kind of way).

How did Jesus manage? It must have been so exhausting to do what he did for those three years or so of His ministry.

What do you guys think? How do YOU do it? I’m at the end of my rope. It all feels very futile… people seem hell bent on destroying themselves and each other, and seem indifferent to our even glory in their ignorance. I’m finding I have no patience to teach anymore… not a good thing.

You don't.

Understand your limitations, ask for His strength. When you ask without doubt and receive said strength, become even more humble through this event and give thanks.

I understand this is easier said than done....but it is the only way I've find myself capable to walk uprightly before God.

Also, you've got to learn to let sh!t go that you cannot control. It's godly to care about those around us , but you need to wash your hands and feet of the negative energy that comes with being a servant to humans

Matthew 10:14

“And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.”

endlessismyname wrote: ↑March 16th, 2022, 12:57 pm I’m so exhausted. Trying to help people has left me sick, tired, run down, and somewhat despondent (in a Captain Moroni kind of way).

How did Jesus manage? It must have been so exhausting to do what he did for those three years or so of His ministry.

What do you guys think? How do YOU do it? I’m at the end of my rope. It all feels very futile… people seem hell bent on destroying themselves and each other, and seem indifferent to our even glory in their ignorance. I’m finding I have no patience to teach anymore… not a good thing.

Hey Endless, I suspect that this is more of a rhetorical question on your part. But I will answer from my own experience. As an ARP missionary I deal with people who sometimes have decades long addictions. I do NOT try to help them; it would kill me. I point them in the direction of ultimate hope and healing who is Jesus. When I first started this calling my wife and I fell into the trap of trying to help everyone. It was Spiritual Socialism! It doesn't work. Lose yourself in the service of others but don't lose sight of the source of power.

Interesting thoughts....How did He do it being subject to the insecurities and fears humans have. I wonder if he ever felt completely overwhelmed and underqualifed. Or did always have a reassurance of His worth and true nature?

Sometimes when I sink low I wonder what my life would be like if I had a true knowledge of my relationship to God. Would anything scare me?

endlessismyname wrote: ↑March 16th, 2022, 12:57 pm I’m so exhausted. Trying to help people has left me sick, tired, run down, and somewhat despondent (in a Captain Moroni kind of way).

How did Jesus manage? It must have been so exhausting to do what he did for those three years or so of His ministry.

What do you guys think? How do YOU do it? I’m at the end of my rope. It all feels very futile… people seem hell bent on destroying themselves and each other, and seem indifferent to our even glory in their ignorance. I’m finding I have no patience to teach anymore… not a good thing.

Stop posting on here and go to bed.

Dave62 wrote: ↑March 16th, 2022, 3:11 pm

endlessismyname wrote: ↑March 16th, 2022, 12:57 pm I’m so exhausted. Trying to help people has left me sick, tired, run down, and somewhat despondent (in a Captain Moroni kind of way).

How did Jesus manage? It must have been so exhausting to do what he did for those three years or so of His ministry.

What do you guys think? How do YOU do it? I’m at the end of my rope. It all feels very futile… people seem hell bent on destroying themselves and each other, and seem indifferent to our even glory in their ignorance. I’m finding I have no patience to teach anymore… not a good thing.

Hey Endless, I suspect that this is more of a rhetorical question on your part. But I will answer from my own experience. As an ARP missionary I deal with people who sometimes have decades long addictions. I do NOT try to help them; it would kill me. I point them in the direction of ultimate hope and healing who is Jesus. When I first started this calling my wife and I fell into the trap of trying to help everyone. It was Spiritual Socialism! It doesn't work. Lose yourself in the service of others but don't lose sight of the source of power.

I believe this is the key for me... I feel the same way.
Whether I'm out with the missionaries accompanying them on their 'lessons' or doing service projects with the ward or the family, I testify boldly of Our Savior. Even in the investigator discussions, I don't point the investigators to our church, I TESTIFY OF THE REALITY OF OUR LORD AND MASTER to them. He will guide them where He knows they need to be and I trust He will lead me as well. Even just talking with the neighbors and the ward members, I really try to make it all about Him. Because it truly is all about Him... and our relationship with Him.
Point any and all that will listen to Christ our Lord. I know this is what He expects of me.

Maybe what you’re teaching is lacking in material evidence.

He went to the temple with a whip and released his frustrations.

endlessismyname wrote: ↑March 16th, 2022, 12:57 pm How do YOU do it?

Don't focus on convincing others, just be an example of Christlike love. If they see what's happening in the world and are totally cool with the filth and sin, then that's on them. It's sad, but not all of God's children will be saved. Do all you can to help, but understand that it's out of your hands. They have their agency.

“And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.”

TheDuke wrote: ↑March 16th, 2022, 7:43 pm He went to the temple with a whip and released his frustrations.

Haha! This is so true.

This is why God gave us all talents…so we could share what we had, but didn’t expect us to give what we don’t have. That’s his job. Only give where you have enough to give. And yes, take a nap.

Thank you all. Especially the person who mentioned the whip.

Seriously, though, these were very helpful responses.

endlessismyname wrote: ↑March 16th, 2022, 12:57 pm I’m so exhausted. Trying to help people has left me sick, tired, run down, and somewhat despondent (in a Captain Moroni kind of way).

How did Jesus manage? It must have been so exhausting to do what he did for those three years or so of His ministry.

What do you guys think? How do YOU do it? I’m at the end of my rope. It all feels very futile… people seem hell bent on destroying themselves and each other, and seem indifferent to our even glory in their ignorance. I’m finding I have no patience to teach anymore… not a good thing.

Sounds trite and cliché but truth nonetheless but it's not gonna be you who fixes the issue in other people. So stop focusing on those efforts so much and take that energy and start fixing things in your life and within your personal zone of influence. Start within and work outward slowly and methodically. Take time to really know yourself, what sets you off, what makes you angry, identify all your weaknesses or start small or identify one and start working on that until you're a master and then move to the next thing.

...

If we are aiming at a good target and are putting our all in to hitting the target but miss that isn't a sin it's target practice.

Be patient and give yourself time and space to be flawed and miss the mark even though you think you're aiming right.

...

I would test the waters to see how teachable they are. I would look up questions to tell. You could ask all types of questions, even ask "how teachable are you?" "How open are you to change?" or you could tell them a solution then ask, something along the lines of "do you think you'd implement this in your daily life?" Etc.

Jordan peterson said "stop sharing things with others who don't appreciate them and won't listen" or something like that.

I am kindof in the same boat as you. Family and friends are never interested in what i have to say and wont change their lifestyle because of my words or example. When efforts seem like they're never going to work or help, expand your audience. It's like sales, it's a numbers game. You need to introduce the truth to as many types of people as possible and eventually you'll find someone who accepts what you have to say.

You possibly need to have a victory or win to help with you not feeling exhausted. If nothings been working for years (which happened to me) then talk to different people.

Identify the root of the exhaustion. Is it because you give and it feels like they're not giving their all?
Are you giving 100% and others aren't putting much effort?

Most people don't care about changing. But if you find the few who do, then that's a win!

Yeshua had to take time for Himself at times, and always connected with YHWH for direction and peace and purpose ...

Gadianton Slayer wrote: ↑March 16th, 2022, 7:48 pmDon't focus on convincing others, just be an example of Christlike love. If they see what's happening in the world and are totally cool with the filth and sin, then that's on them. It's sad, but not all of God's children will be saved. Do all you can to help, but understand that it's out of your hands. They have their agency.

darknesstolight wrote: ↑March 16th, 2022, 9:03 pmSounds trite and cliché but truth nonetheless but it's not gonna be you who fixes the issue in other people. So stop focusing on those efforts so much and take that energy and start fixing things in your life and within your personal zone of influence. Start within and work outward slowly and methodically. Take time to really know yourself, what sets you off, what makes you angry, identify all your weaknesses or start small or identify one and start working on that until you're a master and then move to the next thing.

These comments are similar - both good advice.

“Knowing your own darkness is the best method for dealing with the darkness of other people.“ - C Jung

This is not to suggest we must wait until we have it all together before we care for others. But, the quality of our love for others generally is based on the quality of love for ourselves. And by “love” I mean striving for what’s best for that person - through trial & error - active faith.

I believe the greatest commandments include loving ourselves - like part of loving God, since “the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21). On occasions when I am loving God & others as well as myself & have the Spirit with me - things just flow - like God & angels are multiplying my humble efforts. But people have free agency &…
”God grant me the serenity
To accept the things I cannot change;
Courage to change the things I can;
And wisdom to know the difference.”

SJR3t2 wrote: ↑March 16th, 2022, 9:53 pm Yeshua had to take time for Himself at times, and always connected with YHWH for direction and peace and purpose ...

Simple but right on & key.
I can’t speak for everyone but I struggle with worrying too much about others - what they think of this or that or me. I grew up feeling over responsible for others, so I sometimes have to step back and remind myself that God is God - I cannot control what is beyond my control. Even God generally doesn’t interfere with free agency.

It’s natural to feel overwhelmed & discouraged at times. Ideally, we turn to God for support rather than relying on others. We all are imperfect & cannot help but let each other down. But God has our back whenever we ask.

Thinker wrote: ↑March 17th, 2022, 7:45 am

SJR3t2 wrote: ↑March 16th, 2022, 9:53 pm Yeshua had to take time for Himself at times, and always connected with YHWH for direction and peace and purpose ...

Simple but right on & key.
I can’t speak for everyone but I struggle with worrying too much about others - what they think of this or that or me. I grew up feeling over responsible for others, so I sometimes have to step back and remind myself that God is God - I cannot control what is beyond my control. Even God generally doesn’t interfere with free agency.

It’s natural to feel overwhelmed & discouraged at times. Ideally, we turn to God for support rather than relying on others. We all are imperfect & cannot help but let each other down. But God has our back whenever we ask.

Part of being immersed in water is showing we are agreeing to immerse ourselves in YHWH's blessing, but yet we don't we look to men over YHWH. FYI water is symbolic of YHWH's blessings see Malachi 3 for example.

endlessismyname wrote: ↑March 16th, 2022, 12:57 pm I’m so exhausted. Trying to help people has left me sick, tired, run down, and somewhat despondent (in a Captain Moroni kind of way).

How did Jesus manage? It must have been so exhausting to do what he did for those three years or so of His ministry.

What do you guys think? How do YOU do it? I’m at the end of my rope. It all feels very futile… people seem hell bent on destroying themselves and each other, and seem indifferent to our even glory in their ignorance. I’m finding I have no patience to teach anymore… not a good thing.

I feel you.

While I am no Lundbaek, I have spent a lot of effort in the past 30+ years trying to awaken people to our awful situation, understand good government principles, etc. With very little success, most of the reward has been meeting others (numerous on this site) who share the mindset and the concerns. But largely, people are not interested as long as the good times are happening. They want to build up their private Babylon kingdoms and "eat, drink, and be merry".

I am convinced this is part of the cycle of "Strong men create good times, good times produce weak men, weak men create bad times, and bad times produce strong men."

I understand the exhaustion and the dejection. Prepare yourself as best you can and continue to raise the voice of warning. Even if you can't convince people to repent, perhaps you can help them see what is coming and prepare for it.

Plant the seeds of knowledge to the best of your ability so that there will be some among the upcoming generations who are wise enough to become the strong men that the bad times will require. There is every possibility that with the poor job we have done educating our youth that humanity may fall for The Great Reset, and we will be in dire, dire straits if that comes to pass.

There has been so much wisdom shared here. I would like to interject a simple additive; reduce the circle of those you are trying to help. Help where you CAN and pray that your example will spread to others. I like to remind myself that I cannot save the world. But I can be a positive energy to those in direct contact with me. Concentrate your efforts where they will do the most good.

If you provide one person with a complete meal (for the soul...), That person will be strengthened . If you try to take the same food and share it with 30 people, they will all lack the spiritual fullness.

Perhaps a crazy metaphor, but I need lunch.