In the face of TRIALS, WE WILL NOT TURN BACK!

 

Oh, the challenges of ministry. 

I am at a conference for a cohort of Church of God pastors from Indiana. This is our third gathering and I have to tell you, I have thoroughly enjoyed our time together. Just as much as the valuable teaching has been the time together to talk about our ministries. Sharing stories, laughing, commiserating, and marveling in the pathway God has led each person has been wonderful. I am finding more and more that pastors have a strange sense of humor. I remember riding out with my brother when he was a police officer and realizing our law enforcement also have an interesting sense of humor. It is partially a coping mechanism to help get through the challenges of the local church. Personel issues, finances, dwindling support, and a hurting and dying world, all impact the mental, physical, and spiritual health of our pastors. 

As I was reading Acts 21-22 today, reading about the challenges Paul faced in his early ministry, he would fit right in with the men and women I get to hang out with. Ministry, Pastoring, is not easy. It is not all joy, praise, and worship. The challenges are real and they can weigh heavy on the leader of our local churches. Yet, even though they face clear trials and storms on the horizon, they persevere and stay focused on the mission, serving the Lord. Paul had the perfect reaction when people told him he was going to face severe persecution. 

"Several days later a man named Agabus, who also had the gift of prophecy, arrived from Judea. He came over, took Paul's belt, and bound his own feet and hands with it. Then he said, 'The Holy Spirit declares, 'So shall the owner of this belt be bound by the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem and turned over to the Gentiles.'' When we heard this, we and the local believers begged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem.

But, he said, 'Why all this weeping? You are breaking my heart! I am ready not only to be jailed at Jerusalem but even to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus.' When it was clear that we couldn't persuade him, we gave up and said, 'The Lord's will be done.'" (Acts 21:10-14, NLT)

Paul knew he was going to face trial and he did not flinch. He did not back away from the challenges that he would be facing. He forged ahead. Pastors are just like that. They know, I know, life as the leader of a church is not always a "bed of roses" but WE all forge ahead, forsaking the rough parts of life because God has given us a mission and we are dedicated to the LORD, regardless. 

I praise God for those faithful leaders who pursue their calling even in the midst of a society that continually degrades and challenges their mission. I praise God for members of our Church that show love and care for their pastors, who lift them up in prayer, who encourage them with kind words, who help and sacrifice for the church. Thank you Lord, for people who are so deeply connected to you, that they will gladly charge into a lion's den if it means accomplishing your mission here on earth, both pastors and members of our churches!