Monday’s Ministry Encouragement: Written to encourage you, my friend in ministry, to be refreshed and renewed as we live for Christ and look toward the Bema.
Pastor, you know you need help. You are sinking. You know you are hurting. May I gently ask, “Why will you not seek help?”
Is it because of pride?
Is it because of fear?
Is because of image?
Is because of doubt?
No matter your reason, the way out is to not to run and hide. That is the worst step to take!
Run to Christ. This is the time to pray, to meet with your loving Shepherd in the quiet place. This is the time to take a deep dive into His Word letting the faithful and true words (Revelation 22:6) wash over your soul. As you read the Word, be honest with the Lord. He is your advocate (1 John 2:2) and friend (John 15:15). He is your Haven of Rest!
Reach out to a friend. My heart is saddened as I continue to see so many pastors who do not have close friends, especially ministry/pastor friends. Perhaps it goes back to one of the reasons mentioned above. Nevertheless, you need a network of friends that can listen to you, care for you, speak the truth in love to you, and genuinely show mercy and grace. Perhaps you have been hurt in the past; no matter, you need a friend.
Proverbs 17:17 – A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
Proverbs 27:17 – Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!
John 15:13 – Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.
Pastor, if you are in any way as I described at the beginning of this post, will you run to Christ? Will you reach out to a friend?
(If I can be a listening, prayerful, caring friend to you, reach out to me at dalewaynecunningham@gmail.com. Let’s go to the cross and the empty tomb together!)
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