Even though a new year has begun and resolutions have been made, you are either in a hard season of ministry, coming out of one, or on the verge of going into one. Truth is, ministry at times is hard, painful, difficult, and wearisome. Need some words of encouragement?
1. You will make it.
Yes, there are times when you wonder if you can even take the next step, preach another sermon, pray, sing, parent, lead, work, etc. You are so tempted to quit; turn in your resignation; head into the pit of despondency. Look over your shoulder. By the mercy, goodness and grace of God you have come this far.
Better than that, look into the Word as your loving Father speaks to you. Read it slowly. Read it as if it were the very first time. Let the Word pour over your soul as desperate, needed refreshment right there in your parched, barren time of ministry.
The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
2 He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3 He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
4 Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
5 You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
forever. (Psalm 23)
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
What did God promise you? Will you make it? Has the final chapter been written?
You will make it because Christ did. The tomb in empty. You are in Christ (Galatians 2:20; Colossians 1:27).
But thanks be to God, who always leads us in Christ’s triumphal procession and through us spreads the aroma of the knowledge of him in every place. (2 Corinthians 2:14)
Blessed are all who take refuge in him. (Psalm 2:12)
More encouragement ahead in future blog posts. If I can be of help to you now by listening, praying, “putting my arm around you,” and being your friend, contact me. My email address is dalewaynecunningham@gmail.com.
For the pastor’s wife who needs encouragement, check out Denise’s blogpost for today: Drowning In the Hurts of Ministry
fromapastorsheart.com 