Dear Pastor,
I want to take a moment and encourage you:
- You are engaging in the mission of Jesus.
- You are participating in the life of Jesus and His Holy Spirit power.
I know, you may say “I sure don’t feel like that”.
But if you are a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, then by faith and especially as per the gracious gift of His Holy Spirit, you are participating in His majesty, holiness, power and glory!
And that means, that as you preach by His Spirit, serve according to His love, welcome people in His name and prayerfully carry the burden of lost/hurting people, God is actually using you as a conduit of His mercy and holy love.
And if God is the One doing the work in you and through you, then a whole lot more is going on than you could possibly imagine!
So instead of worrying about the broken and messed up things that you see or wondering about the many things you can’t see, rest in the knowledge that God is on the move, He is working and by His Spirit at work in you, His kingdom and glory is advancing.
Be sure to abide in Him. Be sure to worship and express your eternal thankfulness. Be sure to let His Word and Spirit source you. Don’t be lazy, don’t be passive, don’t get stuck. Don’t rely on your own wisdom, cleverness or creativity. Check your motive and make sure you are working for God and His glory. And partner with Jesus with active faith and obedience, celebrating and walking in His strength, wisdom and love.
And rest in the knowledge that somehow, God is supernaturally moving, right where you live, in the people you are shepherding and as you are surrendered to His will He is even moving through the life you live and the words you speak.
Let us humbly admit our need and accept His divine help.
Christ is with us and Christ is in us!
Mike J
Pastor Encouragement 