Dear pastor,
- What do you do when you are discouraged? Aimless? Lifeless?
- What do you do when you are tired? Stressed? Feeling like you just don’t have any strength left?
- What do you do when you just don’t know what to do?
My guess is that you have asked these questions a few times in your life. You might even be wondering what the answer is right now.
If I may humbly offer to you a few thoughts in answer to the myriad of questions we ministers have, I think you and I might leave this conversation a little richer, a little fuller and with a little more faith.
First of all, recognize that these questions have been asked by countless Christians and pastors over thousands of years. Just becoming a Christ-follower or accepting the call to ministry certainly does not insulate us from the woes of life. Now, hold on a minute, this is actually good news and I say this to actually encourage you. I want you to know that I (and many, many others as well) understand the pain and weightiness of living life, doing ministry and seeking to be content no matter the circumstances. You are not alone. That doesn’t mean that you and I should just sit down in defeat and wallow in our misery but instead I think that as we each admit that we each have way more questions than answers, and that we can face these struggles together, and together go to the Lord and His word trusting Him to see us through.
Secondly, I think that we should reach out more often to each other. I think we should admit to some trusted and godly friends that we are tired, confused and desperately seeking a way through. By sharing together I believe we will get fresh perspective (we are not alone, others face these things too) but we will also glean fresh strength by disclosing our struggles. The devil loves to isolate, alienate, divide and conquer, but the devil also loves to convince us that keeping to ourselves, suffering in silence and hiding our weakness is the way to go. This is simply not true! The Lord operates in disclosure and illumination; it is only darkness and evil that operates in hiddenness and shadows. Let’s remember what we face is common to humanity, but let us also team up with fellow Christians/pastors who can be our cheerleading prayer partners.
I have suggested to a couple of pastors that they actually schedule a reminder in their phone to reach out to other pastors regularly so that whether the journey gets difficult or not, Christian support and human arms of love and mercy are already there to lean on.
Lastly (and truly this last thing should be first!), make sure to dedicate much time to the means of grace (also sometimes known as spiritual disciplines) that God has afforded us. When we actively, intentionally and regularly practice solitude, silence, praying, fasting, studying and meditating on the Word, worship, serving others, etc, we will personally find ourselves in the fountain of God’s grace that supplies the strength, joy, peace and answers that we need! Go to your prayer closet or the sanctuary and just enjoy listening to some praise and worship music and let your heart soar in adoration and thanksgiving to the One who died to save you! Open your Bible and a journal and just read (and record) all the many things God offers to those who will believe and receive. Pick up the phone or jump in the car and connect with someone for the sole purpose of putting a smile on their face, praying with them or sharing the gospel.
I promise you that when you and I get under the waterfall of God’s grace by participating in spiritual disciplines, we will not only get wet, but we will find a refreshing, renewing, invigorating touch from God, which is just what we need.
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It’s entirely possible I didn’t answer the questions listed above in a way you were hoping for. You may have as many questions now as before, and you might even think I have glossed over the reality, difficulty and grittiness of life and ministry. However, I assure you that if you remember you are not alone, gather together with other Christians/Pastors, and dive into the depths of God’s grace by participation in His disciplines, you will find your questions answered or you might even find that the questions don’t much matter quite so much anymore, because in His presence you realize God is enough for you!
Christ is with us, Christ is in us!
Mike J
Pastor Encouragement 