Again & Again

You know what really burns people out?

The list is long, I know. Your list is long. My list is long. We could poll the list from pastors and missionaries and church leaders and gain a whole other perspective. If we were really honest and dug deep, we could have an intense conversation.

My thoughts on the matter? Repetition.

Repetition is often a good thing. For learning. For discipline. For stability and familiarity. It has it's place and importance. So perhaps I should be more specific.

Repetition... of problems.

The same issues.
The same battles.
The same analysis of the issue
The same conversations.
The same proposed solutions.

When do we get to deal with something else?

As I'm thinking about what comes next, people are coming to mind that I know that have transitioned from pastoring a church to going to the mission field to stepping into other areas of leadership within their church's denomination or fellowship. I know there's a calling and moving in the plans that God has for them that is involved in this process, but again, if we dug deep enough, I can't imagine there not being a conversation where there's not some sort of element of being ready or desiring a change in ministry... and praying for and pursuing a change in ministry was preferable to perhaps exiting ministry altogether.

Life will always have problems and challenges.
Circumstances will always overlap.
And people will navigate and endure the same circumstances, many times over at some point.

It's frustrating to have it be in your life.
It's frustrating to be the one helping someone through it.

Yes, there's a joy. A calling. A purpose. But it's work. A lot of work.

And as much as people need to know that there is a plan and purpose whereby God is a work in their lives, so to, those that are helping need to know that God is doing a great work as they come along side and minister and continue point people back to Christ and closer to God... no matter the problem or the frequency of it.

On this #missionsFriday, pray that God would strength and encourage those missionaries that have reached the end or are nearing the end of wanting to deal with repetitious problems. Not that they ever end, but they realize they are getting worn thin. May God give them direction if a change of scenery or ministry needs to be made. Pray God would give them perspective and understanding and wisdom as to how to best approach their days and their time. Pray that God would help to enjoy the journey, the process and the learning. May the knowledge that God is at work, continually with never-ending love and an eternal purpose spur them in advancing the Gospel of Christ.

For God does not give us more than we can handle,
No matter how close we may feel we are to breaking.
Pressing on towards the prize of the high calling of God.
For His glory.

- PNC