Being There.

Dear friends of mine, were at the children's hospital early this morning for what was the third "major" surgery for their baby girl. I left them a voicemail as they were en route for the 6am check-in and I was wishing that I didn't have to go to work, but instead was on my way to hang out with them while they waited.

I don't do well in hospitals... I really don't know how I'd fare, dealing with the mess and the stress that they've endured. They're heroes. It's been an incredible journey.

But as the day progressed, I found myself considering the unbelievable number of pastors whose calendar is full of hospital visits and home visits, accident scenes and the like. Conversations with marriages on the verge of divorce and in teens in trouble of many kinds.

Reality hits hard and many of us are surrounded by those whose battles and struggles we only know a glimpse of; sometimes only due to the power of social media. Because it's near impossible to devote one's entire day to relational investing; of knowing who is going through what and what can be done to help or meet a need.

There is simply too much. The need is too great. The people too many. The situations too dire.
It's impossible to carry it all, hear it all, deal with it all to say nothing of being able to solve it all.

And people understand that; pastors can't do it all and shouldn't do it all, even when people perceive they can or believe they should. We rely on our pastors, but we should rely on God more. We expect a lot from our pastors, but we should believe God for more.

Does life deal out more than we can handle? Yes
But God is sovereign.

T.D. Jakes said it like this, if I recall properly. All things may not be for our good, but God is working good, in all things.

So, no matter what we face, we do not do so alone, for those in Christ Jesus.

Let's pray, this #associatePastorTuesday that God would continue to use them, as they minster to countless people and needs, putting the needs and struggles of others above their own. Pray for strength as they walk with people during times of trial, suffering and loss. Pray for wisdom and discernment, as they engage in conversation and counsel. May the be the support, encouragement and correction that God has revealed to them necessary for that specific time and circumstances. Pray for grace as help others life lives of real faith as they battle the real world.

For our battles are not against flesh and blood,
But powers and principalities.
For Satan has a plan of destruction,
But God has a mission to build.

- PNC