Daily Difficulties

I think we've all, at some point and time in our journey of faith, applied the human perspective or response to God. Whenever I feel as though I am being convicted or challenged, I call it a spiritual whack upside the head, aka, the loving affection only a Dad can give a son as a way of "that was really stupid, don't do it again." I'm sure you have your own examples.

Regarding a different arena of life, we all found ourselves in positions less than idea, but we had to make do as best we could, with the resources or position that was available at the time. Say for instance, employment. Jobs that were horrible, but were a stop-gap to an even worse situation; or perhaps they were a sacrifice for reaching a long-term goal or financial gain. Perhaps it was a stepping stone to something bigger and better and so, we put up with it because again, it served a greater purpose.

And much like we apply human behavior to God's vantage point, I could help but wonder if in their quiet times, they have felt about ministry, having a similar experience that we've felt in the marketplace. I know; this is another one of those things that you don't want to think happens within church leadership.

But if we acknowledge and fully understand that pastors are just as human as the rest of us, then I think it's unrealistic to think that at some point, a pastor hasn't gone home and wondered what they were doing. They may be leading a ministry that is not their gifting or passion, but they serve just because there is a need. As such, there is a frustration that exists, because while they are trying to make the most of it, it's not "ideal" or desirable. Likewise, people in various positions of church leadership and authority can be just as difficult to deal with and work with on a daily basis as though with secular jobs.

Again... we hope that's not true and pray that's not true; but we shouldn't be all that surprised if such a story were ever told.

That said, we revisit a recurring theme, even covered a few times in recent days...

God doesn't waste an experience.
The ones that are most frustrating to us are the most opportune for Him to accomplish His purposes.

Pray this #associatePastorTuesday for those pastors that are in a place of frustration and difficulty. Whatever the circumstances of their battle and struggle, may God give them a grace in every daily interaction. May God help them keep the perspective that He is at work in their life as much as He is in the lives of those where there is a spirit of contention and discouragement. Pray that God would give them wisdom and direction; seeking for divine insight and communication and timing regarding the decisions that need to be made, the steps to be taken and the words to be shared. Pray for a peace and rest; that in the late and dark hours, discouragement and despair would not overtake them, but that hope would arise and take it's place as they trust God once again for daily reliance and provision.

For the glory of God
And the advancement of the kingdom of Heaven.

- PNC