Faith, Ministry & The Eternal Reward

I think many Christians find themselves at times, questioning their faith.

No matter how long one has been a Christian, no matter how long they have been a part of a local church body, no matter how many services they have attended or outreaches or church-related events... 

Moments arise in life, in difficult circumstances and in our reponses to it all that make us pause and reflect... can this be reality in light of my faith and how do they impact and affect each other?

As the mental train continued, the speakers in my head started playing Petra. The updated version, from the Back To The Rock album is perhaps my favorite of the two, but I heard the lyrics to the song, Bema Seat.

When our labor all retire // There will be a trial by fire 
Will your treasure pass the test // Or will it burn up with the rest 
You may build upon a sure foundation // With your building in dilapidation 
When it all comes down to rubble // Will it be wood, hay, or stubble 
Or precious stones, gold and silver- // Are you really sure? 

[And we all will stand at the Bema Seat // All will be revealed - it will be complete 
Will there be reward in the fiery heat  // When we see our lives at the Bema Seat ]

Every talent will be sure counted // Every word will have to be accounted 
Not a story will be left untold // We will stand watch the truth unfold 
Every score - will be evened - nothing to defend 

Every building will be shaken // Every motive will be tried 
He'll give reward to the faithful // Will you receive or be denied?

If the everyday Christian struggles with the solidity of their faith, feeling as though life and it's hassles and concerns are dominating their perspective rather than their relationship with Christ setting the pace, how much greater the struggle for those in ministry!

Pastors, we expect have a strong faith and a great personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We assume, at least... which is why burnout always seems as a surprise. Yet, for deacons... admins... staff...

Frustrations about whether their conversations and decisions are making a difference, showing up for work trying to figure out how they can just get through the day, forgetting that ministry is for making an impact for the cause of Christ rather than the cause for our own agenda. Just because it's disconcerting to think about ministry in this light doesn't mean that there aren't people in ministry who have or are living this reality.

​Life is crowding out their faith, rather than faith directing their lives.

Pray, this #deaconThursday, that God would come quickly, to the aide of those struggling in ministry while living out a true and genuine faith in Christ. For whatever questions and concerns and doubts that may be rising and occuring in their heart and mind, pray that God would bring peace to their spirit. Pray God would bring about a divine appointment, whereby they may confide and converse their struggle. May God perform the miraculous where there are legititmate areas in life that God desires to do a great work and bring His glorious light to areas where our faith has perhaps faltered. Pray the reassurance of the Holy Spirit would bring comfort as those in difficult places are reminded that the enemy of our souls is a defeated foe.

- PNC
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