Milestones... And Getting There

I tried last night to recall the idea I was certain I had for this prayer post and was unable to do so. Calling upon God for help, I wasn't sure what I was going to do. Meanwhile, totally unrelated I kept seeing photos and comments from two particular events, on my social media feed.

The anniversary of my pastors' parents... celebrating 60 years of marriage last week.
And the anniversary of friends of the family, from the church I grew up... celebrating 40 years of marriage.

Which got me thinking to milestones and how they can only be established to be remembered after actually having traveled the distance. God, in His Wisdom, dropped into my spirit, to read the full the chapter for the verse of the day, from yesterday, via my YouVersion bible app. The verse of the day was Hebrews 11:23, which talks about remaining steadfast on the promises God has given.

However, if you continue reading the rest of the chapter, particularly in how the Message states things, it tied right in. It asks the question to remember the early days after coming to know Christ. The early church took all kinds of abuse. And yet the verses read:

"Nothing they did bothered you; nothing set you back. So don't throw it all away now. You were sure of yourselves then. It's still a sure thing! But you need to stick it out, staying with God's plan so you'll be there for the promised completion." - from Hebrews 11.

Perfect!!

What do those in ministry; church leaders, pastors miss out on because they don't stick it out. Yes, the early days were hard. Yes, they were difficult and trying times. And so are these. However; the support, the knowledge, the faith, the strength gained along the way... it is so incredibly true. You are so much further along.

God was with you then; more-so now.
God was faithful then; more-so now.
God provided then; more-so now.

Don't let today's battles negate yesterday's victories.

Pray with me, this #seniorPastorMonday, for those pastors not so sure of themselves as they were in the early days of their ministry. Pray for those struggling to press on and press in; as today's battles wage war on what they have accomplished and achieved. Pray God would strengthen and gird them up, anew and afresh. May they not throw their lives and the ministries away, but engaging in a destructive mindset or pattern of living, but rather, hold fast to the calling of God upon their lives and the purpose for which has placed and anointed them to fulfill. May the see life through, to the finish; for the promised completion of God.

For the glory of God.
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

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