Prep Work

Well, it's the day after Labor Day. Which means everyone back to work! It also means, that if your kids aren't back in the classroom, they are probably headed their in just a couple short hours from my typing this.

As final preparations were made at our place last night, I got to thinking... just how many things that exist, where the preparation for an event is more tedious, exhausting and at times frustrating, than the actual event, task or "work" itself. You almost have to "get ready" to begin the process of getting ready.

Such moments can be daunting and stressful times. Do we even have everything we need to put this together and pull it off? Do we have the resources to get the things we still need? Are these people going to be available at these times for those tasks? The verse about counting costs before undertaking a project comes to mind.

We all know and understand that there is a quite a long list of events and circumstances for which this process applies, and yet the continued engagement of a constant state of preparation followed by what is involved in the actual "here it is, here we go"  moment can lead to overwhelming stress and burnout.

Sure, some people live and thrive in such an environment. Others, not such much.

So, on this #associatePastorTuesday, let's pray for pastors feeling the stress and pressure of this process, of always preparing and always doing. May they be strengthened in their efforts as the rely upon God. Pray for help and resources and people to come alongside, where the answers needed for completion evade them. May they not grow weary in well-doing, but press in faithful stewardship to fulfill what God has called them to accomplish. Pray challenges would be overcome; that shortfalls would not turn into setbacks.

Guided by the Holy Spirit
Empowered by Christ.
Faithfully to God.
For He who has called
Is Himself faithful.
And the labor is not vain
For His glory.

- PNC