Race Mode

A little over four years ago, my pastor and his wife adopted their first child; a baby boy. Since  then, they adopted a little girl as well, who has yet to turn two. Their testimony of how the opportunity unfolded is absolutely incredible, especially after years of trying to have kids on their own. It really is an amazing showing of God's grace and mercy and divine intervention of bringing this family together.

That said, their son, is awesome. Both kids are, in fact. To describe him as a high-energy kid would qualify as an understatement of the most serious kind. He is a 100-mph kid.  Their are two modes: chill and race. And you can tell when it's race mode and there's about to be transition. As I walked in yesterday after service, he sat next to my friend, who was serving in nursery with his wife. The kid is covered in sweat. As though he has spent the entire day behind the wheel on the track. We all watch in amazement... wishing we had that energy and stamina. Then we go home, praying for Pastor as they try to keep up, jokingly expressing our gratitude that God is keeping them young.

Yet for the Pastor who tries to keep up this pace in his or her life and ministry; well, it's really not sustainable. Eventually it all catches up to you. Burnout. Frustration. Errors. And who knows when and where it will manifest and what will be affected as a result. Wrong counsel in a meeting. Wrong point in a sermon. A wrong decision. The possibilities are endless; but none of us our immune... at a certain point, rushing leaves you vulnerable to making mistakes; which depending on what's a risk, could turn out to be a costly maneuver. To this, I think we can all agree, the church has experienced way too many such circumstances.

So, pray this #seniorPastorMonday, for those pastors struggling to maintain. Whether they've tried to keep a fast pace and are on the verge of burnout; or perhaps, they've been in 'chill' mode long enough and having a hard time getting motivated to pick up the pace for what God desires to accomplish. Pray for God to help them to move with Him; not lagging behind as to create distance between them, neither racing ahead that they miss instruction that would keep them from disaster. Pray for the stamina and energy necessary to carry out ministry and the plans God has for them; that God would raise up the body of Christ to come along side and engage in supportive ways and volunteer opportunities. Pray that mistakes in ministry and life would be few; that they would seek the face of God in all things; in all decisions; relying not on their own understanding, but trusting in the Lord and knowing what His will is, for the circumstances in which they find themselves. May those tired and exhausted, find rest; renewed by the power of the Holy Spirit and that God would help them find balance, as they re-engage in life, in ministry, in community.

Godspeed... for His glory.
By His grace.
Through the Holy Spirit.
For the cause of Christ.

- PNC

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