Stingers

We've been doing some rearranging of materials behind the building at work over the past day or two. More than once, we uncovered a wasp's nest. Talk about not wanting to be disturbed. They were promptly dealt with so we could continue our work, but it got me thinking...

How many people in our lives are like that?

Stingers.

They are okay if you don't mess with them. Don't disturb them. Don't do anything to get riled up. Let them go about their business and you'll be fine. Such personalities can make for an interesting, to say the least, relationship. However, encounters such as these in ministry can be... less than pleasant.

Ministry has enough challenges to navigate and problems to solve without being worried or concerned as to when you might unexpectedly get blind-sided. I know not everyone gets along, regardless of organization. I know you can't control peoples' actions, or reactions for that matter; but there are enough hindrances and obstacles to overcome in ministry, simply for the fact that the Gospel, when applied to life is disruptive by nature. Disruptive environments demand navigating with caution, wisdom and courage.

Let's pray this #associatePastorTuesday, for pastors facing especially difficult environments. May God grant them wisdom and discernment as they deal with people, both within and outside of the church walls. May God guide their conversations and give them insight as they relate and share the truth of the matter. Pray God would encourage and strengthen them, as they pastor and minister, for indeed, the Gospel disrupts lives, mindsets and human nature. May grace abound, as people come together, each in the process of being conformed to the image of Christ, whether leading ministry or sitting under one's ministry.

That the church would reflect Christ and His character
That the love of God would abide in us
And go forth from our spirits.
May our lives speak of the impact of the Gospel
For the cause of Christ.

- PNC
From our spirits, as we interact

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