The Power Is Out!

Well, our neighborhood lost power last night for a couple of hours. It wasn't even a full blown storm, just a cool, windy fall rain. However, at least one transformer blew and hence, an area was left in the dark.

I didn't know what to write for this post, until I had a light-bulb moment, thanks to the joys of technology. It worked out for us, as we had a prior engagement, so we weren't left sitting in looming blackness; we just left earlier than planned. As we were headed out, the text message came through from the energy company... crews had been dispatched. A little while later, another notification that they were on-site.

We stayed out a little longer, in hopes the power would be on sooner than the 4-hour window they were predicting and sure enough, two and half hours after we had left, the lights were on.

We've all been in the dark. About life. About faith. About relationships and careers; moves and finances and a whole host of who knows what, both on a significant and important, or not; on matters of eternity and carnality. Sometimes for a few hours; a few days... weeks and months, even. The worst are the periods of darkness that last for years.

Pastors are there and many don't notice when they are living in such period, not to mention what battles, struggles, challenges they face and what is going wrong in the darkened state.

Yet, in light of pastor burnout, as I ask you once again to join me in prayer, consider this...

What neighborhood do you support, as a crew-member who is involved in bringing light to those feeling and living as though they have been left in the dark?

Pray, this #associatePastorTuesday, for pastors that are living in the dark. Spiritually, emotionally, relationally, financially and more. Pray that the congregation would be a place of encouragement and support, even if very few know the details of the darkness. Pray pastors would not disappear into the blackness, but seek and search for those in whom they might confide and confess and reach out for guidance, wisdom and insight. May God give churches and congregations wisdom as well, to know how to help and discern potential situations, for times and circumstances where pastors might not know how to speak up and ask for help.

For we are the body of Christ
And as the physical body was designed to heal itself,
So too can the church help itself,
By knowing what is going on and recognizing when things are wrong.
With God's help and the power of the Holy Spirit,
We are stronger together than when we stand alone,
Especially in the darkness.

- PNC