To The Nth Generation

So, I'm reading chapter 26 of Numbers yesterday afternoon. I know... such an exciting book. But it's the recounting of the families of the tribes of Israel. And it's mind-boggling.

76,000 here.
45,000 there.
Another 53,000 for this tribe.
And 64,000 for that tribe.
And them over there... another 32,500
And that group... 60 more thousand.
Plus, the other half of the twelve tribes.

And I got to thinking about the promise God made to Abraham. Your children will number the stars and the sands.

Pastors often have incredible stories of what God has spoken to them regarding ministry and what He deposits in their hearts and writes upon the dreams of their minds. Yet ministry takes it's toll. As does life.

And sometimes, things are quite what the seem. What appears to be happening may not accurately describe one of two realities.

Things can look to be doing well, even great at times, and yet life, ministry and the faith of those in ministry may not be as strong and established as one would be led to think and or believe.

Conversely, one might look at the ministry and think or perceive things are not going so well; that they aren't making an impact in the lives they are reaching and speaking into and yet years later, they testify to the difference that was made.

Why consider such things? Because as I read through the counting of these families, I couldn't help but remember God's instruction. For all the victories and tragedies in the days of Israel, God continually tells them... pass these events on, to your children and your children's children and to their children. To the eight and tenth and beyond generations.

Let me be the first to admit... I would do well to tell my kids more often what God has done in me and what He has brought me through; to help build and ensure that they don't have just any foundation of faith, but a solid, unshakable foundation.

On this #youthPastorWednesday, let's pray for pastors, struggling perhaps with the disconnect with where they hope and believe their ministry should be and the impact they desire versus its' actual state of existence. Pray God would encourage them and reignite the dreams and goals that have perhaps grown dim and faint. May God grant them insight as to where and how, if any improvements need to be made or the ministry needs to change. Pray they would not grow weary in well doing, but continue to press in  to the presence of God.

May they leave a legacy of impact.
Let the stories told be one of love and compassion, truth and grace
That lives would be forever changed as a testament for the glory of God
And not as a detriment to the cause of Christ.
For we His Creation.

- PNC