Walking With Burdens

On nearly any given day, I spend a great deal of time behind the wheel. Suffice to say, there's not a lot of time available for long, miles-long walks, let alone, an unplanned, 4-mile round-trip walk. Which was pretty much where I found myself yesterday morning, in search of the fuel station two exits behind where engine coolant was sold.

Thus, the return walk wasn't nearly as fun, carrying two gallons of coolant and a water bottle; which wasn't very cold by the time I had returned to the scene of frustration. But as my hands where arguing back and forth as to which one was going to carry the water (as they both already had a gallon container), I had a moment of reality.

This is how pastors feel, about having a burden that adds even the slightest degree of difficulty to an already frustrating situation.

Please hear me on this, for it's not a complaint. I'm thankful for what I do. I'm glad I had the physical ability to handle the solution. I'm appreciative that I had funds to buy the coolant. Sure, by the time I got home, I was tired, hungry and ready to be home.

But there are people in the world who are far worse off, than this inconvenience. And there are pastors carrying greater physical, emotional and spiritual burdens, both personally and in ministry, who feel they've traveled and travailed much farther than 4 miles.

And in countries in far more difficult states of financial existence, 4 miles is a cake-walk by comparison.

On this #associatePastorTuesday, let's pray for pastors whose burdens are getting to great and bothersome to bear. Pray strength for those tired and worn out from the journey. Pray for a release from those who feel they are being passed by from those who could stop and help but do not. Many God move upon the hearts of those who see and hear them and offer their support. Pray God would help them manage the frustration and emotion of the situations and challenges in which they find themselves. May they be encouraged even this very day; to remember that God has not forgotten, nor forsaken them.

For they are His
And He will provide for all that they need.
May we be open to be used by God
To fill that need, when He moves on our hearts.
For His glory.

- PNC

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