Well & Whole

I woke up this morning, having enjoyed an extra day to sleep in and not exactly awake but knowing I wasn't falling asleep, I did what most people these days do... reached for the phone. Yes, I should have started my day in prayer.

Thanks for another day of life.
Thank you for my beautiful family.
Use me this day for your glory.

Nope... I wonder what happened on social media while I was sleeping in. Sorry... that's how it went down.

Then the unexpected.

A former is pastor is scheduled to go in to surgery this morning. Certainly, a situation that is nothing to mess around with and as I just recently saw them, I don't think this was expected or planned. His wife posted the news, herself waiting for a ride to the hospital as well, for a check-up visit on her own surgery from a few weeks ago!

And these aren't retired pastors. Active in ministry after many years of service, still holding their senior pastoral roles; their kids all adults now... they both are still full of life. Yet, like so many pastors, they've had a very difficult and challenging life. Challenges in ministry and with family, over the course of decades and I'm having a hard time comprehending their frustration and their feelings as this morning moves forward. As if ministry doesn't have enough concerns. As if family matters don't add pressure to an already intimidating balancing act.

Sure, it's just one more event in a life that seeks the face of God and trusts that He will indeed use this for His glory and honor, but in the meantime, it's one more event full of a war where faith confronts fear and the battle within the body, mind, heart and soul ensues.

Will you cover them in prayer? On this #seniorPastorMonday, pray for my friends... and many others like them; that are prone to life events taking them out. Whether this be an attack of the enemy or the sovereign hand of God; may this be a time of ever drawing closer to the presence of God. May the spirit of rebuked and cast out; that the peace of God would fill their hearts and minds, even this very hour. Pray for wisdom for the health professionals in these circumstances and in the health of other pastors that are struggling today... may today be a day that the miraculous is witnessed and God is lifted up. Pray for strength and healing for these mortal bodies; that are ever-so-ready to serve their communities for the advancement of the Gospel of Christ.

Steadfast.
Unshakeable.
Unmovable.
They may look to be down,
But they most certainly aren't taken out.
Empowered and anointed anew
To fulfill the calling of God.
For His glory.

- PNC

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