Response To a Sad Minister

This was a partial reply to a young minister who is struggling with a deep sadness resulting from failed expectations, weariness, and something inexplicable. This minister is finding it hard to relate to other ministers they work alongside of that seem to have no passion for Christ. I wanted to share this to let those of you in ministry know that pretty much everyone goes through this type of ministry season as the years unfold. This particular minister is bright, energetic, faithful and very loving, but they have hit a wall and are seeking perspective.

I appreciate your kind words…you are a great encourager. About sadness: As we grow in Christ and combine that with years lived, we come to the stark reality that earthly life is fragile and fading. This knowledge that everything around us is passing can build fear into areas of our lives we never thought fear would touch. As we learn to truly love others we also are confronted with the truth that we will one day lose them…friends, children, parents, etc. This awareness can often place us in denial, hopelessness, despair….you name it. Certainly in the context of ministry we often deal with people during stressful times in their lives, finding ourselves being emotionally, physically and spiritually drained as we try to encourage, teach, rebuke, or comfort them in their pain, loss or confusion. I believe that is why Paul stated clearly to the church that he could be content in all things…palaces or dungeons…riches or poverty…it did not make a real difference to him because he knew beyond all else that this was not his Home. I believe this is the key to living a holy, fruitful life…this understanding that we are passing through and that for brief moments we get the priviledge of sharing eternal truth and love with those we journey with. Allowing the Holy Spirit to work through us as we touch real lives in practical, mysterious and profound ways. Having an eternal perspective is key to a successful, fruitful ministry. In turn, my weakness and weariness wakes me up to the fact that I can be content because Jesus has already been to that place of weakness. I also know that He gave Himself for me…bled for me, ensuring me a place at a banquet someday that words cannot express. Any loneliness, heartache, frustration or depression I face here is only bringing me closer to the Cross. As I get closer to His pain (pain produced by unfathomable love) I get closer to His heart. Jesus is the One who stands with arms open wide beckoning All to come…He is the One who is daily rejected and shunned…He is the One who stands between Heaven and Hell and lays His life down…He is the One that hears the cries of His people and enters into their sorrow speaking life and blessing…moving mountains…the ultimate mountain moved being Death. Will we sometimes feel crushed and breathless? Of course. All it takes is a betrayal, an unrealized dream, or standing over the grave of a loved one. Can we stand in the pain and move toward light? Yes…YES! This is the point where you must put the enemy of your soul in his proper place…you rebuke him in the name of Jesus, standing on the verity of God’s Word and you claim the victory of the Risen Lord and proclaim the mercy, grace and love of your Sovereign Savior! Jesus is King…He is Lord and He is your deepest friend…you run to Him in this darkness…you cry out to Him and He will be there. Jesus knows darkness, He knows betrayal and fragility…He also knows your name…and you are most precious to Him.  When we go through these valleys and twists and turns we must ask God what He wants us to learn about His nature…He will bring ALL things to our good if we love Him and seek His will…part of that good is that we know Him better than we once did before the trial…we understand His faithfulness more clearly now and we trust His Word more honestly and dearly. Guess what? You are not going nuts. But you are being shaken for a reason….is there hidden sin in your life? Be honest before Him tonight, repent and be cleansed. Earthly desires running the show? Put them in their place and throw out the idols. Give satan no place to rest…keep him on the run. Eph. 6. You are the real deal and I wish I had more people in my life with your desire to serve Christ and simply know Him. All I seem to do lately is counsel fallen, wounded Christians who seem to have no grip on holiness or maturity. It is frustrating, but we must walk with our brothers and sisters even when the load gets very heavy. Hang in there…keep your eyes on the prize!    I am truly blessed by your ministry…I know God is pleased….You are the best!  much love,D           Psalm 84               

  “I BRING MY VOID HERE FOR FILLING; IT IS MY POVERTY GOD NEEDS. WITH MY WANT THE LORD BUILDS PALACES.”      -KILLIAN MCDONNELL