In the past few days, I’ve had more conversations with preachers than normal. Three of these preachers are going through a tough season right now. Each situation is different and difficult. Maybe you are struggling with something right now, yourself.
As these men opened their hearts and spoke of their concerns, my heart hurt with them. All of these men love the Lord, and they love the church. They love the churches they are currently working with right now. It was apparent in listening to them they care deeply for the people of God whom they are helping shepherd.
What stands out most about these men of God is their resolve. They all plan to continue working with their current church family. That is their desire and their plan. This is true of most of the preachers I know who might be struggling with their current situation.
Even in the middle of difficult times, they attempt to do everything they possibly can to remain strong. What we should never forget is that we cannot remain strong on our own. We don’t have the physical, mental, or spiritual strength to make it ourselves. We need the help of our spouses, others in our families, and some good friends to come to our side.
Most of all, we need the Lord. Our brother, Paul, reminds us that we can do “all things,” through the one who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13). God’s chief angel told Mary that “nothing will be impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37). Even when fighting our greatest enemy and the arch enemy of our Lord, Paul says, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places..” (Ephesians 6:10-12)
Whatever the enemy and his forces throw at you today, do your best to stay strong anyway, not in your own strength, but in the power of the great God of the universe!
