Life's That Way

It was my privilege recently to visit the 9-11 Memorial and Museum in New York. As a part of the tour, we viewed a fifteen-minute video about 9-11 and the memorial.

Former President George W. Bush was interviewed for this special presentation. In his comments, he said, “I didn’t campaign to be a wartime President.” He then added, “Life’s that way. You have to deal with things you never thought you’d have to deal with!” 

Wow! That one hits us right in the heart, doesn’t it brothers? How many times have we thought, at least in our private thoughts, “I didn’t sign up for that when I decided to be a preacher?!!” 

I never expected that people would criticize my preaching, my knowledge of the Scriptures, my family, my lifestyle, or just fill in the blank. I never expected to be treated this way by Church members, and especially by elders. I never expected I would have to fear losing my job. I never expected I would suffer in this way.  

I never expected that we would see so much division in the Church. I never anticipated that so many people who had at one time been so active would abandon their faith. I never expected that individuals who were once close friends would turn on me or forsake me. I never expected that I would be looked down on for preaching on this subject.

I never expected that I might question my own work or even my own faith. 

I never expected that I would have to deal with a crisis like we have dealt with this past week in our country. 

Brothers, we all know in our heart, that life’s that way. As God’s men, we regularly have to deal with things we never thought we’d have to deal with in our work. May God bless all of us this week as we minister to those around us who are hurting!