Trying

We rode on a bus together for about an hour. We’d met but didn’t know each other other well. At some point he just blurted out: “I couldn’t do what you do, I could never be a preacher. I mean you have people evaluating your every word, there always are critics and people who are difficult to deal with.” I thought, this guy has been reading our mail. He knows the challenges ministers face. Everywhere. 

We’d be lying if we did not confess that some days are simply VERY TRYING!

Yet, I’m reminded of how we do this: 

  1. We remember while the voices may be loud, they are in percentage few. 3, 5, even 10% of those you are trying to work with, working in what seems opposition to you can feel more like 90%. I challenge you to continually remember the percentage of those who love you, pray for you, and actively wish good for you is more than you. 

  2. We remember that this goes with the territory: Not only are we breathing the rarified air of identification with the Lord (1 Peter 3:9-17), He also assured us we would face difficulties as His servants (2 Timothy 3:12; John 15:18). 

  3. We remember that as we grow through the difficult, this growth is refining us and making us more fit for His Kingdom. 

So, we strive to “count it all joy” with the knowledge that even the “testing of your faith” works in our favor. Some days are trough but hang in there, God is ever smiling on His people. 

TJIComment