Have you ever observed a pastor that seemed to endure just about everything that came his way? Have you stopped to think about why he was/is able to endure? Of the many scriptural reasons as to why your pastor friend is weathering the storms of life, one that is likely present is that of joy! That’s right… JOY!(Nehemiah 8:10) “…for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” (KJV)
I have a preacher friend that has been through some major battles in just a few years. As each storm band has blown into his life, he just seemed to roll with the punches. On the outside looking in, I wondered why he is able to keep on, keeping on. I have come to believe that one of the things that seems to explain this is that he has a great depth of JOY in his life!
(Galatians 5:22-23) “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” (KJV)
The kind of joy I am speaking of does not come from temporal pleasures of this life. It comes, however, through the fullness of the Spirit of God, from spending time with the Lord in prayer and fruitful Bible study. Quality time is an understatement. Obedience to the leadership of the Holy Ghost is mandatory!
It suffices to say that when we see a pastor friend, or any child of God, endure the storms of life, you can assume that their is joy in their soul. Weathered faces, worn bodies, and tear soaked cheeks may not display this joy, but under the saddened surface you will find joy of the Holy Spirit!
If you know of a seasoned saint of God that fits this description, then please leave their story in a paragraph or two in the comment section below!
