From time to time every pastor faces a moment of crisis. Be it possible removal from office of pastor, strife/sin in the church or health issues, the list continues to grow the longer one is involved in ministry. Pastors need rebuking for their mistakes, at times, but they also need encouragement. A lot of encouragement! In fact, if there was such a thing as a RELIEF BUTTON to push, then I am positive it would be utilized! This post seeks to remind the pastor of four truths, about our Lord Jesus, which should serve to lift his spirit!
Remember That Our Lord Knows Where You Are At!
Sometimes we feel all alone and that nobody cares we exist! This is so readily believed when we forget where Jesus is at!
(Hebrews 4:14-16) “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (KJV)
Remember That Our Lord Knows How To Fight The Battle!
Our Lord is the Captain of our salvation. He has never lost a battle, is not losing a battle and never will lose a battle because He is the King of kings and Lord of lords!
(1 Timothy 6:15) “Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;” (KJV)
(Revelation 17:14) “These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.” (KJV)
(Revelation 19:16) “And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” (KJV)
Remember That Our Lord Knows You Personally!
He knows us better than we know ourselves. Even the number of hairs on our head are known by Him. Nothing escapes His attention so we must rest in His omniscience.
(John 10:27-30) “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one.” (KJV)
Remember That Our Lord Knows Your Labors!
Sometimes in the midst of serving Jesus, we feel like nobody cares about what we are doing, or our efforts involved in trying to accomplish the will of God.
(Hebrews 6:10) “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” (KJV)
(Revelation 22:12) “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” (KJV)
Conclusion
No matter the battle, God has won the war already! Satan may roar, but let him do so. Our Heavenly Father will take care of him in the end. Be faithful to take one step at a time and God will strengthen you as your days have need. Paul said to preach the word, to endure hardness as a good soldier, and that he was able to finish his course. If he was able to do this, through the empowerment of the Holy Ghost, then we can do it as well! Know also, that we, here at The Working Pastor, are behind you! Pastor… Keep On The Firing Line!
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Would you consider purchasing…
By A.W. Tozer / Wingspread Publishers
In the muddle of day-to-day life, have you somehow forgotten that Christianity is a living, vibrant relationship with a personal God? In this classic bestseller and recipient of both the ECPA Gold and Platinum Book Awards, The Pursuit of Godreminds and challenges you to renew your relationship with your loving God. In each of the 10 chapters, Tozer explains one aspect of hungering for God and ends with a prayer.
Coping with criticism is one of the hardest things to deal with as an adult. Rest assured, it can be a nightmare, of all nightmares, in a pastor’s life if it is coupled with other issues of discouragement. In this post, I would like to introduce this series and lay the groundwork for future posts. Remember, even though criticism can be harsh, it can also be your best friend.
