“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” (Hebrews 3:13 NIV84)
In a recent message I taught, I shared about the power and importance of encouraging others. Consequently, I then remembered a story about a man who often woke up on Sunday mornings and did not feel like attending church. “It’s boring, and the people don’t like me,” he protested. “Then why go at all?” he was asked. “Well, I have to go. I’m the pastor.”
I laughed at that story, but even I can have days where life seems to be slogging along; it certainly seems like the same old grind year after year. There are questions like, “Am I making a difference?” or “Is anyone listening?” or “Are lives changing?” Questions are, for sure, a natural part of being a church planter and pastor. Undoubtedly, there is self-evaluation and the potential spiritual weariness that comes with it. An encouraging word from another Christian can almost always lift my spirits when I feel like that.
God has graciously reminded me that being a pastor is indeed the best job in the world as it specifically gives opportunities for eternal impact. For example, a woman (and her extended family) greeted me at the doorway just after the second service last weekend. She said, “I am a first-time visitor. I wanted you to know that the video you mentioned in your sermon (The Diagram video) is why I came today and brought my entire family.” After randomly finding it online, she told how that video undeniably changed her life. Wow! What an encouragement – God is working even when I don’t see it.
God Encourages Us
I also remember God encouraging me years ago (as Mary and I went on a date to a local restaurant). As we sat waiting for our drinks, the waitress walked slowly up to our table and introduced herself. She said, “I go to The Rock and wanted to meet you. I got saved last year when you shared the Gospel at the end of the service. I got baptized a few months ago. My husband and I go to a Small Group and House Church, and God has saved our marriage. Since then, our lives have never been the same. I just wanted to thank you.”
“OK, God, I get it!” I said to myself. “You are absolutely amazing and will use anyone – in this case, even a tired pastor.” These two stories reminded me that someday in heaven, people will surely greet and thank us for sharing our lives and faith with them (see Luke 16:9).
Can I encourage you as well? Don’t give up if you feel worn out, inadequate, or ineffective in the Gospel. We will eventually reap a harvest if we persevere. It’s eternally worth it.
Encouraged,
Posted in A Word from the Pastor