In the last couple of months, I have been vividly reminded of why I do what I do. Pure ministry – loving, leading, and encouraging others in Christ’s name by Christ’s power. To be the presence of Christ, an ambassador, in the best and worst times of His people’s lives. To offer prayers when words seem to fail. To love and believe when it doesn’t make sense. To see things that don’t yet exist and try to point others in their direction. To boldly speak about life in the face of death. To offer hope in the midst of despair. To honestly face my own sins, weaknesses and failures in front of a lot of people. To follow God’s lead even when I don’t want to. To try and make God’s grace visible. To tell the truth when it doesn’t want to be heard. To try and make God’s grace visible. To forgive and forgive again. To try to live in such a way that my faith and passion for Jesus Christ and the Gospel are obvious – in person or even via the phone and internet. And to sacrificially love and care for many, many other people and share in their lives.
I don’t always get it right. I am a human being and I make mistakes. I am a sinner saved by grace too. I have my own battles to fight. And I take myself and my work way too seriously at times. But, I am called to be a pastor to God’s people. And while this calling is challenging, draining, confusing and many other hard things – it is also the most fulfilling and meaningful vocation that exists. O, how I have been blessed and transformed by sharing in the lives of people as a friend, brother, and pastor!
The below thoughts are attached to numerous faces and stories and are some of what goes through my heart and mind on a regular basis in trying to be a faithful pastor. These are some pieces from…
The Heart of a Pastor, Part I
Matthew 25:35-36
“…for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” Matthew 25:35-36
When you are hungry, I will cook a feast.
When you are sick, I will pray and stay with you.
When you cry, I will wipe away the tears.
When you need prayer, my lips will already be moving.
When you need a hug, my arms will be open.
When you need wisdom, I will find it for you in the Word.
When you are lost, I will not stop until I find you.
When you are trapped, I will lead the rescue effort.
When you are lonely, I will sit with you.
When you are sad, I will dance (which will make you laugh!)
When you can’t say it, I will still know.
When you are hopeless, I will show you how.
When you need to see the Lord, I will bring Him to you.
When you are silent, I will still hear you.
When you can’t go on, I will carry you.
When you can’t let go, I will be patient.
When you can’t stop, I will pray and wait.
When you are scared, I will take your hand and whisper comfort to you.
When you are seeking, I will walk alongside you.
When you push me away, I will understand and come back again another time.
When you keep me at a distance, I will wave and wait.
When you want to remember, I will show you.
When you are drowning, I will dive in.
When you feel worthless, I will show you how treasured you are.
When you are hiding, I will keep trying to find you.
When your precious heart is broken into pieces, I will pick them up and start putting it back together.
When you are facing terrible enemies, I will be right next to you.
When you are dying, I will sit with you until the end, and after.
When you lose faith, I will try to give you a reason to believe.
And, if you don’t know Jesus I will tell you about Him and try to show you who He is through me.
Amen.
Living Water 