Reflection Time

As I await my wife (she is packing). We are preparing for a week long trip and a time for a little R&R. This personal trip is probably long overdue and I must admit, lately I have longed to just be alone with her. Throughout the years, I have always heard that ministry can be taxing. I have often thought of the first line of the The Tail of Two Cities, written by Charles Dickens, “It was the best of times and the worst of times.” In many ways life can be just like that. Ministry is a place where we live between those two realities. Everything is great in the ministry, but what is happening at home? (vice-versa) If you have ever felt like this was you? I want you to know that you are not alone. Our generation of leader is facing it together. Here are a few things that I am learning about this particular battle:

1. God’s promises will always prevail. His word is true. I have spent hours reading the Bible for guidance. I want you to know that God’s word is powerful.

2. Great models.We have been given great models. I thank God for those who have defeated those giants in their personal lives. Divorce, raising godly children, financial pressure, bankruptcy. If they could do it, we can do it too.

3. Greater strength. God wants us to endure these challenges for ourselves. A personal battle is just that. Personal. Our job is to overcome it with the help of the Lord. What we gain is worth its weight in gold. You will become stronger. 

4. Great opportunity. What is on the other side of your struggle? There are just too many cliches to quote that will speak to that truth in our lives. The important thing to know is that it is true. There are going to be greater opportunities on the other side of your struggle.

You can do it.

Al