- When their family is struggling?
- When they have doubts about their calling, their faith or their God?
- When they are struggling with a secret sin?
- When they are so tired and dry that they can't imagine preaching one more sermon, talking to one more person, hearing one more problem?
Where do they go? It's tough being someone that everyone comes to for help and feeling like you have nowhere to turn yourself. You're expected to have answers, creative solutions, godly counsel - what will your flock think if they find out you need these as much as (or more than) they do?
These are the issues that haunt so many leaders. But with nowhere to go, they often just live with the discouragement or fears or doubts or emptiness or loneliness or etc. And that is a most certain path to defeat.
Being one of these leaders for over 25 years now, I know firsthand these feelings and defeats. But God has a different way, a healing and cleansing way. And that is what burns in my heart to do for and with these chosen, precious children of God - to help them personally find the same freedom they bring to so many others! And if such help is needed here, with all our resources, imagine what it is like on the international field - where so many leaders have so little support and help. Please help me with your prayers and your gifts!
And think about the Christian leaders in your life. Have you encouraged them lately? Have you prayed for them? Given them a little gift - even if it's a simple email or note? In 1 Timothy 5:17, Paul commands the early Christians:
The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.
How often have you given your leader even a single honor? Pray about it this week! And then step out and do something about it! Find a way to honor your leaders. You may be their one positive encounter all week. So don't delay! We need you!
1 comment:
Good word Mike! Praying for you in the weeks ahead
Rick D
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