Engaging, brilliant and encouraging words that I can surly put my arms around and embrace.
“I found the diverse expectations of people difficult because it was absolutely impossible for me to fulfill such diverse expectations, and that meant I had to live with a measure of unhappiness with me.”
“By far the best thing about the hardest part of being a pastor was the fact that, when I felt overwhelmed by people’s expectations, I was forced to turn to the Lord, to seek God’s wisdom and guidance, as well as His comfort. I had to remember who my one true Boss was, and whom I most sought to please. Knowing God’s pleasure in my pastoral efforts gave the strength to do what I believed to be most important, even if in doing so I wasn’t winning any popularity contests.” Mark Roberts
Marks words ring true for all that have been blessed with the calling of ministry. Whether in a formal or informal capacity, the gut wrenching effects of others expectations will tear you down.
The problem, no one can see, taste or feel our frustration and pain. It is an internal invisible struggle that even the best MRI cannot expose. So what do you do? Live with the pain and frustration of people? Why not, in his second quote Mark so eloquently exposes the only source of relief. Note that I said relief and not removal.
Consider how the second quote begins, “By far the best thing about the hardest part of being”. WOW, taking the negative and looking through it to the good that comes. We all need to take note and get our spiritual glasses check. Some of us need to increase our prescriptions, while others need to merely put them on. It is through the tests and burdens we see the glory, strength and wondrous power of God.
“Even if in doing so I wasn’t winning any popularity contests.” When we realize our true purpose, God is well please. Everything else seems insignificant, once placed back in proper perspective. Friends, lets get back to basics. We were placed on this globe to be in fellowship with God. It was never about us, but Him. Some where along the way we’ve turned life into a self-serving popularity contest. And you know what, the church is just a guilty. May we all reflect.
Just as Paul wrote about the thorn in his side (2 Corinthians 12:7), we all have burdens. Some self manifested, while others God sent. Anything that opens our eyes and forces us to seek and cling to Him is truly a blessing in disguise.
This process is not easily grasped, yet essential. How does one process mental and physical abuse, addiction or even assaults to name just a few, without the HOPE of God. For without the hope of God, we will all fall into a spiraling death fall.
Marks wisdom goes beyond words. Seek God.
Thursday, 27. March 2008
Wonderful words of encouragement for all of us. Thanks for sharing this wonderful find. I can feel the pain with you. May the Lord strengthen us all.
Thursday, 27. March 2008
We are called to surrender to Gods will and desire. Usually we become down, depressed and such when you are not God-centered. When we place ourselves before Him we are given great conviction.
So those in leadership should feel strong and confident if they are obedient to God. Just how I see it. In all my years I’ve never felt discourage or overwhelmed.
Thursday, 27. March 2008
Larry: Thanks for the kind words about what I had written.
Friday, 28. March 2008
What encouraging words for all of us that have be mistreated in this world. As you said it is difficult to see God’s glory as a victim, so so true. The beauty is that once we do seek God, turning our pain over to Him we get to a very special place with Him. I feel in my heart that the depth of that special place is only obtainable when we are broken and ready to submit.
This has really helped me tonight process my life. Thanks for sharing.
Friday, 28. March 2008
I have seen many a good man burn-out and quit serving because they did not know how to seek the necessary Godly wisdom needed to remain. And shame to those men that never tried to mentor them and quite possible found great enjoyment in their failure. Many of us have witnessed such acts.
Larry you have done a wonderful job of remaining confessional in your walk. This is not only going to be a wonderful blessing to you (I think you grasp that already), but has without a doubt blessed, encouraged, and even mentored others to embrace God. Embracing more like the lost authentic ways of the early Church.
God has chose a wonder broken vessel to minister through.
Friday, 28. March 2008
SEEK GOD, AMEN!
Seek God? What? Do we know what that means? (Just kidding) What a brilliant idea, yet so simple. It is impossible to please everyone (and hard not to try to please everyone to keep the peace), but who’s aproval are we seeking? I hope the Lord is pleased above all.