To start, the Lord sees your pain, Pastor.
Oh, how you cried for the people and community you were entrusted to.
The many nights way past bedtime you prayed for them; you earnestly prayed that they may experience the Lord more than any other.
The biblical truths you taught them, they accused that you preached against them.
Your words of encouragement they misused; your words they twisted in question of your character.
Your strengths they despised; your weaknesses they used to disqualify you.
Your friends are far and few, but the pain of betrayal is still true.
They treated you with discrimination and “Outsider” was your name.
You were not one of them, you could never belong.
They discredited you as easily as they plotted against you.
You left as one with no honor, a quitter and a failure were you branded, but they rejoiced to see you go.
So now, where do you go from here?
It would have been easier if this was the first time.
Ministry is not for the faint of heart. You know that well, but your body is beat up and your mind not as sharp, your thoughts lost in discouragement.
Your youth is gone, your health in the balance – you try so hard.
It seems that there is no place for you to call home. Your children and your spouse still need you to lead.
You question, “How do I lead from brokenness?” Yet, to them you are the home they need. Remember this, your first ministry: they are your priority.
To find work without purpose, closed doors, broken promises – life seems dim and gloomy… no one understands, you say. But you know this not to be true.
You remember the Lord sees your pain and He understands. He too was rejected and called blasphemous. His words they twisted and used against Him to crucify Him. His home was never near, always on the go. He knows betrayal by one He called too.
“If they hated me, they too will hate you because of me,” Jesus once said.
When it mattered most His friends left Him too.
So, look to the morning Sun for there, His mercy is renewed.
Your strength is coming, healing is in His name. Jesus the Redeemer will see you through.
He has not left you, soon your story to share: how God used what was meant to destroy you to remind you of Who called you.
Keep believing; do not lose hope; do not despair, for He is near – He will never let you go. His promises are soon drawing near and when you awaken you will walk in your calling, you will preach the Truth and peace will be your badge.
Dedicated to Pastors who understand.
