Pastors need encouragement and hope. They need comradery and support. They need prayers and affirmation. They need community. They need people to believe in them. They need to know the truth and grace of the gospel. They need to know all the promises of God.
Many people have read about the tragedy that took place this last weekend when a pastor took his own life in California. He was depressed and discouraged. He was hurt and fatigued. He was attacked by the enemy and carrying a heavy weight. Our hearts break for him and his family. Our hearts are heavy for the reality of all of these difficulties and troubles which are present throughout our world. Many pastors are shaken because they know that no one is immune to depression and discouragement.
Pastors are human.
And all humans need to hear the good news of Jesus Christ which is able to heal, save and deliver.
I want to remind you that you are loved! I want you to remember now and always that God is for you. Please remember grace is free. God’s eternal and sufficient supply is available to all who ask, seek and knock. Please, please, please know that there is an eternal hope in Christ Jesus, a living hope, an anchor for our soul. Know that you are prayed for. Know that there are many, many people who care for you and are willing, ready and able to come alongside to help you. Let them. Invite them in. Let people in and always, always, always invite Christ to work afresh and anew in your heart, mind and spirit.
Pastors are human. We are limited like every other human, we face troubles like any other person and we have the opportunity to recieve from the Lord like every other human.
Remember too, that every human on the face of the earth may face these struggles at some time or another. Every person needs to know about the hope in the Lord and the promises He has made. So just as much as you wish that others would go out of their way to encourage you, please, please, please do the same: go out of your way to help and encourage others and pray for and with others. Both fellow pastors and your flock need you to be a preacher of God’s hope and righteousness.
I am praying for you.
You are loved.
God is for you!
Mike J
Pastor Michael Johnson 