This brief post at the close of “Pastor Appreciation Month” may help bring perspective to someone who is disappointed and disillusioned with a leader today… “Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith!”
And then, with fear and trembling, I add these words of commentary that I personally believe are implied by the very next verse…) [And even if they fail you, remember…] “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever!” (Hebrews 13.7-8 ESV)
I read a verse during “coffee with the Lord” this morning that was pretty intimidating (and on a few occasions I can recall it was an accurate assessment of my own failures). Proverbs 24.10… “If you fail under pressure, your strength is small.”
As I read it though, I thought “What is the answer to this problem?” I’d like to suggest a few answers that came to mind… (the list may not be a complete, but it’s a Thursday morning start…
Always give your very best effort! Reach deep within and draw on the resources that you have – never allow a half-hearted effort lead you to defeat!
Cry out to the Lord for help and strength! Depend on Him to help you… He will!!
How did Jude say it… “Build yourselves up in your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit.” (Jude 20) Here is where “spiritual conditioning” comes in – the practice of spiritual disciplines that build your strength and endurance in the Lord for tough times.
Recruit the help and prayers of godly friends you can trust when you need to!
“Wait for the Lord” (Isaiah 40.31)! I know it seem counter-intuitive to do that (we want to take situations into our own hands) but if we’ll “wait” for Him and trust, giving time for God to act we’ll actually experience His renewed (or exchanged) strength.
Not a complete list by any means, but they’re the things that came to my mind as I thought and prayed about it this morning…
Oh, may the inspired purpose John articulated in his gospel be fulfilled!
“Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name!” (John 20:30-31 NIV)
Coffee With The Lord 