When I see the hurt and desperation of my brothers and sisters, it truly pains me too see the suffering and confusion many of them feel. Some of them are Christians merely trying to struggle against their sin and themselves, while others are fighting against the world, against those who find Christianity with a nasty taste in their mouth. Still, there is another section of my family that burdens me… these are my brothers and sisters in ministry, from those teaching and leading programs to those who are volunteer, paid, part-time, and full-time staff. I see the pain they go through, the hurt that comes with such positions in the church. I see the risk they take when they go into a church or continue to be in these situations, many times it is because they feel the call of God to continue to persevere, to minister to those in the church who might even have it out for them, who feel they are unqualified, or some other quarrel with them. I am not talking about those ministers who are prideful or arrogant, but those who are honestly trying to do God’s will, who seek God with their heart and sometimes get that heart crushed by the things, secret and open, that happen within the church walls, from people called “Christian”.
The only hope for such pain though is Christ himself, and with such an example, many times the minister gives of themself, sacrifices themselves for the sake of the bigger picture, so that instead of creating disunity, unity is created and the hope that with this humble approach God might use the situation and make something good out of something that has caused pain.
Romans 12: 9-16
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Lord, I pray for those who are hurting, for those who are suffering and in pain. I pray for those who feel alone, who have anxiety, stress, worry, and depression. I pray that you give these people peace and rest somehow. I pray that you ease their burdens and help in guiding them to find balance in their lives, to find purpose and meaning that stems from your Holy Spirit’s guidance. I pray that you give them and myself wisdom to discern your will, that you would guide our ways and help us to not sway from your presence. I pray that we would continue to seek you in all aspects of life, not just the ones that are obviously spiritual, but the ones that are the every day. May you be the core that defines us, so that we no longer define self by our weaknesses or insecurities but by Your name and the strength we gain from being close to You, close to Your presence, and filled with Your good word.
Mostly, I pray that we would encourage one another instead of judging, that we would hear one another instead of talk at one another, that we would love one another instead of hate or hurt one another. May we be a light in the darkness instead of adding to the darkness already at work in this world. May we look toward your good future and seek ways to make aspects of that known presently, today, so that others will see us and know you are God, not because of who we are in ourselves but who we are in Christ alone.
Matthew 5:3-11
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
~ Daniel
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